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Now at ohio state Podcast

Rhyme & Reason:
Studying hip-hop

Close up of vinyls in bins

Ohio State assistant professors Jason “J Rawls” Rawls and Stevie “Dr. View” Johnson talk about the origins, culture and influences of hip-hop in this episode. 

Students at the record shop

J Rawls and Dr. View develop curricula covering the cultural and musical influences of hip-hop, as well as their own lived experiences in the music industry. 

Listening to the song on a vinyl record

The new Art and Politics class acts as an intro to a Sampling and Production class. After students get an understanding of hip-hop culture, they learn to chop samples and make their own beats. 

Woman writing in a journal on a table

Woman listening to the music on headphones and a man explaining to her

“If you enjoy making music, you can come to the Ohio State University and pursue that dream,” J Rawls says. 

Student and professor talking at a record store

Students can learn how to DJ and produce, or they can follow the cultural track to specialize in the aesthetic and influences of hip-hop through African American and African studies.

Sara Schoppe-Sullivan headshot

A hand playing with a record in front of Rock n Roll neon sign

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