GSU professor talks about the progression and the importance of hip-hop being taught in schools

LaShawn Hudson | WABE

April 28th, 2023

For the "Hip-Hop @ 50" series on "Closer Look," Rose Scott talks with Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey, an associate professor of political science at Georgia State University, about the progression and the importance of hip-hop being taught in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. (Photo courtesy of Professor Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey)

Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey, an associate professor of political science at Georgia State University, says over the past 50 years, hip-hop has invaded every aspect of life and culture.

“People thought hip-hop was going to be a fad,” said Bonnette-Bailey. “They didn’t think it was going to make it 50 years, nor be the number one genre in the country, in the U.S., especially expand globally as well.”

Bonnette-Bailey, was a guest on Friday’s edition of “Closer Look.” She talked about how Tupac Shakur’s song “Brenda’s Got a Baby” birthed her understanding of how the genre could be used as a tool to talk about sociopolitical issues.

“Hip-hop gives a space to talk about issues that may not be addressed otherwise,” said Bonnette-Bailey, who has taught several classes at the collegiate level about hip-hop.

The professor further talked with Scott about the progression and the importance of hip-hop being taught in K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

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