This talk will explore the intellectual inclinations and historical origins of a nascent strain of hip-hop characterized by free-association, Dadaist tendencies, and the discussion of topics not often found in commercial hip-hop; it proposes that the origin of these tendencies can be traced to the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat.  We will investigate parallels between Basquiat’s reconstitution of black identity through visual expression and the songs of rap collective Hellfyre Club before examining the work of milo as a development of the art-rap aesthetic.  Finally, an attempt will be made at sketching out the compositional method of Das Racist. 

All welcome. 

By: Ketan Jha
Last updated: Thursday, 9 October 2014