Michael Eric Dyson Teaches Georgetown Students About Jay-Z

This semester at Georgetown University, educator and author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is teaching a 3 credit course titled “Sociology of Hip-Hop: Jay-Z“, a course based solely on Jay-Z.

Dyson spoke candidly about Jay-Z‘s importance:

“Well obviously Jay-Z is one of the greatest entertainers of the world today.  Not only is he a remarkable rhetorical genius, he’s also a man of deep sympathy and empathy for those who are lost and vulnerable, but especially under-educated youth of all cultures and stripes.”

Dyson also commented on those who criticizes rap and hip-hop and supports it’s place in education:

“Speaking out against rap music is useless, and it’s futile. The reality is there’s criticism for everything, but Jay-Z is one of the most remarkable artists of our time of any genre, and as a hip-hop artist he carries the weight of that art form with such splendor and grace and genius.  I admire the way in which he carries himself and the incredible craft that he displays every time he steps up to the microphone.”

In the course, Dyson plans to discuss Jay-Z’s book “Decoded,” Adam Bradley’s “Book of Rhymes,” Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s “Empire State of Mind,” as well as other articles and films about hip-hop in general.

Dyson explained:

“We look at his incredible body of work, we look at his own understanding of his work, we look at others who reflect upon him, and then we ask the students to engage in critical analysis of Jay-Z himself.”

Dr. Dyson stresses the importance of understanding hip-hop and taking the time to seriously study the subject.  Apparently, the interest level to explore hip-hop is high at Georgetown:

“Well you know if you have an average size class of 30-40, and then you got 140 students signed up that tells you right there there’s an extraordinary interest.  I think that’s why it’s important for young people to see that the rhetorical invention of African American culture needs to be taken seriously with one of its greatest artist.”

Kudo’s to Dyson for spreading knowledge across cultural lines.

Peep the clip below to hear more of Dyson‘s comments on Jay-Z and hip-hop.

Via MTVNews

@BoujeeByNature