Conference explores genre’s historical evolution and social impact
ALBANY, Ga. – International recording artist and hip hop legend, Talib Kweli, will give the keynote address Thursday, April 20 at Albany State University’s 4th Annual Circling the Elements Hip Hop conference on Hip Hop studies. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, located on the ASU East campus. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The four-day conference, themed “Hip Hop in Diaspora,” includes paper presentations, panel discussions, live performances, a movie screening, and more. Events will be held April 14 – April 23. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend to celebrate hip-hop music and culture.
Both old and new hip-hop fans can choose from a variety of topic sessions, including “From Android to Electric Lady: Janelle Monáe as Hip Hop’s Singing Emcee” to “Planting the Seed of Religion, Culture, and Media in Hip Hop.” A movie screening of the Oscar-winning film, “Moon Light” will be held Saturday, April 22 at 12:40 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
The event is free and open to the public. Visit the Circling the Elements website for more information.