The Culture

Explore the depths of hip-hop's transformative power with Dr. Todd Boyd, the "Notorious PhD," as he takes us on a 50-year journey through the genre's history in his latest book, "Rappers Deluxe: How Hip Hop Made the World." As a pioneer in the academic study of hip-hop and a true devotee of the culture, Dr. Boyd offers an authentic narrative that weaves together the evolution of this dynamic art form with its undeniable influence on politics, fashion, and the arts. From the golden age greats to the "vibe era" voices of today, we reflect on hip-hop's role in shaping societal discourse and the unique ways it's been used as a tool for social advocacy.

Join us for a candid conversation that goes beyond the beats, dissecting the complexities of race, politics, and cultural appropriation within the music industry. We tackle head-on the notion of sneaker culture's influence on voting behavior and laugh at the absurdity of requiring permission slips for children to experience African American literature. The conversation on Eminem's influence in hip-hop sparks a provocative debate on the rapper's place in music history, as we contend with the nuances of his artistry, impact, and the endorsement that propelled his career.

Cap off this episode with an exclusive glimpse into my personal journey through the world of hip-hop, from documentaries to book adaptations. Learn about the passion driving my diverse roles as a writer, public speaker, and educator. As we close out with reflections on the intersections of hip-hop with basketball and more, you'll discover the far-reaching tentacles of this cultural leviathan – a force that has left an indelible mark on our world. This isn't just another hip-hop homage; it's a masterclass in the genre's history, influence, and legacy.

The Notorious PhD, Dr. Todd Boyd is a Professor of cinema and media studies, a renowned speaker, an in-demand television commentator and documentarian, a critically acclaimed author, and the one and only Hip-Hop professor at the University of Southern California. #drtoddboyd #hiphop #hiphopculture #notoriousphd #black #toddboyd

Topics Discussed:

• His new book "Rappers Deluxe: How Hip Hop Made The World"
• Racism
• Politics
• Eminem - Is he a guest in the house of Hip-Hop?
• Hip-Hop's evolution the past 50 years
• His top 5 basketball players of all time and why Lebron isn't on his list
• His top 5 rappers of all time

Dr. Todd

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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