Breanne Beard '17
Siena College’s annual Hip Hop week celebrates the social influence of the music genre and includes programs that explore the roots of the hip hop culture amid today’s society. This year’s keynote lecture featured Chuck D, the leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, the author of two critically acclaimed books, and a political activist, publisher, radio host, and producer. Over the years Chuck D has released 13 Public Enemy albums, toured 63 countries, and influenced hip hop communities, social justice struggles, and political activism throughout the world.
The focus of Chuck D’s lecture titled, “Rap, Race and Reality” was on the impact of technology and its influence on today’s world. People have become so attached to their phones, he explained, that they no longer live in reality, but in “cyber space.”
“If people believe that the phone is not as powerful as it is, then you wouldn’t see people getting mad when they dropped their phone or when their phone service is off.”
Chuck D argued that a phone or a piece of technology should be used as a tool instead of a toy.
“It is important to be on top of technology as opposed to it being on top of you. If you don’t manage your gadgets then they will manage and master you.”
He also urged those in attendance to use their technology as tools towards their education and, “appreciate the present and do work towards the future.” Speaking directly to the Siena students, he commented, paying attention does not cost anything in college and that a college student’s main goal is to open up their mind.
“Leave here with your own mind, and always strive to have your own mind. Minds are the real-estate of this millennium. You come to Siena to strengthen your mind and your sense of self.”
Andrea Boraski ’17 said, " The way Chuck D connected hip hop music to cultural and social issues allowed me to appreciate this style of music even more."
Hip Hop Week was sponsored by The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, Diversity Action Committee, Black and Latin Student Union, Student Activities and Leadership Development, Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, English Department, Asian Students Association, Cross-Cultural Solidarity Experience, and Office of Community Living.
To see more photos from the event, please click here.
