Hip-hop remains one of the most popular genres of music in the world and the highest streamed genre in the United States. Transcending music, hip-hop influences fashion, culture and social movements.

Jabari Evans, assistant professor of race and media, witnessed hip-hop’s powerful impact on his own life as he traveled an unlikely path from hip-hop recording artist to University of South Carolina professor and author. Now, his latest book, “Hip-Hop Civics: Connected Learning in the Rap Classroom,” details how educators can use hip-hip to teach civics in more engaging ways to students — especially those of color.

“Hip-hop, in its fundamental origin, was about community and bringing people together to have fun. That’s what the culture stems from — civic engagement is at the core of hip-hop,” said Evans.

Evans grew up on the southside of Chicago. A strong student who loved writing and poetry, he excelled academically. His cousin convinced him to turn his poetry into hip-hop rhymes. This sparked a passion for creating, performing and producing music that led Evans on a career in hip-hip that spanned more than two decades.

In 2005, he signed a record deal with Sony. He toured 12 countries, collaborated with Grammy-award winning artists and sold nearly half-a-million records. During this time, Evans also continued his education, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“As I reflect now, I didn't know what I was doing, to be honest. My parents wanted me to be in school, so I made sure I did what I had to do to excel there. However, I found myself drawn to making rap music, and I committed to giving my free time to getting better as an artist. Summers were mostly music, fall and spring were mostly school."

In 2016, while completing his doctorate at Northwestern University, Evans conducted research in some of Chicago’s lowest performing public schools alongside a non-profit called Foundations of Music. The organization’s hip-hop based Songwriting and Production Program aimed to inspire a learning of music education while allowing students to express themselves creatively through music and engage in their communities in a positive way. 

“Young people often don’t feel that their school offerings are commensurate with their everyday lives,” said Evans. “But, hip-hop culture is central to students’ lives and can be used as a vehicle for students to engage in not just music education but so much more including civics, digital media literacy and identity development.”

Evans’ latest book, released in January, examines how integrating hip-hop and rap into civics education not only connects students to the lessons but also leads them to care more about their overall education, current events and their communities.

“Some people view hip hop as destructive, but I believe as educators, we must meet young students where they are at,” said Evans. “I have seen firsthand how successful learning can be when students feel like they are seen, heard and represented. Hip-hop culture has proven to be a great starting point to reach students who may feel alienated in a traditional classroom experience.”

Evans believes that if teachers can get students writing, creating, discussing current events and actively participating in their learning process, they are on the right track —  even if that track might seem unconventional to some.

“Though I know there may always be some pushback because hip-hop and rap are considered counterculture, I encourage policymakers, administrators and teachers to be more open minded to incorporating this genre of music into education. It can be a great entry point to unlocking the full potential of many limitless students, and that is our job as teachers after all.”