Hip-hop Pain, Pedagogy, and Potential

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Hip-hop lives. During car rides and school days, the music and culture of hip-hop can encourage awareness and prevent suicide..

Nino Paid’s song Joey Story offers us an example.

I can’t front. Nino Paid’s music is not on my playlist. Here’s a brief story about how I learned of this artist.

The drive for awareness.

My teenage son opened the passenger’s door and sat in the front seat. He fastened his seat belt, and we pulled away from the curb. Within seconds, he connected his phone to CarPlay, and I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.

“Oh, Dad, I’ve been wanting to play this song for you,” he said.

“Please, tell me whoever it is has something to say,” I replied, took a deep breath, and released the tension from my fingers.

He found the track on his phone and pressed play. The bass and treble flooded my ears. Nino Paid rhymed,

After we finished listening to the song, I asked my son, “What did you get from that?”

“Come on, Dad. I just think it’s cool.”

“But were you hear what he said?”

“Yeah. It’s about suicide.”

“Right. That’s real.”

Almost everything after I said, “real,” went unnoticed. I shared how some Black youth choose death by suicide with support from recent stats.

Approximately 28% of the 7,643 Black middle school participants reported suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts in a study conducted by researchers Richardson and Gunn.

Hip-hop’s Shortcomings and Glorious Past 

Hip-hop has the potential to provide the message students need. When it began in the 1970s, it offered Black and Brown youth in the Bronx hope and a soundtrack for block club parties. Too often, many of today’s popular artists misuse their platforms and promote sex, violence, and money.  

Misogyny prevails. Women get disregarded, disrespected, and dissed through poorly crafted profane lyrics.

The social consciousness, youth empowerment, and “Fight the Power” message in tracks by Public Enemy, Common, The Roots, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, and others have stopped rotating as frequently on radio stations, streaming services, and other music-sharing platforms. These artists had their moments, too, when their music didn't reflect justice and awareness. However, in what others call "Old School/skool hip-hop,” it’s possible to hear messages between beats.

Hip-hop’s Potential and Pedagogy 

In Nino Paid’s song about a young man who chooses suicide rather than professional or familial help during a difficult time, there exists potential. Teachers can use Joe Story to facilitate difficult conversations, share resources, stir creativity, and inspire leadership. 

Over the summer, I witnessed a presentation led by Dr. Damien Danielly and Mr. Na'eem Wilkins. The workshop, “Let’s get it: Hip-Hop as Pedagogy,” discussed how student leaders can use hip-hop to fuel change movements. College students at the Umoja Community Education Foundation’s Student Leadership Summit ate the content up, meaning they enjoyed the interactive session.

What is hip-hop pedagogy?

Hip-hop pedagogy is the use of “learning activities through hip-hop elements in formal or informal learning environments.”

Through the Emcee, Break-dancing, Graffiti, DJ, Beat boxin', and Do The Knowledge elements of hip-hop, educators, mental health professionals, and other community leaders can tune young minds into societal challenges and solutions.

Dr. Danielly started the workshop with a leadership call. “If you’re a leader, stand up!” Almost seventy-five percent of the room stood in response to his baritone voice. He followed up and asked everyone to stand.

The room applauded when every Umoja scholar stood.

During the presentation, Dr. Danielly and Mr. Wilkins discussed historical figures in freedom movements, referencing hip-hop artists, music, and images. They shared about Fred Hampton, Claudette Colvin, and Kendrick Lamar. With interactive group work, vibrant slides with album covers, and a DJ playing music during transitions, they delivered a dynamic lesson.

Suicide did not get addressed in the workshop. However, after listening to Nino Paid’s song, Joey Story, with my son, I envisioned how it could align with hip-hop pedagogy and support crucial conversations.

Teachers can do this.

A teacher’s lesson plan would include playing the song in the classroom and allowing time for students to analyze the lyrics. It would be helpful if students read the lyrics on a device or received them printed on a worksheet.

Once the two-minute song ends, the teacher should provide five minutes of journaling time. Either instruct students to free-write or provide them with prompts.

Examples of questions include:

"What do you know about suicide?"

"Did you know the song was about suicide when you first heard it?"

 "Are there other songs with similar messages?"

This writing exercise can take anywhere from ten-fifteen minutes.

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I also recommend consulting a professional therapist or a school counselor to join you in the class. Some students may struggle with the topic. As an educator, your primary role includes creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

The Association of Black Psychologists has mental health resources.

Assessments can vary. Options include a writing activity reflective of the in-class assignment. You could also assign students to create an infographic about youth suicide that incorporates graffiti or another hip-hop element.

Keep an open mind when it comes to hip-hop and embrace its potential.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month and beyond, explore innovative methods with hip-hop to spread the word of the problem and distribute resources.

If you’re struggling today, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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