Hip Hop and Home: exploring the consumption, production and meaning of music with young people

MMU recording equipment

Hip Hop and Home is an interdisciplinary project led by John Bellamy and Beate Peter who are researching integration, identification and sense of community through music. Focusing on young people, the project includes examining aspects of in-group identification of the hip hop community and positioning toward an out-group, as well as the role of virtual online communities and their potential to connect to geographically disparate parts of the wider community. The project seeks to offer fresh perspectives and a more contemporary understanding of hip hop communities, related linguistic practices and sense of belonging.

In March 2022, the project researchers joined up with Deborah Jump and Positive Steps in a workshop facilitated by Ella Otomewo, held at one of the university’s recording studios with the expertise of SODA’s technical specialist Sam Heitzman. Under the creative guidance of Ella, the girls reflected on telling ‘their story’ and co-created narratives of their lived experiences which later became the basis for poetry and lyrics. Inspiration also came from listening to Kae Tempest and other artists to help with the discussion, mind maps and creative writing.

Amidst some prepared beats and backing tracks, the girls gradually crafted self-reflexive lyrics which they then rapped in the studio. The collaborative, reflexive performances covered a broad range of social and personal themes. The workshop resonated well with everyone and was instrumental for shaping further interventions and events organised by the Hip Hop and Home project.