Hip-hop is a collection of art forms that have come together in inner-city and rural communities worldwide. Heralding from the streets of New York, received and celebrated by youth globally, hip-hop is a prolific force which provides young minds with venues for creativity. As an amalgamation of various cultures and age groups, hip-hop is a reflection of the global village in process, crossing borders and political boundaries for the sole purpose of sharing art. From the South Bronx to Chicago and Oakland, from breakdancers at Jimmy CarterÕs inauguration celebration to present day battles in Austria, Germany and China, from cultural curiosity to an academically debated subculture, hip-hop has grown into a recognized creative community of historic proportions in modern day society.

For the first generations of hip-hoppers the dream was fame, recognition, and originality. Schools of style rose and traditions were built. Over the course of four decades, graffiti, rap music, breakdancing, and deejaying changed the world and the youth they touched. With Afrika Bambaata in the early 1970Õs came the moral and ethical standards of the Zulu nation, and officially declared hip-hop community. With KRS-one and a legion of rappers from the 1980Õs, came the Stop the Violence movement. Rocksteady crew catalyzed breakdance contests calling on the best dancers worldwide to compete in skill and style, while DMC deejay turntablists continued to evolve their musical and technical art to new levels.

As this creativity has flourished, some hip-hop artists have sought ways to spread the education of youth in these artforms. With an ever-growing history, the dissemination of knowledge and spirit is utmost in the maintenance of a culture as fruitful as hip-hop. Many youth are turning away from legitimized forms of education, as they feel alienated and disenfranchised by schooling institutions. The racism, class and gender bias and cultural ignorance in curriculum has frustrated inner-city youth today. Among the standardized tests, human mistreatment and disrespect witnessed in students experiences in schools and society in general, it is little surprise that youth pursue hip-hop, modern dance, skateboarding, rave culture and other arts to release their creativity. These pursuits must be nurtured and encourage for the sake of childrens imaginative spirit, self-determination, and success in later life.