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The elements of hip hop came together in the Bronx borough of New York City in the early 1970s. From a whole lot of nothing—and a whole lot of imagination—hip hop took form.

In this 9-12 lesson, students will analyze the rhythm, form, diction, and sound of hip hop and Shakespearean sonnets. Students will compare characteristics between Shakespeare’s work and the work of hip hop artists to create an original poem or lyrics.

Emcee, songwriter, and poet Javier Starks paves a unique path all his own with 100% curse-free hip hop music, showing the world that success can come without negativity. Join Javier in this video concert as he performs original songs with a live band and DJ.

In this video series, turntablist Kuttin Kandi, one of the best battle DJs in the game, demonstrates the basics of her instrument.

J. Period discusses the elements of research, collaboration, and performance that comprise his process of storytelling through music as a DJ and Producer.

Has it been a while since you’ve jumped rope? To get into the swing, find your old rope or unwind a length of clothesline. See what it feels like to jump again—on your own or with friends. One of the beauties of jumping rope? All you need is some space and a little rhythm and your body comes alive. This resource will provide you with some history, techniques, and opportunities to explore Double Dutch further.

This performance explores the hip hop dance and music movement including beat boxing, breaking, locking, floor work, and top rock.

Explore the performances of young slam poets. Musical, lyrical, and provocative, these original spoken word pieces are supported by Hip Hop giants Questlove and Black Thought.

Before his sold-out performance of To Pimp a Butterfly with the National Symphony Orchestra, Hip Hop artist Kendrick Lamar answers questions from young D.C. artists.

From the Kennedy Center Education archives: Actor and Hip Hop artist Common answers questions from young D.C. artists.

Meet the artists who helped create our original Mixmaster activity. Brian Quijada is a Salvadoran-American actor, playwright, musician, and a solo performer, Marvin Quijada is a Chicago based actor/clown/mime/iOS musician.

This video series captures the sights and sounds of Hip Hop artists from Venezuela visiting New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Turkish Hip Hop dancers Bahadir and Sanem travel to the U.S. to try a modern dance class.

Learn how to rap about the easiest subject out there...yourself! In this video, rapper and educator Harold "Fyütch" Simmons will guide you through counting beats and creating rhymes in order to create a rap. By the end of the video, you’ll have an original introduction rap that you can perform for others!

Ever wonder about the difference between poetry and spoken word? In this video, you will learn how you can transform a poem, original or not, into an expressive spoken word performance. Watch as spoken word artist Deborah Magdalena breaks down an original poem to show how connection, vocalization, and movement can bring power to your words.

Ever felt like you just had trouble finding your groove? Dance teaching artist Alex Gossen breaks it down to help you find your internal rhythm and style. Feel confident on the dance floor and express yourself with your own special moves as you groove with Alex.