Hip-hop Poetry And The Classics

by Alan Sitomer

Fans of Hip-Hop can gain a deeper understanding of the bridges that link the great poets of the past to contemporary poets of today through a comparison of the writings of classic authors such as Robert Frost, Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Allen Poe and Langston Hughes with those of Hip-Hop artists such as Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, Mos Def, Eminem, KRS One, and Notorious B.I.G. This text includes in-depth analysis of all poetic literary devices, writing activities, critical thinking prompts and a host of user-friendly material to deepen one s own skills and understanding. Designed to be the pre-eminent source for novices and skilled professionals alike, Hip-Hop Poetry The Classics illuminates the art of the written word in a unique and accessible manner which appeals to fans across the globe.

Genres: Poetry, Education, Music, Professional Development, Hip Hop, Nonfiction, Adult

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2004

About the author

Alan Lawrence Sitomer is a California Teacher of the Year award winner and the founder of The Writer’s Success Academy. In addition to having been an inner-city high school English teacher and former professor in the Graduate School Of Education at Loyola Marymount University, Mr. Sitomer is a nationally renowned keynote speaker who specializes in engaging underperforming students. To date, Mr. Sitomer has authored 16 books with works ranging from hard-hitting YA novels like CAGED WARRIOR, HOMEBOYZ, THE HOOPSTER and HIP-HOP HIGH SCHOOL to humorous and warm children’s picture books such as DADDIES DO IT DIFFERENT and DADDY’S ZIGZAGGING BEDTIME STORY. Alan lives in Los Angeles where he just finished writing the movie script adaptation for his novel CAGED WARRIOR.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is useful and wonderful tool for poetry with those hard-to-please teenagers. It is also a wonderful repository of influential hip-hop lyrics. I wish they included a cd, though, because my budget is not good for searching out the music that I don't have ...

[LG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I regularly go back and use to help with lessons.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have used this book in my classroom for years.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book of ideas. I expected more of a theoretical base rather than simply activities and reproductibles.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great source filled with innovative lessons that combine hip-hop and classic poetry. I have found my students on several occasions flipping through this book unaware the it is actually an educational resource for teachers. After school one day several of my students were entertained by the classic poetry in the book and tried to make music out of it. It was a memorable moment in my classroom.

[Brandon Blitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for English teachers. Not many kids these days enjoy poetry, but love rap. Well, Rap is poetry with a beat behind it. So compare the classic poets with the modern rappers. Kids will love it. The book provides poems, worksheets, and poetry elements.

[BiblioBrandie]

Really great activities using with hip hop lyrics and poetry. Not sure if I will be able to use it for my group now, but might be something to come back to.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to learn the language of poetry and to appreciate both classical and modern poets. Love this book - need to make a few adjustments in order to be able to use it again next year...

[Erika Forth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stuff, some not so good stuff. Great for a very inner-city school like mine.