The department of music in the College of Arts and Sciences through the UNC Summer School hosted the Carolina Hip Hop Institute from May 20-31, 2024.
Students chose from one of three courses, held in the UNC Beat Lab — “The Art and Culture of the DJ,” “Beat Making Lab” and “Rap Lab.”
The Carolina Hip Hop Institute is led by teaching assistant professor Maya Shipman (professionally known as Suzi Analogue), (pictured below). She is a chart-topping prolific producer, songwriter and composer. She is also the musical director of the UNC Hip Hop Ensemble.
Each class day had two parts: A focused session with the teachers, and then jam sessions and discussions among the three classes.
Students developed skills through the institute in rap, beatmaking and DJ-ing.
In an Endeavors magazine story on the Beat Lab, Analogue said she works continuously to make sure the lab’s equipment is up to date.
“Hopefully, the Beat Lab serves as an example of how we can make music creation more equitable and accessible in our world and use it as a point for unity and diplomacy for different communities,” she says.
The Carolina Hip Hop Institute draws its instructors, structure and philosophy from the Next Level international hip-hop exchange program developed by professor Mark Katz. That program recently celebrated its 10th year.
Students explore the Beat Lab all year as a community space where musicians can use a wide variety of DJ gear, electronic music tools and digital resources to practice, create and collaborate in making music.
Photos by Donn Young
Text by Kim Spurr, College of Arts and Sciences