For 50 years hip hop has made a global influence. Its reach has extended beyond music to clothing and reaching college campuses.
At UNC-Chapel Hill, university leaders recognize it as a form of self-expression. That’s why the Carolina Hip Hop Institute was born three years ago.
“It connects with students where they are,” said founder and program director Professor Mark Katz.
Since the program’s start, some famous names have held workshops for the students. Perhaps the most famous name was the founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, Phife Dawg
“I would say it was a life-changing experience for the students. Also, it turned out he was a huge Carolina basketball fan,” said Katz.