workshops

Workshops

TRUE Skool offers informational, demonstrative and hands-on workshops based on various topics listed below. Workshops typically run about 90 minutes and prices vary. If you don't see a topic below that you are interested in, contact us and we can customize a workshop to fit your needs.

Hip Hop History

This workshop provides an excellent foundation to understanding the history of when, where, why and who started Hip Hop and how it has become the multi-billion dollar industry today. We trace the historical ties to the 1970’s and beyond by telling the story of urban youth who were lacking in opportunities and community resources, who created their own resources and positive outlets by creating the "elements" of Hip Hop and battling through non-violent activities instead of gang violence. Hip Hop culture was and still is about "creating something out of nothing".

Hip Hop as a Social Movement

This workshop gets deeper into Hip Hop history with a breakdown by eras. Hip Hop Culture has been a social movement that influences everything from fashion to language to media to lifestyles. We will explore the influence and importance of Hip Hop Culture throughout each era; the 70s " The Beginning", the 80s "Golden Era", the 90s "Conscious Movement" and the 2000s " Bling Era".

Hip Hop as a Tool for Conflict Resolution

We explore how Hip Hop Culture and the elements (breakdancng, DJing, MCing, Graffiti Art) can be used as a positive tool to empower young people. Hip Hop was an alternative to the gang lifestyle that was so rampant in NY during the 70s and 80s. Youth left the lifestyle of gang banging and began to battle through dance, music and art. Groups such as the Universal Zulu Nation and Rock Steady Crew used Hip Hop to avoid violence by engaging in"battles". We will explore how Hip Hop culture has been used over the years as a means for conflict resolution. Hip Hop is a tool to reach, teach and build foundations for young people and their communities.

Graffiti and Street Art

Throughout history graffiti and street art has been used as a communication tool and a voice for the unheard and unseen. We will explore the roots and history of graffiti from past to present, social art movements, the legal issues with graffiti, and how it has become a worldly accepted form of art and career choice for many.

This workshop can be combined with a Community Mural Project, hands-on art project and/or a live painting demonstration.

Females in Hip Hop...Hip Hop and Misogyny

We explore what role misogyny plays in today's rap lyrics and videos and the role of females in Hip Hop culture then and now.

The Art of MCing

Participants analyze lyrics past to present studying various styles, songs and messages that have transcended time and trends. This workshop also includes open discussions, conflict resolution, perception and creative writing exercises.

Hip Hop in the Classroom

TRUE Skool believes that by involving youth in creating solutions to community and educational issues such as racism, lack of school funding, broken families, gangs, poor educational opportunities and privilege we can better achieve results. We understand that by infusing interests of youth, primarily Hip Hop and popular culture into classroom lessons and youth programs our retention and success rate greatly increases. We can create new leaders who understand the realities facing our communities today and solutions that will be observed and respected by all ages and cultures that produce real sustainable results. We discuss how Hip Hop plays a role in education and the importance of creating new curriculum that allows students to engage in the learning process whether it is in traditional or nontraditional institutions. We will provide participants with examples of lesson plans to use in the classroom.

**These workshops are geared towards Teachers, Professors, Parents, Activists, Youth Workers, or anyone looking to understand Hip Hop Culture and infuse it into programs, classroom lessons, etc. TRUE Skool offers consulting on how to infuse Hip Hop culture into their programs and services for greater positive outcomes.