THE MC Program: Theory of Hip Hop Evolution, Music, and Culture

Empowering Youth Through Hip Hop Education

Hip Hop For Change (HH4C) is committed to using Hip Hop as a tool for education, self-expression, and empowerment. Our education department provides experiential curriculum that details the history, culture, and societal impact of Hip Hop through engaging and interactive presentations.

Our Philosophy

We deeply believe in the power of Hip Hop educational pedagogy as a means to introduce young people to the founding principles of this culture:

🕊 Peace | ❤️ Love | 🤝 Unity | 🎉 Having Fun

Through THE MC program, we inspire youth to see Hip Hop as more than just music—it’s a vehicle for self-expression, resilience, and community empowerment.

✨ Impact: Over 45,000 students taught across the U.S. and globally, from the Bay Area to El Salvador.

Why Hip Hop Education?

Culturally Responsive Learning

We use arts engagement and culturally relevant pedagogy to connect students with their cultural history, boosting self-esteem and academic success.
Empowerment Through Creativity

HH4C actively supports Black and Brown communities by fostering creativity and providing employment opportunities in the arts and nonprofit sectors.
Serving Underrepresented Youth

90% of the youth we serve are low-income students of color, facing barriers that limit access to arts education and cultural connection.

WHAT IS THE MC PROGRAM?

THE MC is a 5-part program that immerses students in the elements of Hip Hop through dynamic, hands-on workshops. These sessions provide a well-rounded and interactive learning experience, covering the history and practice of Hip Hop’s core elements.

🎭 Performances | 🏫 School-Wide Assemblies | 📅 Week-Long Takeovers | 📚 6-12 Week Class Packages | 📝 Curriculum Development

Workshop Highlights

🎶 Elements of Hip Hop Culture & History

📖 Overview: An exciting workshop that traces the history and evolution of Hip Hop, highlighting its role in social justice movements.
💡 What Students Will Experience:
✅ Hands-on interaction with Hip Hop’s four core elements:
🎧 DJing – Scratch and mix like a turntablist
💃 Breaking – Learn foundational breakdancing moves
🎤 MCing – Write and perform original verses
🎨 Graffiti – Create personal and expressive artwork

🎤 Word Up! The EmCee Workshop

✍️ Overview: A deep dive into the art of MCing, helping students develop lyricism, flow, and stage presence while exploring Hip Hop as a tool for storytelling and self-expression.
💡 What Students Will Learn:
✅ Rap structure, rhyme schemes, and literary devices
✅ Songwriting techniques and performance skills
✅ Group Cypher session to showcase their verses
💃 Breaking Barriers: Breakdance Workshop

🕺 Overview: An energetic breakdancing and Hip Hop dance session led by professional B-Boys and B-Girls.
💡 What Students Will Learn:
✅ Foundational breaking techniques and footwork
✅ The cultural roots of breakdancing
✅ How dance serves as a form of activism and self-expression
🎨 Write On! Graffiti Workshop

🖌️ Overview: Students explore graffiti art as a historical and cultural art form, from ancient writing to modern-day street art.
💡 What Students Will Do:
✅ Learn different graffiti styles and lettering techniques
✅ Create their own personal graffiti tag
✅ Understand the role of graffiti in Hip Hop’s cultural movement
🎧 Go DJ! DJ’ing Workshop

🎛️ Overview: Students will experience the foundational techniques of DJ’ing, the element that started Hip Hop culture.
💡 What Students Will Do:
✅ Learn to mix, blend, and scratch on live turntables
✅ Explore the history of breakbeats and Hip Hop’s early DJ pioneers
✅ Get hands-on experience creating their own beats