A Visual Journey Through Hip Hop History: The Comic Novel Experience!

Explore the captivating graphic history of hip hop with our insightful comic novel, showcasing 45 years of cultural evolution.

Introduction to the Hip Hop Comic Novel

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the New York City Public Schools system sought the expertise of Walter Greason, Ph.D., a prominent historian specializing in Afrofuturism and the Black Speculative Arts. Greason was tasked with creating a comic book that would illustrate the evolution of hip hop for students. Partnering with illustrator Tim Fielder, they produced The Graphic History of Hip Hop, a vibrant 24-page comic book that was distributed free to children throughout NYC.

From Comic to Graphic Novel

The initial response from students was overwhelmingly positive, leading to the expansion of the project into a comprehensive 92-page graphic novel. This new edition is now available for purchase and chronicles the rich tapestry of hip hop over 45 years—starting from 1964, the year the Civil Rights Act was enacted, and extending to 2006, when Nas launched his Grammy-nominated album Hip Hop is Dead.

The Roots of Hip Hop in History

“The civil rights laws and the assassinations that happened in 1968 lay the foundation for the desire for something new, something that let people vocalize the feelings they were having in deep complexity,” explains Greason.

This pivotal moment in American history set the stage for the emergence of street parties and the formation of what Greason refers to as the "original school" of hip hop.

Illustrating Hip Hop’s Icons

Fielder, the illustrator, contributed around 250 bold and intricately detailed illustrations that bring to life the key figures in hip hop history. “I’m very proud of it,” says Fielder. “I think that what we are providing is a very essential service for American culture and world culture.” His dynamic artwork captures the essence of the movement, showcasing its vibrancy and profound impact.

Collaborations and Future Releases

Greason and Fielder have forged partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to promote the rich history of hip hop. Fans can look forward to Volume Two, set to release on June 25, with Volume Three following shortly thereafter.

FAQs:

• What is the primary purpose of *The Graphic History of Hip Hop* comic novel? The comic novel aims to educate students about the evolution of hip hop, highlighting its cultural significance.
• Who collaborated on this project? Walter Greason, Ph.D., and illustrator Tim Fielder teamed up to create the comic book and graphic novel.
• When did hip hop start being recognized as a cultural movement? The movement is often traced back to the 1970s, with key developments linked to the Civil Rights Movement.
• How many illustrations did Tim Fielder create for the graphic novel? Tim Fielder created around 250 illustrations for the graphic novel, depicting notable figures in hip hop history.
• Are there future volumes planned for *The Graphic History of Hip Hop*? Yes, Volume Two is scheduled for release on June 25, with a third volume on the way.

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