The Organic Globalizer: Hip Hop, Political Development, and Movement Culture

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The Organic Globalizer is a collection of critical essays which takes the position that hip-hop holds political significance through an understanding of its ability to at once raise cultural awareness, expand civil societys focus on social and economic justice through institution building, and engage in political activism and participation. Collectively, the essays assert hip hops importance as an organic globalizer: no matter its pervasiveness or reach around the world, hip-hop ultimately remains a grassroots phenomenon that is born of the community from which it permeates. Hip hop, then, holds promise through three separate but related avenues: (1) through cultural awareness and identification/recognition of voices of marginalized communities through music and art; (2) through social creation and the institutionalization of independent alternative institutions and non-profit organizations in civil society geared toward social and economic justice; and (3) through political activism and participation in which demands are articulated and made on the state. With editorial bridges between chapters and an emphasis on interdisciplinary and diverse perspectives, The Organic Globalizer is the natural scholarly evolution in the conversation about hip-hop and politics.

Reviews

The Organic Globalizer offers crucial insights about progressive community-based political engagement and hip hop creativity across diverse cultural contexts and locales. Christopher Malone and George Martinez have assembled an impressive international cypher of committed artists, scholars, and activists whose deep knowledge is framed within impeccable flow. * Murray Forman, Associate Professor, Northeastern University, USA *
For far too many, hip hop culture seen as contradicting the imperatives of Social Justice. The Organic Globalizer is a reminder that hip hop culture not only formed via Social Justice movements, but continues to be the vehicle in which many seek justice in their lives. * Mark Anthony Neal, Professor, Duke University, USA, and author of Looking for Leroy: Illegible Black Masculinities *
The Organic Globalizer reminds us that hip hop's cultural movement is a global force that is ignited by artist and activist responding to local problems and conditions in their community. Together, as a global community, we have the influence to change the politics and shift the minds of millions around the world. How can we use this refreshing moment to build solidarity and awareness of our power and the possibilities that exist The Organic Globalizer provides a much-needed critical boost and history lesson that will engage, inform, and inspire those interested in using hip hop for social change. * Martha Diaz, Professor, Director of the Hip-Hop Education Center, New York University, USA *

Author Bio

Christopher Malone is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Pace University, USA. He is the author of Between Freedom and Bondage (2007) and co-editor of Occupying Political Science (2013). George Martinez Jr. is Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Pace University, USA, and is founder/CEO of the Global Block Foundation. He serves as Cultural Envoy and Hip-Hop Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State.