This year's IDBS (Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies) is bringing an exciting and engaging one day program that examines the role of hip hop culture as a distinct Black public sphere.  The conference  attempts to problematise the value and function of that sphere to the existential and political desires of its consituents, in the light of the logic of transnational capitalism, and the distinct discursive terrains that priviledge various generational, regional, geographical, and gendered vernaculars.

 The conference has an array of cutting edge critical scholars and cultural workers  (DJ's, MC's and graffiti artists) to explore this engaging topic.  They include:
 
 

B Plus is a photographer, film maker and author.  His photographs have braced major music publications including 'The Source', 'Rolling Stone' and 'Spin'.  He is the co-author of 'It's not about a salary' and his critically acclaimed short film 'Keeping time: talking drums and whispering vinyl'  was shown at this years Sundance, and will be screened at the conference.

Abstract Rude and Tribe Unique are L.A. natives of the California hip hop scene.  Abstract Rude is a mind blowing emcee and has appeared on a series of compilations and movie soundtracks that include 'DJ D Workers Union LP', 'Who framed the A-Team', and 'Haiku De Tat LP'.He will be 'dropping the science'  through his participation as both a panelist and performer at the conference.

Mark Maxwell is a radio technician and hip hop and jazz DJ.  He spins on 90.7's jazz program 'Rise'.

Medusa is one of  the original heavyweights of the L.A. underground Hip Hop scene.  She has rocked the 'mic at the legendary 'Good life' cafe that has given us The Pharcyde, Freestyle Fellowship, Volume 10, etc.  She has been documented in films, and has made guest appearances on TV shows. She currently has her own night of Fais Do Dois in Los Angeles called 'Nappy at the roots'.  She will be performing her extraordinary freestyling on the evening of the conference.

Ben Caldwell is the owner and director of 'Kaos network', a unique community based video- making, music/performance center in the heart of the Black Los Angeles, Leimert Park. he is an ICCR fellow at Pitzer college and teaches at Cal Arts in the film department.

Ty Campbell (tentative) is a major recoed executive involved in the marketing and PR of Hip Hop and R 'n' B at MCA Records in Los Angeles.

Bukue One is a graffiti artist, dance hall/Hip Hop DJ, and emcee who embraces the different performative styles of hip hop. He will be performing on the evening of the conference.

Dipa Basu is the conference organizer.  She is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black Studies at Pitzer College.
Laura Harris is an Assistant Professor of English and World Literature and Black Studies at Pitzer College.
Phyllis Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Art History at Pomona College.

The evening performance of Medusa and Bukue One in the Gold Center multi-purpose room is from 9.p.m. to 1.00am.  It is sponsored by Pitzer College's "The Printed Word"