Budget Cuts Attacking Hip Hop In L.A.

Sources say a charter school in South Los Angeles will be forced to shut down its successful Hip Hop culture curriculum this June due to budget cuts. Founded by Sebastien Elkouby, The Global Awareness Through Hip Hop Culture program is one of the only educational Hip Hop courses in the nation offered to middle and high school students. The program has been active since 2006, and has hosted guest speakers such as KRS-One and MC Lyte. It serves as a solution to connect with students who are not vibin’ with more traditional school subjects. Elkouby explains in an interview, “This class uses the positive elements of Hip Hop culture that aren't usually promoted in mainstream media as a medium to develop critical thinking skills while teaching [students] language arts, social studies, and life skills. It doesn't  even have to be offered at a school," he says. "I'm open to bringing the program wherever the need is. I know that there's money available  to fund creative programs. We just have to find it. Who knows? It may even come from someone in the Hip Hop community."

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