AMUS266 Hip Hop Music and Culture

In Elisa Davis’ article about “hip-hop theatre”, she touches upon the many critics who have claimed what she does can’t possible be hip-hop if it doesn’t specific reference “the streets”, deal with “black” issues, or incorporate the four core elements (emceeing, DJing, B-boying, & graffiti). In retort, she writes, “I like the name ‘hip-hop theatre’ because when it’s ascriptive, voluntary, and utilized by a self-described hip-hop generation that speaks through the theatre, we are found in translation.” How do you interpret this quote? And since Elisa argues theatre can embody the Hip Hop aesthetic, where else do you feel one could apply the “Hip Hop” label to endeavors not traditionally associated with the music or culture?