1) Explain the origins of the hip hop. Where, when and how did it emerge? Who were its initial instigators? What are/were the primary musical and cultural influences on this hip hop? What makes the hip hop popular?
2) What distinguishes this hip hop from other genres that might border or be related to it? Are there any subgenres within it that can be distinctively identified?
3) What are some of the interesting political, economic, social, cultural issues or questions that arise from hip hop?