The study of Hip Hop at Rice University began in Fall 2006 when Dr. Anthony B. Pinn offered a new course--RELI 157/311 Religion and Hip Hop Culture in America. In part through the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (formally the Houston Enriches Rice Education Project), Dr. Pinn's work in Hip Hop at Rice University includes various related projects—from creating an archive to panel discussions, lectures, and exhibits, to developing innovative courses, to partnerships with key members of the Hip Hop community, such as Bun B, K-Rino, KRS-ONE, Mia-X, and Kool Moe Dee among others.
All this work, both on and off the Rice campus, is meant to highlight and explore Hip Hop’s impact on local and global communities. The CERCL Hip Hop Archival Collection and Oral History Series held at Rice University's Fondren Library Woodson Research Center increase the spotlight on Hip Hop, preserve its importance for future generations, and underscore Hip Hop's role as a space where community and intellectual leadership is generated and cultivated.
| 2006 |
Dr. Pinn taught first RELI 157/311 Religion and Hip Hop Culture in America at Rice University | Course page |
| 2010 |
HERE Legacy Awards - Celebrating 25 Years of Hip Hop in Houston | The Legacy Award was given to James A. Prince of Rap-a-Lot Records as part of a larger program including a panel of central figures “cyphering” about the significance and contribution of hip-hop in Houston over the last two and a half decades. | Video | Rice News Article
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| 2011 |
Bernard “Bun B” Freeman joined Dr. Pinn to co-teach RELI 157/311 as CERCL Distinguished Visiting Lecturer. In line with CERCL's mission to bridge the gap between Rice and the Houston community, several special sessions of the course were offered for free at off campus venues | Video | Course Page
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| 2012 |
Awready! Houston Hip Hop Conference | A collaborative conference and launch of the Houston Hip Hop Archival Network (CERCL at Rice University and the University of Houston Library) | Videos | Participant Video | UH News Article |
| 2013 |
Swisha House: Leaders in Houston Hip Hop: Past & Present | Panel discussion & induction into CERCLs Hip Hop Archival Collection. Panelists: Michael “5000” Watts, G Dash, OG Ron C, Chamilllionaire, Lil Keke, Archie Lee & Moderator Mad Hatta | Rice News |
| 2014 |
Rice Rap Club | Rice undergraduate student and former Religion and Hip Hop Culture in America student formed the club with Dr. Pinn as faculty sponsor | Instagram |
| 2015 |
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| 2016 |
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| 2017 |
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| 2018 | Dr. Pinn taught RELI 157/311 Religion and Hip Hop Class at Rice
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| 2019 | Baker Collab Bun B Pinn discussion |
| 2022 | Mike Frost Exhibit |
| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
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| 2025 |
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