the notorious phd

The notorious PhD

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To many hip-hop heads and pop-culture junkies, Todd Boyd is recognized as a renowned speaker, an in-demand television commentator and a critically acclaimed author. However, on the campus of the University of Southern California, he’s better known as “The Notorious PhD,” the school’s one — and only — hip-hop professor.

When Boyd started his undergraduate studies at University of Florida, he set out to be a sportscaster. However, after taking a media and society course and re-watching movies like “The Godfather” and “Scarface” with a critical eye, Boyd was fascinated by the way these cinematic classics commented on unheard aspects of American society and the culture at large.

“These cultural examples were all a big part of my life,” Boyd said, “but I had no idea people got paid for discussing such things in a serious manner. I remember thinking to myself: I can get paid for lecturing and writing about ‘Scarface’? What?! I was hooked.”

Boyd finished his doctorate in communications studies at the University of Iowa and in 1991 became a professor at the University of Utah. The following year, he came to USC.

It was around this time that West Coast rappers like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg were rising up the ranks with a new brand of hip hop called “gangsta rap,” which focused on violent and drug-fueled aspects of life in the inner-city. Being so close to a burgeoning musical and cultural revolution, Boyd was inspired and created the course Hip Hop Culture, which is offered through the USC School of Cinematic Arts. It was one of the first courses on hip hop to be taught at a major American university.

As the Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race and Popular Culture and Professor of Critical Studies in the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Boyd will also be teaching The Birth of the Cool and 1970s America this fall. Not only do Boyd’s courses seem to strike a chord with students of the iPod generation, but his unique teaching style keeps kids signing up for more. “I approach my classes the way a jazz musician approaches playing a solo, the way a rapper approaches spittin’ a verse or the way a standup comic performs on stage. It’s all about improvisation,” explained Boyd, who refuses to lecture from notes for fear of being repetitive.

In other words, classes taught by the Notorious PhD are thought-provoking, multidimensional and utterly electric. Boyd hopes his students will walk away with a greater understanding of the media’s power over society and, at the same time, how their thoughts and actions can challenge that power. “More than anything, I want to encourage people to think — think about the world, think about the information they consume and think about their lives,” Boyd said. “I want people to be conscious. I want people to be alert and aware. So much in our society encourages people not to think. If I can get you to think then I’ve accomplished something.”

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• EPISODE 152

The Notorious PhD: Dr. Todd Boyd

Explore the depths of hip-hop's transformative power with Dr. Todd Boyd, the "Notorious PhD," as he takes us on a 50-year journey through the genre's history in his latest book, "Rappers Deluxe: How Hip Hop Made the World." As a pioneer in the academic study of hip-hop and a true devotee of the culture, Dr. Boyd offers an authentic narrative that weaves together the evolution of this dynamic art form with its undeniable influence on politics, fashion, and the arts. From the golden age greats to the "vibe era" voices of today, we reflect on hip-hop's role in shaping societal discourse and the unique ways it's been used as a tool for social advocacy. Join us for a candid conversation that goes beyond the beats, dissecting the complexities of race, politics, and cultural appropriation within the music industry. We tackle head-on the notion of sneaker culture's influence on voting behavior and laugh at the absurdity of requiring permission slips for children to experience African American literature. The conversation on Eminem's influence in hip-hop sparks a provocative debate on the rapper's place in music history, as we contend with the nuances of his artistry, impact, and the endorsement that propelled his career. Cap off this episode with an exclusive glimpse into my personal journey through the world of hip-hop, from documentaries to book adaptations. Learn about the passion driving my diverse roles as a writer, public speaker, and educator. As we close out with reflections on the intersections of hip-hop with basketball and more, you'll discover the far-reaching tentacles of this cultural leviathan – a force that has left an indelible mark on our world. This isn't just another hip-hop homage; it's a masterclass in the genre's history, influence, and legacy. The Notorious PhD, Dr. Todd Boyd is a Professor of cinema and media studies, a renowned speaker, an in-demand television commentator and documentarian, a critically acclaimed author, and the one and only Hip-Hop professor at the University of Southern California. #drtoddboyd #hiphop #hiphopculture #notoriousphd #black #toddboyd Topics Discussed:

• His new book "Rappers Deluxe: How Hip Hop Made The World"
• Eminem - Is he a guest in the house of Hip-Hop?
• Hip-Hop's evolution the past 50 years
• His top 5 basketball players of all time and why Lebron isn't on his list
• His top 5 rappers of all time

Dr. Todd Boyd's Instagram - Dr. Todd Boyd (@notoriousphd) • Instagram photos and videos Buy Dr. Boyd's new book - Rapper's Deluxe | Fashion and Pop Culture | Store | Phaidon

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Information

• Show The Culture
• Published February 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM UTC
• Length 1h 8m
• Episode 152
• Rating Explicit

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The Notorious Phd's Guide to the Super Fly '70s: A Connoisseur's Journey Through the Fabulous Flix, Hip Sounds, and Cool Vibes That Defined a Decade Paperback – June 12, 2007

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• Print length 222 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Crown
• Publication date June 12, 2007
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.56 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0767921879
• ISBN-13 978-0767921879
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown; 1st edition (June 12, 2007)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 222 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0767921879
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0767921879
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.56 x 8.5 inches
• #707 in Sports Journalism
• #1,882 in TV History & Criticism
• #10,626 in African American Demographic Studies (Books)

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Notorious Ph.D.

Meditations on Culture, Politics, Sports, and the Game of Life from a Uniquely Notorious Perspective.

Hip Hop's Journey with the Notorious PhD

In captivating episode # 152 of the podcast, we're graced by the presence of Dr. Todd Boyd, also known as the "Notorious PhD," who brings his profound insights into the world of hip hop. Dr. Boyd, a distinguished professor and a leading authority on the subject, embarks on a discussion that delves into the remarkable history of hip hop, its influence on politics, and its enduring legacy in shaping societal narratives. As the creator of the academic study of hip hop, his voice carries the weight of experience and expertise that is rare and invaluable.

The conversation kicks off with a reflection on hip hop's beginnings, from the streets of the Bronx to the global phenomenon it is today. Dr. Boyd emphasizes that hip hop's longevity over five decades is a testament to its significance as a cultural movement rather than a fleeting trend. This art form has not only produced iconic music but has also been a voice for social commentary, influencing everything from fashion to political activism. Dr. Boyd's connection to the culture is personal; his role as an early MC imbues his narrative with authenticity and passion. As the dialogue progresses, the episode touches on the transformative era of the '90s, where giants like Tupac, Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z emerged, reshaping the genre with their unique styles and profound lyrics. Dr. Boyd notes the contemporary shift towards what he terms the "vibe era," characterized by artists such as Drake and J. Cole, who continue to push the boundaries of the genre. Moreover, he addresses the significant moments when hip hop intersected with political milestones, such as Barack Obama's election and the awarding of a Pulitzer Prize to Kendrick Lamar. The discussion takes a critical turn when addressing the issue of racism within the context of hip hop. The podcast boldly confronts stereotypes, particularly the misplaced assumption that sneaker culture influences voting behavior in the Black community. The absurdity of a racist permission slip incident in Miami-Dade County, where consent was required for children to hear a book by an African American author, is met with a blend of humor and stern disapproval. Dr. Boyd and the host dissect the underlying racism in these events, arguing that political support and cultural preferences are far more complex than such superficial views. Eminem's influence and place in hip hop culture spark a spirited debate, with Dr. Boyd discussing the complexities of cultural appropriation and the rapper's need for Dr. Dre's endorsement to break into the industry. While acknowledging Eminem's technical skill and contribution to hip hop's expansion, the conversation also explores the depth of his lyrics and the broader context of his impact on the music industry. In a personal touch, Dr. Boyd shares his experiences transitioning from documentaries to book adaptations, aiming to provide a unique narrative in his upcoming documentary series based on his book "Rappers Deluxe: How Hip Hop Made the World." His diverse roles as a writer, public speaker, and educator reflect the depth of his commitment to the culture. Finally, the episode touches on the connection between hip hop and basketball, exploring the influence of hip hop on sports and vice versa. Dr. Boyd recounts his personal connection to hip hop, beginning with early influencers like Run DMC, and discusses the evolution of Black music from jazz to the present, emphasizing the tradition of excellence and competitiveness that has defined both genres. Fan questions steer the conversation towards iconic performances, artist comparisons, and Dr. Boyd's personal top five in hip hop and basketball, offering a rich perspective on the cultural intersections of music and sports.

In essence, this episode is not just an homage to hip hop; it is a comprehensive examination of the genre's history, influence, and profound impact on our world, as narrated by one of its most passionate and knowledgeable members.

watch the video version of the episode here.

Jeff DeLaRosa

Creator/Host/Writer/Editor/Hip-Hop head/Influencer

Jeff is a Dominican American from North New Jersey. He is passionate about racism and about Hip-Hop as a genre and as a culture. He started The Culture as a podcast during the pandemic with his buddy Anthony, to speak his mind and keep himself sane while in lockdown. The podcast would go on to evolve and become a multimedia movement. In addition to the podcast, in order to satisfy his appetite for writing, Jeff started The Culture Blog. On the blog, he writes about topics he is passionate about spanning geek culture, pop culture, Hip-Hop culture and then some.

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What Had Happened Once: Dr. Todd Boyd on ‘Rapper’s Deluxe’

Between WHHW seasons we’re introducing What Had Happened Once, one-off interviews showcasing the history and legacy of rap music. This is a live conversation with Dr. Todd Boyd aka The Notorious PHD from the Chicago Humanities Festival 2024 on his new book Rapper’s Deluxe, a full flavored re-contextualization of hip hop history.

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