Bun B opens "Religion & Hip Hop Culture" course to the public starting September 13

Professor Bun B and Dr. Anthony Pinn speak to last semester's
"Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University.
Photo by Erik Quinn from the course Facebook page

UGK rapper Bun B is full of interesting news this week.

On Tuesday, August 30 it was the proclamation of an official “Bun B Day” by Mayor Annise Parker and the City of Houston. And now, it’s the announcement that he’ll be donning his professor’s cap once again for a public session of the fascinating “Religion and Hip Hop Culture” course he taught at Rice last spring.

However, this time around, the class will be open to the general public through the university’s School of Continuing Studies.

The course will be held on eight Tuesday nights at 7pm – 8:30pm from September 13 through November 1, 2011. The cost is $170 ($150 for Rice alumni) and offers 1.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Unit credits.)

As with last semester’s session, it will be co-taught by Bernard “Bun B” Freeman and Dr. Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and professor of religious studies at Rice University.

Topics will include the following:

• What is religion? - A theoretical grounding
• What is hip hop? - Break dancing and visual art, and the look and language of hip hop
• Religious traditions and rap music: Islam, Christianity and rap
• Hip hop as a critique of religious institutions
• Hip hop and life meaning
• Hip hop, a “new” religion - Works of artists who argue hip hop is a unique religious language and experience

I’m told the classroom holds 100 student and that they’d like to, but don't yet, have every seat filled. Also, there will not be any required work to complete outside of the class which certainly makes it a more attractive opportunity for potential students who may already be managing busy day jobs and homes.

Those interested can find more details and sign up for the course online through the school’s website.

Here’s what Bun B told me about the class at the end of last semester.



UPDATE 09/07/11 (11am CST) - I'm told the class has been cancelled due to low enrollment. No word yet on whether or not it will be offered at a later date.

Houston's mayor declares official "Bun B Day"

The rapper/professor posted this photograph of the official proclamation to his @BunBTrillOG account on Twitter

Bernard Freeman has done it again - making both hip hop and Houston history with yesterday's City Hall proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker of an official "Bun B Day."

The accommodation declared that August 30, 2011 would be known for the rapper/professor in recognition of his commitment to community service.

Within the last few years, the UGK rapper has served Houston both privately and publicly through efforts like:

- Co-teaching a "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University
- Headlining 97.9 KBXX's "Hip Hop 4 HIV" concert
- Speaking to a local youth mentorship group
- Participating in Rap-A-Lot Records & All Eyes On Me Ministries' "Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day"
- Participating in a Real Talk Teen Assembly at Willowridge High School

Bun B with the TWEF Eagle Scholars in May
- Photo by Sketch the Journalist

The Houston Press reports that Bun B used the occasion to speak to and encourage a more active focus on the issues facing young people.

"I do believe that presently in Houston there is a need for more hands on attention for the youth of the city, either with after school programs or just a general need for attention to the children.

I'd like to take this opportunity to tell the City Council that I am available 24-7/365 when it comes to the children of Houston as well as the surrounding cities and communities. Whenever the city needs me, I am more than willing and able to answer the call.

I ask everyone who is here present today, as well as those who may see this on TV or the internet later, to do their part as well."

Having worked with Bun through several panel discussions and outreaches with Christian rapper Bobby "Tre9" Herring, I can confirm that he is indeed approachable, reachable, and very interested in making a positive contribution to community outside of his music.

Without a doubt it would be great to see more mainstream rappers follow his lead.

Here's a clip of the presentation from The Rap Up blog.