Recap: Bun B's 2nd "Religion & Hip Hop Culture" panel discussion with Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Malice (Clipse), Trae tha Truth, & Tre9

Tre9, Malice, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Trae tha Truth, and Bun B

As noted last week, Bun B brought out the big guns of thoughtful hip hop for a second, free public panel discussion as part of the "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class he's co-teaching at Rice University in Houston.

Initially, the only announced guests were Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse. That alone would have been a blockbuster. Then he went and added Houston's Trae tha Truth and Tre9 along with "Mr. Lasers" Lupe Fiasco.

The topic was supposed to be about the ethics of hip hop. It touched on that, but naturally drifted in other directions - obviously venturing into a discussion about faith, literature, and social responsibility.

Talib Kweli & Tre9

The easiest way to recap is to simply let you see and hear some clips for yourself. So, sit back, buffer your browsers, and soak it all in. I've done my best to assemble them in chronological order but they may be off here and there.

I really hope the Rice University students, Houston, and Hip Hop at-large appreciate the contribution Bun B has made to the culture with this class and these events.


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video by Sketch the Journalist


Video by Sketch the Journalist


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video from Julia Beverly/Ozone Magazine


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video from Julia Beverly/Ozone Magazine


Video from ThisIsHtown.com

BREAKING NEWS: 2nd public session for Bun B's "Religion & Hip Hop Culture Class" tomorrow night / feat. Talib Kweli & Malice (Clipse)

So... I just got word that tomorrow night will be the second, FREE and open-to-the-public session for Bun B's "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University.

Brought to you by the H.E.R.E. (Houston Enriches Rice Education) Project, I'm told it will most likely be a panel discussion and Q&A session like the event held at St. John's back in February.

I'm also told that Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse will be there and play a part.

Talib is a well-respected conscious MC known for his solo and side work with guys like Mos Def and DJ Hi-Tek.

Meanwhile, Malice (previously known for his coke raps with brother Pusha T as part of The Clipse) has been making waves as an author of Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked - his musical and spiritual life story. (Read my interview with Malice about that here.)

Details on the event:

Tuesday, April 12 7pm - 10pm

Club Venue
719 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
venuehouston.com

If you're interested in how the last session went down you can read my recap posted here.

With Talib & Malice in the mix, it should be a great discussion.

UPDATE: According to the course's Facebook page, the topic will be "The Ethics of Hip Hop."