Hello, hip-hop heads and ELT students and teachers! This lesson was inspired by MC Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock‘s 1988 hit “It Takes Two”. As with a lot of hip-hop songs, “It Takes Two” boasts their ability to rap, rhyme, and get the ladies! There are a lot of great expressions and slang words in […]
Learn Pronunciation and Vocabulary with N.W.A
“Straight Outta Compton” is the lead single from N.W.A‘s debut full length album of the same name. It was released in 1988 and also appears on N.W.A’s Greatest Hits with an extended mix and The Best of N.W.A. It was voted number 19 on About.com‘s Top 100 Rap Songs,and is ranked number 6 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. The opening verse […]
2Pac Fridays: English Pronunciation
“I Ain’t Mad at Cha” is a song by rapper 2Pac released as the sixth single from his album All Eyez on Me. Although the album was released exactly 7 months before his death, the single was released shortly after his death. The song is a heartfelt tribute, possibly to his friend Napoleon. The song features contemporary soul singer Danny […]
Speak Better English: Idioms and Pronunciation with Mia-X
Mia X is an American rapper who first encountered success when she became the first female artist to sign with Master P‘s successful No Limit Records. Although born in New Orleans, Mia began her rapping career in Queens, New York as part of the hip-hop group New York Incorporated, which disbanded after only four years. After her […]
Learn English Grammar: Perfect Modals with T.I.
T.I. is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He comes from Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the most influential Southern hip-hop artists. He embarked on his music career with his longtime friends, and they formed a group called Pimp Squad Click in 2001. Two years later, T.I. founded and became CEO of Grand Hustle Records. During his 12 years as a […]
Teacher Resource: Sound Discrimination with KRS-One
Artist: KRS-One
Song: Sound of da Police
Teaching Resource: Activity + Worksheet
“Had Better” with Eminem
Even though hip-hop music has been around for over thirty years, very few great artists and rappers are known worldwide. Eminem is a rare exception, and many people across the globe recognize his face and music. His real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, and he is sometimes referred to as Slim Shady. In “Lose […]
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Kanye West
Kanye West is a rapper, record producer, film director and fashion designer from Chicago, Illinois. He made his first big break as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records where he worked on Jaz-Z’s 2001 album The Blueprint. In “Hey Mama” Kanye West dedicates the song to his mother, Donda West. He praises her for raising him in […]
Sound Like a Native with Gang Starr
Gang Starr was an influential hip-hop duo that consisted of MC Guru and DJ Premier. Although they are not as popular has mainstream artists, they are regarded as one of the best groups by underground and alternative hip-hop fans. DJ Premier is still a successful DJ/Producer, but Guru passed away on April 19, 2010. In […]
Learn How to Chill with Souls of Mischief
Souls of Mischief are a sub-group of the hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, which is based in Oakland, California. The members are A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. In “93 ‘Til Infinity” they discuss their daily lives in the year 1993, which includes women, money and just hanging out. Read the lesson and learn 8 new vocabulary words […]