The healing power of hip hop

1. Deejaying scratch and mix
2. Rapping, also known as “MCing” (emceeing) “rhyming”
3. Graffiti artists that draw and write
4. Break dancing, or “B-boying”
5. A fifth element is Knowledge of Self - the drive for self-awareness and social-consciousness.

This accessibility and inclusivity make hip hop an effective therapeutic tool as it provides a way to build rapport between client and therapist. The lyrical content enables therapists to access hard to talk about topics.

Hip hop emerged as a reaction to the gang culture and violence of the South Bronx in the 1970s. It represents and values resilience, understanding, community and social justice.

Many communities around the world still face the effects of discrimination, segregation, and injustice. Hip hop is a voice to the reality of young people's lives, their neighbourhoods, and their broader social circumstances. It reflects on our society and can be used to expose issues that still remain.