SPIT Knowle
dge Lecturer Bun B graced the stage of the Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium, Tues. Feb. 21, to deliver a message to the students of Prairie View A&M University. A member of the popular rap duo, UGK, Bun B is now a member of the Rice University faculty as a Distinguished Lecturer. He co-teaches a Religion and Hip Hop Course, with Dr. Anthony Pinn, that brings hip-hop to the classroom and defines religion as a “complex search for subjectivity”.
Although Bun B was hesitant about teaching the course, he decided to lean on his faith before accepting the offer. “This would be a great way to show hip-hop’s cultural impact in a totally different way than it’s been seen before,” said Bun B. “In certain cases, Hip-Hop can be a better choice of practices that make a better person just like religion can make you a better contributor to society.” When speaking, he often lecturers in an academic classroom setting. So it is rare when he lecturers in other capacities. “I try to be as open and honest as I can from the heart,” said Bun B, “I want it to be as genuine an experience as possible.”
When asked about the importance of HBCUs, he mentioned the cultural impact that the University has on the community around it. “The history of the University and the fight the ‘alumni’ predecessors went through gives more meaning to the degree,” said Bun B, “It makes it more than a piece of paper and aligns you with those before you.” He said going to an HBCU is honoring a legacy. “As you walk the halls of an HBCU and you see the history and lineage and all the greatness that’s walked the hall before it makes your walk that much more important to you,” said Bun B.
For years, Bun B partnered with his childhood friend the late Chad Butler also known as “Pimp C” to create music. As a musician, he is still engaged in what is on the radio. “I listen to everything that everyone else listens to.” Bun B is a fan of current artists like Chance the Rapper, The Migos and BJ the Chicago Kid. “I think there are similarities in the music of today and the music I grew up listening to,” said Bun B. He said there are artists who know how to walk both sides and he is one of them. “I say for those who like to make dance records or records about having a good time, that’s good for them and that’s a good space,” said Bun B, “but there is a space for those that do want to educate and inform.”
Written by Jourdan B. Scruggs