
this is will Patterson I’m so glad you can join me you actually in my makers
can join me you actually in my makers
can join me you actually in my makers face that I call the doodle hold this
face that I call the doodle hold this
face that I call the doodle hold this right get my inspiration to create
right get my inspiration to create
right get my inspiration to create amazing courses like decoding dr. Dre if
amazing courses like decoding dr. Dre if
amazing courses like decoding dr. Dre if I punch ignore ship and Hipmunk
I punch ignore ship and Hipmunk
I punch ignore ship and Hipmunk informatics this wall all going from
informatics this wall all going from
informatics this wall all going from static meaning taking data and making an
static meaning taking data and making an
static meaning taking data and making an informatics looking at ways to inspire
informatics looking at ways to inspire
informatics looking at ways to inspire new technology a new entrepreneurship
new technology a new entrepreneurship
new technology a new entrepreneurship opportunities for young people looking
opportunities for young people looking
opportunities for young people looking to find their way the guillotines
to find their way the guillotines
to find their way the guillotines paradigm represents this overbid new
paradigm represents this overbid new
paradigm represents this overbid new genres of music from funk course to soul
genres of music from funk course to soul
genres of music from funk course to soul R&B and ultimately becoming the
R&B and ultimately becoming the
R&B and ultimately becoming the foundation of hip-hop culture
foundation of hip-hop culture
foundation of hip-hop culture but none of that could happen if the
but none of that could happen if the
but none of that could happen if the repurposing of technology didn’t happen
repurposing of technology didn’t happen
repurposing of technology didn’t happen with these items right here two
with these items right here two
with these items right here two turntables a mixer and of course a
turntables a mixer and of course a
turntables a mixer and of course a microphone and audio components and so
microphone and audio components and so
microphone and audio components and so we’ll talk about that in this TED talk
we’ll talk about that in this TED talk
we’ll talk about that in this TED talk and we’ll talk about new ways to make it
and we’ll talk about new ways to make it
and we’ll talk about new ways to make it happen in to connect with young people
happen in to connect with young people
happen in to connect with young people day just stick around I’ll see y’all in
day just stick around I’ll see y’all in
day just stick around I’ll see y’all in just a minute on this TED talk you know
just a minute on this TED talk you know
just a minute on this TED talk you know it’s exciting to be out here with all of
it’s exciting to be out here with all of
it’s exciting to be out here with all of y’all but let me first correct a couple
y’all but let me first correct a couple
y’all but let me first correct a couple of things I used to be the Associate
of things I used to be the Associate
of things I used to be the Associate Director of the African culture center
Director of the African culture center
Director of the African culture center but I took that cultural wealth but it’s
but I took that cultural wealth but it’s
but I took that cultural wealth but it’s been the legacy of the a frenetic
been the legacy of the a frenetic
been the legacy of the a frenetic experience here on this campus where I
experience here on this campus where I
experience here on this campus where I got a chance to broadcast hip hop and I
got a chance to broadcast hip hop and I
got a chance to broadcast hip hop and I made that my trajectory to be where I’m
made that my trajectory to be where I’m
made that my trajectory to be where I’m at today which is in the College of
at today which is in the College of
at today which is in the College of Engineering and Technology
Engineering and Technology
Engineering and Technology entrepreneurship because people always
entrepreneurship because people always
entrepreneurship because people always ask me how did you get hip-hop in the
ask me how did you get hip-hop in the
ask me how did you get hip-hop in the College of Engineering it is based on
College of Engineering it is based on
College of Engineering it is based on that phrase right there
that phrase right there
that phrase right there look at what hip-hop can do dr. Dre sold
look at what hip-hop can do dr. Dre sold
look at what hip-hop can do dr. Dre sold a company for three billion dollars to
a company for three billion dollars to
a company for three billion dollars to Apple with no technical degrees but he
Apple with no technical degrees but he
Apple with no technical degrees but he had the cultural where wealth of the
had the cultural where wealth of the
had the cultural where wealth of the lived legacy of something I call the
lived legacy of something I call the
lived legacy of something I call the ghetto jeans paradigm dr. Dre is a
ghetto jeans paradigm dr. Dre is a
ghetto jeans paradigm dr. Dre is a supernova within that particular context
supernova within that particular context
supernova within that particular context that particular ghetto genius universe
that particular ghetto genius universe
that particular ghetto genius universe so today we’re going to really explore
so today we’re going to really explore
so today we’re going to really explore and have a conversation about this idea
and have a conversation about this idea
and have a conversation about this idea of cultural wealth what that means how I
of cultural wealth what that means how I
of cultural wealth what that means how I became a connector in the ghetto genius
became a connector in the ghetto genius
became a connector in the ghetto genius universe how our universities how
universe how our universities how
universe how our universities how schools have businesses like Apple like
schools have businesses like Apple like
schools have businesses like Apple like dodge have used the cultural wealth of
dodge have used the cultural wealth of
dodge have used the cultural wealth of gentle genius to
gentle genius to
gentle genius to new products and then how you can become
new products and then how you can become
new products and then how you can become a connector in this space that we call
a connector in this space that we call
a connector in this space that we call the ghetto genius universe now what’s
the ghetto genius universe now what’s
the ghetto genius universe now what’s interesting is when you really think
interesting is when you really think
interesting is when you really think about ghetto genius it’s really beyond
about ghetto genius it’s really beyond
about ghetto genius it’s really beyond hip-hop is really looking at this
hip-hop is really looking at this
hip-hop is really looking at this particular piece right it’s not what
particular piece right it’s not what
particular piece right it’s not what hip-hop can do because hip-hop is just a
hip-hop can do because hip-hop is just a
hip-hop can do because hip-hop is just a component of ghetto genius right it’s
component of ghetto genius right it’s
component of ghetto genius right it’s about what ghetto jeans can do it’s
about what ghetto jeans can do it’s
about what ghetto jeans can do it’s about the live experiences of people
about the live experiences of people
about the live experiences of people that have to iterate every day because
that have to iterate every day because
that have to iterate every day because of their layer of situations it’s about
of their layer of situations it’s about
of their layer of situations it’s about knowledge acquired and born because of
knowledge acquired and born because of
knowledge acquired and born because of that lived a particular situation it’s
that lived a particular situation it’s
that lived a particular situation it’s about that space that plays in time that
about that space that plays in time that
about that space that plays in time that motivates that inspires people to
motivates that inspires people to
motivates that inspires people to iterate because of their particular
iterate because of their particular
iterate because of their particular situation and their particular
situation and their particular
situation and their particular circumstance right so I want you to
circumstance right so I want you to
circumstance right so I want you to close your eyes for a second come on
close your eyes for a second come on
close your eyes for a second come on everybody’s going closed eyes right I
everybody’s going closed eyes right I
everybody’s going closed eyes right I want you to think about what that must
want you to think about what that must
want you to think about what that must feel like to be and again I want you to
feel like to be and again I want you to
feel like to be and again I want you to think about what there must have been
think about what there must have been
think about what there must have been like in the 1960s and the 1970s right
like in the 1960s and the 1970s right
like in the 1960s and the 1970s right here in the US right think about that
here in the US right think about that
here in the US right think about that now open your eyes and think about every
now open your eyes and think about every
now open your eyes and think about every day if you’re walking past items like
day if you’re walking past items like
day if you’re walking past items like this abandoned tenement buildings
this abandoned tenement buildings
this abandoned tenement buildings broken-down cars right barren lots with
broken-down cars right barren lots with
broken-down cars right barren lots with garbage and rubble everywhere limited
garbage and rubble everywhere limited
garbage and rubble everywhere limited municipal resources all of these things
municipal resources all of these things
municipal resources all of these things that make ghetto life be what it be
that make ghetto life be what it be
that make ghetto life be what it be defunded education and after-school
defunded education and after-school
defunded education and after-school programs right but think about that
programs right but think about that
programs right but think about that particular situation that same thing
particular situation that same thing
particular situation that same thing that becomes your classroom where people
that becomes your classroom where people
that becomes your classroom where people just don’t sit by and and get pissed off
just don’t sit by and and get pissed off
just don’t sit by and and get pissed off they do something about their situation
they do something about their situation
they do something about their situation they start iterating this are creating
they start iterating this are creating
they start iterating this are creating new culture right they start creating
new culture right they start creating
new culture right they start creating things that now is representative
things that now is representative
things that now is representative expected all over the world things that
expected all over the world things that
expected all over the world things that are celebrated because of what they
are celebrated because of what they
are celebrated because of what they decide to do about that chaotic
decide to do about that chaotic
decide to do about that chaotic situation
situation
situation those poor policies that were
those poor policies that were
those poor policies that were insensitive to they’re particularly of
insensitive to they’re particularly of
insensitive to they’re particularly of situations they did the damn thing
situations they did the damn thing
situations they did the damn thing because of that right and so we got a
because of that right and so we got a
because of that right and so we got a chance to see what
chance to see what
chance to see what this thing was like and I’ll never
this thing was like and I’ll never
this thing was like and I’ll never forget for someone like me when hip-hop
forget for someone like me when hip-hop
forget for someone like me when hip-hop came into my life when ghetto genius was
came into my life when ghetto genius was
came into my life when ghetto genius was celebrated 1979 I’m right here I’m a kid
celebrated 1979 I’m right here I’m a kid
celebrated 1979 I’m right here I’m a kid from right here in Champaign Urbana I
from right here in Champaign Urbana I
from right here in Champaign Urbana I played on this campus my whole life
played on this campus my whole life
played on this campus my whole life I remember when hip-hop came to
I remember when hip-hop came to
I remember when hip-hop came to Champaign and actually was in the halls
Champaign and actually was in the halls
Champaign and actually was in the halls of Urbana junior high school and his big
of Urbana junior high school and his big
of Urbana junior high school and his big kid name came Beaumont that’s white kid
kid name came Beaumont that’s white kid
kid name came Beaumont that’s white kid he had his boom box ready up right and
he had his boom box ready up right and
he had his boom box ready up right and he comes bumping down the halls and he
he comes bumping down the halls and he
he comes bumping down the halls and he got rapper’s delight’ on the box by the
got rapper’s delight’ on the box by the
got rapper’s delight’ on the box by the Sugar Hill Gang straight up disrupted
Sugar Hill Gang straight up disrupted
Sugar Hill Gang straight up disrupted the whole classroom the whole hallways
the whole classroom the whole hallways
the whole classroom the whole hallways situation I was stunned not only because
situation I was stunned not only because
situation I was stunned not only because the song was on fire number one right
the song was on fire number one right
the song was on fire number one right saw was high right but the boom box the
saw was high right but the boom box the
saw was high right but the boom box the technology was banging – right the
technology was banging – right the
technology was banging – right the disruption that it caused with teachers
disruption that it caused with teachers
disruption that it caused with teachers being pissed off I was wooded I was like
being pissed off I was wooded I was like
being pissed off I was wooded I was like okay instead I said I got to do that I
okay instead I said I got to do that I
okay instead I said I got to do that I have to do that and it kept showing up
have to do that and it kept showing up
have to do that and it kept showing up this DJ from Philly named disco rat came
this DJ from Philly named disco rat came
this DJ from Philly named disco rat came to Douglass park in a red step van with
to Douglass park in a red step van with
to Douglass park in a red step van with a mouse on the side of it with these
a mouse on the side of it with these
a mouse on the side of it with these huge headphones in Douglass park and he
huge headphones in Douglass park and he
huge headphones in Douglass park and he saw rocking my Park for days that’s like
saw rocking my Park for days that’s like
saw rocking my Park for days that’s like oh man here it goes again he got his
oh man here it goes again he got his
oh man here it goes again he got his hip-hop thing going here’s just ghetto
hip-hop thing going here’s just ghetto
hip-hop thing going here’s just ghetto genius from Philly doing the damn thing
genius from Philly doing the damn thing
genius from Philly doing the damn thing in the park and I want to be down right
in the park and I want to be down right
in the park and I want to be down right one guy did it better than everybody
one guy did it better than everybody
one guy did it better than everybody else or just expanded what that was
else or just expanded what that was
else or just expanded what that was it’s name is Grandmaster Flash right I
it’s name is Grandmaster Flash right I
it’s name is Grandmaster Flash right I had a conversation with Grandmaster
had a conversation with Grandmaster
had a conversation with Grandmaster Flash about coming to the U of I several
Flash about coming to the U of I several
Flash about coming to the U of I several years ago because I knew that
years ago because I knew that
years ago because I knew that Grandmaster Flash was a geek so I called
Grandmaster Flash was a geek so I called
Grandmaster Flash was a geek so I called him up I’m like hey man I’m like you a
him up I’m like hey man I’m like you a
him up I’m like hey man I’m like you a geek ain’t you he said how you know I
geek ain’t you he said how you know I
geek ain’t you he said how you know I said man he said no I am a scientist he
said man he said no I am a scientist he
said man he said no I am a scientist he said because I’m the kid that wanted to
said because I’m the kid that wanted to
said because I’m the kid that wanted to know why did the light come on when I
know why did the light come on when I
know why did the light come on when I plug it in the wall I wanted to know why
plug it in the wall I wanted to know why
plug it in the wall I wanted to know why the record spun when my parents platter
the record spun when my parents platter
the record spun when my parents platter dropped when the needle dropped right I
dropped when the needle dropped right I
dropped when the needle dropped right I wanted to know so he started doing some
wanted to know so he started doing some
wanted to know so he started doing some things that was amazing he started
things that was amazing he started
things that was amazing he started disrupting what sound like this you see
disrupting what sound like this you see
disrupting what sound like this you see full-time come on girls let’s rock
you see likewise is scratching directors
you see likewise is scratching directors so while just stopping to jail right
so while just stopping to jail right
so while just stopping to jail right let’s get on the floor dancing isn’t any
let’s get on the floor dancing isn’t any
let’s get on the floor dancing isn’t any stop the record again right all right
stop the record again right all right
stop the record again right all right chopping it come on man
chopping it come on man
chopping it come on man right I’m like how’s he doing that right
right I’m like how’s he doing that right
right I’m like how’s he doing that right where’s this genius coming from this
where’s this genius coming from this
where’s this genius coming from this record shop like this right why is this
record shop like this right why is this
record shop like this right why is this kid that had this music in his ear doing
kid that had this music in his ear doing
kid that had this music in his ear doing this and how’s he doing it with no music
this and how’s he doing it with no music
this and how’s he doing it with no music skills with no funding from programs
skills with no funding from programs
skills with no funding from programs that we’re now being cut right so again
that we’re now being cut right so again
that we’re now being cut right so again Grandmaster Flash like many of us were
Grandmaster Flash like many of us were
Grandmaster Flash like many of us were on poverty program kids right
on poverty program kids right
on poverty program kids right meaning the Johnson administration after
meaning the Johnson administration after
meaning the Johnson administration after the civil rights movement started having
the civil rights movement started having
the civil rights movement started having all these just funding for programs to
all these just funding for programs to
all these just funding for programs to make certain era opportunities in spaces
make certain era opportunities in spaces
make certain era opportunities in spaces like Douglas Park in the South Bronx and
like Douglas Park in the South Bronx and
like Douglas Park in the South Bronx and spaces like that that that people could
spaces like that that that people could
spaces like that that that people could have an opportunity to build within that
have an opportunity to build within that
have an opportunity to build within that particular context right and so I got a
particular context right and so I got a
particular context right and so I got a chance to spend time after school and
chance to spend time after school and
chance to spend time after school and spaces where spaces like play-doh that
spaces where spaces like play-doh that
spaces where spaces like play-doh that was developed right here at the
was developed right here at the
was developed right here at the University of Illinois showed up in
University of Illinois showed up in
University of Illinois showed up in King’s School which is right down the
King’s School which is right down the
King’s School which is right down the street from here and actually a friend
street from here and actually a friend
street from here and actually a friend of mine named John who’s in the audience
of mine named John who’s in the audience
of mine named John who’s in the audience today we’re here and I would run up
today we’re here and I would run up
today we’re here and I would run up after school we’re in sixth and seventh
after school we’re in sixth and seventh
after school we’re in sixth and seventh grade we run up after school and we want
grade we run up after school and we want
grade we run up after school and we want to get to the play-doh terminals because
to get to the play-doh terminals because
to get to the play-doh terminals because there’s a math program there that has
there’s a math program there that has
there’s a math program there that has addressed a dragster and we could race
addressed a dragster and we could race
addressed a dragster and we could race each other but we can learn math
each other but we can learn math
each other but we can learn math concepts at the same time had no idea
concepts at the same time had no idea
concepts at the same time had no idea the College of Engineering I put that
the College of Engineering I put that
the College of Engineering I put that together but because of that funding
together but because of that funding
together but because of that funding because of Natural Science Foundation
because of Natural Science Foundation
because of Natural Science Foundation being part of that they put that
being part of that they put that
being part of that they put that technology in my community and it made a
technology in my community and it made a
technology in my community and it made a difference
difference
difference it made a difference to me right I was
it made a difference to me right I was
it made a difference to me right I was excited about that but guess what one
excited about that but guess what one
excited about that but guess what one day that changed right one day that
day that changed right one day that
day that changed right one day that funding was shut down because of
funding was shut down because of
funding was shut down because of Reaganomics now President Reagan had a
Reaganomics now President Reagan had a
Reaganomics now President Reagan had a different idea about government spending
different idea about government spending
different idea about government spending and what should happen
and what should happen
and what should happen wasn’t kind and it wasn’t sensitive to
wasn’t kind and it wasn’t sensitive to
wasn’t kind and it wasn’t sensitive to folks that look like me to my
folks that look like me to my
folks that look like me to my neighborhood I was used to having
neighborhood I was used to having
neighborhood I was used to having programs like the Douglas Turner drum
programs like the Douglas Turner drum
programs like the Douglas Turner drum corps happening in my community I was
corps happening in my community I was
corps happening in my community I was used to having movies in my Park and
used to having movies in my Park and
used to having movies in my Park and dreaming about being in the drum corps
dreaming about being in the drum corps
dreaming about being in the drum corps watching the movie playing softball
watching the movie playing softball
watching the movie playing softball doing all these things where I saw folks
doing all these things where I saw folks
doing all these things where I saw folks in my community rising beyond our
in my community rising beyond our
in my community rising beyond our marginalized spaces right see because
marginalized spaces right see because
marginalized spaces right see because Joe Madison talks about the ghetto being
Joe Madison talks about the ghetto being
Joe Madison talks about the ghetto being a place where you’re underestimated
a place where you’re underestimated
a place where you’re underestimated undervalued and marginalized right and
undervalued and marginalized right and
undervalued and marginalized right and so I think about that within my own
so I think about that within my own
so I think about that within my own context within my own lived experience
context within my own lived experience
context within my own lived experience so then you have things that are
so then you have things that are
so then you have things that are happening where now I have to figure out
happening where now I have to figure out
happening where now I have to figure out how to make something out of nothing
how to make something out of nothing
how to make something out of nothing I was upset that these programs didn’t
I was upset that these programs didn’t
I was upset that these programs didn’t exist anymore I was pissed at society I
exist anymore I was pissed at society I
exist anymore I was pissed at society I said darling
said darling
said darling I’m like why is that happening to my
I’m like why is that happening to my
I’m like why is that happening to my community why me so I’m mad so I have to
community why me so I’m mad so I have to
community why me so I’m mad so I have to begin trying to figure out how to make
begin trying to figure out how to make
begin trying to figure out how to make something happen like like like like Jim
something happen like like like like Jim
something happen like like like like Jim Astor day or better yet how Grandmaster
Astor day or better yet how Grandmaster
Astor day or better yet how Grandmaster Flash was doing his thing right so I
Flash was doing his thing right so I
Flash was doing his thing right so I start getting equipment any way that I
start getting equipment any way that I
start getting equipment any way that I could but the way I was doing it was the
could but the way I was doing it was the
could but the way I was doing it was the wrong way so two years after I graduated
wrong way so two years after I graduated
wrong way so two years after I graduated from high school I went to penitentiary
from high school I went to penitentiary
from high school I went to penitentiary went to the penitentiary fur for two
went to the penitentiary fur for two
went to the penitentiary fur for two years trying to figure out what my
years trying to figure out what my
years trying to figure out what my ghetto genius meant right that was chaos
ghetto genius meant right that was chaos
ghetto genius meant right that was chaos for Reaganomics to shut down those war
for Reaganomics to shut down those war
for Reaganomics to shut down those war poverty programs and have nothing in
poverty programs and have nothing in
poverty programs and have nothing in place that would provide a different way
place that would provide a different way
place that would provide a different way for me to figure out what to do with
for me to figure out what to do with
for me to figure out what to do with this genius that it was inspiring me I
this genius that it was inspiring me I
this genius that it was inspiring me I had to iterate I had to figure it out
had to iterate I had to figure it out
had to iterate I had to figure it out that on my own so here’s what I did
that on my own so here’s what I did
that on my own so here’s what I did while I’m in for Galerie and Joliet
while I’m in for Galerie and Joliet
while I’m in for Galerie and Joliet Correctional Center and we’ve seen
Correctional Center and we’ve seen
Correctional Center and we’ve seen Joliet Correctional Center it’s kind of
Joliet Correctional Center it’s kind of
Joliet Correctional Center it’s kind of like where James or Jim Belushi and the
like where James or Jim Belushi and the
like where James or Jim Belushi and the Blues Brothers got their claim to fame
Blues Brothers got their claim to fame
Blues Brothers got their claim to fame right I was on for gallery in that
right I was on for gallery in that
right I was on for gallery in that particular space I started signing my
particular space I started signing my
particular space I started signing my name William Patterson PhD I was 18
name William Patterson PhD I was 18
name William Patterson PhD I was 18 right in that particular space I began
right in that particular space I began
right in that particular space I began thinking about that chaotic situation I
thinking about that chaotic situation I
thinking about that chaotic situation I was living with murderers I was living
was living with murderers I was living
was living with murderers I was living with gangbangers that was not my
with gangbangers that was not my
with gangbangers that was not my particular situation I was a ghetto
particular situation I was a ghetto
particular situation I was a ghetto genius
genius
genius and I was going to figure my way out of
and I was going to figure my way out of
and I was going to figure my way out of that particular situation so that’s what
that particular situation so that’s what
that particular situation so that’s what I did my wife who is my girlfriend back
I did my wife who is my girlfriend back
I did my wife who is my girlfriend back then still has my letters when I was
then still has my letters when I was
then still has my letters when I was signing my name William Paterson PhD and
signing my name William Paterson PhD and
signing my name William Paterson PhD and so I look back at that particular
so I look back at that particular
so I look back at that particular experience then I knew that there was
experience then I knew that there was
experience then I knew that there was something else waiting for me because
something else waiting for me because
something else waiting for me because these guys showed me something very
these guys showed me something very
these guys showed me something very different
different
different so y’all stand up a little bit stand up
so y’all stand up a little bit stand up
so y’all stand up a little bit stand up that up come on stand up put your hands
that up come on stand up put your hands
that up come on stand up put your hands together come on come on there we go
together come on come on there we go
together come on come on there we go right right okay they talking about it
right right okay they talking about it
right right okay they talking about it right people going right don’t ask me
right people going right don’t ask me
right people going right don’t ask me why right all we know it is like that
why right all we know it is like that
why right all we know it is like that just the weight it is right looking out
just the weight it is right looking out
just the weight it is right looking out there beat y’all keep it going come on
there beat y’all keep it going come on
there beat y’all keep it going come on now yeah I was test we had the Box
now yeah I was test we had the Box
now yeah I was test we had the Box rolling right yes
rolling right yes
rolling right yes like that and that’s the way it years
like that and that’s the way it years
like that and that’s the way it years huh all right let’s get Oh genius y’all
huh all right let’s get Oh genius y’all
huh all right let’s get Oh genius y’all oh I had that and I knew that was real
oh I had that and I knew that was real
oh I had that and I knew that was real right
right
right Run DMC came in they came in with that
Run DMC came in they came in with that
Run DMC came in they came in with that particular silent right and I knew that
particular silent right and I knew that
particular silent right and I knew that it was something special but I’ll still
it was something special but I’ll still
it was something special but I’ll still try to figure out how can I make this be
try to figure out how can I make this be
try to figure out how can I make this be part of my lived experience right I knew
part of my lived experience right I knew
part of my lived experience right I knew that I’ll steal I was coming out of
that I’ll steal I was coming out of
that I’ll steal I was coming out of prison and I had to do something about
prison and I had to do something about
prison and I had to do something about that right and ultimately it made me
that right and ultimately it made me
that right and ultimately it made me start thinking about another particular
start thinking about another particular
start thinking about another particular situation right then I had a particular
situation right then I had a particular
situation right then I had a particular responsibility right I’ll still a little
responsibility right I’ll still a little
responsibility right I’ll still a little ghetto boy I was still growing up in
ghetto boy I was still growing up in
ghetto boy I was still growing up in these ghetto streets around here I was
these ghetto streets around here I was
these ghetto streets around here I was feel marginalized right I still had to
feel marginalized right I still had to
feel marginalized right I still had to figure out how to take this ghetto
figure out how to take this ghetto
figure out how to take this ghetto genius of hip-hop claim it and make it
genius of hip-hop claim it and make it
genius of hip-hop claim it and make it my own right so I start thinking about
my own right so I start thinking about
my own right so I start thinking about ghetto genius and hip-hop I start
ghetto genius and hip-hop I start
ghetto genius and hip-hop I start pondering like dr. Dre was doing in this
pondering like dr. Dre was doing in this
pondering like dr. Dre was doing in this narrative right here right trying to
narrative right here right trying to
narrative right here right trying to figure out how to use juice we’re going
figure out how to use juice we’re going
figure out how to use juice we’re going to make sense to me in addy
to make sense to me in addy
to make sense to me in addy industrializing nation how it’s going to
industrializing nation how it’s going to
industrializing nation how it’s going to take to create the creativity of hip-hop
take to create the creativity of hip-hop
take to create the creativity of hip-hop to a just a chaotic situation of
to a just a chaotic situation of
to a just a chaotic situation of marginalized space how’s it going to
marginalized space how’s it going to
marginalized space how’s it going to take that cultural well that I knew
take that cultural well that I knew
take that cultural well that I knew existed that happened way before dr. Dre
existed that happened way before dr. Dre
existed that happened way before dr. Dre and I ever existed we had to take that
and I ever existed we had to take that
and I ever existed we had to take that and figure out how to say you know what
and figure out how to say you know what
and figure out how to say you know what these streets ain’t gonna eat me we’re
these streets ain’t gonna eat me we’re
these streets ain’t gonna eat me we’re going to take this thing to the next
going to take this thing to the next
going to take this thing to the next level make it B and make it do what it
level make it B and make it do what it
level make it B and make it do what it needs to do right we had to figure out
needs to do right we had to figure out
needs to do right we had to figure out right the technology is not going to
right the technology is not going to
right the technology is not going to happen based on the next big gadget or
happen based on the next big gadget or
happen based on the next big gadget or things like that the next big thing is a
things like that the next big thing is a
things like that the next big thing is a kid that recognizes how to take that
kid that recognizes how to take that
kid that recognizes how to take that moment right take that moment and
moment right take that moment and
moment right take that moment and iterate something new and something
iterate something new and something
iterate something new and something different because in a particularly of
different because in a particularly of
different because in a particularly of situation that’s the power and the
situation that’s the power and the
situation that’s the power and the spirit of ghetto genius right
spirit of ghetto genius right
spirit of ghetto genius right you take that creativity you take that
you take that creativity you take that
you take that creativity you take that that cultural wealth and you turned in
that cultural wealth and you turned in
that cultural wealth and you turned in something else
something else
something else you’ve come much bigger than that
you’ve come much bigger than that
you’ve come much bigger than that particular situation now what we knew
particular situation now what we knew
particular situation now what we knew also was that this is not something that
also was that this is not something that
also was that this is not something that just started with hip hop this actually
just started with hip hop this actually
just started with hip hop this actually goes back to a woman by the name of
goes back to a woman by the name of
goes back to a woman by the name of Sarah Breedlove who was actually one of
Sarah Breedlove who was actually one of
Sarah Breedlove who was actually one of the first self-made millionaires in this
the first self-made millionaires in this
the first self-made millionaires in this in this country the first female
in this country the first female
in this country the first female self-made millionaire right she
self-made millionaire right she
self-made millionaire right she understood that in her particular
understood that in her particular
understood that in her particular scenario hair care was an issue and she
scenario hair care was an issue and she
scenario hair care was an issue and she had a lived experience as a result of
had a lived experience as a result of
had a lived experience as a result of that right and she knew other women also
that right and she knew other women also
that right and she knew other women also in her community had that same
in her community had that same
in her community had that same particular situation right hair breakage
particular situation right hair breakage
particular situation right hair breakage she figured out concoction to to figure
she figured out concoction to to figure
she figured out concoction to to figure out how to repair that but she also
out how to repair that but she also
out how to repair that but she also created an education program to spread
created an education program to spread
created an education program to spread that knowledge that wealth her cultural
that knowledge that wealth her cultural
that knowledge that wealth her cultural wealth became so strong she changed her
wealth became so strong she changed her
wealth became so strong she changed her name from Sarah Breedlove to actually
name from Sarah Breedlove to actually
name from Sarah Breedlove to actually madam CJ Walker right and she built a
madam CJ Walker right and she built a
madam CJ Walker right and she built a company based on the Empire that
company based on the Empire that
company based on the Empire that particular ology and that particular
particular ology and that particular
particular ology and that particular wealth so it’s exciting when you started
wealth so it’s exciting when you started
wealth so it’s exciting when you started thinking about individuals like Candace
thinking about individuals like Candace
thinking about individuals like Candace Mitchell and Chanel Morton where they
Mitchell and Chanel Morton where they
Mitchell and Chanel Morton where they actually took that same spirit of madam
actually took that same spirit of madam
actually took that same spirit of madam CJ Walker and actually took their
CJ Walker and actually took their
CJ Walker and actually took their technical degrees today their computer
technical degrees today their computer
technical degrees today their computer engineering degrees and their chemistry
engineering degrees and their chemistry
engineering degrees and their chemistry degrees in creating a new company called
degrees in creating a new company called
degrees in creating a new company called texturize and building a country a
texturize and building a country a
texturize and building a country a company based on that cultural wealth
company based on that cultural wealth
company based on that cultural wealth that madame CJ Walker did and they also
that madame CJ Walker did and they also
that madame CJ Walker did and they also started their own education program
started their own education program
started their own education program called the sphere stem haircare Academy
called the sphere stem haircare Academy
called the sphere stem haircare Academy that’s exciting to me when you started
that’s exciting to me when you started
that’s exciting to me when you started talking about we’re going to teach young
talking about we’re going to teach young
talking about we’re going to teach young people technology through beauty so they
people technology through beauty so they
people technology through beauty so they took that lived experience they took
took that lived experience they took
took that lived experience they took that cultural well that ghetto genius of
that cultural well that ghetto genius of
that cultural well that ghetto genius of Sarah Breedlove right but as other
Sarah Breedlove right but as other
Sarah Breedlove right but as other individuals also like lo Jo right no
individuals also like lo Jo right no
individuals also like lo Jo right no Joel is an amazing ghetto genius right
Joel is an amazing ghetto genius right
Joel is an amazing ghetto genius right he’s the kid that was in the
he’s the kid that was in the
he’s the kid that was in the neighborhoods and every time you would
neighborhoods and every time you would
neighborhoods and every time you would see him he have a bike rim one minute
see him he have a bike rim one minute
see him he have a bike rim one minute didn’t you see him with a motorcycle
didn’t you see him with a motorcycle
didn’t you see him with a motorcycle battery of the next did he have a car
battery of the next did he have a car
battery of the next did he have a car steering wheel and Vincent’s her by the
steering wheel and Vincent’s her by the
steering wheel and Vincent’s her by the end of the day he’s taking a tandem bike
end of the day he’s taking a tandem bike
end of the day he’s taking a tandem bike and turned it into a limousine that
and turned it into a limousine that
and turned it into a limousine that actually had a key that had an alarm
actually had a key that had an alarm
actually had a key that had an alarm owner that worked that also had a sound
owner that worked that also had a sound
owner that worked that also had a sound system on it that bumped I’m like man
system on it that bumped I’m like man
system on it that bumped I’m like man how the hell did you do that right and
how the hell did you do that right and
how the hell did you do that right and we’re all talking about man he said man
we’re all talking about man he said man
we’re all talking about man he said man oh no that’s what I do like nah bro
oh no that’s what I do like nah bro
oh no that’s what I do like nah bro you’re a genius man but he’s right there
you’re a genius man but he’s right there
you’re a genius man but he’s right there in our mark my space he was a ghetto
in our mark my space he was a ghetto
in our mark my space he was a ghetto genius and he’s always been the
genius and he’s always been the
genius and he’s always been the inspiration of my work but he started
inspiration of my work but he started
inspiration of my work but he started doing something even more exciting to me
doing something even more exciting to me
doing something even more exciting to me here recently remember I talked about
here recently remember I talked about
here recently remember I talked about boom boxes well Joe being a hip hopper
boom boxes well Joe being a hip hopper
boom boxes well Joe being a hip hopper he now is making these boom boxes yeah
he now is making these boom boxes yeah
he now is making these boom boxes yeah man he said now I just found something
man he said now I just found something
man he said now I just found something neighborhoods made a boom box out of
neighborhoods made a boom box out of
neighborhoods made a boom box out of suitcase all right he’s a year and then
suitcase all right he’s a year and then
suitcase all right he’s a year and then I put some yard lights on it I got out
I put some yard lights on it I got out
I put some yard lights on it I got out the garbage can and made a solar power
I’m like man she I said would you stop
I’m like man she I said would you stop calling me with this stuff because you
calling me with this stuff because you
calling me with this stuff because you cracked every up and this is amazing
cracked every up and this is amazing
cracked every up and this is amazing he’s a year I’m gonna play for eight
he’s a year I’m gonna play for eight
he’s a year I’m gonna play for eight hours do I said okay Anna’s Bluetooth
hours do I said okay Anna’s Bluetooth
hours do I said okay Anna’s Bluetooth I’m like man so I’m like Joe I’m like
I’m like man so I’m like Joe I’m like
I’m like man so I’m like Joe I’m like man you’re amazing right and so in my
man you’re amazing right and so in my
man you’re amazing right and so in my class decoding dr. Dre it’s a Tech 398
class decoding dr. Dre it’s a Tech 398
class decoding dr. Dre it’s a Tech 398 chords I said you know I said this is
chords I said you know I said this is
chords I said you know I said this is inspiring I want to show my students
inspiring I want to show my students
inspiring I want to show my students this
this
this show exactly how you take this this
show exactly how you take this this
show exactly how you take this this cultural wealth is ghetto genius and how
cultural wealth is ghetto genius and how
cultural wealth is ghetto genius and how we can expand on that so I have
we can expand on that so I have
we can expand on that so I have individuals that are in my class that’s
individuals that are in my class that’s
individuals that are in my class that’s actually taking this technology and
actually taking this technology and
actually taking this technology and these Bluetooth boom boxes and building
these Bluetooth boom boxes and building
these Bluetooth boom boxes and building and building new technology and
and building new technology and
and building new technology and iterating their own ideas one kid in
iterating their own ideas one kid in
iterating their own ideas one kid in particular us at the forefront is Tim
particular us at the forefront is Tim
particular us at the forefront is Tim Kline Tim Kline had a boombox that he
Kline Tim Kline had a boombox that he
Kline Tim Kline had a boombox that he built he’s from the suburbs of Chicago
built he’s from the suburbs of Chicago
built he’s from the suburbs of Chicago and he was on the quiet one day so some
and he was on the quiet one day so some
and he was on the quiet one day so some of my students are out testing because
of my students are out testing because
of my students are out testing because not only were doing the boom boxes we’re
not only were doing the boom boxes we’re
not only were doing the boom boxes we’re also doing RC cars so they were out
also doing RC cars so they were out
also doing RC cars so they were out testing the cars and doing the boom
testing the cars and doing the boom
testing the cars and doing the boom boxes on the quad and it’s hey man you
boxes on the quad and it’s hey man you
boxes on the quad and it’s hey man you should come to class and bring your boom
should come to class and bring your boom
should come to class and bring your boom box to class so he brought his version
box to class so he brought his version
box to class so he brought his version of the boom box to class he saw the
of the boom box to class he saw the
of the boom box to class he saw the suitcase he started hanging out in class
suitcase he started hanging out in class
suitcase he started hanging out in class like he was out you taking a class he
like he was out you taking a class he
like he was out you taking a class he would even registered but here’s what’s
would even registered but here’s what’s
would even registered but here’s what’s exciting about that folks here’s what
exciting about that folks here’s what
exciting about that folks here’s what you have to remember geek ism is geek
you have to remember geek ism is geek
you have to remember geek ism is geek ism and it doesn’t matter where you’re
ism and it doesn’t matter where you’re
ism and it doesn’t matter where you’re from right it’s about where you had
from right it’s about where you had
from right it’s about where you had think about what dr. Dre and Jimmy
think about what dr. Dre and Jimmy
think about what dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine did right with Beats Audio gene
Iovine did right with Beats Audio gene
Iovine did right with Beats Audio gene I’ve even said he didn’t even like
I’ve even said he didn’t even like
I’ve even said he didn’t even like hip-hop right but he said when he heard
hip-hop right but he said when he heard
hip-hop right but he said when he heard how dr. Dre mix the chronic he said man
how dr. Dre mix the chronic he said man
how dr. Dre mix the chronic he said man I want to be done with you because I
I want to be done with you because I
I want to be done with you because I loved what you did and that mix Dre was
loved what you did and that mix Dre was
loved what you did and that mix Dre was standing on the cultural wealth of
standing on the cultural wealth of
standing on the cultural wealth of ghetto genius he knew the algorithms of
ghetto genius he knew the algorithms of
ghetto genius he knew the algorithms of sound based on those particular
sound based on those particular
sound based on those particular narratives he understood what Jam Master
narratives he understood what Jam Master
narratives he understood what Jam Master Jay was doing in Grandmaster Flash was
Jay was doing in Grandmaster Flash was
Jay was doing in Grandmaster Flash was doing so he knew what to do when it came
doing so he knew what to do when it came
doing so he knew what to do when it came down to mixing it up right so I want you
down to mixing it up right so I want you
down to mixing it up right so I want you to think about yourself being like that
to think about yourself being like that
to think about yourself being like that right I want you to think about how you
right I want you to think about how you
right I want you to think about how you could actually become and step into this
could actually become and step into this
could actually become and step into this live experience how you could actually
live experience how you could actually
live experience how you could actually tap into cultural wealth in spaces like
tap into cultural wealth in spaces like
tap into cultural wealth in spaces like Chicago State University who people talk
Chicago State University who people talk
Chicago State University who people talk about how they’re they’re actually
about how they’re they’re actually
about how they’re they’re actually struggling because their financial
struggling because their financial
struggling because their financial situations right but what Chicago State
situations right but what Chicago State
situations right but what Chicago State University has is tremendous cultural
University has is tremendous cultural
University has is tremendous cultural wealth right we have a project going on
wealth right we have a project going on
wealth right we have a project going on right now in my hip-hop informatics
right now in my hip-hop informatics
right now in my hip-hop informatics class that’s actually called Southside
class that’s actually called Southside
class that’s actually called Southside cool where we’re looking at the cool
cool where we’re looking at the cool
cool where we’re looking at the cool technology that’s based on the southside
technology that’s based on the southside
technology that’s based on the southside of Chicago and how we use a space and a
of Chicago and how we use a space and a
of Chicago and how we use a space and a place of Chicago State University to be
place of Chicago State University to be
place of Chicago State University to be that particular
that particular
that particular up for that content they have an archive
up for that content they have an archive
up for that content they have an archive over there they have amazing culture
over there they have amazing culture
over there they have amazing culture wealth from authors like LeBron Bennett
wealth from authors like LeBron Bennett
wealth from authors like LeBron Bennett jr. Gwendolyn Brooks but here’s
jr. Gwendolyn Brooks but here’s
jr. Gwendolyn Brooks but here’s something of the head they have the
something of the head they have the
something of the head they have the archive records of Provident Hospital
archive records of Provident Hospital
archive records of Provident Hospital the first african-american owned
the first african-american owned
the first african-american owned hospital in the US they had that content
hospital in the US they had that content
hospital in the US they had that content in their archives can you imagine what
in their archives can you imagine what
in their archives can you imagine what we could learn within the context of
we could learn within the context of
we could learn within the context of bioengineer medicine from those records
bioengineer medicine from those records
bioengineer medicine from those records we could make things happen with the
we could make things happen with the
we could make things happen with the most particular context think about the
most particular context think about the
most particular context think about the work of individuals like Michael Manson
work of individuals like Michael Manson
work of individuals like Michael Manson Michael Manson is a tremendous recording
Michael Manson is a tremendous recording
Michael Manson is a tremendous recording artists right he does the damn thing
artists right he does the damn thing
artists right he does the damn thing every day when we started looking at
every day when we started looking at
every day when we started looking at highs working with young people on the
highs working with young people on the
highs working with young people on the south side of Chicago and teaching them
south side of Chicago and teaching them
south side of Chicago and teaching them the musical legacies of the
the musical legacies of the
the musical legacies of the african-american experience here’s the
african-american experience here’s the
african-american experience here’s the cultural wealth that he has and being a
cultural wealth that he has and being a
cultural wealth that he has and being a ghetto jeans II didn’t even recognize
ghetto jeans II didn’t even recognize
ghetto jeans II didn’t even recognize and started talking to him about it
and started talking to him about it
and started talking to him about it Michael was also the music director for
Michael was also the music director for
Michael was also the music director for two music greats George Duke that just
two music greats George Duke that just
two music greats George Duke that just passed away and also Al Jarreau if you
passed away and also Al Jarreau if you
passed away and also Al Jarreau if you know that work George Duke is a jazz
know that work George Duke is a jazz
know that work George Duke is a jazz funk fusionist and Al Jarreau is a jazz
funk fusionist and Al Jarreau is a jazz
funk fusionist and Al Jarreau is a jazz R&B fusionist each one of them gave
R&B fusionist each one of them gave
R&B fusionist each one of them gave Michael particular responsibility in a
Michael particular responsibility in a
Michael particular responsibility in a message before they pass the way they
message before they pass the way they
message before they pass the way they said Michael George you said this you
said Michael George you said this you
said Michael George you said this you got to keep the funk alive Al Jarreau
got to keep the funk alive Al Jarreau
got to keep the funk alive Al Jarreau said Michael you got to keep the
said Michael you got to keep the
said Michael you got to keep the legacies alive
legacies alive
legacies alive so Michael now wants to build a stamp
so Michael now wants to build a stamp
so Michael now wants to build a stamp project based on those particular lived
project based on those particular lived
project based on those particular lived experience those particular narratives
experience those particular narratives
experience those particular narratives think about how we could build a
think about how we could build a
think about how we could build a cultural stem project within the context
cultural stem project within the context
cultural stem project within the context of ghetto jeans it helped Michael do
of ghetto jeans it helped Michael do
of ghetto jeans it helped Michael do that work to leverage that particular
that work to leverage that particular
that work to leverage that particular context to keep that narrative going and
context to keep that narrative going and
context to keep that narrative going and how that can be flipped think about the
how that can be flipped think about the
how that can be flipped think about the work the individual like chance the
work the individual like chance the
work the individual like chance the rapper is doing right now and how he’s
rapper is doing right now and how he’s
rapper is doing right now and how he’s changing the game right chance the
changing the game right chance the
changing the game right chance the rapper is dealing with the South Bronx
rapper is dealing with the South Bronx
rapper is dealing with the South Bronx was delivered back in the 70s
was delivered back in the 70s
was delivered back in the 70s underfunded educational programs what
underfunded educational programs what
underfunded educational programs what did he do with its own cultural wealth
did he do with its own cultural wealth
did he do with its own cultural wealth he gave a million dollars in Chicago
he gave a million dollars in Chicago
he gave a million dollars in Chicago Public Schools did he not right give it
Public Schools did he not right give it
Public Schools did he not right give it up you got to give it up to him that’s
up you got to give it up to him that’s
up you got to give it up to him that’s real right
real right
real right right his cultural wealth is so strong
right his cultural wealth is so strong
right his cultural wealth is so strong right that now the Chicago bills gate
right that now the Chicago bills gate
right that now the Chicago bills gate the Bulls gave a million dollars also
the Bulls gave a million dollars also
the Bulls gave a million dollars also now that’s power that’s ghetto genius
now that’s power that’s ghetto genius
now that’s power that’s ghetto genius that’s the cultural wealth of the ghetto
that’s the cultural wealth of the ghetto
that’s the cultural wealth of the ghetto genius pyridine right so I want you to
genius pyridine right so I want you to
genius pyridine right so I want you to think about a couple things how you can
think about a couple things how you can
think about a couple things how you can also become a visionary like I did in
also become a visionary like I did in
also become a visionary like I did in terms of being a connected yeah I like
terms of being a connected yeah I like
terms of being a connected yeah I like an avatar don’t you right I’m like this
an avatar don’t you right I’m like this
an avatar don’t you right I’m like this is black professor X you feel me cuz I’m
is black professor X you feel me cuz I’m
is black professor X you feel me cuz I’m looking for to get oh geez like and fine
looking for to get oh geez like and fine
looking for to get oh geez like and fine right
right
right I’m the connector man hey I see it I
I’m the connector man hey I see it I
I’m the connector man hey I see it I talk to folks all the time about your
talk to folks all the time about your
talk to folks all the time about your cultural wealth and how we can leverage
cultural wealth and how we can leverage
cultural wealth and how we can leverage that right I want you to think about how
that right I want you to think about how
that right I want you to think about how you take the skillsets that you have and
you take the skillsets that you have and
you take the skillsets that you have and you work with folks like chance to
you work with folks like chance to
you work with folks like chance to rapper and help them figure out what to
rapper and help them figure out what to
rapper and help them figure out what to do with Chicago Public Schools and
do with Chicago Public Schools and
do with Chicago Public Schools and after-school programs I want you to
after-school programs I want you to
after-school programs I want you to connect with me when you think about how
connect with me when you think about how
connect with me when you think about how we could take what’s happening in the
we could take what’s happening in the
we could take what’s happening in the Boys and Girls Clubs and be carted
Boys and Girls Clubs and be carted
Boys and Girls Clubs and be carted become part of the culture world that’s
become part of the culture world that’s
become part of the culture world that’s happening at the Boys and Girls Club I
happening at the Boys and Girls Club I
happening at the Boys and Girls Club I want you to be intentional and be
want you to be intentional and be
want you to be intentional and be inspired by projects like Southside cool
inspired by projects like Southside cool
inspired by projects like Southside cool that we’re doing in our hip-hop
that we’re doing in our hip-hop
that we’re doing in our hip-hop informatics class the things that we’re
informatics class the things that we’re
informatics class the things that we’re doing right here right now at the U of I
doing right here right now at the U of I
doing right here right now at the U of I I want you to think about the South
I want you to think about the South
I want you to think about the South Bronx I want you to think about what
Bronx I want you to think about what
Bronx I want you to think about what they did I want you to think about the
they did I want you to think about the
they did I want you to think about the culture they created because of those
culture they created because of those
culture they created because of those policies that were poor they didn’t give
policies that were poor they didn’t give
policies that were poor they didn’t give a damn about them I want you to think
a damn about them I want you to think
a damn about them I want you to think about the cultural wealth of hip-hop I
about the cultural wealth of hip-hop I
about the cultural wealth of hip-hop I want you to think about how dr. Dre sold
want you to think about how dr. Dre sold
want you to think about how dr. Dre sold that company for three billion dollars
that company for three billion dollars
that company for three billion dollars and it keeps changing the game right I
and it keeps changing the game right I
and it keeps changing the game right I want you to think about how we make a
want you to think about how we make a
want you to think about how we make a ghetto genius universe and how you
ghetto genius universe and how you
ghetto genius universe and how you become a connector within it all right
become a connector within it all right
become a connector within it all right I’m doctor will Patterson I’m gonna
I’m doctor will Patterson I’m gonna
I’m doctor will Patterson I’m gonna connect in the ghetto Jews in the bed
connect in the ghetto Jews in the bed
connect in the ghetto Jews in the bed [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] [Music]
[Music]
[Music] you
”
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