Building Block Blurbs

Hip-hop around the world

While the street-inspired genre might dominate pop culture in the U.S., elsewhere hip-hop serves as political protest. According to the New York Times, Senegalese rappers Fou Malade ("Crazy Sick Guy") and Thiat ("Junior") are at the forefront of revolts against the country's president, Abdoulaye Wade. Aside from the blunt criticism in their lyrics, the two rappers have led rallies in the streets of the African nation and "served as martyrs for the anti-government cause." They target the greed of Wade, who enjoys a $27 million monumental statue and presidential plane while the rest of the country remains poor, according to the Times.

Music on campus

Students can also look forward to classical music on campus. The School of Music at USF will welcome Grammy-nominated guest artist Rhonda Rider, who plays cello, Sept. 21. Rider, who received her Masters of Music from Yale School of Music, will perform in the Barness Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8-12 in advance and $10-15 the day of the performance.