“Hip Hop’s Cypher: The African Diasporic origins of Rap”, is the title of the presentation being made by Walter Lee Sistrunk, a PhD Candidate in African America and African Studies Program at Michigan State University. His presentation is part of the first seminar for the 2007/8 academic year being hosted by the Reggae Studies Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The seminar takes place on Thursday, August 16 at the Graduate Conference Room at 12:30 pm.

The presentation will explore linguistic and cultural origins of rap, one of Hip Hop’s five elements in aim to dispel the notion that hip hop is simply American derived.

Admission is free and refreshment will be served. For additional information and to confirm attendance at the seminar, please contact Andrea Todd by telephone at 977-1951; 512-3228; fax: 977-3430; or e-mail: reggae.studies@uwimona.edu.jm or Kam-Au Amen at 409-9872.