Hip-Hop

<p>Ice-T not only invented gangster rap, he lived it. He is the embodiment of LA Hip-Hop, an actor, and a cultural icon. </p>

<p>Through his music, his books, and his lecture tours of America’s prisons, high schools, libraries, and colleges (including Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford), Ice-T has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color. </p>

<p>Damon Young is a writer, critic, and satirist.

<p>Chosen by Oprah&#39;s O Magazine as one of 20 women on the first "O Power List," Mayda del Valle has been described by the Chicago Sun-Times as having, "a way with words." Indeed, the powerhouse performance poet does.</p>

<p>One of hip-hop’s most respected artists, Che "Rhymefest" Kweku delivers powerful insight on healing divides, finding your purpose, and empowering communities through the arts.</p><p>Rhymefest is a writer, artist, activist and teacher known for shattering negative stereotypes about hip-hop and establishing himself as a positive role model for underprivileged youth.

Dr. Zubin Damania (AKA ZDogg, M.D.) is the internist and founder of Turntable Health, an innovative healthcare startup that’s part of an ambitious urban revitalization movement spearheaded by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh. Apart from writing, performing, and producing award-winning medical rap videos that educate and entertain, Dr. Damania is a highly sought-after thought leader and healthcare speaker with whose keynotes are customized to the specialized interests of his audience. Dr.

<p>Dr. Joan Morgan is an award-winning journalist and author, and a provocative cultural critic. Morgan&#39;s passion and commitment to the accurate documentation of hip-hop culture combined with adept cultural criticism placed her at the forefront of music journalism.</p><p>She was one of the original staff writers at <i>Vibe</i> magazine and a contributing editor and columnist for<i> Spin</i>.

<p>Jay Smooth enlightens with poignant observations about music, race, politics and other important cultural and social issues, while promoting the importance of mutual respect.</p><p>As the former host of <i>The Underground Railroad</i>, New York City’s longest-running hip-hop radio program and the popular video blog, <i>The Ill Doctrine</i>, Jay has established himself as a unique and leading voice at the nexus of sociopolitical issues who brings a singular perspective on society and culture.</p><p>Through thoughtful examination, Jay m

<p>Michael Render aka Killer Mike - a nickname he received for &#39;killing the microphone&#39; - is a Grammy award-winning rapper and actor who is making waves in the political arena for his gripping commentary on ongoing social issues confronting America.