Want to know what makes rap matter, and why, to so many people all over the world? Then book Martin Connor as a guest speaker for your next conference, venue, or event! Please watch either the first short ad below, or the second longer sample video, in order to get a quick idea of the excitement and energy he’ll bring to your next conference. Then, please use the contact form at the end of this page to get in touch. Thank you!
Watch the short video above to learn how Martin’s knowledge of rap and its reasons for mainstream domination can make your next keynote speaker slot really shine!
Lecture Description:
In April 2018, hip hop scholar Martin Connor and his performing ensemble were invited to give a dual concert–lecture at Brandeis University to celebrate the school’s annual Festival of the Arts. He performed an interactive medley of two Chance The Rapper and Kanye West songs, while also taking time for a back-and-forth with the audience to explain how these song’s lively musical building blocks makes their popularity pretty much irresistible. This engaging live format was based around the 3 Vox Media videos he’s done with Emmy-nominated producer Estelle Caswell, which have so far garnered over 11 million online views.
Martin has given many of these award-winning lectures before, both at prestigious colleges like Harvard and Duke, and at innovative companies like Harmonix Game Studios. His own academic research has appeared at the University of Colorado, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Chicago. His music journalism has been featured on well-known outlets like BET, MTV, XXL, The Source, and HipHopDX. For these talks, Martin also draws on material from his recent book, “The Musical Artistry of Rap” (McFarland Press, 2018.) Whether he is speaking, writing, researching, or performing, the incredible creativity of rapping musicians is his indisputable conclusion that finally updates the current conversation around our era’s most popular genre. By virtue of his ability to explain what makes rap matter, and why, to any audience, he is sure to be a welcome addition to any event or venue’s roster of invited guests.
Martin’s booking agent, Danya Rubin, may be contacted for immediate scheduling with the following messaging form: