About the Journal of Hip-Hop

JoHH - Frequently Asked Questions
Founded in April 2004, The Journal of Hip-Hop presents an opportunity for writers (graphic and text), poets and artists, to critically dialogue on Hip-Hop culture. Here you can find answers to some of our more frequently asked questions including information about our history, our founding staff, and how you can help!

Members of the Hip-hop Matters/journal of hip-hop team have provided answers to some of our more commonly asked questions. Use the menu below to view

FAQ Submission Process? No Category Submission? Our 'tagline' Who Funds JoHH? People behind JoHH Our target audience? Our illustrators and design? How you can help?

 

What is the submission process?
The Journal of Hip-Hop accepts submissions via its website - www.journalofhiphop.org.
JoHH will accept articles up to 3000 words, essays up to 1000 words, poetry, and art work for a quarterly publication. Submissions will undergo a double blind review process with comments returned regardless of review decision.
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What if I have a poem or essay which does not fit a specific theme?
The Journal of Hip-Hop is one-third of the educational publications of Hip-Hop Matters. Urban Scholars, is an online e-zone which shares the thoughts and strategies of youth and young adults on education and other issues impacting urban America. Essays, poetry, illustrations or personal narrative may be submitted online at www.urbanscholars.org.

Finally, JoHH lesson plans and the knowledge base greatly benefit by the submissions. Well written essays may be developed into lesson plans and used in the classroom.
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Explain your tagline: 'all we peddle is knowledge'
The tagline for the Journal is 'all we peddle is knowledge.' The 'commercialization' of Hip-Hop culture has left little room for provocative, introspective analysis of Hip-Hop. JoHH provides a landscape for critical thought on Hip-Hop by people who care about Hip-Hop. Published by Hip-Hop Matters, a non-profit entity, it is our intention for JoHH be the premier academic publication on Hip-Hop culture.
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Who funds the Journal of Hip-Hop?
We're really looking forward to change this answer, but for now, it falls on us. 90% of the Journal is done by volunteers. The printing, marketing, technology (computers, software etc), travel (YES everything) have been self-financed. Our collective love of Hip-Hop makes this possible.
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Who are the people behind the Journal of Hip-Hop?
Dru Ryan is the editor in chief. Ryan, a former researcher for NASA and the FAA, used his corporate experience to be the project manager and editor in chief of the Journal of Hip-Hop. Ryan has taught courses on Hip-Hop since 2001 at George Mason University and since 2005 at the University of the District of Columbia.

Akil Kennedy was executive editor for issue 1. Kennedy is a high school teacher in Washington DC. Kennedy was the sports editor for the Hamton Script while an undergraduate at Hampton University. Kennedy has taught social studies in New York City high schools for 4 years before moving to DC in 2005. Kennedy and Dru Ryan grew up together in the Bronx.

Jeff Tate is the managing editor for the Journal of Hip-Hop. From Chicago, Tate met Dru Ryan through a course at George Mason University. Jeff handles much of the distribution activities for the Journal as well as the music research for journal articles.

There are a rack of other people involved. Check out our bios homepage for more info.
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What is your target audience?
JoHH envisions its target audience ranging from a mature high school student to a gracefully aging Hip-Hop head. While most popular Hip-Hop is marketed towards 'tweens' (teen and twenty-somethings, JoHH attempts to fill the space for Hip-Hop journalism without sensationalism. Our ultimate objective is to open a space where the Journal of Hip-Hop can be integrated into school curriculums nationwide as a tool to improve literacy in America.
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Who does the artwork and layout?
Kirian Vilalta is responsible for the graphic layout of the Journal. Kirian's graphic design skills provide the Journal with the quality layout which fit the high standards we hold ourselves to. Kirian and Jeff Tate are the proud parents of of baby girl.

Akiekan Udofia is responsible for the cover art for the Journal of Hip-Hop. Aniekan's work has featured in various Hip-Hop publications as well as murals throughout Washington DC. Dru Ryan and Aniekan met each other on the basketball courts of Washington DC in 1998.

Fritz Doseau was the artist behind Tru School, the comic strip which was part of issue 1. Fritz, of Haitian dissent, lives in Brooklyn and has known Dru Ryan since 1983.
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How can I be of help?
Currently, our greatest need is in grant writing and fundraising. In kind donations (especially for printing/copying) are also accepted. Please contact 866 HH MATTERS or Q and A
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