"What?" In-Class Writing Prompt

Hip-Hop's Socratic Method

Introduction: Are you too young to dig A Tribe Called Quest? Even if you are too young, you should probably dig them if you think you like modern hip-hop--and especially if you don't like hip-hop. Maybe you will now? Tribe is one of those groups on which people like to bestow the covetous title of "pioneer."


Let's get your creative brain juices flowing a bit. One of my favorite Tribe tunes is called "What?" It features a list of questions that ask what certain things would be without one of its integral parts. Sometimes, the questions are humorous, sometimes they have to do with social/political issues.

Read the lyrics while we listen. Don't feel bad for not knowing some of Q-Tip's references. I don't know all of them, mostly because Tribe is pretty old, and I'm not really as hip as I like to pretend. Don't look so shocked. You should get the general idea even if you don't know what the hell he's talking about.

I'd like you to come up with a long list of what-questions similar to those that Q-Tip asks. But make them your questions. I want your personality to shine through your questions, just like Q-Tips does through his. Try to balance the light and heavy questions like he does. You don't have to try to make them rhyme if you don't want to--but, man, will I be impressed if you turn out some dope verses! If you need a beat, raise your hand. I'll come over lay down some phat beats.

You might be surprised how trying to rhyme might lead you to questions you never thought you'd come up with. If you're feeling courageous, come up with one question, then think of a word that would rhyme with the last word in the previous sentence. Then think up a question that fits it. You might find it a lot easier to come up with questions when limiting the focus. I like how the second question of each couplet seems to answer the first. I can't wait to hear/read what you came up with, my smart, funny students about whom I brag.

Here are some what-questions I came up with:

What are the Wild without Wes Walz?
What is an MC without yes-y'alls?
What is Encrimson'd without angry peasants?
What is Xmas morning when you got no presents?

What is grading papers without a red pen?
What is Luke Skywalker without old Ben?
What is a what-question without the curly mark?
What is Indy Jones when he's found the missing ark?

What is Mario when he's not Kartin' on Nintendo?
What is Snoop Dogg when he's not smokin' that endo?
What is Dave Chapelle without Tyrone's ashy lips?
What is drinkin' Crys without drinkin' piss?

Make Mother Proud

PS: For my lovely students who aren't necessarily into hip nor hop, I apologize. I know a lot of the prompts have been hip-hop related. Trust me, I listen to more music, and I'm working on working it all in somehow.

Mace...out