Hip-hop is a truly African-American art form in every sense of the phrase. Multiple decades after its development into the genre that we recognize it as today, hip-hop firmly remains a fundamental and unique element of African-American culture that has experienced international presence and regard. As a direct result of deep involvement with African-American culture, hip-hop is uniquely placed as a tool for developing rich, critical understandings of an array of complex social issues. Through thoughtful inclusion and the music classroom, the lyrics, culture, and history of hip-hop can be taught in a manner that augments education, particularly in areas relating to race, gender, and class in society.