Remembering Marcyliena H. Morgan: A Trailblazer in Hip Hop Academia
Marcyliena H. Morgan, a pioneering figure in the study of hip hop as high art, passed away on September 28 at the age of 75 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her contributions to the field of linguistics and anthropology extended far beyond academia; she redefined the cultural significance of hip hop, advocating for its legitimacy within elite educational circles.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on May 8, 1950, in Chicago’s South Side, Morgan grew up in a vibrant, musical environment, alongside her five sisters. Her father, Henry Morgan, was a union organizer for telephone workers, while her mother, Juliette, managed a city data center. This background instilled in her a profound understanding of social justice and community engagement.
Morgan pursued her undergraduate studies in communications anthropology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1972. She continued her academic journey, obtaining her master’s degrees from the University of Illinois in 1973 and the University of Essex in 1978, ultimately earning her doctorate in anthropological linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989.
The Genesis of Her Interest in Hip Hop
Morgan’s curiosity about hip hop blossomed during her time as an assistant professor at UCLA in the late 1980s. Witnessing the rise of the genre, she became captivated by the intricate lyricism and cultural narratives embedded within its verses.
“I immediately noticed how the people rhymed, what kinds of words and expressions they created,” she shared in a 2018 PBS interview. Many, she observed, dismissed hip hop as mere bad grammar, failing to recognize its innovative linguistic play. Through her eyes, artists transformed language into art, with phrases like “woke” illustrating their creativity and cultural commentary.
Advocating for Hip Hop in Academia
Morgan’s unwavering belief in hip hop’s significance led her to engage with respected African-American studies scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. in the 1990s. Initially skeptical, Gates regarded the genre as a fleeting trend. However, Morgan’s conviction about hip hop’s enduring impact prompted her to advocate for its inclusion in institutional studies.
“Marcy said, no, no, you’re an idiot. Hip-hop is here to stay. It’s a phenomenon,” Gates recalled, acknowledging her persuasive insight.
Establishing the Hip Hop Archive & Research Institute
In 2002, Morgan established the Hip Hop Archive & Research Institute at Harvard University, marking it as the first of its kind globally. The archive houses an extensive collection of classic hip hop albums, posters, magazines, and memorabilia, acting as a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Morgan’s commitment to the genre extended to highlighting female representation, showcasing artists such as Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, and TLC. Her work aimed not only to elevate hip hop as an academic discipline but also to ensure that the contributions of women in the genre were recognized and celebrated.
Influence and Legacy
Morgan’s influence reached beyond Harvard, inspiring institutions like Cornell University and Georgia State University to establish similar hip hop archives. Her persistent advocacy has reshaped how academic institutions perceive and study hip hop, compelling them to analyze its cultural impact and significance.
A testament to her legacy, hip hop artists like Flavor Flav have honored her contributions. In 2023, he visited Harvard to donate one of his iconic clock chains, a symbolic nod to the legacy of hip hop that Morgan so passionately championed.
Morgan’s work has indelibly shaped the landscape of hip hop studies, allowing future generations to appreciate the genre not only as entertainment but as a vital form of artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Through her dedication and vision, she has opened doors for scholars to explore, celebrate, and elevate the stories embedded within hip hop culture.