Hotep is a multidisciplinary artist and educator who has devoted his life to raising strong children and helping others do the same. He is a former kindergarten teacher turned children’s content creator, author and fatherhood advocate. In 2022 he is adding ‘professional recording artist’ to that impressive resume.
As is the case in all of his creative work, Hotep approaches his music with the intent to both entertain and educate. He started writing songs after the birth of his first child three years ago. Working with his friend and producer Garris, the talented teacher took to the mic to drop knowledge for a new generation.
“Ode to Hip-hop” is the debut single from Hotep and Garris, released worldwide via all major streaming services on November 7, 2022. As the title suggests, the track is shout-out to the legends of rap. Over a classic, old-school 808 beat, the rapper delivers a spoken word anthem of hip-hop history.
We follow the story of rap from the earliest days when Marlley Marl was spinning discs for the five boroughs, through the ‘golden age’ of PE and BDP, and into the modern era and reign of the Carters. Hotep addresses his son throughout the narrative. He delivers his history lesson with an emphasis on social consciousness as Garris intersperses the verses with a fun hook built on the ‘This Old Man’ nursery rhyme.
Check out the fun animated “Ode to Hip-hop” video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Beat playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Hotep.