Translating HipHop

by Detlef Diederichsen

"This common "language" has given rise to a virtual "Hip Hop nation". At the same time, local scenes have developed completely different styles, slangs and codes, which in turn require translation. This is where Translating Hip Hop comes in: it celebrates Hip Hop and translation in the same measure. MCs from Bogotá, Beirut, Nairobi, Berlin and Manila have been working together on Rap translations into their respective languages since February 2011, taking part, among other things, in workshops in all four cities. In two concert evenings during the festival, they present their Babylonian...