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what were About: Integral hiphop
Hiphop Alive is dedicated to exploring the full depth and transformative potential of Hiphop culture. It recognizes Hiphop as more than a collection of external forms—beats, rhymes, and commercial achievements—but as a dynamic living ecology that includes the inner dimensions of personal growth, spiritual insight, and moral evolution. Through Integral Hiphop, we weave together the craft, culture, consciousness, and community of Hiphop to uncover its potential as a path for healing, self-discovery, and collective awakening. By integrating contemplative traditions, integral philosophy, and artistic expression, Hiphop Alive seeks to honor the roots of Hiphop while expanding its capacity to inspire deeper understanding, connection, and enlightenment. This is not just about creating music or movement; it is about using Hiphop as a portal to human flourishing and a catalyst for a more compassionate and conscious world. To actualize this philosophy Integral Hiphop was born.
Justin F. Miles LCPC-S LGADC-S pioneered Integral Hiphop starting in 2000. Through years of studying and applying Integral Theory, engaging in experimentation, and conducting in-depth interviews with some of Hiphop’s most respected legends, Justin developed the foundational principles and practices that define Integral Hiphop today. His work laid the groundwork for a new era in Hiphop culture—one that fully embraces both the artistry and the underlying human dimensions that make Hiphop a powerful engine for cultural evolution and profound inner change.
Integral Hiphop is an approach to Hiphop that embraces its full spectrum—its outer forms (crafts like emceeing, DJing, production, dance, and graffiti) and its inner dimensions (personal growth, emotional intelligence, spiritual insight, and moral evolution). It views Hiphop as a living ecology of interconnected expressions, cultures, and experiences, integrating artistic practice with contemplative traditions and Integral Theory to unlock its potential as a transformative path for self-discovery, collective healing, and human flourishing.
We utilize Integral Theory with Hiphop because it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and engaging with Hiphop’s multidimensional nature. While most discussions focus on its outer forms—technical skill, cultural artifacts, and commercial success—Integral Theory helps us delve into the inner landscapes of creativity, identity, and human potential. By integrating perspectives across consciousness, culture, systems, and self, we honor Hiphop’s roots while expanding its role as a vehicle for personal growth, community building, and global transformation. This approach ensures that Hiphop remains not just an art form, but a dynamic force for awakening and elevating the human experience.HIPHOP ALIVE: Vision
HipHop Alive envisions a world where the transformative power of Hiphop culture is fully harnessed to foster integrated development in individuals and communities, bridging cultural, social, and personal divides through an integral approach that respects and integrates diverse perspectives and experiences.
Hiphop alive: Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower individuals, families and communities through a Hiphop-centered human service program that utilizes Western and Eastern ancient and modern philosophies. We aim to facilitate comprehensive development across social, cultural, behavioral, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, promoting well-being, creativity, and effective community engagement.
HipHop Alive: goals
1. Cultural Integration: To use Hiphop as a tool to celebrate and integrate diverse cultural identities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among participants.
2. Social Development: To enhance social skills and community engagement through collaborative Hiphop projects that encourage teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
3. Behavioral Growth: To promote positive behavioral changes by providing a creative outlet for expression and a platform for addressing personal and community issues through Hiphop.
4. Psychological Support: To support mental health by using Hiphop as a therapeutic tool, helping participants to express themselves and process their experiences in a supportive environment.
5. Spiritual Exploration: To explore spiritual dimensions within Hiphop culture, encouraging participants to connect with deeper aspects of self, community and nature through the 4 elements and reflection.
Interventions of HipHop Alive
1. Workshops and Seminars: Implementing workshops that teach the elements of hip-hop (MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti) integrated with discussions on personal development, cultural history, and social responsibility.
2. Therapeutic Hiphop Sessions: Facilitating group and individual sessions where participants create and share their own content, guided by trained therapists who help them use the medium to explore and address personal challenges.
3. Community Hiphop Events: Organizing community events and performances that showcase the talents and progress of participants, fostering community bonds and wider cultural appreciation.
4. Integral Life Practice Groups: Small group sessions that focus on applying meta theory to personal life challenges, using Hiphop as a medium to explore and integrate various aspects of life and personal growth.
5. Mentorship Programs: Pairing young participants with experienced practitioners in the fields of Hiphop, psychology, and social work, providing role models and guidance for personal and professional development.
6. Research and Development: Continuously researching the relationship between behavioral health, science, technology, spirituality, psychology and Hiphop and developing interventions based on findings to enhance effectiveness.
7. Publications: Writing to share our findings with the world with the aim of improving the quality of inner and outer life for all beings.