Old School Vs. New School

In this episode of Sounds and Scholarship, host Celina Glenn sits down with Howard student artist Mike, also known as MJB The Prodigy, to explore the ongoing conversation of Old School vs. New School hip-hop. Together, they break down the defining traits of each era, from lyrical depth and production styles to evolving themes of Black empowerment, protest, and social justice. Mike shares his personal take on how the genre has shifted, what today’s artists can learn from the pioneers, and which musicians truly bridge the generational gap. Plus, they wrap up with a fun game of “First to Come to Mind,” testing his hip-hop instincts in real time. It’s a thoughtful, energetic look at the culture’s past, present, and futureball from a Howard student’s perspective at the center of hip-hop’s academic evolution.