Michael Eric Dyson

Bestselling author, professor of sociology at Georgetown University, and a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times.

Michael Eric Dyson, named by Ebony as one of the hundred most influential black Americans, is the author of sixteen books, including Holler if You Hear Me, Is Bill Cosby Right? and I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr. He is currently University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University. He lives in Washington, D.C.

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Philosopher's Notes on Michael Eric Dyson's Books

LockedPhilosopher's Notes

JAY-Z

by Michael Eric Dyson

Michael Eric Dyson is one of America’s premier public intellectuals and the author of a number of New York Times bestselling books. He’s also an ordained Baptist minister who got a Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton. And, he is a Professor of Sociology at Georgetown where he’s taught classes on “the fusion of politics, hip-hop and race relations” including “Sociology of Hip-Hop.” He’s also been teaching classes on JAY-Z and his poetry for years. I really enjoyed the book for a number of reasons. First, Michael is a brilliant, captivating writer. Second, JAY-Z is an equally brilliant, captivating subject for Michael’s analysis. And, finally, as a white man trying to open my eyes to the realities of the racial issues in our culture, I found this book to be a perfect opportunity to deepen my perspective while appreciating two genius artists at work. If that sounds like fun, I think you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did.

Quotes by Michael Eric Dyson

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Jay is teaching in a lot bigger classroom than I’ll ever teach in . . . For a young person growing up he’s the guy to learn from.

Michael Eric Dyson

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Jay loses none of his sophistication in his strategy to say smart things in an accessible fashion. He layers his lyrics with multiple meanings: he waxes philosophical and poetic while keeping the party lights on.

Michael Eric Dyson