Ep 1. Why Rap Is Not a Sport

Memory Hole is a television show that examines the way that media shapes our understanding of events and issues. Using a mix of archival footage and interviews, each episode explores a particular topic and the ways in which it has been covered throughout history.

In the first episode of the show's first season, titled "Why Rap Is Not a Sport," host John Wilson takes a look at the way that hip-hop music has been categorized and treated by the media. Despite its popularity and cultural significance, many people have argued that rap should not be considered a sport.

Over the course of the episode, Wilson shows clips of news reports and talk shows where various experts and critics have debated whether or not rap is a sport. Some argue that it requires a great deal of physical and mental endurance to rap and perform on stage, while others maintain that it is fundamentally different from athletic pursuits like basketball or football.

Wilson interviews musicians and fans of rap music, as well as journalists and scholars who have studied hip hop culture. Through these conversations, the show explores the various reasons why rap has been excluded from the category of sports, including racism and the perception that it is not a legitimate form of artistic expression.

Throughout the episode, Wilson also inserts clips of notable rap performances and videos, highlighting the skill and creativity involved in the genre. By doing so, he challenges the notion that rap is not a legitimate pursuit, and argues that it deserves to be taken seriously as an art form on its own terms.

Overall, "Why Rap Is Not a Sport" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode of Memory Hole that raises important questions about the way that media categorizes and frames cultural phenomena. Whether or not you agree that rap should be considered a sport, the episode is sure to spark lively debate and discussion.