Description: The stories told through Hip Hop’s musical artists are unique when looked at through an African lens. This episode of Continental Cadences explores why African Hip Hop “hits different” by examining aspects of the genre’s complex versions of identity and how they are portrayed through the musical artists performances. The goal of this podcast episode is to break down three main points that are used as mediums to interpret African Identity: use of indigenous languages, aesthetics, and political framing, which all contribute to African artists self expression and cultural understanding. We explore how language is used as a compass where indigenous African languages speak to an artist’s origins as they use their rap medium to tell their audience something. Artists aesthetics move beyond the “poor and sickness ridden” misconceptions placed upon Africa, giving artists an opportunity to represent their livelihoods through visual narratives of African life. Lastly, artistic political framing responds to African artists’ relationships with their home countries’ political system and how that affects them. Through this conversation Diandra, Abiba, and Aardashini, stimulate conversation around how audience members are brought into the world of African artists through these points which bring their identities to the forefront. With the art created by African Hip Hop artists being outstanding in the field of music, their work leaves viewers astonished and inspired to learn more.