When rap meets science

I love modern rap! The Streets, Tinchey Strider and Dizzee Rascal wrote some of my favourite songs in the past few years. When I got an email this morning describing a competition taking place for this year’s Science Week, I had to blog about it straight away! Ever wonder what happens when rap meets science? Enter Science Raps! This is the brainchild of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre in UCC and is in its third year.

The great thing about this competition is that it is open to both secondary and third level students. There are two categories: 16 years and under as well as 17 years and older. Students are required to compose, perform and video their raps so musical scientists will be in their element (cue Chemistry pun). With Halloween breaks and reading weeks coming up, there’s no better time to get the video camera out.

This year’s theme, “The Chemistry of Life” is very appropriate given it is the International Year of Chemistry. Previous winners can be found on the Pharmabiotic’s You Tube Channel. Last year’s theme was ‘Our place in space’ and the winner of the over 17s category was E=MC Rory. Here’s his winning video and a taste of his lyrics:

“Yo! Beginning to blast off at high-speed to outer space. Gravitational force pulling the structure of your face…. Flying past satellites in the atmosphere as they beam down the signal to Earth loud and clear. Severe is the word that best describes our career. As an astronaut you have to be brave with no fear…. The beat that you’re hearing can’t be heard in space as it’s a vacuum that sucks up any musical trace.”

2011 Science Raps competition:

Theme: The Chemistry of Life

Closing date: Tuesday, November 8th 2011.

Details: To enter the competition students (2nd and 3rd level) need to compose, perform and video a rap on the “Chemistry of Life” taking inspiration from everyday life – from lifesaving medication to microchips in our mobile phones, from the beauty products we use to the food and water we consume. To enter students need to simply video their own Science Rap, upload on YouTube and send the link with a completed application form to apc@ucc.ie.

Prizes: An iPad or iPod are on offer for the 2 categories: 16 years and under and 17 years and over.

CONGRATS TO 2011 WINNERS!!

Updated 14 November 2011

1st place (Senior Category):

James Carr (vocals), Eoghan Calnan (production and editing) from Colaiste on Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown (Cork) , with additional support from actors: Luke Delaney, James Meeke, David O’Neill and John Spillane: