Princeton scholar Dr. Cornel West, well known for his work on race in America, will be dropping a "hip-hop influenced album" on June 19.
''"This isn'''t commentary on hip-hop. And I'''m not coming in as a hip-hop scholar or critic,''" Dr. West says. ''"This is an attempt to go back to hip-hop'''s prophetic roots, which are about truth-telling, exposing lies and having fun. It'''s what I call a danceable education or a singing paideia, the Greek word for deep education.''"
The record will feature Prince, Andre 3000, Killer Mike, Rhymefest, and KRS-One among others. Lupe Fiasco won't be on there, but West says he's a fan of Lupe's, too. "Oh, lord, he'''s a free, young brother who honestly speaks his mind. That brother hits American terrorism, the American empire and still talks about his skateboard."
Tracklist after the jump.
[Edutainment: Dr. Cornel West Works on Hip-Hop Album]

''"Bushanomics,''" featuring Talib Kweli
''"America,''" featuring Black Thought, Rah Digga, Iriz & Lucky Witherspoon
''"Still Here''"
''"Dear Mr. Man,''" featuring Prince
''"911''³
''"N Word,''" featuring Tavis Smiley & Michael Eric Dyson
''"Welcome to Chi,''" featuring Rhymefest, Neo-Abassy & Malik Yosef
''"Mr. President,''" featuring KRS-One & M-1
''"Keep It PI,''" featuring Killer Mike, Doey, Roc & Lucky Witherspoon
''"Chronometrophobia,''" featuring Andre 3000
''"Gonne Be Alright,''" featuring Dave Hollister & Chuckii Booker
''"Matter Of,''" featuring Lenny Williams
''"Soul Sista,''" featuring Daryl Moore
''"The Man'''s Gonna Getcha,''" featuring Gerald Levert