U.S. Drought Monitor, March 25, 2014

Drought map of U.S. for March 25, 2014 (3/25/14) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, October 25, 2016

Drought map of U.S. for October 25, 2016 (10/25/16) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, April 1, 2014

Drought map of U.S. for April 1, 2014 (4/1/14) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, November 5, 2013

Drought map of U.S. for November 5, 2013 (11/5/13) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, May 17, 2016

Drought map of U.S. for May 17, 2016 (5/17/16) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, September 18, 2012

Drought map of U.S. for September 18, 2012 (9/18/12) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

U.S. Drought Monitor, June 4, 2013

Drought map of U.S. for June 4, 2013 (6/4/13) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

Mbalax: Traces of Tradition in Senegalese Hip-Hop

What is mbalax and how is it adaptively transforming the modern-day culture of Dakar, Senegal? Throughout This this study, willI plan to provide a glimpse into the current hip-hop culture of Dakar, ultimately revealing how up-and-coming artists are implementing mbalax. The research for this study took place I was in Dakar, Senegal from January 26th - February 16th, and was completed my field research in both Washington D.C. and New York City from February 22nd-26th. During this time m, I was able to connect with multiple hip-hop artists, political activists/rappers, drummers, and sabar dancers were consulted. More knowledge was obtained than anticipated. I also had the unique privilege of taking 12 hours’ worth of private sabar drum lessons while in Dakar. These lessons were a key element to understanding my topic because it allowed for an insider’s perspective to mbalax and led to numerous connections that will blossom beyond this study. tThrough one-on-one and group interviews while in the field. I acquired more knowledge than anticipatedThis wealth of insight will assist the efforts of this study in and hope to conveying a sense of insight insider perspective into the vibrant Senegalese culture of Dakar, Senegal. Understand that mbalaxMbalax is a signature rhythm of the Senegalese people, but it is also much more than a beat, a rhythm, a dance, or a succession of patterns on the mbëng-mbëng drum. Mbalax is an identity, recognized as being solely Senegambian, it is the sound of home for those who were born in that particular region. Mbalax arose from a longing; a longing for traditional instruments to be heard in popular Senegalese music. Since its rise in popularity over fifty years ago, it is crucial to examine how mbalax continues to thrive and sustain relevance amongst an ever-changing music culture. I want to bridge the scholarly gap that presently exists amidst mbalax research as it pertains to its relevance in modern hip-hop music; revealing why this specific traditional style is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst hip-hop artists in Dakar. Senegalese hip-hop artists have become aware of the overall need for multi-generational and cross-cultural acceptance, but more importantly, they want to convey a sense of “place” within their music, which is why traces of mbalax are essential as they record new albums

U.S. Drought Monitor, June 11, 2013

Drought map of U.S. for June 11, 2013 (6/11/13) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat