In 2026, the OSU Humanities Institute will launch Humanities on Tap, a monthly series of community presentations that brings the humanities to life across Columbus. Each gathering offers an easygoing space to explore big ideas, hear fresh perspectives and connect with others. Led by local experts and storytellers, these talks make learning engaging, approachable and fun—perfect for curious minds throughout our community.
First up is J. Rawls, hip hop musician, producer, DJ and assistant professor of hip hop at the OSU School of Music. His presentation examines crate digging as a ritual, research method, and way of knowing rooted in Hip Hop production. Centering the “Hip Hop producer’s ear,” it explores how producers listen emotionally, intuitively, and critically to uncover sounds that hold cultural memory. Through autoethnographic and practice-based research, crate digging is presented as both cultural preservation and creative innovation. Ultimately, it shows how sampling transforms history into new meaning, remixing the past to shape future expression.
Remaining events for the semester include:
Friday, February 27: Emma Todd, PhD student in the Department of History, will present a talk on the history of beer. Budd Dairy Hall, 6:30 pm.
Friday, March 27: Nicholas Booker, PhD student in musicology and ethnomusicology, will give a talk about pub songs in a singalong style. Budd Dairy Hall, 6:30 pm.
Friday, April 24: Alex Sallade, associated faculty in the School of Music, will present "Immersive Sound in Video Games," examining audio techniques used by game designers to bring fantastical realms to life. LevelOne Barcade (130 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235), 6:30 pm.
More information coming soon.