From Oakland to Academia: Kevin Easley's Journey of Perseverance
Growing up in Oakland and Richmond, California, Kevin Easley's path to academia was anything but traditional. Born to teenage parents who passed away before the age of 25, Easley and his twin brother were raised by their maternal grandmother in a working-class neighborhood of Richmond. Despite the challenges of his early life, including being surrounded by limited educational attainment in his family, Easley was determined to forge a different path.
"I wanted more for myself and sought to change my fortune and that of my family," Easley reflected on his early motivations.
His academic journey began with struggles — barely graduating high school and spending years working through community college. However, his persistence paid off when he completed his undergraduate degree in sociology at Sacramento State University, followed by a master's degree in the same field.
Now as a doctoral candidate in Interdisciplinary Humanities at UC Merced, Easley is breaking new ground with his research on hip-hop culture. "I chose UC Merced because I wanted to be part of a growing campus and saw potential in this campus rising into prominence," he explained.
Under the mentorship of Professor Jayson Beaster-Jones, whom Easley credits as his most influential mentor, his academic journey has flourished. "He has been instrumental in the development of my dissertation as well as presenting various opportunities for academic growth," Easley said, noting his involvement in Competitive Edge Summer Bridge and various academic conferences.
Easley's dissertation explores the evolution of conflict in hip-hop, known as "rap beef," examining its performance aspects and the influence of technology. His research particularly focuses on the spatial dynamics of hip-hop conflicts, including the spread of Chicago's "drill" sub-genre and its societal implications.
Recently achieving candidacy stands as one of Easley's proudest accomplishments, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic and personal obstacles. "I am proud of my perseverance and happy that I can see the finish line," he shared.
Through his research and personal journey, Easley represents a powerful example of academic persistence and the importance of examining contemporary cultural phenomena through an academic lens. His work contributes to our understanding of how musical genres influence and reflect societal dynamics, while his personal story serves as inspiration for future scholars facing their own challenges.
