Hip-hop music has been embraced worldwide by youth, pummeled in the media for supposedly increasing social misery and hailed as a significant musical breakthrough. Hip-hop culture has transcended musical boundaries and now impacts speech, clothing, mannerisms, movies, websites, television programming, magazines, and energy drinks (Dyson, 2007; Kitwana, 2002). Thus, schools too are impacted by its influence. The purpose of this study was to examine educators' perceptions of hip-hop culture. As a result of data collection and analysis, three themes emerged. These themes were ironies of authenticity, culture wars, and problems and potential which were discussed. Recommendations for advancing theory and practical application were also noted.