His research and practice has focused on the aesthetic qualities of urban arts, particularly hip-hop culture, and their connections to teaching, learning, and living. His books include Hip-Hop Culture in College Students' Lives (Routledge, 2012) and Schooling Hip-Hop: Expanding Hip-Hop Based Education Across the Curriculum (Teachers College Press, 2013). A former turntablist and high school teacher, Emery gets most excited about making spaces for young people to create sound and movement alongside artists in their community. He currently facilitates a community beatmaking space with other artists in Pontiac, Michigan.