This course explores the evolution of hip hop from its roots in the South Bronx to its worldwide influence in the present day--from Kendrick Lamar to Cardi B, Drake to Megan Thee Stallion. We鈥檒l use the tools of close reading and literary analysis to study hip hop鈥檚 many forms and themes. Our primary focus will be on rap鈥檚 lyric craft, but we鈥檒l also consider rap within the broader context of hip hop鈥檚 other basic elements鈥擠J-ing, breaking, and graffiti. Hip hop鈥檚 aesthetic culture is a means to confront race, politics, gender, and sexuality. Through a combination of lecture and discussion, we鈥檒l work together to develop a language for talking about the many cultures of hip hop.
Reading List:听Soren Baker, The History of Gangster Rap Kathy Iandoli, God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop Ed Piskor, Hip Hop Family Tree Brian Coleman, Check the Technique Hanif Abdurraqib, Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest
Taught by Dr. Adam Bradley.
Additional Information:听Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-U.S. Perspective
Departmental Category: General Literature and Language
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