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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’ll use the tools of close reading and literary analysis to study hip hop’s many forms and themes. Our primary focus will be on rap’s lyric craft, but we’ll also consider rap within the broader context of hip hop’s other basic elements—DJ-ing, breaking, and graffiti. Hip hop’s aesthetic culture is a means to confront race, politics, gender, and sexuality. Through a combination of lecture and discussion, we’ll work together to develop a language for talking about the many cultures of hip hop.

Reading List: 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: 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