Rap Music and the Poetics of Identity

by Adam Krims

This is the first book to discuss in detail how rap music is put together musically. Whereas a great deal of popular music scholarship dismisses music analysis as irrelevant or of limited value, the present book argues that it can be crucial to cultural theory. It is unique for bringing together perspectives from music theory, musicology, cultural studies, critical theory, and communications. It is also the first scholarly book to discuss rap music in Holland, and the rap of Cree Natives in Canada, in addition to such mainstream artists as Ice Cube.

Genres: Music, Hip Hop

232 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2000

Reviews

[sera]

This is no BS theory here, it's a super thick read. I'm only about 40 pages into it but it's really interesting. It's been in my purse serving as my commuter read, but I may have to move it to my desk as it's a little heavy to just pick up for 20 minutes.

This is not for the faint of heart, but instead for readers who are well versed in musicology and hip hop studies.