num_pages: 270
description: Over the past four decades rap and hip hop culture have taken a central place in popular music both in the United States and around the world. Listening to An Introduction enables students to understand the historical context cultural impact and unique musical characteristics of this essential genre. Each chapter explores a key topic in the study of rap music from the 1970s to today covering themes such as race gender commercialization politics and authenticity. Synthesizing the approaches of scholars from a variety of disciplinesincluding music cultural studies African-American studies gender studies literary criticism and philosophy Listening to Rap tracks the evolution of rap and hip hop while illustrating its vast cultural significance. The text features more than 60 detailed listening guides that analyze the musical elements of songs by a wide array of artists from Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash to Nicki Minaj Jay-Z Kanye West and more. A companion website showcases playlists of the music discussed in each chapter. Rooted in the understanding that cultural context music and lyrics combine to shape raps meaning the text assumes no prior knowledge. For students of all backgrounds Listening to Rap offers a clear and accessible introduction to this vital and influential music.
language: English
title: Listening to Rap: An Introduction
publisher: Routledge