Abstract
Rap is not an epistemology because it has no central theory of knowledge. However, it is epistemic, and its musical method has decolonising properties. This paper is presented as a working through of three propositions to better understand how rap can engage with academia, public discourse and to what extent it can be
considered decolonial. Although lyrical content challenges dominant signifiers such
as policing and rap-publics platform and share such ideas, there are problematic
representations which are in part dictated by commercial markets. I offer
suggestions as to how rap can contribute to academia as speaking with and
alongside, rather than being engulfed by existing standards. This requires
defending rap from censorship and criminalisation.
considered decolonial. Although lyrical content challenges dominant signifiers such
as policing and rap-publics platform and share such ideas, there are problematic
representations which are in part dictated by commercial markets. I offer
suggestions as to how rap can contribute to academia as speaking with and
alongside, rather than being engulfed by existing standards. This requires
defending rap from censorship and criminalisation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Interfere: Journal for Critical Thought and Radical Politics |
| Volume | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 9 Dec 2022 |
Keywords
- rap
- decolonial
- epistemology