Rap lyrics are representative of the realities of real people: an abstract view of the commonalities in life between high-brow literature and explicit rap

Duberry, Dominique Sheyreyne (2024). Rap lyrics are representative of the realities of real people: an abstract view of the commonalities in life between high-brow literature and explicit rap. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis comprises a creative portfolio of original short stories that combine social realism and magic realism, set largely in the West Midlands and taking influence, directly or indirectly, from contemporary rap lyrics. This is accompanied by a critical component which curates and analyses a selection of short stories by contemporary (largely 21st century) authors. Examples have been selected for their literary acclaim and achievements in combination with their thematic relevance to the creative portfolio.

‘Friday Black’ and ‘Zimmerland’ by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (from Friday Black, 2018), focus predominantly on materialism and the disregard of institutional racism and violence, while ‘Zimmerland’ explores the reality of race, and the value of some lives over others. ‘The Husband Stitch’ by Carmen Maria Machado (from Her Body & Other Parties’ 2017) delves into female consent, sexuality and gender inequality. ‘Waxy’ by Camila Grudova (from The Dolls Alphabet, 2017) is a bizarre account of child labour, rigorous rules for all females and constant praise and worship of all males. ‘Red Sultan’s Big Boy’ by Chuck Palahniuk (from Make Something Up, Stories You Can’t Unread, 2015) is a dark insight into sexual deviance, internet safety and how individuals place materials and money over life and moral exactitude. Finally, ‘Death is Not the End’ by David Foster-Wallace (from Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, 1999) is an intimate reflection on the literary life and the hope for life beyond death.

These close readings are placed in the context of the candidate’s own creative practice alongside lyrics from the following rap artists: Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Jay-z, Grand Master Flash, Lil Kim, 50 Cent, Scarface and Ice Cube. All of these are used to accentuate the correlation between two types of narrative, the short story and the lyric, and to further solidify the argument that rap lyrics should be treated with the same consideration as high-brow literature.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):