The minstrelising discourse of 21st century rap music

Harbord, J

Abstract

In recent years a discourse has developed among some critics of 21st century rap and
hip hop music. This discourse evokes the imagery and terminology of the 19th century
entertainment form of blackface minstrelsy with varying motives and effects. Moreover,
it is communicated via various media; from music videos to films, from literature to
verbal discourse. This modern phenomenon requires analysis that considers the
historical context of blackface minstrelsy in the 19th century and its meanings for a 21st
century audience far removed from the context that nurtured the stage form.
Minstrelsy's relationship with slavery and the subsequent racial inequalities in
American society make the imagery and terminology of blackface a complex concept
provoking ideas of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Moreover, these ideological and
emotive ideas are mobilised readily through the use of blackface imagery in a
'minstrelising discourse' of 21st century rap and hip hop music. Through an
investigation and analysis of rap's 'minstrelising discourse' it is possible to map its form,
content, and, through an application of figurational social theory, the potential reasons
for its existence. Furthermore, the 'minstrelising discourse' of rap may show an effort to
determine cultural form through a process of 'blame gossip,' a term provided by
Norbert Elias from his studies of figurational social relationships. And finally, there may
be some similarities between blackface minstrelsy and rap music, however, they may
not only be the relatively simple associations of 21st century rap's critics.

Citation

Harbord, J. The minstrelising discourse of 21st century rap music. (Dissertation). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Deposit Date: Jul 30, 2021
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2012