Can the (Non-)Subaltern (Understand) Rap?: Rap as Vernacular Critical Theory

Abstract

abstract:It is relatively easy to produce a decent rap piece. Rap also has a long history as political culture. Whether people want feminist development or action against brutal capitalism—rap is there. Critical theory and political philosophy have always been a part of rap. In the 1990s MC Solaar quoted Umberto Eco and Jacques Derrida. Today, Princess Nokia rhymes on bell hooks. No other genre of popular music can come up with as strong a history on philosophy and critical theory. We have not, though, yet discussed the way rap lyrics themselves could be thought of as vernacular critical theory or philosophy. Besides attempting to do this, Ryynänen asks why philosophers and critical theorists do not recognize vernacular versions of their practice, presenting some of the ways rap works for social change.