Date of Award
Fall 12-14-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts - History
Department
History
First Advisor
Court Carney
Second Advisor
Randi Barnes-Cox
Third Advisor
Hunter Hampton
Fourth Advisor
Steven Marsden
Abstract
Rap, hip-hop’s most characteristic element, evolved from cultural practices combining in New York and spread across the United States in the latter half of the twentieth century. This thesis argues in favor of the use of rap as primary source material in future historical research. Authenticity has always surrounded hip-hop, making rap a window into artists’ perspectives. Storytelling traditions in rap’s roots allow for fiction’s use as a tool to discuss reality in lyrics. To demonstrate rap’s strengths as a primary source, the thesis examines Let’s Get Free, dead prez’s 2000 debut album. The song “They Schools” is dissected section-by-section to exemplify rap’s potential for lyrical depth to discuss complex topics. Finally, the album’s overarching themes of race, revolution, and identity reinforce that potential, displaying dead prez’s worldview and complicating our understanding of history.
Repository Citation
Smith, Christopher, "“KNOW WHAT I’M SAYIN’?”: ADVOCATING HIP-HOP AS A PRIMARY SOURCE FOR HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 588.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/588
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
