1. :six: Redefining Cultural Norms
1.1. Content
1.1.1. :flag_green: Empowerment through Expression:
1.1.1.1. Using music to share personal narratives
1.1.1.2. Challenging stereotypes of Black masculinity as solely aggressive or violent
1.1.2. :flag_green: Challenging Beliefs on Race, Gender, and Power:
1.1.2.1. Confronting cultural beliefs through lyrics
1.1.2.2. Art as a means of social commentary and redefinition
2. :five: Prophets of the Hood (Imani Perry)
2.1. :arrow_right: Social Norms Rejection:
2.2. Pluralism in Masculinity:
3. Introduction
3.1. Thesis statement
3.1.1. Hip-hop provides a platform for Black men to express masculinity, challenging systemic oppression.
3.2. Roadmap
3.2.1. Introduce hip-hop as a cultural movement and its significance in expressing Black masculinity
3.2.2. Key themes - hypermasculinity, systemic oppression, and cultural redefinition
3.2.3. Key artists and songs analyzed in the paper for more traditionally positive display of masculinity : Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Outkast, Kanye West, Tupac. Possible Songs: Ms. Jackson/ Violent Crimes / Keisha's Song
3.2.4. Other possible key artists to maybe support the more blantant display of masculinity/toughness: DMX, Mobb Deep: Possible songs: Shook Ones 2
3.2.5. Restate thesis, focus on how hip hop challenges and changes culture
4. :two:Hypermasculinity in Rap
4.1. Content
4.1.1. Song Analysis:
4.1.1.1. 'One Mic' by Nas: Lyrics addressing struggle, empowerment, and legacy
4.1.1.2. 'Alright' by Kendrick Lamar: Themes of resilience, societal challenges, and hope
4.1.1.3. 'Shook Ones Pt. II' by Mobb Deep: Representation of toughness and survival in difficult environments
4.1.2. :flag_green: Empowerment vs. Misogyny
4.1.2.1. Empowerment: Pride and strength in the face of adversity
4.1.2.2. Misogyny: Lyrics sometimes perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women
4.1.3. :flag_green: Secondary Literature
4.1.3.1. Imani Perry's Prophets of the Hood: Discussion of masculinity and its portrayal in hip-hop
4.1.3.2. Tricia Rose's Black Noise: Examination of how hypermasculinity is used as a defense mechanism against systemic oppression
4.2. Sources
5. :three: Systemic Oppression and Reaction
5.1. Example passages from the text
5.2. Secondary literature
5.3. Content
5.3.1. :flag_green: Appropriation of Oppression:
5.3.1.1. Media portrayal of Black men
5.3.1.2. Cultural and economic exploitation of hip-hop
5.3.2. :flag_green: Objectification of Black Male Bodies:
5.3.2.1. Historical context of the objectification in sports and entertainment
5.3.2.2. Influence on self-identity and artistic expression
5.3.3. :flag_green:
5.3.3.1. Lyrics that challenge authority and systemic inequality
5.3.3.2. Use of hip-hop as a political statement
6. :four: Intersectional Context
6.1. Identity Construction:
6.1.1. How rappers build their image through their lyrics
6.1.2. Balancing different aspects of masculinity, race, and cultural heritage
6.2. Gender and Race (Gillespie 2014):
6.2.1. How these artists navigate both racial and gendered expectations
6.2.2. Influence of systemic racism and patriarchy
6.3. Relation to Societal Forces
6.3.1. Impact of systemic oppression on identity
6.3.2. Struggle to redefine what it means to be a Black man in America