Roc the Mic Right

by H. Samy Alim

Complementing a burgeoning area of interest and academic study, Roc the Mic Right explores the central role of language within the Hip Hop Nation (HHN). With its status convincingly argued as the best means by which to read Hip Hop culture, H. Samy Alim then focuses on discursive practices, such as narrative sequencing and ciphers, or lyrical circles of rhymers. Often a marginalized phenomenon, the complexity and creativity of Hip Hop lyrical production is emphasised, whilst Alim works towards the creation of a schema by which to understand its aesthetic. Using his own ethnographic research, Alim shows how Hip Hop language could be used in an educational context and presents a new approach to the study of the language and culture of the Hip Hop 'Hiphopography'. The final section of the book, which includes real conversational narratives from Hip Hop artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan and Chuck D, focuses on direct engagement with the language. A highly accessible and lively work on the most studied and read about language variety in the United States, this book will appeal not only to language and linguistics researchers and students, but holds a genuine appeal to anyone interested in Hip Hop or Black African Language.

Genres: Nonfiction, Linguistics, Hip Hop, Music, Language, Art, 21st Century

204 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2006

Reviews

[Aisyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the more niche chapters breaking down linguistic structure were extremely dense. But overall I got a lot of inspiration and deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of hip hop. Loved all of the interviews. Was excited to read about the intersection of Islam and hip hop. Hope to bounce off this book into broader and more contemporary readings that actively include women and queer rappers in its scope.

[Seven · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little hip-hop history...great read!

[Solveiga · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on the subject. However, some chapters are better/more informative than others, and the writing style is hard to follow

[Miryana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone wishing to work with HHL.