Philosophy and Hip-Hop: Ruminations on Postmodern Cultural Form

by Julius Bailey

Philosophy and Ruminations on Postmodern Cultural Form opens up the philosophical life force that informs the construction of Hip-hop by turning the gaze of the philosopher upon those blind spots that exist within existing scholarship. Traditional Departments of Philosophy will find this book a solid companion in Contemporary Philosophy or Aesthetic Theory. Inside these pages is a project that parallels the themes of existential angst, corporate elitism, social consciousness, male privilege and masculinity. This book illustrates the abundance of philosophical meaning in the textual and graphic elements of Hip-hop, and thus places Hip-hop within the philosophical canon.

Genres: Philosophy, Hip Hop

222 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

i thought this was an incredibly insightful look at the philosophical value of rap music and the kinds of art manifested by/through modernity and the implications, etc. although it's quite dense at certain points (definitely academic) it felt like it came down to something concrete/essential. definitely recommended if you're interested in any of these things!!!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Julius Bailey does an incredible job in his book, Philosophy and Hip-Hop: Ruminations on Postmodern Cultural Form, blending two stereotypically unrelated and potentially even diametric topics into one cohesive and interrelated work. It is not every day that people listen to and view hip-hop and see it through a philosophical perspective, able to relate it back to the major theories of Plato, Nietzsche, and more, yet Bailey does just that. Organized as “ruminations,” each segment of the book tackles a different facet of hip-hop—male domination, pedagogy, identity formation and so forth—and its relation with philosophical theory. Each rumination presents a different topic and poses new matters with which to contemplate and explore, keeping the book interesting and preventing any sense of redundancy or repetition. With the style in which the book is written, it certainly gets readers thinking, with Bailey serving more as a composer of ideas and presenter of viewpoints rather than someone intent on providing explicit answers or end-all-be-all scenarios. The hip-hop component is also quite expansive, encompassing modern artists all the way back to the founding fathers of hip-hop and beyond, dating back to the natal African roots and slavery origins, making the text appealing to readers of any generation. On a cautionary note, the text is rather heavy in philosophical content and does not necessarily explain or teach the content, rather merely applies it to the context of hip-hop, which could limit the accessibility of understanding by all readers. Additional support, whether it be a strong background in philosophy, a professor, or additional works and resources is highly recommended in order to gain the maximum value out of the book. Overall, this book serves as an excellent tool for merging the world of hip-hop with the world of philosophical thought, creating a nice balance of the two and fostering development of concepts in both areas of focus.

[Alyssa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within a set of Ruminations, Julius Bailey informs readers of the many elements of Hip Hop, making it clear that Hip Hop is more than just a genre of music, it is a culture. Bailey ties the many aspects of Hip Hop in with various philosophical concepts allowing readers to understand that there is much more to this culture than what meets the eye. Within the book, many examples from within this culture are provided as a way to help readers understand philosophical concepts and theories, while also sharing the deep conversations and representations that often take place within the various elements of Hip Hop. Bailey’s arguments allowed me to see Hip Hop in a new form, understanding it at an entirely new level and being aware of the struggles and angst which Hip Hop was built off of and how it has evolved over time. The book also allowed me to gain a new perspective on philosophical ideals from those of Neitszche, Hegel, Sartre, Plato and more, and apply those ideals to various discussions. Ultimately, I would recommend this book to anyone with an appreciation for Hip Hop as a culture or anyone interested in, or looking to learn more about, philosophical ideas. I would also recommend this book to teachers or professors in the philosophical field as an interesting read that may also be beneficial to students’ understanding of this topic. However, I would take caution to the fact that some of the vocabulary used may be difficult for those not fully educated in philosophical concepts and ideas. With that being said, the style in which this book was written promotes much critical thought and further research, allowing for it to be used as an educational apparatus.

[Kearstin Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Philosophy and Hip Hop: Ruminations on Postmodern Cultural Form, Julius Bailey takes readers on a journey through the near impossible, a fluid combination of philosophy and hip hop –when reading this book, it is normal to see Nietzsche and Kanye in the same sentence. Split up into eight different chapters, this book covers everything from hip hop’s beauty to hip hop’s battle plans, from conscious hip hop to the catastrophe of success, and from Jean-Paul Sartre to Shawn Corey Carter. Bailey writes in such a way that sheds light on how deeply philosophy and hip hop are intertwined, and he does a nice job of making these connections clear while still preserving the integrity of the book. Each chapter causes the reader to dig a little deeper into what hip hop culture is really trying to say, and looking at it through the lens of philosophy is a great way to seek out truth. One of my favorite chapters was Rumination 4: Toward a Philosophy of Hip-Hop Education. As an educator myself, I found it very interesting to read how hip hop can be used to make school come alive for children. By connecting them with something they already know and love, learning is transformed into a fun experience for all involved which is an atmosphere that all teachers wish for their students. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in hip hop, philosophy, or especially both. Before reading it, I can honestly say I knew very little about philosophy, and perhaps even less about hip hop. After reading this book, however, I have more respect for hip hop as an art form, and I had a tone of fun learning about it along the way!