19th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Rap's Great Paradox: Religion and Rap
Nicholas Freed
Dr. Bob Mielke, Faculty Mentor
This paper focuses on the relationship between rap music and religion; more specifically the supposed “gap” between rapper’s words and practices when it comes to religion. I traced rap music back to its roots in West African tribal traditions and then forward to its modern incarnation. I also focused on the idea of the rapper as a preacher to a larger congregation. I connected the tribal/religious roots from rap’s beginnings to the religious connection that many modern rappers still hold on to and incorporate into their music today. I focused on four modern rappers and their music, as well as a few modern strictly Christian rappers that are making music that focuses primarily on preaching from the Bible.
Keywords: Rap, Religion, Pop culture
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14-3
Location: OP 2115
Time: 8:45