CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2013
| Author | Apple, Lauren Renee |
|---|---|
| Title | Biggie and Tupac: the battle for Thug king and the performance of thug-ness |
| Summary | This thesis explores the ways in which rap music functions as a political platform for addressing racialized social structures within the United States. I examine how rap music can be seen a mechanism or means by which rappers, The Notorious B.I.G and Tupac, create ‘imagined’ kingdoms, using notions of family, rootedness, masculinity and space to assert themselves as authentic leaders. I identify the communal structure I refer to as the “Thug Nation,” and trace the ways it seeks to naturalize itself within the greater American nation. Following close readings of lyrics and interviews from both rappers, I trace the terms of an alternative political space in rap where the two men use cultural spaces and places to battle for ruler of the Thug Nation, while performing a specific form of masculinity I refer to as “thug-ne ss.” The findings of the analysis conclude this political space within mainstream hip- hop is no longer a viable platform for marginalized people to create alternative political spaces where they can shed light on often racialized social and structural issues within the American inner cities. |
| Supervisor | Cerwonka, Allaine |
| Department | Gender Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2013/apple_lauren.pdf |
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