Research

Work focused on the hip hop canon and its evolution and current status. Presented at numerous conferences, research showcases, and donor events.

Four Voices: Hip Hop’s Role in Interrogating and Redefining the Musical Canon Through Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Social Currency

Hip hop has evolved from its origins in the Bronx River District in the late 1970s to the global phenomenon it is today. During the forty-plus years of its development, a canon has formed around hip hop through the work of both critic and performer. However, an issue arises when non-western art or the works of historically marginalized groups are evaluated with the same system of categorization once invariably assessed through a Eurocentric male lens. While a hip hop canon undoubtedly exists, the genre should be evaluated with aspects of the traditional canon while taking into account the semantic dimensions that are unique and endemic to hip hop. Kanye West, Tyler-The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott stand out as the most influential and innovative artists in the last twenty years of the genre, reinforcing the argument that any conversation of a hip hop canon should include their works. These four artists were evaluated through an immersive review of their works, looking for instances of innovation, influence, craftsmanship, and mastery in their use of the defining characteristics of hip hop. The work of these artists provides an excellent starting point for determining where the genre will head next, and what innovations still stand to be made.

The Evolution of Flow and Its Role in the Growth of Hip Hop

Hip hop has evolved from its origins in the Bronx River District in the late 1970s to the global phenomenon it is today. During the fifty-plus years of its development, the rhythmic elements present in the lyrics and flow of hip hop have become more and more complex. Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, The Notorious B.I.G., and Kendrick Lamar stand out as some of the most influential and innovative lyricists in the last fifty years of the genre. Their respective songs “The Message,” “Momma Said Knock You Out,” “Hypnotize,” and “Alright” provide a valuable throughline for context for the lyrical rhythmic ability of their respective era. Their works will be discussed in regards the rhythmic elements present in the lyrics of some of their most noteworthy songs, specifically rhythmic density, complexity of rhythms, stress points, and the use of rhyme schemes.