Rhymes in the Flow: How Rappers Flip the Beat

Smith, Macklin,Joshi, Aurko

ISBN 10: 0472073893 / ISBN 13: 9780472073894

Published by University of Michigan Press, 2020

About this Item

Seller Inventory # mon0003181179

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Rhymes in the Flow: How Rappers Flip the Beat
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Publication Date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0472073893
• ISBN 13: 9780472073894
• Binding: hardcover
• Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

Despite its global popularity, rap has received little scholarly attention in terms of its poetic features. Rhymes in the Flow systematically analyzes the poetics (rap beats, rhythms, rhymes, verse and song structures) of many notable rap songs to provide new insights on rap artistry and performance. Defining and describing the features of what rappers commonly call flow, the authors establish a theory of the rap line as they trace rap’s deepest roots and stylistic evolution—from Anglo-Saxon poetry to Lil Wayne—and contextualize its complex poetics. Rhymes in the Flow helps explain rap’s wide appeal by focusing primarily on its rhythmic and thematic power, while also claiming its historical, cultural, musical, and poetic importance.

About the Author

The authors discovered their mutual love of rap music at the University of Michigan, where Macklin Smith taught a popular course in rap poetry, and Aurko Joshi was a student. Macklin Smith is Emeritus Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Aurko Joshi is Product Manager at Collibra, a data management firm.