Urban God Talk
Constructing a Hip Hop Spirituality
Contributions by James W. Perkinson, Michael D. Royster, Weldon Merrial McWilliams IV, Angela M. Nelson, Darrell Wesley, VaNatta S. Ford Columbia College, Sharon Lauricalla, Tim Huffman, Amira De La Garza, Dawn-Marie Gibson, Mickie Mwanzia Koster, Erika D. Gault University of Arizona, Harry Nii Koney Odamtten, Shanesha R.F. Brooks Tatum Edited by Andre E. Johnson
Publication date:
28 August 2013Length of book:
266 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksDimensions:
234x164mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780739168295
Urban God Talk: Constructing a Hip Hop Spirituality, edited by Andre Johnson, is a collection of essays that examine the religious and spiritual in hip hop. The contributors argue that the prevailing narrative that hip hop offers nothing in the way of religion and spirituality is false. From its beginning, hip hop has had a profound spirituality and advocates religious views—and while not orthodox or systemic, nevertheless, many in traditional orthodox religions would find the theological and spiritual underpinnings in hip hop comforting, empowering, and liberating.
In addition, this volume demonstrates how scholars in different disciplines approach the study of hip hop, religion, and spirituality. Whether it is a close reading of a hip hop text, ethnography, a critical studies approach or even a mixed method approach, this study is a pedagogical tool for students and scholars in various disciplines to use and appropriate for their own research and understanding.
Urban God Talk will inspire not only scholars to further their research, but will also encourage publishers to print more in this field. The contributors to this in-depth study show how this subject is an underrepresented area within hip hop studies, and that the field is broad enough for numerous monographs, edited works, and journal publications in the future.
In addition, this volume demonstrates how scholars in different disciplines approach the study of hip hop, religion, and spirituality. Whether it is a close reading of a hip hop text, ethnography, a critical studies approach or even a mixed method approach, this study is a pedagogical tool for students and scholars in various disciplines to use and appropriate for their own research and understanding.
Urban God Talk will inspire not only scholars to further their research, but will also encourage publishers to print more in this field. The contributors to this in-depth study show how this subject is an underrepresented area within hip hop studies, and that the field is broad enough for numerous monographs, edited works, and journal publications in the future.
Johnson’s efforts to promote ongoing dialogue between religious expressions and the ever-expanding cultural force of hip hop are laudable and useful for their interdisciplinary reach beyond religious and theological studies. This book is a valuable read for laity, students, and scholars alike that promises to make a robust contribution to the diversity of intellectual resources in the burgeoning area of religion in hip hop studies.