From the studio booth to the defendant’s table : the costly aftermath of the commodified gangsta
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Amari T. Hobgood (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Cindy Brooks Dollar
Abstract: As rap music grows in popularity within the United States and abroad, a new form of racism rises from international acclaim. As Black youth attempt to seek fame and fortune in the rap industry, the attention of the criminal legal system is drawn towards these aspiring artists – creating a surveillance of Black artistry and creative content. This study intends to explore the relationship between young Black men and boys, specifically those embodying the Gangsta’ image, and the masculine presentation displayed within their creative artwork. By understanding how masculine performances are displayed within music videos, we can better understand how certain self-performances can lead to surveillance and eventual criminalization due to their performance. This study will be using qualitative content analysis through a standardized coding instrument of Gangsta’ rap music videos located on the social media site, YouTube. By deconstructing the performances seen during these videos, we should be able to better understand how this specific Black masculine performance can lead to being criminalized by agents of the criminal control system, as the Gangsta’ identity is inherently against the norms and beliefs of mainstream society (Dimitriadis, 2001). Through this study, we shall be able to better understand how future research will need to focus on how the criminal legal system criminalizes certain expressions of Blackness. As Black youth attempt to break into the lucrative business of music by selling a Black Gangsta’ image, these same youths are potentially setting themselves up for additional policing and control.
From the studio booth to the defendant’s table : the costly aftermath of the commodified gangsta
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Created on 5/1/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- Black Masculinity, Black Youth and Young Adults, Criminalization of Black Art, Gangs, Gangsta' Rap, Online Gangsters
- Subjects
- Black people $v Music $x Social aspects
- Gangsta rap (Music) $x Social aspects
- Music videos $x Social aspects
- Masculinity in music