In the Heart of the Beat
The Poetry of Rap
Published on 24. November 2009
Book
Hardback
176 pages
978-0-8108-6008-7 (ISBN)
Description
Despite its extraordinary popularity and worldwide influence, the world of rap and hip hop is under constant attack. Impressions and interpretations of its meaning and power are perpetually being challenged. Somewhere someone is bemoaning the negative impact of rap music on contemporary culture. In In the Heart of the Beat: The Poetry of Rap, bestselling author and scholar Alexs Pate argues for a fresh understanding of rap as an example of powerful and effective poetry, rather than a negative cultural phenomenon.
Pate articulates a way of "reading" rap that makes visible both its contemporary and historical literary values. He encourages the reader to step beyond the dominance of the beat and the raw language and come to an appreciation of rap's literary and poetic dimensions. What emerges is a vision of rap as an exemplary form of literary expression, rather than a profane and trendy musical genre. Pate focuses on works by several well-known artists to reveal in rap music, despite its penchant for vulgarity, a power and beauty that is the heart of great literature.
Pate articulates a way of "reading" rap that makes visible both its contemporary and historical literary values. He encourages the reader to step beyond the dominance of the beat and the raw language and come to an appreciation of rap's literary and poetic dimensions. What emerges is a vision of rap as an exemplary form of literary expression, rather than a profane and trendy musical genre. Pate focuses on works by several well-known artists to reveal in rap music, despite its penchant for vulgarity, a power and beauty that is the heart of great literature.
Reviews / Votes
The best parts of the book are those where Pate lists the words from popular rap music and opens the readers' minds to the imagery, the meaning, the structure, form, rhythm, and flow of the words . . . Pate does an excellent job of providing the reader with a new light and better perspective on rap music and its significant role in all of society but especially the African American culture. * Pop Culture Books * A sophisticated analysis of rap/poetry such as this is necessary if rap is to be evaluated for its composition, permanence, and significance. Pate's accessible writing style will captivate scholars as well as fans of rap, poetry, and the evolving culture of hip-hop. * Library Journal * Pate presents a strong case for the artistic and cultural importance of rap, analyzing lyrics and artists from multiple angles....This warts-and-all study of one of the preeminent art forms of today is vital and compelling, especially for dedicated listeners. * Publishers Weekly * What Pate has accomplished here is nothing less than an aesthetic standard for rap as poetry, which he tests against various examples of the rap genre....This is a groundbreaking work, necessary for connoisseurs of both poetry and rap music. * Sacramento News and Review * My son [Ahi Baraka] put the book in my hand and said, 'This is one of the best books I've read.' -- Amiri BarakaMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
417 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8108-6008-7 (9780810860087)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2009
1st Edition
Scarecrow Press
€56.19
Available for download
E-Book
11/2009
Scarecrow Press
€24.99
Available for download
Person
Alexs Pate is Associate Professor of African American and African studies at the University of Minnesota. Pate is the best-selling author of Amistad: A Novel Based on the Screenplay and Losing Absalom, which received a Minnesota Book Award and was named Best First Novel by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.