Sociolinguistics of Hip Hop music is a relatively new field in sociolinguistics and deals with both social and linguistic aspects of AAVE. Many studies were conducted to analyse Hip Hop lyrics, with both Tupac and Eminem as the target artists; Tupac being the explicitly angry rebel against racial segregation and Eminem being the sarcastic and incredibly eloquent young man who had managed to enter the Hip Hop safe zone of African-Americans and strike them dumb.
However, a detailed comparison study of AAVE features and variations between the two was not yet conducted, or at least published. This small-scale research study aims to analyse five of the most popular songs by each artist, to quantify, compare and contrast AAVE features in some of the most popular lyrics globally and to provide an option for the social background of each song, analysing their purpose, message and language.
This paper will answer two of the most obvious questions in Hip Hop sociolinguistics, i.e. whether there is any difference in use of AAVE features between a black rapper and a white rapper, where both are considered masters of their profession. Another question is whether any of them is linguistically “better” than the other, i.e. leaning towards SE. A common string of features was analysed and quantified for the purpose of comparison and the results were somewhat surprising. However, the songs which were selected have a serious background to them, possibly affecting both artists’ use of language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Tupac Shakur
- Eminem
- Discussion
- Resources
Objectives and Key Themes
This small-scale research study aims to analyze five popular songs by Tupac Shakur and Eminem, comparing and contrasting their use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) features. The study seeks to determine if there are differences in AAVE usage between a Black and a white rapper, both considered masters of their craft, and whether either artist leans more towards Standard English (SE).
- Comparison of AAVE features in Tupac Shakur's and Eminem's music.
- Analysis of the social context and message within each song.
- Quantification and comparison of specific AAVE features (contractions, verb omission, etc.).
- Investigation of potential linguistic differences between a Black and a white rapper.
- Exploration of the relationship between AAVE use and the social background of the songs.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), its characteristics, and its significance in the context of African-American identity. It discusses the historical and ongoing research into AAVE, highlighting its evolution and its continued relevance as a marker of cultural identity. The chapter sets the stage for the study by introducing Tupac Shakur and Eminem as prominent figures in hip-hop, and explaining the study's objective to compare and contrast AAVE usage in their music. The chapter emphasizes the need for larger-scale studies to achieve complete representativeness.
Methods: This chapter details the methodology employed in the research study, highlighting its quantitative and qualitative nature. It explains the selection of hip-hop as the subject matter and the selection criteria for both the artists (Tupac Shakur and Eminem) and their songs (five songs per artist, based on popularity and social relevance). The chapter specifies the linguistic features of AAVE that were analyzed (contractions, verb omission, use of "gonna/gotta," "ain't," verb agreement, multiple negations, use of "nigga," profanities, and other non-standard features) and outlines the research questions guiding the study.
Keywords
AAVE, Hip Hop, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Standard English, Contractions, Verb omission, “gonna/gotta”, “Ain't”, Verb agreement, Multiple negations, “Nigga”, Profanities, Sociolinguistics, African-American Vernacular English.
FAQ: AAVE Usage in Tupac Shakur and Eminem's Music
What is the main topic of this research?
This research study analyzes the usage of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) features in the music of Tupac Shakur and Eminem. It compares and contrasts their use of AAVE, considering their racial backgrounds and contrasting styles.
What are the objectives of this study?
The study aims to compare AAVE features in Tupac and Eminem's music, analyze the social context of their lyrics, quantify specific AAVE features, investigate potential linguistic differences between a Black and a white rapper, and explore the relationship between AAVE use and the social background of the songs. The ultimate goal is to understand how these two prominent rappers utilize AAVE in their respective musical works.
Which artists and songs are included in the study?
The study focuses on five popular songs each by Tupac Shakur and Eminem. The specific songs are not listed in this preview but are selected based on popularity and social relevance.
What linguistic features of AAVE are analyzed?
The analysis includes a range of AAVE features such as contractions, verb omission, the use of "gonna/gotta," "ain't," verb agreement, multiple negations, the use of "nigga," profanities, and other non-standard features.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. The selection of artists and songs is described, along with a detailed explanation of the specific AAVE features under scrutiny. The research questions guiding the study are also outlined.
What does the introduction chapter cover?
The introduction defines AAVE, its characteristics, and significance in African-American identity. It reviews existing research on AAVE and introduces Tupac Shakur and Eminem as case studies, highlighting the study’s objective. It also acknowledges the need for larger-scale studies to ensure comprehensive representativeness.
What does the methods chapter cover?
The methods chapter details the research methodology, explaining the selection of artists and songs. It explicitly lists the specific AAVE features analyzed and the research questions driving the study.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: AAVE, Hip Hop, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Standard English, Contractions, Verb omission, “gonna/gotta”, “Ain't”, Verb agreement, Multiple negations, “Nigga”, Profanities, Sociolinguistics, African-American Vernacular English.
What is the scope of the study?
While insightful, the study acknowledges its limitations as a small-scale research project and emphasizes the need for larger-scale studies for more comprehensive conclusions.
Where can I find the complete research?
The provided text is a preview and does not contain the full research. The complete research would need to be accessed through the publishing company.
- Quote paper
- Enver Kazić (Author), 2016, A Sociolinguistic Study of Hip Hop. AAVE Features in Songs by Tupac Shakur and Eminem, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/334783
