Throughout this paper the question is going to be answered, whether W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness can be discerned in contemporary expressions of Hip Hop culture. Furthermore, it is going to be explored how this concept can be visually represented by analyzing Kendrick Lamar’s music video to the song Alright from the Album To Pimp a Butterfly. First, a definition of Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness is going to be given in order to delineate the characteristics and possible interpretations of it. The concept is going to be defined as an internal conflict that expresses the hardship of reconciling two distinct perspectives and identities into one body. Moreover, formal aspects of The Souls of Black Folk are going to provide evidence for the argument, that Du Bois writing style facilitates the communication of the concept of double consciousness throughout his work. The effects of double consciousness and the importance of cultural expressions in the process of finding one’s own cultural identity are also going to be analyzed in more detail in the second chapter of this paper.
In order to analyze Kendrick Lamar’s music video, a brief introduction to the medium is going to be given. Through Keazor’s and Wübbena’s work the origins of this medium will be determined and presented. Moreover, the most important technical elements of the music video in general are going to be mentioned as well. Railton and Watson propose in their work Music Video and the Politics of Representation a systematic categorization of music videos, by identifying four different type of music videos: 1. Pseudo-Documentary music video, 2. Art music video, 3. Narrative music video and 4. Staged Performance music video (Railton and Watson).
The music video Alright is going to be analyzed by determining how the director Colin Tilley establishes the single scenes in the music video. Firstly, possible thematically coherent segments have to be identified. Through a frame by frame analysis the cinematic techniques and the aesthetics of each segment of the music video are going to be analyzed. Secondly, the song lyrics and their visual representation in the music video are also going to be examined. Thirdly, the concept of double consciousness is going to be identified in Kendrick Lamar’s music video by illustrating how double consciousness is visually represented.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. W.E.B. Du Bois and Double Consciousness
- 3. An Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Art
- 3.1. Definition of the term Music Video
- 3.2. An Analysis of the Cinematic Techniques in Kendrick Lamar's Music Video Alright
- 3.3. An analysis of Kendrick Lamar's song Alright and its Visual Representation
- 4. Double Consciousness in Kendrick Lamar's Music Video Alright
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness within the context of Kendrick Lamar's music video "Alright," focusing on its visual representation of hip hop culture. The analysis explores how Lamar's artistic expression reflects and embodies the internal conflict of double consciousness experienced by minority groups.
- W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness
- Visual representation of hip hop culture
- Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's artistic expression
- The cultural and societal influences shaping identity
- The internal conflict of double consciousness
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the historical context of hip hop's origins in the South Bronx, highlighting the socio-economic conditions that fostered its creation. It contrasts the decaying urban environment with the resilience of its youth, using photography and the writings of Jeff Chang to illustrate the stark realities and the role of gangs in providing a sense of community within this "mythical wasteland." The chapter further connects the development of hip hop to earlier traditions of African oral performance and storytelling, laying the groundwork for the exploration of double consciousness.
2. W.E.B. Du Bois and Double Consciousness: This section delves into W.E.B. Du Bois' seminal work, exploring his concept of "double consciousness" – the internal conflict arising from viewing oneself through the eyes of a dominant culture. The chapter discusses various interpretations and applications of this theory, drawing on the works of scholars like Frank M. Kirkland, Bruce Jr. Dickson, and Paul Gilroy, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the concept, ranging from literary studies to sociology. It also touches upon the works of Frantz Fanon and Cornel West, highlighting the concept's impact on individual and collective identity.
3. An Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Art: This chapter begins by defining the significance of music videos as a form of visual expression in the context of hip hop. It then proceeds to analyze the cinematic techniques employed in Kendrick Lamar's "Alright," exploring how these techniques contribute to the overall message and emotional impact of the video. The chapter will dissect the song itself, examining its lyrical content and how it intertwines with the visual narrative. This chapter lays the foundation for connecting Lamar's work to the concept of double consciousness.
Keywords
Double consciousness, Kendrick Lamar, hip hop, music video, visual representation, African American culture, identity, race, social commentary, cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" and W.E.B. Du Bois' Double Consciousness
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper examines W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness within the context of Kendrick Lamar's music video "Alright." It analyzes how Lamar's artistic expression visually represents the internal conflict of double consciousness experienced by minority groups, specifically focusing on the visual representation of hip hop culture.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness, the visual representation of hip hop culture, an analysis of Kendrick Lamar's artistic expression, the cultural and societal influences shaping identity, and the internal conflict of double consciousness.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: An introduction establishing the context of hip hop's origins; a chapter dedicated to explaining W.E.B. Du Bois' theory of double consciousness; a chapter analyzing Kendrick Lamar's artistic expression, particularly his music video "Alright," including a definition of music videos and an analysis of cinematic techniques; and finally, a chapter connecting Lamar's work to the concept of double consciousness.
How does the paper analyze Kendrick Lamar's "Alright"?
The paper analyzes "Alright" by examining its cinematic techniques, lyrical content, and the interplay between the visual narrative and the song's message. It explores how these elements contribute to the overall emotional impact and meaning of the music video in relation to double consciousness.
What is the significance of W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness in this analysis?
Du Bois' concept of double consciousness provides the theoretical framework for understanding the internal conflict experienced by individuals belonging to marginalized groups. The paper applies this concept to interpret Kendrick Lamar's artistic expression as a reflection of this internal struggle and its visual manifestation in "Alright."
What other scholars' works are referenced in the paper?
The paper draws upon the works of various scholars, including Frank M. Kirkland, Bruce Jr. Dickson, Paul Gilroy, Frantz Fanon, and Cornel West, to explore different interpretations and applications of Du Bois' theory of double consciousness and its relevance across disciplines.
What is the historical context provided in the introduction?
The introduction situates hip hop within its historical context, highlighting its origins in the South Bronx and the socio-economic conditions that shaped its development. It contrasts the harsh realities of the environment with the resilience of its youth, using photography and the writings of Jeff Chang to illustrate this contrast and the role of gangs in creating community.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Double consciousness, Kendrick Lamar, hip hop, music video, visual representation, African American culture, identity, race, social commentary, and cultural exchange.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Francesco Caruana (Autor:in), 2015, Double Consciousness in Kendrick Lamar, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/917503
