Final RB Proposal

After hearing feedback from Prof L, I have decided that my proposal needs to be narrowed to a more specific and niche subject. Right now I am deciding between the research question “How does the message or intent of a rapper effect the lyrical quality, musical elements and overall sound of the rap poetry?” or simply focusing on just one artist, which would be Kendrick Lamar. I will likely choose the former question and then use Lamar’s work as exhibit evidence.

I already know to use Dana Gioia’s Disappearing Ink essay as evidence (a work I am very well acquainted with), but I am unsure whether this source falls under the “background” or “theory/tool” category of source. I will also be using Adam Bradley’s Rap Poetry 101, which for the most part will be used to provide my readers with background information on the origins of rap music as a whole, but could also use a few of his lines as a tool for theoretical evidence – such as when he states “no expertise is required to listen” to rap. As for finding “exhibit” sources, I am already well aware of a surplus of Rap artists and their work, and will likely not find any difficulty with a lack of material. My plan is to mostly rely on the work of Kendrick Lamar, MF DOOM, Kanye West, as well as a few others. Moving on to “argument” sources, I could potentially recycle sources from the previous “B-TEAM” categories and pick out subtle differences in our opinions, or even expand on ideas I feel they left unfinished. It would also be wise to search for sources that completely bash any statements I try to make, in order to counter them and strengthen the overall conversation of the essay. Lastly, I think it will prove difficult to find “motive” sources because as of right now, I am a little lost on its exact definition. However, I am sure after clarification I will be sufficiently able to locate appropriate sources for my essay. I greatly look forward to piecing this essay together.