My first attempt at coming up with a research question is: “How has Rap evolved from simple street music to genuine poetic expression?” This subject matter falls under the fifth broad topic error from the handout, which involves “the poetry of rap/hip-hop (lyricism, rhythm & flow).” Although the overarching conversation of the essay will be examining and explaining the evolution of Rap from its genesis to the present, I still wish to discuss a few other related topics while doing so. A few possible points to mention could be Rap’s preservation of cultural heritage, the genre’s underlying synergy with musical elements, and its versatile capacity for commentary, expression or even amusement. I hope to open a discussion about the global popularity of Rap today and the historical significance it holds for the future. My readers will be invited to question the validity of Rap as an art form and ponder the potential Renaissance-esque era of poetic expression it provides.
Finding certain sources to back up this essay could present a few struggles. 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. Either way, I will most likely need to find multiple other sources in addition to Gioia’s essay. 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.
