Manifestations of Afrocentricity in Rap Music

Redrawing Afrocentrism: VisualNommoin George H. Ben Johnson's Editorial Cartoons

“…Woodyard (1995) explained that such rhetorical behavior ''arouses listener interest and participation'' (p. 141). Indeed, indirection has been well-documented as a manifestation of nommo in African rhetorics (Cummings & Roy, 2002;Cliett, 2004;Garner & CallowayThomas, 2003;Henry, 1998;Walker, 2003;Woodyard, 2003). Not only can rhetors' choice of words lead to indirection, but also their choice of medium that conveys the word.…”

“…Finally, stylin', as a manifestation of nommo, refers to the crafty use of words, body language, dress, hair style, or other means that recognizes Africa in order to convey a political message (Cummings & Roy, 2002;FIGURE 6 Another Stab to Ethiopia.…”

“…Although there have been more studies of African American rhetoric in the intervening period, these studies have focused primarily on the speeches and essays of prominent Black officials and preachers or have tended to examine the rich musical tradition of African Americans, including gospels, spirituals, blues, and rap music (Aldridge & Carlin, 1993;Cummings & Latta, 2003;Cummings & Roy, 2002;McPhail, 1996;Stephens, 1991;Winn, 2001). However, few studies have celebrated or sought to understand the rich tradition of African visual rhetorics.…”

Hip-Hop Development™ Bridging the Generational Divide for Youth Development

“…Researchers have documented the promotion of positive and socially conscious themes in some rap music and by some Hip-Hop artists (Cummings, & Roy, 2002;Martinez, 1997;Tyson, 2003). For instance, Martinez (1997), argues that some rap music is an expression of social resistance to bigotry and racial oppression, self and community empowerment, and social critique.…”

“…For instance, Martinez (1997), argues that some rap music is an expression of social resistance to bigotry and racial oppression, self and community empowerment, and social critique. Others have noted that constructive and optimistic lyrics found in some rap music, particularly when delivered by artists admired by their young listeners, can have the effect of indoctrinating youth with a positive frame of reference with respect to their racial self-concept, sense of belonging, and education and health outcomes (Cummings, & Roy, 2002;Hicks Harper, 1993;Tyson, 2003). (Susman, Parker, Lopez, Crippen, et al, 1995), cardiovascular disease prevention (Stolley, 1997), obesity prevention (Fitzgibbon, et al, 1998), violence prevention (Bruce, & Davis, 2000), substance abuse prevention (Hicks Harper, & Harper, 1999) and HIV/AIDS prevention (Stephens, Braithwaite, & Taylor, 1998).…”