Title
Talking 'Bout Your Mama: The Dozens, Snaps, And The Deep Roots Of Rap
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
From Two Live Crew'S Controversial Comedy To Ice Cube'S Gangsta Styling And The Battle Rhymes Of A Streetcorner Cypher, Rap Has Always Drawn On Deep Traditions Of African American Poetic Wordplay, In Talking 'Bout Your Mama, Author Elijah Wald Explores One Of The Most Potent Sources Of Rap: The Viciously Funny, Outrageously Inventive Insult Game Known As The Dozens.So What Is The Dozens? At Its Simplest, It'S A Comic Chain Of Yo' Mama Jokes. At Its Most Complex, It'S An Intricate Form Of Social Interaction That Reaches Back To African Ceremonial Rituals. Wald Traces The Tradition Of African American Street Rhyming And Verbal Combat That Has Ruled Urban Neighborhoods Since The Early 1900S. Whether Considered Vernacular Poetry, Aggressive Dueling, A Test Of Street Cool, Or Just A Mess Of Dirty Insults, The Dozens Is A Basic Building Block Of Africanamerican Culture. A Game Which Could Inspire Raucous Laughter Or Escalate To Violence, It Provided A Wellspring Of Rhymes, Attitude, And Raw Humor That Has Influenced Pop Musicians From Jelly Roll Morton And Robert Johnson To Tupac Shakur And Jay Z.Wald Goes Back To The Dozens' Roots, Looking At Motherinsulting And Verbal Combat From Greenland To The Sources Of The Niger, And Shows Its Breadth Of Influence In The Seminal Writings Of Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, And Zora Neale Hurston; The Comedy Of Richard Pryor And George Carlin; The Dark Humor Of The Blues; The Hip Slang And Competitive Jamming Of Jazz; And In Its Ultimate Evolution Into The Improvisatory Battling Of Rap. From Schoolyard Games And Rural Work Songs To Urban Novels And Nightclub Comedy, And Pop Hits From Ragtime To Rap, Wald Uses The Dozens As A Lens To Provide New Insight Into Over A Century Of African American Culture.A Groundbreaking Work, Talking 'Bout Your Mama Is An Essential Book For Anyone Interested In African American Cultural Studies, History And Linguistics, And The Origins Of Rap Music.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has two hundred fifty-six pages. This length provides an in-depth exploration of the themes and history of rap music.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover. This ensures durability and a premium feel, making it a great addition to any collection.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point four one inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and six point four two inches in height. These dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all age groups? A: The book is recommended for mature audiences. Its content includes themes and language that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Elijah Wald. He is recognized for his insights into African American culture and the roots of rap music.
- Q: What topics does this book cover? A: The book covers the history of African American wordplay, including the dozens and their influence on rap music. It connects cultural traditions with contemporary artistry.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition and prevent fading.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently clean the book's cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that could damage the material.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged book? A: If you receive a damaged book, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for studying African American culture? A: Yes, this book is an excellent resource for studying African American culture. It provides historical insights and connects cultural practices with modern music.
- Q: Does this book include any illustrations or images? A: No, the book primarily focuses on text and analysis. It does not contain illustrations or images, emphasizing the written word.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book belongs to the ethnomusicology genre. It explores the intersection of music, culture, and history.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is a standalone work. It does not belong to any series but is a significant contribution to its field.
- Q: What kind of insights can I gain from reading this book? A: You can gain insights into the evolution of rap and its cultural significance. The book connects historical practices with contemporary artistic expressions.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique for its comprehensive analysis of the dozens and their profound impact on rap. It links historical roots to modern music trends.