Paper details:
Sociology of Hip-Hop Homework
Introduction and Directions: In the coming weeks, we will discuss sociological themes of sex, gender, and misogyny. Now, let’s add another interesting layer to the topic. More than 15 years ago, Nelly was one of the most popular artists in hip-hop. His infectious beats, light-hearted lyrics, and St. Louis drawl had major crossover appeal, and some even considered his music to be “hip-pop”. However, this image was contested after Nelly released the T.I.P Drill video, which was in heavy rotation on BET Uncut. Nelly received heavy criticism for his portrayal of women in the video, especially when a woman’s buttocks were allegorically used as an ATM machine (~6:30 minutes). The controversy reached a peak when Nelly wanted to host a bone marrow drive at Spelman College, a historically black female college, in Atlanta, Georgia to find a bone marrow match for his sister who was diagnosed from leukemia. For this assignment, you will learn more about the contention between Nelly and selected women at Spellman, and how the backlash involves a larger conversation about misogyny in hip-hop culture. First, watch the entire T.I.P. Drill video (~7 minutes) and read the lyrics. Then, watch the following videos: 1. Hip-Hop vs. America (~ 10 minutes) 2. Full Length: How Video Models Changed The Music Industry | VIXEN (~33 minutes) • The producer of Nelly’s video also gave an interview on how technology disrupted the music industry and how that change the production and budgets of music videos. (Behind The Lens: Producer Kareem Johnson of Nelly’s Infamous “Tip Drill” Video 15 Years Later). 3. Nelly Wanted To ‘Kick Somebody’s Ass’ Over Spelman’s Protest Of ‘Tip Drill’ (~ 8 minutes) • Note: It may take a while for the video to load (about 15 secs) and an ad may play before the video starts (about 10 secs). 4. Former Spelman Students Respond to Nelly Blaming Them For His Sister’s Death (~14 minutes) • Note: It may take a while for the video to load (about 15 secs) and an ad may play before the video starts (about 10 secs). 5. Now, write an essay (2-3 pages, 12 point font, Times New Roman). In your part I of your essay, discuss misogyny in hip-hop music, specifically, and in society, in general, by drawing upon (and citing) the following essays from That’s The Joint: Hip-Hop Studies Reader in your paper. o “Empowering Self, Making Choices. Creating Spaces: Black Female Identity via Rap Music Performance” o “Hip-Hop Feminist” In part II of your essay, you should summarize the “T.I.P Drill” debate. Is it “just a video” or does the song/video represent a larger social issue about the representation of women and men in society, in general, and hip-hop culture, specifically? Identify the strengths and weaknesses from both perspectives. Then, clearly discuss your position on the issue. Please note, there are no right or wrong answers, but you must support your position with sound reasoning. 6. In your essay, please follow these directions: 1. You must use proper citation. If you need a resource for proper citation, please check the American Sociological Association Citation Guide. 2. Proofread your paper.
