Rap Beyond Resistance

This book fills the gap in existing literature by exploring other forms of political discourses in non-Western rap music. Theoretically, it challenges and explores resistance, arguing towards the need for different epistemological frameworks in which to look at narratives of cultural resistance in the Arabic-speaking world. Empirically, it provides an in-depth look at the politics of rap culture in Morocco. Rap Beyond Resistance bridges the humanities and social sciences in order to de-Westernize cultural studies, presenting the political narratives of the Moroccan rap scene beyond secular liberal meanings of resistance. By exploring what is political, this book brings light to a vibrant and varied rap scene diverse in its political discourses–with an emphasis on patriotism and postcolonial national identity–and uncovers different ways in which young artists are being political beyond ‘radical lyrics’.
Unravels the political economy of music analysing private media, state-funded music festivals, self-production and digital culture as key elements in non-Western cultural contexts Connects the production of certain narratives to the awareness of the politics of the cultural field Combines discourse analysis, producers’ interviews, participant observation and field observations gathered over 4 years of research in Morocco