Rebel Music: Resistance Through Hip Hop and Punk

Description

Rebel Music: Resistance Through Hip Hop and Punk
Publisher: Information Age Publishing
Date: January 2015
Co-edited by Priya Parmar, Anthony J. Nocella II, Scott Robertson, and Martha Diaz
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Arising from the street corners and underground clubs, Rebel Music: Resistance through Hip Hop and Punk, challenges standardized schooling and argues for equity, peace, and justice. Rebel Music is an important, one-of-a-kind book that takes readers through fun, radical, educational chapters examining Hip Hop and Punk songs, with each section addressing a particular social issue. Rebel Music values the experiences found in both movements as cultural capital that is de-valued in the current oppressive, standard, test-driven, rule-bound, and corporate schooling experience, making youth “just another brick in the wall.” This collection is a “rebel yell” to administrators, teachers, parents, police, politicians, and counselors who demonize Hip Hop and Punk to listen up and respect youth culture. Finally, Rebel Music is a celebration of radical voices and an organizing tool for those who use music to challenge oppression.

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Rebel Music: Resistance Through Hip Hop and Punk
By: Priya Parmar, Anthony J. Nocella II, Scott Robertson, and Martha Diaz

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD
Chuck D

FOREWORD
Chris Hannah

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION
Learning to Listen: Hip Hop, Punk, and Youth Culture
Priya Parmar, Anthony J. Nocella II, Scott Robertson, and Martha Diaz

PART I. OPPRESSION

CHAPTER ONE
“My Life” by The Game & Lil Wayne
Don C. Sawyer III and Hasan Stephens

CHAPTER TWO
“Petroleum Distillation” by Fifteen
Zack Furness

PART II. MARGINALIZATION

CHAPTER THREE
“Ladies First” by Queen Latifah
Noelle Chaddock

CHAPTER FOUR
“Nailing Descartes to the Wall” by Propagandhi
Lauren Corman and Sarat Colling

PART III. RESISTANCE

CHAPTER FIVE
“Fight the Power” by Public Enemy
David Stovall

CHAPTER SIX
“Hero of War” by Rise Against
Scott Robertson

PART IV. REBELLION

CHAPTER SEVEN
“Hip Hop is Dead” by Nas
Michael Benitez

CHAPTER EIGHT
“Pictures of Women Giving Birth Sell Records” by Oi Polloi
Comrade Black

PART V. REPRESSION

CHAPTER NINE
“State Run Radio” by Lupe Fiasco
Dru Ryan

CHAPTER TEN
“Iron Fist” by Goldfinger
Ed Avery-Natale

PART VI. EXPRESSION

CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Fight for Your Right to Party” by Beastie Boys
Daniel White Hodge

CHAPTER TWELVE
“Terminal Preppie” by Dead Kennedys
Kirby Pringle

PART VII. RESPECT

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur
Marcella Runell-Hall

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Straightedge” by Minor Threat
Ross Haenfler

PART VIII. COMMUNITY

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube
Emery Petchaur

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Welcome To Paradise” by Green Day
Michael Loadenthal

Contributors’ Biographies

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK

Punk rock and Hip Hop were militant late 20th Century American subcultures that redefined all notions of art and entertainment. This intellectual, but not over intellectualized work puts it all in a modern context. “Rebel Music” indeed!

– Steven Blush, author/filmmaker, American Hardcore

As an English professor who explores social justice issues with her students, as well as analyzes music as poetry, Rebel Music is the perfect text to bring those issues together in one inspiring volume. Indeed, music in its many forms is a ‘universal language,’ so I see this collection fitting into any curriculum, from middle school to higher education.

– Dr. Kim Socha, professor of English and Writing Center Director at Normandale Community College

Rebel Music demonstrates not only the importance of music as a vehicle for fighting neoliberal capitalism and all of its attendant guises of destruction, but it offers a mode of furious hope form which a new generation of youth can be inspired.

– Dr. Peter McLaren, Professor, University of California, Los Angeles

Working in education, especially inner city schools, requires a certain understanding. Much of that understanding lies in the history of oppression, such as racism and poverty. Rebel Music: Resistance Thorough Hip Hop and Punk uniquely and brilliantly makes that history visible and highlights ways youth resist and rebel. If you want to know more about youth culture read this book.

– Ryan Williams-Virden, Teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, MN

An interesting and thought provoking look at the parallels between punk and Hip Hop.

– Mike Park, Founder of Plea for Peace Foundation

As someone who got through college writing about rock-n-roll, as someone whose own politicization came from John Denver, Bruce Springsteen, and The Clash before it passed through Noam Chomsky and Paulo Freire, I found this book to be a treasure. I’m passing it on to my kids!

– Dr. David Gabbard, professor of Education, Boise State University

Insightful and thought provoking, Rebel Music serves as an excellent guide to empowering all who are striking a beat. A must read for anyone interested in the connection between music, politics, and culture.

– Dr. Joe Leeson-Schatz, Lecturer and Director of Speech and Debate at Binghamton University

Rebel Music does a wonderful job of teasing out the liberatory dimensions of punk and Hip Hop, and translating notions of oppression, resistance, and rebellion into an exciting, concrete, and accessible language for a wide audience. The authors and editors address everything from the politics of music to the politics of subcultures, communities, identity, and youth movements. Such timely and timeless topics will surely speak to the hearts and minds of many people and inspire reflection and action for social justice.

– Dr. Jason Del Gandio, author of Rhetoric for Radicals: A Handbook for 21st Century Activists

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