'We Rising Up' : Rap Music as a Tool of Resistance

Abstract: This study aims to point out how music can be used as resistance. This study looks at four rap songs and how the lyrics express resistance against African American oppression in the United States of America. Using discourse analysis I, a method outlined by Gillian Rose, in combination with discourse theory and cultural resistance theory, the following research question is answered: How is resistance against oppression expressed in rap music? In addition this study asks how the expression of resistance against oppression has changed over time? Therefore the songs have been selected from a different era, starting from the 80s until today. The method portrayed how the selected songs construct blame, effects of truth and arguments against oppression through the lyrics. Moreover, the theories showed how rap music can be used as cultural resistance since it performs as a practice of survival and rebellion as well as can be political and an outlet to let out frustration. Moreover, it was found that discourse determines the ways the artists act and view their world which is expressed through the selected songs.