Research Paper ( Rap, Hip Hop, and Popular Culture)

Choose a topic —
Here are some possible choices, although you need not limit yourself to these options:
Choose a particular rap or hip hop album and critique it, different from the one you are assigned for the previous assignments.  Research reactions to the album that were written at the time, and incorporate these critical reviews with your own.  Discuss the historical
context in which the record was released, both socially and as reflection of the artist’s own creative evolution. How is this album a reflection of the times nationally (or internationally) of when it was released?
Contrast and compare two songs (or albums), one an early creation and another a late creation by an artist from the rap/hip hop genre that seem to deal with similar themes.  
How has their music and lyrical concerns/artistry changed through the decades?  What contemporary influences seemed to shape these creations (in the personal life of the artist and their historical context)? Use some artist biographical information to connect to
themes in the songs/albums. Use published critiques of the time, as well as contemporary critiques, to support your interpretations/arguments.  

Choose an historical event, social movement, or issue/topic of concern which involved any element, song, album, or artist in rap/hip hop music.  Summarize what you’ve found about this in relevant books, magazines, newspapers, videos, including those of the time.  
How is this reflected in the work of musical artists during said event/movement/topic?
[example: Violence in rap music:  what about it?  How is it significant to the genre?  How
is it used?  Who are the key players?  What are the common themes of violence in rap
and hip hop songs?]
Compare a rap or hip hop musical artist/group, song, OR album from the seventies or eighties to one popular in 2018/9.

Something else, as long as you’ve run it by me.

SUGGESTED Format ::

NO title page

Five (5) pages minimum, using appropriate APA or MLA citation style for all references.
Please use library, VALID internet, and audio sources. Include a Works Cited page. You
must use at least
four sources
(audio and video are fine as well as written
works/analyses).

INTRO – Grab my interest with a quote or anecdote, introduce the points which will be
made, provide a summary thesis

Take each points you mentioned in the first paragraph and create body paragraphs from
these main ideas.
o
   Topic sentence
o
   Connection to your thesis
o
   Research findings
o
   Your interpretation of the research findings – why is it important and significant?  
What can you add to the authors’ ideas?
Conclude with rewording of your thesis, a summation of your points, and reflect on the main important points you made in the paper