Hip-Hop Revolution in the Flesh : Power, Knowledge, and Pleasure in Lil’ Kim’s Lyricism

An extended study of the writings of Lil' Kim, the multi-platinum selling Hip Hop artist. Examines Lil' Kim's anti-sexist, gender-defiant and ultra-erotic verse alongside issues of race and the politics of imprisonment. This is the first study to apply the tools of literary criticism to Hip Hop's lyrical writings. This is a critical, cultural study of radical sexual politics in a contemporary Hip-Hop lyricism - what the author refers to as Hip-Hop's "QUEEN B@#$H' lyricism." Front Matter....Pages i-xii Introduction....Pages 1-10 Orals ... Head ... Genius: The Power, Knowledge, and Pleasure of Hard Core....Pages 11-31 Sexual Poetic Justice: On African Matriarchy, Flexible Gender Systems, and The Notorious K.I.M.....Pages 33-56 Mic “God/dess” ... Eshu-Elegba: Signifying Divine Freedom—In the Flesh....Pages 57-84 (Black) Consciousness (Reprise): Neo-Soul’s “Baduizm,” African Cinema of Liberation, and Hip-Hop’s “QUEEN B@#$H”....Pages 85-109 “First Female King”: The Art of Morph and Monarchy in La Bella Mafia’s Beehive....Pages 111-132 It’s the Lyrical Sex Pistol: Or, A Rebel Music that Rewrites Anatomy—Rhyme after Fiery Rhyme....Pages 133-158 The “Sound Clash” of The Naked Truth: Erotic Maroonage, Public Enemies, and “Rap COINTELPRO”....Pages 159-190 Conclusion....Pages 191-196 Back Matter....Pages 197-231 "An extended study of the writings of Lil' Kim, the multi-platinum selling Hip Hop artist. Examines Lil' Kim's anti-sexist, gender-defiant and ultra-erotic verse alongside issues of race and the politics of imprisonment. This is the first study to apply the tools of literary criticism to Hip Hop's lyrical writings."--Publisher's website