African American Vernacular English in Contemporary Music

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background Knowledge on AAVE

2.1 Definition, Origin, Speakers of AAVE and Attitudes Towards It

2.2 Overview of the Most Important Features of AAVE

2.3 Hip Hop and AAVE

2.4 The Research Question

3. Materials and Method

3.1 The Artists

3.2 The Song Selection

3.3 The Method

4. Results and Discussion

4.1 Results

4.2 Discussion

4. Conclusion

Objectives and Research Themes

This thesis investigates the manifestation of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), specifically the usage of the copula "to be," within contemporary Hip Hop music. The study aims to determine how three prominent rappers—Tupac, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent—employ copula deletion in their lyrics and whether their linguistic patterns shifted diachronically throughout their careers. Furthermore, it addresses the broader scholarly debate regarding the validity of Hip Hop as a reliable linguistic corpus for studying AAVE.

• Linguistic analysis of copula deletion in "gangsta rap."
• Diachronic examination of lyrical patterns across different stages of a rapper's career.
• Evaluation of the influence of social factors and the demand for "authenticity" on linguistic choices.
• Critical assessment of Hip Hop as a source for AAVE research.
• Comparative study of three major American rappers from different decades and backgrounds.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the focus on AAVE in contemporary music and identifies the copula "to be" as the central linguistic structure for analysis.

2. Background Knowledge on AAVE: This chapter outlines the theoretical definitions, origins, and key phonological and grammatical features of AAVE, while exploring the cultural intersection of Hip Hop and the vernacular.

3. Materials and Method: This chapter introduces the three analyzed artists, details the selection criteria for their albums, and explains the specific linguistic methodology used to count copula deletion.

4. Results and Discussion: This chapter presents the statistical data from the lyrics and discusses the findings in relation to the artists' careers and the potential limitations of music as a linguistic data source.

4. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the analysis, noting the variations and similarities in copula usage across the artists and reflecting on the reliability of Hip Hop as a data source for AAVE.

Keywords

AAVE, African American Vernacular English, Hip Hop, Copula Deletion, Rap, Linguistic Analysis, Tupac, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Sociolinguistics, Gangsta Rap, Syntax, Labov, Vernacular, Authenticity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The work investigates the use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), specifically the deletion of the copula "to be," in the lyrics of prominent American rappers.

Which artists were selected for this study?

The research analyzes the lyrics of Tupac, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent, focusing on two albums from each artist to track diachronic changes.

What is the core research question?

The thesis asks how the copula is used in rap music and whether the usage of copula deletion differs among these three artists over the course of their careers.

Which methodology is applied to the linguistic analysis?

The study utilizes the Labov Contraction and Labov Deletion formulae, following the guidelines for "count" and "don't count" forms established by Renée Blake.

What is the main argument regarding Hip Hop as a linguistic source?

The author concludes that while Hip Hop is a significant medium for AAVE, it is not always a perfectly reliable source for linguistic study because of the creative and rhythmic constraints of the music genre.

What are the primary characteristics of the researched artists?

All three are African American "gangsta rap" artists from lower-class backgrounds who grew up in poverty and achieved significant commercial success in different decades.

How does the social environment of the artists influence their language?

The research suggests that social changes—such as moving from the "streets" to wealth and status—may influence a rapper's tendency to use or avoid vernacular features like copula deletion.

Why did 50 Cent show a decrease in copula deletion in his later work?

The analysis suggests that this decrease may be linked to his change in social environment and the professional circles he interacts with after achieving fame.

What role does "authenticity" play in the linguistic choices of rappers?

In the Hip Hop culture, there is an expectation to be "real." The author hypothesizes that some artists maintain or increase their use of AAVE as a strategy to remain authentic to their roots.