Illmatic Consequences: The Clapback to Opponents of 'Critical Race Theory'

"Illmatic Consequences is a bold intervention in the mushrooming field of Hip Hop Studies. The anthology uses Critical Race Theory lenses to theorize political, class, scientific, spatial and cultural dimensions of Hip Hop as modality and practice. From considerations of proto-CRT scholar/activism to contemporary issues ranging from public health and Black representations in narrative meaning making to fundamental issues of housing and education, the message is clear: Culture is a tool for self-determination and self-defense among oppressed peoples. The editors and contributors to this volume are to be commended for their efforts."--Greg Carr, Associate Professor African-American Studies, Howard University, and Adjunct Professor, Howard School of Law

ILLMATIC CONSEQUENCES combines social science and hip-hop studies to address disinformation and propaganda that distorted political discourse after the 2020 election. In this text, scholars and activists come together to clap back on the lies that animated attacks at local school boards and the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. capitol. Following a thematic structure, these contributors address "The Crisis", "The Clapback", and "The Consequences", using hip hop and Afrofuturism as models for analysis and solutions to the cultural divisions in the United States. The cycle of progress followed by backlash threatens the stability of world affairs in the twenty-first century. These writers offer clear insight across multiple disciplines to create an inclusive civil society.

Inspired by the work of David Roediger, Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ibram Kendi, and Carol Anderson, ILLMATIC CONSEQUENCES stretches the vision and lexicon of Nasir Jones to a new generation of artists. Readers of this text will become the vanguard of a global society dedicated to freedom, justice, and decolonization.