Metal Faces, Rap Masks: Identity and Resistance in Hip Hop's Persona Artist

Abstract

This paper studies two specific examples of the rap artist persona as resistance strategy, and builds upon several theories of hip‐hop identity and resistance. Using concept of rap music as hidden transcript, and idea of rap's postmodern play‐as‐resistance, I argue that certain hip‐hop acts intentionally split or obscure their artist identities to subvert material conditions for the rap performer, and to negotiate their own position within the conflicting standards of authenticity and marketability put forth by the ghetto and recording industry.