Author Talk: Make Rappers Rap Again: Interrogating the Mumble Rap "Crisis"

LOCATION: MATTER - 2134 Market St

CATEGORY: Main Calendar

UPCOMING DATE AND TIME:

• Saturday, Sep 27, 2025  5pm - 7pm

Join the amazing Dr. Heidi R. Lewis for a look into her new book, Make Rappers Rap Again: Interrogating the Mumble Rap "Crisis".

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lewis contrarily and perhaps controversially argues Mumble Rap is real Hip Hop. To do so, she examines Mumble Rap’s congruence with oft-forgotten or subjugated Hip Hop cornerstones like illegibility, melody, the DJ, and the subgenre, as well as the ways most mumble rappers practice citational and collaborative politics that are congruent with real Hip Hop. She also takes a critical approach to examining the Mumble Rap sound, arguing it's much more complicated than it’s often characterized, especially concerning flow and production. To explain the subjugation of Mumble Rap, Lewis situates the subgenre as southern and examines the ways it challenges dominant notions about real Hip Hop masculinity vis-à-vis attention to the mental and emotional, drug use and addiction, and the fallacies of gender and sexuality norms.

Last, but not least, she argues Hip Hop will never die.

Following a brief reading from the book and discussion with one of her brilliant Colorado College students, Lewis will take questions from the audience and sign copies for interested attendees.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi R. Lewis is a David Lucile Packard Professor of Feminist & Gender Studies, President of the National Women's Studies Association (2023-25), and Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford Bibliography in Women's & Gender Studies. Her academic work is primarily focused on Feminist Discourse (emphasis on Black Feminisms), Hip Hop Discourse (emphasis on Rap), and Critical Media Studies.

AGENDA

5:00PM Welcome and Introduction

5:15PM Book Reading

5:35PM Discussion

6:10PM Book Signing + Connecting

6:30PM Social & Shopping

7:00PM End

ACCESIBILITY

Parking: Metered street parking is available (parallel parking) on Market St. Paid lots are available within a few blocks. The closest one is on 21st and Market St.

Entrance Access: Our front door is at street level and manually operated, accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The rest of the block has sidewalks raised by five steps; however, the bike lane offers a step-free route down the block with minimal car traffic.

Restrooms: All-gender restrooms. Just like at home.

Communication: All staff on site speak English. There will be one Spanish speaking staff member. We welcome communication via translation apps (Google Translate is available). While we do not use ASL, we’re happy to communicate through apps or other tools that work for you.

Alcohol Policy: No alcohol will be served or permitted at this event.

Masks: Masks are encouraged and supplied.

Questions or Requests: Please contact us at events@morematter.com with any accessibility needs or questions.

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