@article{Cotgrove2022, author = {Louis Alexander Cotgrove}, title = {The importance of linguistic markers of identity and authenticity in German Gangsta rap}, series = {Journal of Languages, Texts, and Society}, number = {2}, publisher = {University of Nottingham}, address = {Nottingham}, issn = {2517-648X}, url = {https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:bsz:mh39-109212}, pages = {67 -- 98}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study investigates the language used by six German Gangsta rappers to establish and maintain their identity and authenticity as rappers, in songs released between 2015 and 2016. Gangsta rap is a subgenre of Hip-Hop that emphasises ‘the rappers’ street credibility in texts describing tough [urban] neighbourhoods, violence, misogyny, and the achievement of material wealth’ (Bower 379). The culture of Gangsta rap attracts overwhelmingly negative mainstream media coverage (Muggs; Roper) and is often accused of corrupting ‘standard’ language (Krummheuer). The lyrical content of the songs is indeed controversial and has been previously covered by many academics (Byrd; Littlejohn and Putnam; Bower; Rollefson), as has the emergence of Hip-Hop in Germany (Elflein; Pennay; Nitzsche and Gr{\"u}nzweig).}, language = {en} }