Adam Bradley teaches literature at the University of Colorado, Boulder. An expert scholar on both hip-
Reading the Genre
1. What is the thesis of this literary analysis? How does Bradley use both rap lyrics and other writers’ analyses as evidence to support his claims? Are you persuaded by his argument? (See “Use texts for evidence”; “Find good sources”; and “Read sources to find evidence”.)
2. This essay opens with a scene in a club. How does Bradley’s introduction set up and support his main idea? (See Chapter 30, “Introductions and Conclusions”.)
3. Bradley compares the genres of poetry and rap lyrics. What similarities does he find? How does the comparison support his argument that rap is a form of poetry? (See “Focus on genre”.)
4. WRITING: Pick your favorite hip-
5. MULTIMODALITY — PERFORMANCE: Bradley’s analysis asks readers to imagine hip-