Subjects
Transnationalism, Diaspora, African-American studies, Hip-Hop, Colonialism
Abstract
This paper examines Billy Woods' 2022 song, "Asylum" from the album Aethiopes, situating it between the frameworks of Black transnationalism and diaspora. Woods critiques colonialism and constructs a collective Black cultural identity through lyricism and sampling, despite the universally destructive effects of colonialism. The methodology of this paper involves close reading and listening to "Asylum," supported by theoretical perspectives on Black transnationalism and diaspora. This research also incorporates historical context and Woods' personal background to frame the song's narrative. Key materials include the song's lyrics, its samples, and relevant academic literature on colonialism and Black identity. "Asylum" critiques colonialism by juxtaposing scenes of luxury with captivity, highlighting the inescapable effects of colonial exploitation on Black identity. Woods uses metaphorical references to historical figures and places, emphasizing the transient nature of safety for Afrodescendants. Sampling is foundational in “Asylum,” connecting African and American musical traditions and reinforcing the song's transnationalist themes. The song's narrative and instrumental elements collectively portray a borderless Black condition shaped by colonial legacies. "Asylum" ultimately illustrates the pervasive impact of colonialism on global Black culture, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries. The song's fusion of lyricism and sampling demonstrates a shared cultural resilience among Afrodescendants. Future research could further explore the role of hip hop in expressing and shaping Black transnationalist identities, as well as its potential to challenge and reinterpret colonial histories.
DOI
10.15760/anthos.2024.13.1.4
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42019
Recommended Citation
Dornan, Rayli
(2024)
"Black Transnationalism and Diaspora in Hip Hop: An Analysis of Billy Woods’ “Asylum”,"
Anthós:
Vol. 13:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
https://doi.org/10.15760/anthos.2024.13.1.4
