Stargazin': A Conjural Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's "GNX"
Publication information:
Abstract
According to artist Lupe Fiasco, "rap teaches." It teaches how to dance, how to talk…and it stands to reason that rap also teaches spirituality. Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping rap album GNX (2024) describes a "past life regression," where he experienced the lives of two late musicians as well as the Christian persona Lucifer. In this autobiographical discussion of self, spirit, and celebrity, what does rap teach to Kendrick Lamar's massive listenership? How is it taught? To approach these questions, we will apply Yvonne Chireau’s discussion of African American Conjure to theorize celebrity performances as ritual acts that affect both artist and audience.
Presenter Biography
Quinn Matos, MTS, is an MD candidate at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine who intends to practice primary care as a family physician. Quinn’s research focus is on alternative and traditional medicinal practices, ritual, and spirituality in the Americas.