A life-long fan of hip-hop and a professional music critic, writer Daniel Levin Becker dives into the complex world of hip-hop in his newest book What’s Good: Notes on Rap and Language. Analyzing lines of famous (and sometimes infamous) songs through cultural, philosophical, and historical lenses, Levin Becker reveals the complicated web of influences that go into crafting a rap single. In his wide-ranging survey, Levin Becker explores topics ranging from misogyny and “hashtag rap” to drug dealing and the aesthetics of cool. Writing for music aficionados and the casual fan alike, Levin Becker uncovers previously hidden sides to hip-hop. Join Levin Becker for a discussion on language, lyricism, and levels of meaning in the vast world of rap.

About the speaker: 

Daniel Levin Becker is an American writer, translator, and music critic. He is one of two American members of the French literary workshop Oulipo and is a contributing editor for the magazine the Believer. He is the author of Many Subtle Channels: In Praise of Potential Literature and the translator of numerous texts from the French.

Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (Levin Becker will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.

Copies of What’s Good: Notes on Rap will be available for purchase at this event. Levin Becker will be signing copies once the conversation concludes.

This event requires advance registration.