Homer and Hip-Hop: Improvisation, Cultural Heritage, and Metrical Analysis

Abstract

Homeric epic and modern hip-hop are discussed as performance poetry, with particular attention to how both genres construct the social identity of the community in which they are performed. Parallels are also drawn with slam poetry. The character of the oral accumulative style is outlined, with examples from both Homer and hip-hop.

Keywords: Homer, Hip hop, Rap, Oral poetry, Metre

JEL Classification: Z00