Cultural Identity in Kendrick Lamar's American Rap Music: A Popular Culture Analysis

Wibisono, Damar (2025) Cultural Identity in Kendrick Lamar's American Rap Music: A Popular Culture Analysis. Skripsi thesis, Universitas Widya Kartika.

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Abstract

Rap music is more than entertainment; it reflects real social experiences. This study explores how Kendrick Lamar, a prominent figure in American hip-hop, expresses cultural identity and the African American experience through his lyrics. The research aims to examine how Lamar portrays identity while balancing artistic expression and commercial demands in the music industry. The study addresses a gap in academic literature that often overlooks deep connections between Lamar's work and cultural identity theory. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study applies Stuart Hall's theory of cultural identity and the concept of resistance in cultural production. The findings reveal that Lamar presents race, class, and nationality in a complex and authentic way, portraying lived realities shaped by trauma, pride, and resistance. Despite the commercial pressures of the music industry, Lamar maintains his artistic vision, proving that music can serve both as a platform for resistance and a powerful tool for shaping identity.

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