NASSS 2018 Conference - Vancouver

The Black Athletes, Rap/Hip-Hop, and Identity Development session is calling all research/papers that examine the interconnectedness between the rap music industry, sports, Black Athletes, and identity development. There is a deep connection historically between the Black community and rap/hip-hop music. Within that relationship is a tight tether to Black athletes. Whether listening to the music for leisure or game time, the references between music and sports are almost inseparable. In the words of Canadian artist Drake in his song, Thank Me Now, "I swear sports and music are so synonymous, Cause we want to be them, and they want to be us." This rings true especially in the social media age, where both professional athletes and musicians are constantly captured together. Thereby, this session serves to unpack the complex relationship, positive/problematic nature of, and influence of rap/hip-hop on the development of various identities of Black athletes at all levels.