What is it about?
In this article, I analyse how processes of identity formation are expressed in the lyrics of the Norwegian rap duo Karpe. Through their music, the duo brings to light their experiences of growing up in Norway with a multicultural background. In doing so, they not only outwardly denounce processes of social exclusion, but also send a clear message to their audience: the definition of what it means to be Norwegian needs to be broadened and new forms of belonging should be normalised so that ethnic minorities can embrace their multicultural backgrounds without fearing that this will compromise their perceived belonging to the national community.
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Why is it important?
That rap music is popular is not surprising in itself. What is astonishing, however, is that such explicitly political lyrics with a high degree of self-reflexivity are so well received by a broad audience composed of immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Karpe's incredible success with the Norwegian public, which enables them to convey ideas of political significance across groups, makes the analysis of their music of mainstream interest. By using rap lyrics as an object of analysis, I also emphasise the merits of cultural expressions as a means of learning about how social phenomena are experienced and understood on the ground.
Perspectives
My interest in this subject arose inevitably from my own experience listening to Karpe's music, but also from growing up in Norway with a multicultural background. That the duo has become so popular is an incredible development, not only because of the cultural impact it has had on Norwegian society as a whole, but also because it renders accessible to many ethnic Norwegians experiences of growing up in Norway and feeling Norwegian that differ from their own.
Juliette Saetre
European University Institute
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nationhood, identity and subcultures: A case study of the Norwegian rap duo Karpe, Global Hip Hop Studies, June 2021, Intellect,
DOI: 10.1386/ghhs_00033_1.
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