First published 2021
Josephine Baker once called herself "a little devil in America." Inspired by this bold declaration, Hanif Abdurraqib's genre-blending masterwork examines the vital, often unseen role of Black artistry in the fabric of American culture. From Merry Clayton's haunting vocals on "Gimme Shelter" to the competitive energy of a schoolyard fight, Abdurraqib uncovers the profound resonance of Black performance, tracing its impact on politics, music, and his own personal history. Lyrical and incisive, this celebration of the Black experience pulses with the rhythm and vulnerability of the artists Abdurraqib reveres.
Genres: american, african-american, non-fiction, biography-memoir, music, cultural-studies
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: celebration-of-culture, examination-of-art, personal-narrative
Setting: United States, Washington (D.C.)
Period: 1963
301 pages · Hardcover · Random House