

#19926
Mentioned in 4 episodes
A Little Devil in America
Book • 2021
In this book, Hanif Abdurraqib delves into the history and impact of Black performance in America.
He reflects on various artists and cultural moments, from William Henry Lane's minstrel dancing to Beyoncé's 2016 Super Bowl appearance and the TV show *Soul Train*.
The book blends social criticism, pop culture analysis, and autobiography, highlighting the contributions and struggles of Black performers.
Abdurraqib also explores themes such as Black anger, the exploitation of Black artists, and the intersection of love, hate, and violence in Black life.
The chapters are structured around personal and historical narratives, including his own experiences and reflections on figures like Josephine Baker and Aretha Franklin.
He reflects on various artists and cultural moments, from William Henry Lane's minstrel dancing to Beyoncé's 2016 Super Bowl appearance and the TV show *Soul Train*.
The book blends social criticism, pop culture analysis, and autobiography, highlighting the contributions and struggles of Black performers.
Abdurraqib also explores themes such as Black anger, the exploitation of Black artists, and the intersection of love, hate, and violence in Black life.
The chapters are structured around personal and historical narratives, including his own experiences and reflections on figures like Josephine Baker and Aretha Franklin.
Mentioned by













Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

as the author of several books, including 'They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us', 'Go Ahead in the Rain', 'notes to A Tribe Called Quest', and 'A Little Devil in America'.


Hrishikesh Hirway

28 snips
Key Change: Hanif Abdurraqib on The Clash
Mentioned by 

as one of 

's acclaimed books, examining Black performance alongside cultural appropriation, discrimination, and violence.


Nahlah Ayed


Hanif Abdurraqib

23 snips
Grief and the cost of outsourcing feeling
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

for its insightful essays, particularly one about Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance.

Sam Sanders

One Hell of a Contradiction
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as 

's National Book Award–finalist work praising Black performance.

Jody Avirgan


Hanif Abdurraqib

A Nation Of Readers: Poetry, Essay, Hanif and Javier
Recommended by 

as a lyrical, beautifully written, and stirring book exploring the connection between US history and Black performance.


Brené Brown

Brené with Hanif Abdurraqib on Art, Culture, and Black Performance
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when describing Hanif Abdurraqib’s focus on the ordinary details of Don Shirley’s life beyond the film Green Book.

Shana L. Redmond

Shana L. Redmond - Department of English, Columbia University
Mentioned by 

as the author of a book of essays that includes his writing on Soul Train.


Rund Abdelfatah

Bonus: Soul Train


