VS Hanif Abdurraqib vs. Obsession
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Jul 22, 2025 Hanif Abdurraqib, an award-winning poet and cultural critic, dives deep into themes of obsession and personal history. He reminisces about the nostalgic charm of mixtapes and the legacy of his grandmother’s music curation. The conversation explores the emotional toll of creativity and the balance between artistic expression and well-being. Abdurraqib emphasizes the significance of authenticity in writing and the role of family storytelling in shaping identity. He redefines obsession as crucial to the creative process, enriching the narrative journey.
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Rediscovering Musical History
- Hanif Abdurraqib found his old burn CDs from high school and early college and is digitizing them.
- These CDs contain rare R&B remixes not available on streaming, reconnecting him with his musical past.
Archival as Apology and Necessity
- Archiving requires resources and often contradicts daily necessity and usage.
- Hanif sees his present archival efforts as an apology for past carelessness in preserving his past.
Preserving Living Archives Authentically
- Hanif captures the essence of cultural icons by asking new questions about their lived moments and personal experiences.
- He values preserving authentic voices, including everyday people, as part of a living archive.
