Works Cited

Duda, Karen E. “Mos Def: Current Biography 66.4 (2005) 38-44. MLA International Bibliography. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.

This source originates from the field of literature as it is a biography that is found in a book about influential persons. This book offers information on Mos Def’s diverse skill set, background, achievements, and the social consciousness of his music. As mathematics is a very socially conscious song, this information will be very useful for my project.

Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.

This source originates from the field of music as it is found in the African American Music Reference archives. This source contains additional information on the social consciousness of Mos Def, but it also includes information on Mos Def’s perspective on how his music is perceived.

Jenkins, Toby S. “A Beautiful Mind: Black Male Intellectual Identity and Hip-Hop Culture.” Sage Publications, Nov. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.

This source originates from the field of music as it is found in Grove Music Online. This source focuses on the black identity in rap music, and Mos Def is one focus point. This source is useful for my project as much of the lyrics of “mathematics” discuss black culture, and are representative of the struggles of African American inner city life.

Lena, Jennifer C. “Social Context And Musical Content of Rap Music, 1979-1995” Social Forces 85.1 (2006) 479-495 MLA International Bibliography. Web. 23 Feb. 2015

This source originates from the field of literature as the genre is classified as Folk Literature on the Ebsco Host database. This song contains much information that is relevant to my project. The source does not focus on Mos Def, but it covers the different labels of music and how they represent varying ideologies. This is important as “mathematics” is indicative of the social commentary side of rap music, opposed to trying to profit off the image of the gangster illusion.

Nielson, Cynthia R. “Mos Def and Social “Mathematics” from the Remnants of the Ghetto: Giving the Numbers a Voice.” Mos Def and Social “Mathematics” from the Remnants of the Ghetto: Giving the Numbers a Voice. Percaritatem, 09 Aug. 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.

This source originates from the field of literature as the article breaks down the literary elements of each individual stanza and then relates them to the social issues that are being discussed. This source is very useful for my project as it covers both the literary elements that compose the song and how they are significant to the message and delivery of the music.

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