Unraveling the Thread of Black Masculinity: How Kendrick Lamar Rewrote the Legacy of Manhood in Hip-Hop

Masculinity is not a linear and homogeneous identity that shapes all individuals in the same way: it is a social construct continuously influenced by historical, socio-economic, and cultural traits. Black men’s idea of masculinity has been affected by racism and social struggles, forcing them to evolve and to approach their identity in different ways to withstand the systematic oppression they face daily. In New York, during the Harlem Renaissance, many music genres, such as jazz and blues, were created and black men used songs as their primary vehicle to speak up about their daily struggle and, for some of them, even to construct a resilient image of black manhood. Later, in the late 20th century, hip-hop emerged, and gangsta rap became the most important subgenre that changed the perception of Black masculinity: it buried the vulnerability to give space to hypermasculinity and emotional numbness. The main purpose of this thesis is to discuss the changes in the representation of Black masculinity throughout history up to the present day. In particular, it will focus on how Kendrick Lamar redefined the rigid stereotype of how a black man is supposed to be. By analyzing his 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, my analysis explores the trauma and challenges of the tough framework of Black masculinity. This research uses historical and hip-hop studies to analyze the phenomenon. It starts by examining past and cultural movements to understand the roots of black identity and to give a complete overview of the topic. The analysis shows that, while gangsta rap often hid trauma behind a mask, Kendrick Lamar breaks down this stereotype and sheds light on institutionalized racism, mental health and the pain of his community. In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar fights against society’s expectations and gender fixed norms by creating an album where vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness, but a form of political resistance and the first step towards healing.