Call For Papers
Journal of Hip Hop Studies — Special Issue
Immersive Hip Hop: Lyricism, Visuals, Sound, and Performance
The Journal of Hip Hop Studies invites submissions for a special immersive issue that reimagines how Hip Hop can be experienced in scholarly publishing. This issue will experiment with interactive forms that combine writing with sound, performance, image, and movement, making the journal itself function like a cipher, mixtape, or live set.
We are especially interested in work that explores the multiple dimensions and foundations of Hip Hop through innovative formats. We are seeking hybrid and multimodal work that includes:
• Lyricism in practice: recorded verses, sound bites of artists rapping and breaking down their bars, annotated lyrics.
• Performance analysis: reflections on live performances, concerts, or battles (e.g., Tiny Desk sets, Bad Bunny’s concert in Puerto Rico).
• Geographies of hip hop: regional soundscapes (Southern hip hop, bounce, West Coast, Puerto Rico, global).
• Visual culture: graffiti works, photo essays, music video analysis, museum studies of hip hop artifacts.
• Fashion & aesthetics: camouflage, style, and hip hop’s material culture.
• Archival practices: hip hop as archive; the cipher as a living record.
Submission Guidelines
All of the articles will have 2 components, a text based version and a "live" version that includes images, audio etc.
• Essays: 3,000–6,000 words (longer pieces considered) that can also be made into a piece with audio and video
• Multimedia: Sound recordings, video links, playlists, or images are welcome. Please provide links (SoundCloud, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) or files with clear captions/annotations.
• Languages: We welcome submissions in English, Spanish, or bilingual formats.
• Permissions: Authors are responsible for securing permissions for copyrighted materials (lyrics, images, videos). Linking to licensed material (e.g., YouTube, official artist sites) is encouraged when permissions cannot be secured.
Timeline
• Abstract/Proposal Due: October 1 with a rolling submission for future issues
• Full Submission Due: November 1
Submission & Questions
Please submit proposals or completed pieces via [submission portal/email]. For inquiries, contact travis.t.harris@gmail.com.
This special issue aims to create an interactive, multi-sensory experience of hip hop that reflects the culture’s innovation, resistance, and creativity. We welcome contributions from scholars, artists, and practitioners alike.
