POUR UNE ESTHETIQUE DU RAP

This book — which has nothing to do with the history or sociology of hip-hop — invites readers to consider rap in the context of a larger discussion on the aesthetic experience.
The author's goal is not to present an argument in defence of hip-hop but to induce us to reflect upon a field in which philosophy rarely dares to venture. Most of the time, philosophy has taken great care to avoid contemplating any emerging manifestations of expression (jazz, for example) inconsistent with the canonical art forms.
Rappers — who are first and foremost practitioners — have been acquiring technological tools to forge their special expertise, which they are using to enhance their creativity. As a result, they are opening up completely new vistas within the phenomenon of poetic creativity and contributing original works with which they are attempting to break through the bitterly defended bastion of art.

Christian Béthune, whose Doctorate is in Philosophy, is currently teaching at Académie de Clermont-Ferrand. A long-time columnist with Jazz Magazine, he has also published many articles in Cahiers du Jazz, Revue d'esthétique, Art Press, Papel do Jazz and Copyright Volume, as well as several books on jazz and rap.

Titulaire d'un doctorat de philosophie et d'une habilitation en art, Christian Béthune a publié de nombreux ouvrages et articles centrés autour du jazz et de la culture afro-américaine. Retraité de l’Éducation nationale, il est aujourd’hui chercheur associé au CIEREC (Université de St-Etienne). Il a notamment publié Adorno et le jazz. Analyse d'un déni esthétique (Klincksieck, 2003), Pour une esthétique du rap (« 50 questions », Klincksieck, 2004) et Le Rap (Autrement, 2003).