Francophone Hip-hop Studies and Its Discontents: A Review Article.

The article reviews Alain-Philippe Durand's 2020 edited volume *Hip-hop en Français: An Exploration of Hip-hop Culture in the Francophone World*, which brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on Francophone hip-hop across diverse geographic contexts including France, Guadeloupe, Senegal, and Quebec. It highlights two central themes: the contested notions of authenticity and resistance within hip-hop studies, particularly regarding the institutionalization and commercialization of hip-hop music and dance in France; and the complex racial politics and transatlantic cultural exchanges shaping Francophone hip-hop identities, especially the interplay between French, African American, and African influences. While the book thoroughly examines US-France hip-hop dialogues, the reviewer notes a relative marginalization of African and Black Mediterranean connections, suggesting that greater attention to these triangular relationships could enrich understanding of Francophone hip-hop's cultural dynamics. The volume's plural voices and interdisciplinary approach underscore ongoing tensions and possibilities in hip-hop scholarship within the Francophone world.