Hip-hop music fandom and identity : a qualitative study

Abstract

A large body of literature discusses the implications of music genre fandom on multiple facets of an individual’s life. In an attempt to address evident research gaps, this study explores the impact of hip-hop fandom on the identity of fans based in Malta, with a focus on the self-concept and the social self. This research was informed by a qualitative methodology, whereby data was collected through five one-on-one semi-structured interviews with hip-hop fans. Purposive sampling was utilised as the sampling strategy for this study, while thematic analysis was chosen as the analytical tool. Four superordinate themes emerged: “Forging a Hip-Hop Fan”, “Consumption of the Music”, “the Significance and Role of Hip-Hop” and “Hip-hop, Identity and the Social Self”. In general, the findings matched up with previous related studies. The participants developed into hip-hop fans during adolescence, listened to hip-hop constantly throughout the day, used this genre of music to achieve different goals, had aspects of their identity influenced by hip-hop and made life or career choices grounded on their love for hip-hop. A noteworthy finding, which goes against previous literature in the field, was that participants claimed to not allow their love for hip-hop to affect friendship networks. The participants attributed this to the versatility and openness of hip-hop as a genre.