The Importance of Positive Black Male Voices in Literature and Music
Kwame Alexander, James Baldwin, Caleb Nelson, and Kendrick Lamar. (MM&TBS finale). Book recs based on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
Kendrick Lamar mainly speaks from the Black man experience. There are so many fantastic male voices in literature. Here are three that I have read from and have stuck out to me most.
i. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
This book follows a woman named Tish navigating being pregnant while the baby father of her child — Fonny — is wrongfully convicted for a vile crime. The book is an analysis of the justice system (specifically wrongful incarceration) while capturing the scariness, excitement, and sadness of having a child in this vast world.
ii. Open Water by Caleb A Nelson
Let me mention that this book is overflowing with Kendrick Lamar references. Open Water is extremely internal and shows a man slowly lose himself because of outside influences such as society, jobs, circumstances, etc while in a relationship. He never communicates experiences that have traumatized him to his partner so the relationship suffers.
Rather than it being a toxic relationship (like to the couple in the We Cry Together), it’s mainly about how personal trauma impacts healthy bonds, relationships, and friendships when the trauma is not communicated or healed properly.
iii. Solo by Kwame Alexander
This book heartbreakingly covers the impact of daddy issues, betrayal, and the complexity of life and coming of age. It is written in poetry format and such a vivid story.
Kwame Alexander has a beautiful backlist of books about Black boys coming of age. Some of my favorites consist of Swing, Solo, Booked, The Crossover, and Rebound. All of which are written in poetry format as well.
All of these books remind me of different songs on the album because of certain scenes and references. As well, every book is quite dense and delicious. To understand why I would think of this album while reading these book…. well, you’re going to have to read them yourself!
Thanks for reading.
Yulani.
🙌💯💯
Haven't checked out one of Kwame's books in a while. Thank you for recommending it!