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Imani KaiJohnson

Dark Matter in Breaking Cyphers: The Life of Africanist Aesthetics in Global Hip Hop

Dark Matter in Breaking Cyphers: The Life of Africanist Aesthetics in Global Hip Hop

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The dance circle, or cypher, is a prominent symbol of breaking culture, renowned for its spectacular moves and Africanist aesthetics. This study by Imani Kai Johnson explores the cypher's impact on society, offering insights into its potential for activating beyond spectacle, navigating social worlds, and envisioning possibilities for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc


The dance circle, often referred to as the cypher, holds a significant place in the realm of breaking culture, renowned for its awe-inspiring moves rather than solely being viewed as a ritual practice rooted in Africanist aesthetics. However, these very foundations, evident in expressive qualities such as call and response, the aural kinesthetic, the urge to be original, and more, play a vital role in sustaining the cypher's enduring presence on the global stage.

In exploring the potential of cyphers beyond mere spectacle, this text seeks to uncover the lessons they offer about navigating and thriving in the social world. It also delves into the future possibilities they animate, drawing on an interdisciplinary approach and incorporating insights from physics.

Author Imani Kai Johnson, with her extensive research spanning over a decade, centers the voices of practitioners in a comprehensive study of breaking events across cities in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. Dark Matter in Breaking Cyphers: the Life of Africanist Aesthetics in Global Hip Hop offers a deep dive into the vitality of Africanist aesthetics and the epistemological possibilities inherent in the ritual circle.

Through this captivating exploration, readers gain a profound understanding of the ways in which cyphers activate beyond mere entertainment, becoming powerful tools for social change, cultural expression, and personal growth. The text sheds light on the enduring significance of Africanist aesthetics in shaping the world of breaking culture and highlights the potential for the cypher to continue to evolve and inspire generations to come.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190856700

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