Rapping about Dutch Racism and Blackness from the Dutch-Caribbean Perspective in Lobi da Basi and Nooit Meer Terug

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the engagement with Dutch racism and blackness by the lyrics of Dutch rappers Typhoon and Fresku, in their latest albums, Lobi da Basi (2014) and Nooit Meer Terug (2015) respectively. Both rappers' experiences are informed by both the lived and the local – about the Netherlands, rapping in Dutch – and the global: in this case, the Dutch-Caribbean diaspora. Fresku positions himself laterally, between his Antillean heritage and white, Dutch institutions, in order to directly confront Dutch racism, his own Antillean 'authenticity', and uses the privilege of his audible voice to represent those like him who otherwise could not. Typhoon positions himself on a higher ground: his lyrics show the confidence that positive change in Dutch racism is inevitable and forthcoming, and he professes the high spirits and goodwill to effect that change. Fresku is confrontational, while Typhoon is gentle and reassuring. Through their similarities and contrasts, both rappers paint a poignant picture of the state of Dutch racism today.