Can We Keep Independent Hip-Hop Lowkey?: Using Content Analysis to Analyze Glocalization in Lowkey’s Lyrics

Abstract

Despite much literature on glocalization, independent hip-hop artist Lowkey has yet to be studied for his contributions to UK hip-hop. Through content analysis, this article examines Lowkey’s lyrics to demonstrate how the process of glocalization is used to appropriate US hip-hop culture to address salient social issues both within the context of UK hip-hop culture and globally. Utilizing this approach, this article uncovers three themes: 1) addressing issues of capitalism both locally and globally, 2) expounding upon the notion of false consciousness and how it disproportionately hurts the masses, and 3) utilizing independent UK hip-hop to promote ideas of social change and revolution.