Research Interests

This summer I have the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to conduct independent research that will eventually be part of my thesis project. Soon approaching is the two-year anniversary of the research program that changed the course of my career. During the Summer Humanities Institute at UCLA, I gained knowledge on Black street gangs that continues to guide my research. Since the Institute, all of my papers have been dedicated to exploring the social and communication practices of LA Black street gangs. Presently, I am examining the relationship of the music hip-hop subgenre, gangsta rap, and former LA gang members.