Black Art

Transform This: An Alchemists of Kush Playlist

The Alchemists of Kush pushes the boundaries of time and reality. Music is ridiculously important to Raphael, or Rap. His internal struggles about identity revolve around his Multi-ethnic heritage, his past as a refugee, ancient history, jazz, blackness, hip-hop, the internet, etc. 

Minister Faust bombards the reader with music references in a way that is similar to how Rap interacts with music in his every day life. In one moment Rap is considering a Senagalese tune, and the next moment he is discussing Hip-Hop with his friends. He often reflects on his current mood in relation to the music he is listening to. His relationship with music corresponds with his exploration of his ancestry and his journey as an alchemist. 

Pioneers of Black Art are name-dropped continuously throughout the novel as a sort of study guide--a musical scroll in a sense. Use this playlist to listen to along with Rap during specific moments, or shuffle the playlist to experience Rap's exploration of his identity.

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