Defining Authenticity: An Ethnographic Study of Australian Hip Hop

Abstract

Hip Hop scholars believe non-American forms of Hip Hop dilute the authenticity of a quintessential American culture. This ethnography of Australian Hip Hop identifies a number of forms of authenticity and authenticating practices. The predominantly ‘white’ sub-culture associates authenticity with being true to oneself. As a result, adopting brands associated with US Hip Hop reflects inauthenticity. However, American brands co-opted by US Hip Hoppers (but not associated directly with American Hip Hop per se) such as Ralph Lauren do convey authenticity within Australia if they reflect the self. Authenticity involves tension between self, local and global images.