Popular Culture Review Vol. 5, No. 1, February 1994 | Page 62

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Popular Culture Review

Black English "Signification" denotes a group of rhetorical strategies
which function by what is indirectly associated with the form being
used.^ One of the most recognized forms of signifyin(g) is the verbal
dueling called "the dozens," but signifyin(g) may also be used to bring
sympathy, give advice or communicate in a coded way. The practice
of signifyin(g) is a form of linguistic training unique to the black
community, and signifyin(g) is a respected talent within this
community (72-88). Part of the value of this talent is in dealing with
whites: since forms are understood differently by whites than by
blacks, these forms may carry coded messages. For example, during
slavery songs carried messages about escaping through the
underground railroad. In general, the ability to speak in a coded
language has been an important asset among a community which has
sought any nneans to escape unjust persecution.
Rap songs signify through their "sampling" of previously
recorded music as well as through their lyrics.^ A complex example
of signifyin(g) takes place within the song "Welcome to the
Terrordome" by Public Enemy. The first thing to notice is that the
song signifies on the form of a professional football game. Public
Enemy's battle to convey its message and the battle in society to
achieve the goals of this message are put in terms of a sport. The title
"Welcome to the Terrordome" signifies on the dome stadium and can
be read as a metaphor for the world or for the United States, a
country in which a sport of terror takes place. Line three, "Here's
your ticket" invites us into the stadium and signals the beginning of
the battle which takes place on the field and within the song. In line
twenty-four, "Signed the hard rhymer," the signing of professional
players to football teams becomes the signing of professional rappers
to help in the rhetorical battle in which Public Enemy is engaged.
Finally, near the end of the song, line one hundred fourteen, "Droppin'
a bomb" refers to a pass play often called near the end of a football
game. This line also commonly refers to a disruptive, conversation
ending remark made by a speaker, thus rounding out the metaphor.
Besides the signif]dn(g) of the song as a whole, within it, almost
the entire text can be seen as a dense act of signifyin(g). It can be
heard in lead writer Chuck D's vocal style: the rhyme scheme and
lyricism of the words are superb, yet the impact of these forms is
almost inseparable from the powerful voicing of Chuck D; this oral
skill, another vital dimension of Signification, gives added