A Little Devil in America

A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib is a riveting exploration of Black culture that transcends traditional boundaries. In this insightful collection, Abdurraqib delves deep into the heart of Black performance, weaving together an intricate tapestry of history, personal anecdotes, and cultural critique. With a voice both lyrical and evocative, he invites readers to embark on an extraordinary journey through moments that resonate deeply within the Black experience, ranging from the celebratory to the melancholic, the profound to the everyday.

At the March on Washington in 1963, the legendary Josephine Baker delivered a powerful reflection on her life and legacy. She highlighted her dual experiences as an adored entertainer and a 'little devil' within America, a sentiment that deeply inspires Abdurraqib’s narrative. He takes these poignant words as a stepping stone to craft a meditation on Black performance in the modern age, where culture, history, and his own lived experiences intermingle seamlessly.

In prose imbued with both jubilation and sorrow, A Little Devil in America embarks on a journey through iconic and intimate performances. Hanif Abdurraqib transports readers from the glamour of mid-century Paris to intimate settings like a cramped living room in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout these travels, he captures moments that hold significance in both Black and white cultures, exploring how they intertwine with the politics of American empire and his personal narratives of love and grief.

Whether it’s the electrifying 27 seconds of ‘Gimme Shelter’ performed by Merry Clayton, the soulful magnificence of Aretha Franklin’s homegoing, Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime show, a schoolyard fistfight, the comedic genius of Dave Chappelle's sketches, or a spirited game of spades among friends, each event is meticulously examined for its cultural and political significance. Abdurraqib's reflections are textured with the rhythm and lyricism of the musicians he cherishes, making the book resonate with musicality and poetic finesse.

Rich in compassion and humour, A Little Devil in America stands as a unique and heartfelt exaltation of Black culture and community. Abdurraqib doesn’t merely celebrate Black performance; he interrogates its complexities, its joys, and its sorrows, providing a nuanced celebration that speaks to the multitude of experiences within Black America. Through this work, Hanif Abdurraqib affirms his place as one of the most vital cultural critics today, offering readers both reflection and celebration in equal measure.

Reading A Little Devil in America is not just an encounter with history and performance; it is a profound experience of empathy and understanding, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural fabric of America.