Black Gods of the Asphalt: Religion, Hip-Hop, and Street Basketball

J-Rod plays basketball for his father, who was a problem on the court before he died. Onaje X. O. Woodbine, a former streetball player, shows that big games have a trickster figure and a master of black talk, and the beats of hip-hop and reggae make up the soundtrack. Basketball is popular among young black American men because of the transcendent experience of the game, and black streetball players are the hierophants of the asphalt.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Onaje X. O. Woodbine, a former streetball player who achieved all-star status in the Ivy League, vividly portrays the sights, sounds, hopes, and dreams of street basketball. He demonstrates that big games feature a mischievous trickster figure and a master of black talk who provides commentary to interpret the game for audiences. The soundtrack of hip-hop and reggae complements the ballplayers, who are portrayed as half-men, half-heroes, defying the limitations of the ghetto through their impressive basketball skills.

Basketball is not just popular among young black American men, but it holds a special place in their hearts due to the transcendent experience it offers. Through interviews and observations of urban basketball players, Onaje X. O. Woodbine paints a rare portrait of a passionate, committed, and resilient group of athletes who use the court as a platform to explore the aspects of urban life that cannot be corrupted. In a way, black streetball players can be considered as the hierophants of the asphalt, as they have a profound connection to the game and use it to reimagine their place in the world.

The passion and commitment of these streetball players are evident in their performances. They pour their hearts and souls into the game, striving to improve their skills and achieve success on the court. Their resilience is remarkable, as they face numerous challenges and obstacles throughout their lives, but they never give up. They use basketball as a means to escape the pressures of the ghetto and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Moreover, streetball players have a unique perspective on life. They have witnessed the struggles and hardships of urban living firsthand, and they use their experiences to inspire and motivate others. They are role models for young people in their communities, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to success.

In conclusion, basketball is more than just a sport for black streetball players; it is a way of life. Through their performances, passion, and commitment, they have become symbols of hope and inspiration for young people in their communities. Their unique perspective on life and their ability to overcome adversity make them true hierophants of the asphalt, and their impact on the world of basketball is undeniable.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231177290