Contact Information
Biography
Alexus Brown graduated in Spring 2024 with a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh, where she specialized in Sociolinguistics. As a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Tuskegee University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Philosophy. Alexus is a proud Black interdisciplinary sociolinguist and avid music enthusiast, deeply immersed in studying Black language, rhythm, and social patterns in Rap music lyrics, especially within her dissertation titled "What's The Deal Forreal: Rap Music's Sociolinguistic Story."
Music has always been central to Alexus's life, making her research a natural extension of her passion. She explores how Rap, an influential yet often understudied genre, contributes to broader discussions on language variation and sociocultural expression. Alexus is dedicated to educating others about the beauty, uniqueness, and significance of Black cultural art forms, which she feels deserve more nuanced and celebratory recognition.
At Duquesne in Fall 2024, she will teach "That's The Joint: Hip Hop History and Culture," a dynamic and interactive course that chronicles and critically engages with the timeline of the global landscape of Hip-Hop Culture and its influences and Rap music's different style and lyrical components. Next time you see her, don't hesitate to ask about her favorite Rap artist—she's always ready to share her insights and enthusiasm!
Education
- Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
- M.A., University of Pittsburgh
- B.A., Tuskegee University
Research Interests
- Sociolinguistics
- Discourse Analysis
- Pragmatics
- Poetics
- Ethnomusicology