For the first time, the popular music interest groups of both the American Musicological Society (AMS) and the Society for Music Theory (SMT) each granted their top award to a single publication. The twice-winning essay, written by School of Music and Dance Associate Professor of Musicology Zachary Wallmark, explores how rapper Megan Thee Stallion manipulates a single vocal sound (the "a" in cat) to structure her songs, build her brand persona, and comment on contemporary gender politics.
The competitive awards were for “Best Essay in Popular Music Scholarship” (AMS) and “Outstanding Publication Award” (SMT), which Wallmark earned at the AMS/SMT national joint meeting in Denver in November. “I’m humbled to receive two awards for my article,” Wallmark said. “I feel delighted that this research on the voice in rap is connecting with readers, and I am honored to be part of such a great community of voice and song scholars at the SOMD.”