Interpreting Hip-Hop for the Deaf (2017)

DEAFinitely Dope’s interpretations are distinct in that they incorporate specific signed lyrics with gestural movements, providing deaf and hard of hearing fans with comprehensive translations while also exposing hearing audiences to ASL. When we spoke recently by phone, with Maxey’s hearing coworker Kelly Kurdi helping to interpret, they shared their frustrations about the abundance of interpretation companies run by hearing people, who get to decide what’s best for deaf music fans without truly understanding their experiences. MM: I try my best to avoid spelling because with hip-hop, the lyrics are so fast that it would be hard for the deaf person to catch the finger spelling.

Source: pitchfork.com