They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us

The third section of the collection consists of one essay. What is the significance of having this essay stand on its own?

Each section begins with a snippet of an essay focused on Marvin Gaye’s life. What is the value of spreading this essay across the collection instead of keeping it together?

In what ways is They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us music criticism? In what ways is it a memoir in essays?

Fireworks appear throughout the text, most often during high-emotion moments. What is the significance of this motif? According to the text, do fireworks unite people or show the distance between them?

“The Return of the Loneliest Boys In Town” explores the danger of hyper-masculine and misogynistic performativity. How does this essay use descriptions of places to emphasize these topics? How does Abdurraqib use diction and syntax to create an uncomfortable tone?

The Midwest serves as an informal character throughout the text. How does being a Midwesterner impact Abdurraqib as a music and culture critic? Where in the text do his Midwestern roots inform his feelings or opinions?

Abdurraqib travels frequently within the text, often to shows or for work. How does this frequent travel highlight the theme of Enthusiasm, Joy, and Community in Music?

Abdurraqib’s interests are plentiful and diverse. What craft tools does he use to tie all of these different topics into one collection?