04/08/2026
The Spring 2026 edition of Appalachian Journal is hot off the presses!
In this issue, Olivia H. Phillips brings a folklorist’s lens to help reckon with the complexity of defining the region in her scholarly article, “Folklore Studies and Twenty-First Century Appalachia: Making Peace with the Un-Definability of a Region.” Selected new and unpublished poetry from Wally Smith, Deron Eckert, Bart Sides, Roger Bernstein, Lucy Flood, Thomas Rain Crowe, and Gary Grossman can be found in this edition, along with nine book reviews from recently published books.
Ted Olson edits a roundtable discussion centered around June Appal recordings’ No Options: Hip-Hop in Appalachia that brings to light a variety of perspectives centered around music, place, and identity. This roundtable includes an essay written by Olson on “Mountaintop Hip-Hop” as well as a piece from William H. Turner on the presence of hip-hop and rap music in his upbringing. Additionally, Eric “Monstalung” Jordan’s essay on hip-hop’s impact in the hollers of West Virginia brings forth a new narrative perspective to the conversation and subject, and Austin McCoy’s piece examines the origins of Appalachian rap. Finally, works from Patrick Salmons and angie luvara examine place and the abolitionist praxis-like framework surrounding Appalachian hip-hop, respectively. Shifting focus to another musical genre of significance in Appalachian, Yndiana Montes Fogelquist discusses the work of Joe Troop, ranging from bluegrass to Latingrass, and the importance and presence of activism woven into the music.
Purchase or renew your subscription for Appalachian Journal through UNC Press/Scholarly Publishing Collective. You can also access the latest issue through Project MUSE and libraries that subscribe to Appalachian Journal.
