If i can cook / you know god can

If i can cook - you know god can

If I Can Cook / You Know God Can is a spoken word album by Ntozake Shange, released in 1998. The album combines elements of jazz, poetry, and African American culture to explore themes of identity, heritage, and the culinary traditions of the African diaspora.

Background

Ntozake Shange, an acclaimed playwright, poet, and novelist, is best known for her work For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. In If I Can Cook / You Know God Can, Shange delves into the cultural significance of food within the African American community, using her distinctive poetic style to celebrate and reflect on the rich culinary heritage.

Content

The album features a series of spoken word pieces, each accompanied by jazz music. Shange's powerful and evocative voice brings to life the stories and recipes that have been passed down through generations. The album is not only a celebration of food but also a commentary on the social and historical contexts that shape African American culinary traditions.

Track Listing

1. Introduction
2. Collard Greens and Ham Hocks
3. Gumbo
4. Fried Chicken
5. Sweet Potato Pie
6. Conclusion

Themes

The primary themes of the album include:

• The intersection of food and identity
• The historical and cultural significance of African American culinary traditions
• The role of food in community and family life

Reception

If I Can Cook / You Know God Can received positive reviews for its innovative blend of spoken word and jazz, as well as for Shange's poignant and insightful commentary on African American culture. Critics praised the album for its ability to convey deep cultural and historical meanings through the medium of food.

Related Pages

• Ntozake Shange
• For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf
• African American culture
• Jazz
• Spoken word