Zadie Smith was just 21 when she wrote White Teeth – Dua’s Monthly Read for November – the gloriously messy, big-hearted novel that would go on to become one of the defining books of multicultural Britain. But what was she listening to while bringing its cast of characters, clashing cultures and tangled family histories to life?
The honest answer? She has absolutely no idea.
“I wrote White Teeth when I was 21. To be very honest, I have zero memory of what I was listening to when I was writing it,” says Zadie. “The only thing I know for sure is that I don’t listen to music when I write. This book was written mainly in 1997, so the best I can do is choose a few of the songs I think I loved at that time.”
It’s a wonderfully eclectic mix, moving from the ferocious, breakbeat energy of The Prodigy’s Firestarter to the introspection of Tupac’s I Ain’t Mad at Cha, the cool confidence of Jay-Z and Foxy Brown’s Ain’t No N****, and the infectious chaos of Busta Rhymes’ Woo-Hah!! Got You All In Check.
Taken together, the selections feel like a snapshot of a musical moment: restless, unpredictable and full of contrasts. Much like White Teeth itself.
What’s On Zadie Smith’s 1990s Playlist
1. Firestarter by The Prodigy
2. I Ain’t Mad At Cha by 2Pac
3. Aint No N**** by Jay-Z and Foxy Brown
4. Woo-Hah!! Got You All In Check by Busta Rhymes
5. No Surprises by Radiohead
6. Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright by Bob Dylan
7. Inner City Life by Goldie
8. Songs Of Love by The Divine Comedy
9. Fastlove by George Michael
10. Requiem by Mozart
There’s More – Delve Deeper Into White Teeth With The Service95 Book Club...
WATCH Dua’s interview with author Zadie Smith
BOOKMARK the titles Zadie has been getting stuck into recently
