Customer Reviews

Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali the First Heavyweight Champion of Rap

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There are scores and scores of books written about the greatest athlete of our time, Muhammad Ali. In fact, Ali is the the most written about athlete ever. He has gone from being the most hated man in America in 1967 to the most revered today. Spanning his glory years, authors literally tripped over themselves to explain and reveal the complex and amazing person that is Muhummad Ali. An Ali book collection can easily consume an entire bookcase, afterall, his life and career have been disected by dozens and dozens of writers, from Norman Mailer to Howard Cosell to George Plimpton.

To celebrate Ali's 65th birthday, comes the release of "Ali Rap". Contrary to what other reviewers have written, I find this to be a completely useless book. (I may have spoken too soon labelling it useless, as it may make a good paperweight as it is relatively small in size but thick). I "read" it in one brief sitting and was completely unimpressed. Don't waste your money on this assortment of Ali poems and sayings.

The "book" is a collection of Ali's poems and sayings with pictures that are mostly appropriate to the meaning of the poem or occasion. The pictures are not that special, there being many other much better done Ali photograph books. And the poems are all ones that the Ali fan has heard before. The only unique quality of this book is that the poems are all brought together in one volume.

The price is outrageous in my opinion for something with so little content. Literally, I went through this book in about 30 minutes. There was nothing that intrigued me about it or make me want to read it again. I am hoping to donate it to the library or sell it at a garage sale.

I am a HUGE Ali fan and have read dozens of Ali books and this is clearly the worst of the worst. Avoid it - it will disappoint you if you are looking for something to understand the heart and soul of M. Ali. Instead, buy the DVD Ali Rap - now that will grab your interest. This book is a mere afterthought.

Save a tree - don't buy this book!

Jim 'Konedog" Koenig

This is a fun, quick read that is, more than anything else, a collection of memories created by one of Ali's closest friends. By that I mean it feels very much like a scrapbook put together by a loved one.

George Lois went through many of Ali's biggest skirmishes, both in and out of the ring, with him. Because of this, he's able to put together this collection of quotes, pictures, interviews, etc and make it into not only something that I think Ali himself would love to read, but any fan of the Ali will leave on the coffee table in the hopes that everyone who sees it will pick it up.

Ali is easily one of this generation's greatest sports (and world) heroes, and this book highlights an aspect we all knew was there but seldom dwell upon or look too much into. Not only was he a fighter, but he was a poet and a master wordsmith. He had so many great one-liners and sing-song taunts and rants, it's no wonder people couldn't wait to ehar what he said next.

But don't get this book expecting any substantial biographical information on Ali, because that's not the point.

This seller is the best, the best prices, the best shipping, the best product thank you!!!!!

I am soo happy I bought this! The quotes are awesome but the layout design and pictures are amazing! You can read it through or just flip to random pages and it is just as interesting. There is a caption explaining the circumstances for each quote so even if you know nothing about Ali you'll understand. This is definitely worth the money. GET IT!

This is a compact book with great graphics with a whole slew of Muhammed's sayings contained within. If you are a collector of Ali stuff , this is a great addition to your library.

I first read about Cassius Clay in Ring Magazine when I was 10 years old and he was a youngster fighting in Louisville, Kentucky. I rooted for him during the 1960 Olympics, and cheered for him throughout his career. This book brought back many memories and reminded me of what a breath of fresh air he was during the sixties. I'm not sure if Ali was the "Father of Rap" as Mr. Lois postulates, but he certainly set the stage for the many colorful athletes who have followed him and tried, unsuccessfully, to match his brash, colorful, and charming use of words. He was one of a kind, and this book reminds us of just how amazing he was.

I bought this book on impulse and love it from the first page. I was born the year Ali fought the "Rumble in the Jungle" and grew up on old clips my dad had on VCR. I was so engrossed in the book that I read it while trying to drive and I almost ran off the road. I doubt Ali was the originator of rap. As I read, it seemed to me that while it appeared he was able to rap at the drop of the hat, I suddenly realized that Ali probably spent hours trying to write this stuff down before quipping it in front of the media. He wanted it to seem natural. One of my all time favorite books. Strongly recommended.

Muhammad Ali was the first Rapping Fighter. He always had a quote to get your attention. he would name the round with your name at when he was gonna knock you out. He had that Gift as not only as a Fighter but also as a Wordsmith. He had a Combination that made a lasting impression with His Boxing Skills&His Word play on the spot. Muhammad Ali is truly a one of a kind.

Great transaction!!! Book arrived in great packing. Thanks.