Know What I Mean? Reflections on Hip-Hop [Hardcover]

Michael Eric Dyson (Author), Jay-Z (Introduction), Nas (Afterword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2, 2007

Whether along race, class or generational lines, hip-hop music has been a source of controversy since the beats got too big and the voices too loud for the block parties that spawned them. America has condemned and commended this music and the culture that inspires it. Dubbed “the Hip-Hop Intellectual” by critics and fans for his pioneering explorations of rap music in the academy and beyond, Michael Eric Dyson is uniquely situated to probe the most compelling and controversial dimensions of hip-hop culture. Know What I Mean? addresses salient issues within hip hop: the creative expression of degraded youth that has garnered them global exposure; the vexed gender relations that have made rap music a lightning rod for pundits; the commercial explosion that has made an art form a victim of its success; the political elements that have been submerged in the most popular form of hip hop; and the intellectual engagement with some of hip hop’s most influential figures. In spite of changing trends, both in the music industry and among the intelligentsia, Dyson has always supported and interpreted this art that bloomed unwatered, and in many cases, unwanted from our inner cities. For those who wondered what all the fuss is about in hip hop, Dyson’s bracing and brilliant book breaks it all down.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

<div>Michael Eric Dyson, named by Ebony as one of the hundred most influential black Americans, is the author of sixteen books, including Holler if You Hear Me, Is Bill Cosby Right? and I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr. He is currently University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University. He lives in Washington, D.C.</div>

Product Details

• Hardcover: 171 pages
• Publisher: Basic Civitas Books; 1st edition (July 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465017169
• ISBN-13: 978-0465017164
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Hop Scholarship July 20, 2007

By Lhea J. Love

Format:Hardcover

After the remarks of Bill Cosby, many intellectuals and artists have been chiming in with regards to their distaste for hip hop. After Wynton Marsalis's reduction of hip hop to "ghetto minstrelsy" and John Whorter's attribution of retardation of success to Hip Hop, many have wondered what lies in store for the future of the genre. In Know What I Mean, Dyson gives evidence and background for academics to understand hip hop and offers tools for the hip hop generation to gain, as Jay-Z says, "respect and a better way to understand ourselves."

Many of the critiques stem from the expectation of hip hop to be a tangible expression of social commentary or political criticism. Fundamentally, hip hop is neither. Hip Hop is an art form containing "hyperbole, parody, kitsch, dramatic license, and double entedres." Dyson frequently argues that hip hop should be held to no higher standards towards sociological representation or politics than any other art form or institution that could also be a vehicle for social commentary or political criticism (i.e. the Church).

Dyson embarks upon a series of conversations structured within an "album concept". Two of the most frequented topics through out the five tracks are misogyny and the heterosexism of hip hop. While some of the ills of hip hop can be attributed or connected to cultural amnesia, male privilege and/or religious reflections, Dyson does not draw any parallels with the attempt to excuse or validate the presence of sexism or homophobia within rap music or hip hop culture.

Dyson has constructed his text, his speech and his career into a strong argument for hip hop and a lasting testament of the relevance and dignity of Black Culture and Urban Culture within our Global World.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good read, occasionaly near sighted August 27, 2007

By Andrew from Miami

Format:Hardcover

I've always liked hearing Dyson's point of view on tv shows like Real Time and a few other specials I saw him on. This is the first time I've actually read his work and it was enjoyable. He always has an interesting take on hip-hop, backed up by a solid and logical argument (even on cases where I don't personally agree with him). There's frequent citing of artists' lyrics to illustrate his points and the way he frames the plight/excess/expression of MC's in a sociological context (comparing them to the Black Arts movements and linking them to Kant) makes for a good read.

Though there are a few points in the book that I flat out disagree with and believe his argument is weak/misguided, I enjoyed the vast majority of the book. A bit brisk, but insightful. I would recommend it to others and I will be reading some of Dyson's other work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down.... Preach on Dyson!! March 11, 2008

By Justin Russell

Format:Hardcover

I'll be the first to tell you that Hip Hop has changed dramatically over the years. With the influx of commericalization the art form seems to have lost its originality. Dyson's represents Hip Hop to the fullest. He embraces the art form and respects the artists as lyrical geniuses. Dyson gives a brief look back with DJ Kool Herc, but remains focused on the social aspects of the music. Dyson brings up logical arguements that are in the defense of Hip Hop music.
My favourite section was the chapter dealing with "Conscious Rap". This sub-genre of Hip Hop is never praised in the media since it approaches topics that are both social and political.
Dyson is extremely candid with his assessments of music and he has many accolades from numerous artists in the Hip Hop Industry.
Consider reading "Democracy Matters" by Cornel West --- he has a great section on Hip Hop music as well