Customer Reviews

Lyrical Swords: Hip Hop and Politics in the Mix

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The Bishop writes and speaks from the heart and from a wise standpoint. But don't get it twisted: He writes as a means of communicating with and empowering those who come into contact with his ideas, not as a way to show off. In other words, he writes so that anyone may understand and appreciate. He's a hip-hop scholar, but it doesn't mean that people need a degree's worth of knowledge to grasp his perspective. I'm looking forward to Vol. 2, which I know is about to come out.

This books touches on the spiritual aspects of Rap and Hip Hop. The perspective of the book examines a viewpoint that many writers have overlooked in past publications. A world view of the Hip Hop spirit, it acknowledges the music and culture in relationship to religion, specifically Islam and yoga as the book look to an inner space. Hip Hop and Politics in the Mix looks to the heart and soul of Hip Hop life.

Adisa Banjoko's "Lyrical Swords" is a "must read." If you are looking for legitimate, first-hand knowledge of the Hip-Hop culture, you will find it in this book. Banjoko has a profound knowledge of the community and its potential to change the political mix in America. His book suggests that the many contemplative, spiritual members of the Hip-Hop community are a political force to be reckoned with in the future. This little gem of a book is written in a refreshing, free-style manner, similar to that of the Hip-Hop culture. While it is written in B-boy style (free-style), it is clearly a uniquely intellectual pursuit. Everyone can enjoy this little gem. It is a bridge between those who understand the Hip-Hop culture and those who wish to understand it.

Maria Carr

This book left me with a feeling to do some good for the world and the people around me, but it isn't a tree hugger testament or anything like that (no offense to tree huggers). It also opened me up to some completely different apsects of hip-hop culture that before I hadn't given much thought to. Adisa continues to lay it down, take advantage of the knowledge that the Bishop has to offer. READ THIS BOOK AND YOU WON"T BE LET DOWN.

Banjoko's book is a smart and critical examination of contemporary Hip Hop culture. His analysis does justice to the culture, discussing all of the aspects of Hip Hop and various Rap genres. His colloquial use of language is fun and easy to read and very engaging. It's also very powerful and moving, especially when he speaks directly to the reader.

What struck me most was his demonstration of the wide distinction between the Rap Industry and Hip Hop culture; how the Rap Industry and Hip Hop media represent Hip Hop culture; and the inherent social implications of their representations. I love that he doesn't over-generalize or blame one party over another; he holds everyone accountable for their actions! As a result his book takes on great credibility and his messages even more repect and importance.

This book is a must read for everyone!!! Reading it would be an ENLIGHTENING experience not only for the lover of Hip Hop and the curious layman, but for all U.S. citizens who are bombarded by the dissemination of Hip Hop images in the media everyday.

Banjoko gives a critical, yet honest critique of hip hop's role in society and unlike most "hip hop journalists" he writes from a first-person perspective.

Essentially, the book has three main sections. The first is a collection of essays dealing directly with hip hop. Among other things, he breaks down the meaning of the "pimp" image and its destructive impact on young people. It was one of the better critiques I've heard and I've actually incorporated it into my high school Ethnic Studies courses. The second section deals with martial arts, including Brazilian jiu jitsu. Finally, he spends a significant amount of time dealing with Islam and Eastern philosophy. Banjoko ends the book with an essay titled "Contemplations of a B-Boy" that nicely ties things together.

A nice feature of this book is that as it is a series of essays, you can read it in chunks and take time to contemplate his words. Furthermore, he's a fluid writer and doesn't get caught up in dry, academic styles of writing. Banjoko sets the pace for others and hopefully we'll see other authors come with this level of honesty.

Adisa Banjoko does it again. In this piece of urban gold disguised as a paperback, Banjoko sets a higher standard for Hip Hop and Humanity. Through selected writings and interviews with prominent Hop Hop artists, one cant help but to be challenged to the light of self exploration, reflection and disclipline... whether you're a lyricist, an artist, a Muslim, martial artist or embodied in the Hip Hop movement, simply put...this book makes you want to strive to be a better human being. Authentic change starts with oneself. We can not give what we don't have, and we can not revolutionize the world if we cant revolutionize ourselves. Hip Hop culture and lyricism is a tool for that revolution, but dont limit Hip Hop...theres really more to it...the spiritual aspects and discipline create a necessary balance to Hip Hop as whole body. One of the most powerful elements of Lyrical Swords is that it is written and spoken in the language of the people, making it down home urban gold. Thank you Adisa. Pick up a copy if you havent already. Paz. kathy umaya espinoza

Refreshing political and social commentary on urgent issues facing mainstream hip-hop, in a time where it is sadly difficult to locate a journalist in popular hip-hop magazines with any integrity at all. Also some very interesting correlations between the culture and the martial arts, as well as Islam. Classic interviews, witty and heartfelt messages and suggestions... Definitely something to be learned from Adisa Banjoko by everybody. Peace.

Adisa Banjoko possesses nearly unmatched knowledge of the Hip Hop culture, eastern philosophy, martial arts (which probably explains his no-holds-barred approach to writing), and politics. He weaves a web which ties all these things together, asks many questions, and supplies many answers. Topics which most authors dance around, Adisa dives in head first and although you may not agree with him, you will respect him. He's not afraid to point out flaws in any system, including his own. Many of the issues he takes on are happening right under our noses (the portrayal of women in "rap" music, racial tension which continues to exist). But unlike many political authors or speakers who are quick to simply point out issues and rally the troops for half-hearted attempts to make changes, Banjoko spends just as much energy explaining the SOLUTIONS as he does the problems. There are more than a few powerful figures in Hip Hop and politics who would greatly benefit from reading a couple chapters from Lyrical Swords. Banjoko has planted the seed. I hope a lot of people read this book.

There are dozens of books out now about hip hop journalism, but it is refreshing to read one that comes from the heart (and the guts) about hip hop when it was more about community than commerce.