The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs [Hardcover]

Felicia Pride (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2007

In this book of life lessons culled from hip-hop culture, author Felicia Pride examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses. Growing up with hip-hop, Pride has come to realize the way it shaped how she thinks, writes, and reacts, making her the person she is today. By incorporating her own experiences and reflections with the rapper's message, she focuses on the positive, motivational influence hip-hop has on its audience. With each life lesson aptly titled after a hip-hop song, such as Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" or GangStarr's "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," The Message explores spirituality, success, love, business, and more through hip-hop. Pride infuses these essential truths with examples from rappers' lives and music, providing positive reflections on hip-hop culture. For example, she tells you how to study how those with staying power, such as Missy Elliott and Russell Simmons, handle their business and how to incorporate similar tactics into your own life: be creative, diversify, handle your business. The Message shares the wisdom that Pride has learned from hip-hop, creating what is essentially a soundtrack to the hip-hopper's life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Felicia Pride is a writer, consultant, teacher, with a great deal of experience in the publishing industry. She is a regular contributor to Publisher’s Weekly and her writing has appeared in Black Issues Book Review, Vibe.com, Popmatters.com, Baltimore City Paper, and Africana.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thunder's Mouth/Running Press (October 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568583354
• ISBN-13: 978-1568583358
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ...... It's like reading a MIXTAPE!!!!, November 12, 2007

By 

A. Freas "Fresco: Fan of the Love & Hate" (The Capitol: CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs (Hardcover)

for anyone who is from the Hip Hop Culture or grew up in any phase of the Hip Hop generation. Outside of that, this book will connect to anyone who understands the power of music and its ability to heal, guide and reflect the way we feel. I think the writing was done beautifully. Go get it, and if you don't like it... you need to read it again! LOL

peace.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Word Up!, July 21, 2008

By 

mocha mammi (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs (Hardcover)

Being a TRUE hip-hop fan, I really enjoyed this book. I could totally relate to having certain songs/lyrics that fit a certain time in my life. Considering the vast amount of great artists, songs and lyrics, I would have a hard time trying to narrow it down, but I enjoyed the songs Ms. Pride used. If you enjoy TRUE hip-hop, then you'll enjoy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!, January 13, 2008

By 

David Miller (Baltimore. MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs (Hardcover)

The Message is a must read for teachers and other professionals who work wit youth. Hip Hop plays a major role in the socialization of youth worldwide. Ms. Pride's work highlights the power of Hip Hop. Although often demonized. Pride;s work illustrates the beauty of Hip Hop as an art form. Great work. Respectfully David Miller Urban Leadership Institute

The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs