Street Conscious Rap (Paperback)

by James G. Spady (Author), H. Samy Alim (Author), Charles G. Lee (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...the huge amount of text aims at showing one thing: the raw energy of rap." -- Juice Magazine From Germany

"...we finally get the feeling that these artists are real people and not some studio/record label created hype." -- Audioglyphix Magazine

"Black entertainment and history has been given an important document that young and old will treasure with time." -- The Final Call

"I recommend picking up a copy of the book..." -- Billboard Magazine

"STREET CONSCIOUS RAP allows artists to discuss their own life stories and perspective on things." -- Davey D's Hip Hop Corner

Product Description
Street Conscious Rap is the third volume in the first and only hip hop trilogy of its kind. This book includes brand new essays, illustrations, rare photos, and interviews with a wide range of hip hop artists including: Grandmaster Flash, Tupac, Canibus, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Kool Herc, Xzibit, Eve, Scarface, Big Daddy Kane, Big Pun, Puff Daddy, Ice Cube, Ice T, Salt N Pepa, DJ Cash Money, RZA, Onyx, Kurupt, Bahamadia, Common, Chuck D, 2 Live Crew, Killarmy, Tha Alkaholiks, E-40, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Schoolly D, Cold Crush Brothers, DJ Pooh, Luke, George Clinton, and more!

From the Old School with Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash to the New School of Hard Knocks with Jay-Z and DMX, Street Conscious Rap is a comprehensive look into the thoughts, feelings, hopes, fears, and lives of many of today's hottest hip hop artists. The book discusses topics such as: the business, emerging technologies, and creative processes of hip hop; AfroAmerican youth on the internet; family values and relations; moral and ethical development; educational institutions and theory; AfroAmerican, Latino, Caribbean, and Native American youth culture; violence in urban and suburban societies; hip hop history and hip hop as an art form, and more. The book takes us on a journey with rappers in the studio, backstage, hotel suites, music conferences, clubs, or just hanging out. Yo - in short - this is the one hip hop book that no hip hop head should be without!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Black History Museum Pub; First Edition edition (September 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967174104
• ISBN-13: 978-0967174105
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,582,158 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Off tha hook book!, October 5, 2000

By	Richard Allen (Tulsa, Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

The interviews in this book are so detailed and in-depth that it made me think differently about some hip hop artists and hip hop as a whole. For instance, Method Man, Common, and Xzibit provide some real insight into the creative processes and abilities involved in hip hop. And Grandmaster Flash provides a first-hand historical account that makes you feel like you were there when hip hop was just getting started. All of the artists tell such amazing stories about their lives and experiences that we don't really read about anywhere else. The book also shows how important hip hop is culturally, historically, and socially -- and the impact it's had on the world. If you're serious about hip hop, this is the book you need to get. It's off tha hook, y'all!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and Artistic Insight on America's Only True Culture, October 1, 2000

By	Michael Mandola (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

I have always believed that hip hop, is America's only TRUE culture. Originated in the U.S., and flourishing all over the globe, hip-hop has become a subject of great interest over the last decade. This book gives much insight as to the origins of hip-hop with interviews and ideas from legends like Grandmaster Flash, Doug E. Fresh and LL Cool J. At the other end of the spectrum, some of hip-hops newer and most intriguing artists are covered from Method Man to Busta Rhymes and even including some of the hottest local and underground rap groups to show the evolution of hip-hop in America. You will see that this virtual encyclopedia of hip-hop facts and philosophy doesn't miss a beat, as you find yourself continuosly nodding your head in awe of the detailed content as you turn each page. Anyone who has a thirst to learn more about the thoughts of their favorite rap artist, or to better understand the culture, philosophy and art of hip-hop, should purchase this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for those interested in Hip-Hop, May 5, 2000

By A Customer

This book travels aboveground and underground to intelligently paint hip-hop through candid interviews with an exciting roster of artists. The knowledge that artists will impart in personal settings is truly amazing...the type of sincerety you won't catch on MTV or BET. Street Conscious Rap brought me to another level of understanding for rap and its surrounding culture. I strongly recommend this masterpiece.