Understand Rap: Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics You and Your Grandma Can Understand [Paperback]

William Buckholz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2010

Although rap music is famous for its ingenuity, double entendres and clever turns of phrase, until now no one has attempted to collect rap lyrics into an organised compendium. Enter UNDERSTAND RAP, a very funny pop-cultural reference book based on the website of the same name, which precisely explains all the confusing terms and lyrics used in rap songs in a language even the most un-hip person can understand. The result is a book with breakout potential that's both entertaining and highly informative. The juxtaposition of dry, academic manner with Hip Hop terminology in UNDERSTAND RAP frequently lends itself to ironic comedy gold. For example: Lyric: "been servin' since you was doin' the runnin' man" Explanation: My experience selling drugs began long ago, while you were still concerning yourself with immature things like doing goofy dances where you look like you're running in place. (From Song: Rubberband Man on Album: Trap Muzik by Artist: T.I.) Understand Rap features hip hop artists of all names, colours, and creeds and organise their lyrics into the following categories: Cars, Money, Drugs/Alcohol, People, Places, Fashion, Crime/Weapons, Insults, Skills/Pride and Sex/Relationships.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Buckholz is a freelance writer living in Seattle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Image; 1 edition (October 8, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810989212
• ISBN-13: 978-0810989214
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Rap

More About the Author

William Buckholz was born in Toledo, Ohio. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific and Technical Communication at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, he moved to Seattle, Washington. After three years in Seattle, he has returned to the Midwest and resides in Chicago, Illinois. Some of his favorite books are The Race Forever, Prisoner of the Ant People, War with the Evil Power Master, Supercomputer, Your Code Name is Jonah, and The Cave of Time.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rosetta Stone of Rap January 7, 2011

By Paul R. Hemel

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I want to start off by saying: I never used to be a rap fan. I've always loved the sound (the "beats"), but I've never understood what the music is really saying! It's never been out of lack of effort either. I mean, I've tried to understand for YEARS, generally by consulting my grandma (who's been NO HELP whatsoever), but also by playing the music in reverse, because I've heard that's a way to find hidden meaning in songs.

Well, ALL THAT HAS CHANGED. Now that I've purchasd this book, I've had a reason to visit her EVERY WEEK, and together we sit on her "davenport" (that's what she calls her sofa) and peruse this fine piece of literature. This is like the Rosetta Stone of rap music. I can now confidently say that both my grandma and I can listen to various rap songs that we've never heard before and understand what's going on! I even rapped about instant grocery savings the other day, because I was so stoked to save $5.83 with my QFC Advantage Card (that was 38% in savings, yo).

I wish I could give this book six stars, because Amazon would send me an email telling me I can only give five stars and then I would give my grandma the other star, because she is great and, not to mention, a mighty fine rapper herself.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I thought he was working for Boeing. July 7, 2011

By Berkeley Bill

Format:Paperback

I got a free autographed copy straight from the author and it was worth every penny. (Well I AM his uncle and I DID give him all 2000 of my valuable baseball cards back in '84, including Tom Seaver's rookie card) Anyways, I thought he was working for Boeing and doing Hospice work on the side. That's what my brother told me. Here I find out he's writing "ethnically-oriented" music books. The most lilly white kid west of Pahokee and he's explaining rap to the uncool masses. Not as good as Hospice work, but socially valuable nonetheless. The whole family is as proud as a brown peacock.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Street Cred. January 5, 2011

By Alice Stevens

Format:Paperback

For Christmas, I got a a new grill, an autographed naked picture of R. Kelly, a new set of 24s, and Understand Rap and I have to say that this book was my favorite gift of all. It's seriously so good that I wish William Buckholz were my baby daddy. Or at least my baby. Or daddy.