An extraordinary collection of lyrics showcasing rap's poetic depth and diversity From the school yards of the South Bronx to the tops of the Billboard charts, rap has emerged as one of the most influential musical and cultural forces of our time. In The Anthology of Rap, editors Adam Bradley and Andrew DuBois explore rap as a literary form, demonstrating that rap is also a wide-reaching and vital poetic tradition born of beats and rhymes. This pioneering anthology brings together more than three hundred rap and hip-hop lyrics written over thirty years, from the "old school" to the "golden age" to the present day. Rather than aim for encyclopedic coverage, Bradley and DuBois render through examples the richness and diversity of rap's poetic tradition. They feature both classic lyrics that helped define the genre, including Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five's "The Message" and Eric B. & Rakim's "Microphone Fiend," as well as lesser-known gems like Blackalicious's "Alphabet Aerobics" and Jean Grae's "Hater's Anthem." Both a fan's guide and a resource for the uninitiated, The Anthology of Rap showcases the inventiveness and vitality of rap's lyrical art. The volume also features an overview of rap poetics and the forces that shaped each period in rap's historical development, as well as a foreword by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and afterwords by Chuck D and Common. Enter the Anthology to experience the full range of rap's artistry and discover a rich poetic tradition hiding in plain sight.

NaS Lost is the Nas book only Byron Crawford could write, and not just due to literacy issues in the hip-hop community. Billed as a tribute to the little homey, it is in fact a tribute, but not in the way that an article in XXL magazine is a tribute to a rapper. NaS Lost considers the artist's career in its totality, from its amazing highs to its crushing lows -- and some of everything in between. Discussed in NaS Lost: The 2001 beef with Jay-Z. What really led to this dispute? Nas and Jay-Z as Eskimo brothers. How the two of them became related in a sense. Nas' albums. Is it true what Jay-Z said, that Nas has a one hot album every 10 year average? Illmatic's five mic review in The Source. Was it really the best album of its era? The dreaded n-word. If KKKramer can say it, why can't Nas? Ghostwriting allegations. Can anything dream hampton says on Twitter be believed? The Virginia Tech controversy. What is the real cause of most school shootings? The hostage situation in Africa. Who was to blame there, Nas, the promoters, or the continent of Africa? Nas' marriage to Kelis. Bad idea, or worst idea of all time? Nas as a parent. Why is his teenage daughter posting her birth control on Instagram? Cultural tourism. Why is it that SPIN magazine likes a Chief Keef album more than Life Is Good?

Why is the battle between good and evil a recurring theme in rap lyrics? What role does the devil play in hip hop? What exactly does it mean when rappers wear a diamond-encrusted "Jesus" around their necks? Why do rappers acknowledge God during award shows and frequently include prayers in their albums? Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta's God tackles a sensitive and controversial topic: the juxtaposition-and seeming hypocrisy-of references to God within hip hop culture and rap music. This book provides a focused examination of the intersection of God and religion with hip hop and rap music. Author Ebony A. Utley, PhD, references selected rap lyrics and videos that span three decades of mainstream hip hop culture in America, representing the East Coast, the West Coast, and the South in order to account for how and why rappers talk about God. Utley also describes the complex urban environments that birthed rap music and sources interviews, award acceptance speeches, magazine and website content, and liner notes to further explain how God became entrenched in hip hop.

They have become known around the world as the ultimate pop-culture power couple. Favourites of the paparazzi, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are both worth millions in their own right. She is the queen of reality TV and an all-around business mogul, he's a rapper, fashion designer and outspoken award show favourite. Together they are Kimye - glitzy, globetrotting icons and parents of one very stylish kid, North West. Without question they are the biggest news in entertainment today, making headlines around the world on a daily basis. America's 'other' first couple were friends before they hooked up, although Kanye admitted to holding a torch for Kim for years. They may have their share of haters, and Kim came under fire when she filed for divorce from Humphries less than three months after their wedding. But in a recent lavish Italian ceremony fit for royalty, she and Kanye tied the knot, cementing their superstar status once and for all. Nadia Cohen's brilliant, unauthorised biography traces the rise of Kimye, the world's most glamorous couple.

Exclusive Interviews from Model Tygeria. Also articles on Keyshia Cole, Queen Latifah, Timbaland, 10 Valentine's Day or any day suggestions and more. Mature Content.

Arising from the street corners and underground clubs, Rebel Music: Resistance through Hip Hop and Punk, challenges standardized schooling and argues for equity, peace, and justice. Rebel Music is an important, one-of-a-kind book that takes readers through fun, radical, educational chapters examining Hip Hop and Punk songs, with each section addressing a particular social issue. Rebel Music values the experiences found in both movements as cultural capital that is de-valued in the current oppressive, standard, test-driven, rule-bound, and corporate schooling experience, making youth "just another brick in the wall." This collection is a "rebel yell" to administrators, teachers, parents, police, politicians, and counsellors who demonize Hip Hop and Punk to listen up and respect youth culture. Finally, Rebel Music is a celebration of radical voices and an organizing tool for those who use music to challenge oppression.

A selection of written rhymes from a youth poet influenced by hip hop and school life.

On August 11 1973 the first Hip Hop party was held in the rec room of 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx, NY. On that day a young man named DJ Kool Herc would become a legend. Many other individuals were instrumental in making the DJ an artist and not just a person who played records. This book will teach children of all ages the origins of the DJ, one of the five elements of Hip Hop.

The follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut, 'The Hip-Hop 10, ' this edition delves deeper into the music that has defined and influenced a generation. What is the great video in hip-hop history? Who is the best storytelling MC? Who is the greatest female rapper? What if Jay-Z had signed a record contract instead of co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records? What if 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. had not been killed? All of those questions - and more - are examined in this book.