The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop has everything you need to know about the world’s most exciting music. It’s a one stop A–Z of the best rappers, DJs, breakdancers, beat-boxers and graffiti writers, with the producers, record labels and players behind the scenes thrown in too. From old school pioneers such as Grandmaster Flash and the Sugar Hill Gang, through the acts that first made it big like Public Enemy and Beastie Boys, to current superstars such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Jay-Z – this Rough Guide has got it covered. Extensive biographies, recommended albums, and hundreds of photos tell Hip-Hop’s story. Plus there are boxes on Hip-Hop’s fashions, films, feuds and fads, along side topics like Hip-Hop’s slang and sub-genres.
Author Peter Shapiro is a regular contributor to The Wire magazine, an avid collector and expert on Hip-Hop, funk and soul. |
What The Press Say
All the entries are subjective, rather than objective, which makes them far more entertaining to read. . . very readable, comprehensive guide. - Dance Today A seriously meaty affair that gives you the full-on lowdown on the growth of hip-hop. . . Equip yourself with an encyclopedica knowledge of African Americn’s most wanted. . . Peter Shapiro has definitely excelled himself. Word. - Straight No Chaser Black-and-white portraits are generous and well-selected, and the choice of entries is comprehensive and commendable. - Library Journal This is hip-hop’s literary soundtrack. It covers all the bases, from the originators to the exploiters, from the murkiest underground depths to the most pervasive pop the world has ever known. This book is an A to Z collection of every rap artist, group and record label, the notable to the obscure. You may be able to name an artist missing, but it will take you and your crew a lot of brainstorming to come up with someone. Writer Peter Shapiro is on point. - Elemental Magazine A useful reference book to have at hand. - Record Collector |