A comprehensive, chronological survey of rap and hip hop from 1973
to the present by Chuck D, arguably the most influential rapper in
the world.
In the more than 40 years since the days of DJ Kool Herc and
"Rapper's Delight," hip hop and rap have become a
billion-dollar worldwide phenomenon. Yet there is no definitive
history of the genre-until now.
Based on Chuck's
long-running show on Rapstation.com, this massive compendium details
the most iconic moments and influential songs in the genre's recorded
history, from Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin'" to The
Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar's ground-breaking verse
on "Control." Also included are key events in hip hop
history, from Grandmaster Flash's first scratch through Tupac's
holographic appearance at Coachella.
Throughout, Chuck
offers his insider's perspective on the chart toppers and show
stoppers as he lived it. Illustrating the pages are more than 100
portraits from the talented artists specializing in hip hop.