10 • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
BOOKS
THURSDAY,OCTOBER 10,2002
Smarter writing gives hope to hip-hop books
Writers now recognize growth of hip-hop impact on society
By Henry C. Jackson
cjackson@kansan.com
Jayplay writer
Intelligent writing about hip-hop music is hard to find. Most writers are either too caught up with their subject: "Nelly, you're right. It is hot in here. I think we should all take off our clothes," or they are far too academic: "The enunciation of Nelly's rhymes makes him persuasive, particularly to young females, who can't resist his call to remove their clothing because of the rapidly increasing temperature."
There is hope. Hip-hop's growth from underground sound to mainstream has caused even the most reluctant social observers to acknowledge the music genre's impact on society. The result?
A steady trickle of smart writing dissecting everything from the language MCs use in their rhymes to the sociological impact of hip-hop on American society.
Here's a look at three books that show there's more to hip-hop than beats and rhymes.
The Vibe History of Hip-Hop edited by Alan Light Three Rivers Press,1999
Vibe magazine is the Rolling Stone of hip-hop. It is the definitive source on its subject.The Vibe History of Hip-Hop is a collection of Vibe's writing, as well as pieces solicited specifically for the book.
Selections range from essays on old-school rap favorites such as KRS-One to speculation about where hip-hop is going.
Peppered with vivid photography, Vibe's guide is both a compelling read and a great book to look through for a glimpse at the history of hip-hop. It includes everything from founding fathers such as the Sugar Hill Gang to more recent success
stories such as Jay-Z.
Hip Hopionary:
The Dictionary of
Hip-Hop Terminology by Alonzo
and Paul Westbrook Broadway
Books, set to release Oct. 15
Writers Alonzo and Paul Westbrook
do their best to shed light on the arcane world of hip-hop terminology with Hip Hopionary: The Dictionary of Hip-Hop Terminology.
Westbrook defines dozens of rap's most perplexing phrases, such as "marinating in the rizzi with your road dawg," and profiles the stars who make knowledge of such phrases a necessity.
While it's impossible to explain all the intricate word manipulations rappers use. Westbrook has done his best to clue in the uninitiated.
Those looking for a hip-hop themed pub crawl can find out what their favorite rap
stars drink. Cristal, fo sho. Westbrook even provides a list of hip-hop designers, so you know that Sean John is down, and Abercrombie and Fitch is not.
Hip-Hop America by Nelson George Penguin USA,1999
Hip-Hop America's author, Nelson George, grew up in Brooklyn as hip-hop began its steady climb to national prominence.
Because he saw the early days of the hip hop movement, George has a unique perspective, which he communicates well in America.
He chronicles hip-hop's increasing prominence, explaining its economic, social and musical impact.
More importantly, George writes in a manner that is both witty and readable, making the rise of hip-hop interesting and intellectually stimulating.