Alex Ogg

David Upshal

From the turntable acrobatics of Grandmaster Flash to the electro-funk blend of Afrika Bambaataa's Zulu nation, and from the rebellion of Public Emeny o te chart-topping albums of Eminen, an exploration into the world of rap and hip hop is captured through the firsthand accounts of those who played a pivotal role.

A History of Rap

The Hip Hop Years

Kali Nichta

More of a primer than a history, The Hip Hop Years is good for putting things in context for the hip hop novice, but it probably wouldn't hold much interest for aficionados. The non-linear chronology of the book and the sometimes judgmental tone of the writing were irritating, but it was, all in all, a compelling read.

The Hip Hop Years A History of Rap