Encyclopedia Of Rap And Hip Hop Culture by Yvonne Bynoe

From the Publisher

Hip Hop music is comprised of several art forms: 1) MC-ing or rapping 2) B-boying or breakdancing 3) Deejaying (music) and 4) Graffiti art (visual art). This encyclopedia examines all four elements of Hip Hop Culture, providing students, scholars, and music fans with a complete history of the thirty-year music genre. Tracing its early roots from black DJs talking over music in the 1960s, the B-boy dancers in the 1970s, and the scratching and sampling techniques of the '80s to the founding of Def Jam productions, the current East Cost-West Coast rivalry, and superstars such as Eminem and 50 Cent, hip hop fans will find this an indispensable resource.

This encyclopedia includes approximately 100 photographs, discographies after each entry, and a for further listening list at the end of the volume. Also included is the Hip Hop Declaration of Peace.

Library Journal

Hip-hop is a genre of music and cultural expression long on popularity but short on authoritative reference resources. Hip-hop cultural expert Bynoe's (Stand & Deliver: Political Activism, Leadership, and Hip Hop Culture) encyclopedia should help fill that void by providing a commanding single-volume guide that will be of value to those unfamiliar with hip-hop culture or those who like the culture or music but are unfamiliar with its origins and development. The work examines the four manifestations of hip-hop culture-DJ, MC, B-boy, and graffiti artist-and the 30-year history of the music genre. The more than 500 mostly biographical entries each range in length from a couple of sentences for lesser artists or concepts to several pages for prominent figures like Dr. Dre and Public Enemy. The artists covered run the gamut from true old-schoolers, e.g., Kurtis Blow, to relative newbies, e.g., Lil' Romeo. Each entry is followed by a comprehensive discography. Included are approximately 100 photographs; a "Selected Rap Discography," for which Bynoe tried to choose a wide range of albums covering various styles; and the "Hip Hop Declaration of Peace." The selected bibliography could be useful for those looking to do further research. Bottom Line Bynoe's writing is clear and concise, and his knowledge of the topic is obvious. His work would make a good addition to public and academic library collections, especially given the current popularity of hip-hop culture and music. [Also available as an e-book.-Ed.]-Craig Shufelt, Ft. McMurray P.L., Alberta Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School-A comprehensive resource covering the artists as well as various topics relevant to the culture. The insightful historical introduction will help readers understand the separate elements embraced by rap and hip-hop: the verbal (MCing), and the musical (DJing), break dancing, and aerosol painting. The alphabetical entries cover all these elements and include most of the well-known rap artists and groups, along with some less-familiar names. The articles also acknowledge some of rap's detractors. Average-quality, black-and-white photos are scattered throughout. The author's cross-references are especially helpful and the index will lead readers to information about individual artists beyond their main entry. The appendixes contain a selected discography and statements regarding the appreciation and preservation of hip-hop culture, including the "Hip Hop Declaration of Peace." This title will be of interest to browsers and report writers.-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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