The History of Hip Hop

*** Author of "Rapper's Delight" essay currently archived at the Library of Congress ***

*** Guest speaker of BBC2 Radio "Rapper's Delight 40th Anniversary" by DJ Trevor Nelson - September 2019 ***

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of 90s hip-hop with "The History of Hip Hop: Volume 3." This compact yet comprehensive guide by Eric Reese travels back to a critical decade that saw the genre evolve from its roots into an art form influencing millions around the world. Journey through the crowded streets of New York City, where groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan were changing the game, to the sun-soaked boulevards of Los Angeles, where artists like Dr. Dre and Tupac were making their mark.

Reese’s informative guide not only maps the geography of 90s hip-hop but also charts the cultural, political, and racial landscapes that shaped and were shaped by the genre. As the bling era dawned and hip-hop became a global business, its effects reverberated far beyond the music world, influencing fashion, film, and the broader popular culture.

Key insights from this book include:

East Coast vs West Coast: The legendary rivalry that defined a decade

The Golden Age: An examination of hip-hop’s most creative period

The Birth of Gangsta Rap: How a new sub-genre changed everything

The Impact of TV and Film: From "Yo! MTV Raps" to "Boyz n the Hood"

The Influence of Record Labels: The rise of Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records

Social and Political Impact: How hip-hop gave a voice to the voiceless

Dive deep into the complex narratives of an era that redefined musical expression, pioneering a sonic revolution that resonates to this day. From legendary artists like Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Queen Latifah, to influential groups like Public Enemy and De La Soul, explore the golden age of hip-hop and its enduring legacy. "The History of Hip Hop: Volume 3" chronicles a remarkable decade of creativity, diversity, controversy, and above all, timeless music.

Experience the beat, the rhythm, and the resistance that made the 90s hip-hop scene a cultural touchstone.

Topics: hip hop, rap, music history, African American culture, urban culture, music biography, music education, cultural studies, hip hop culture, rap artists, music industry, Black history, music evolution, urban music, musical genres, hip hop origins, rap legends, music analysis, cultural movements, music reference, music appreciation, contemporary music history, musical influence, social commentary, music and society, entertainment history, performing arts

Readers of: Jeff Chang, Dan Charnas, Nelson George, Tricia Rose, Jay-Z, Questlove, Shea Serrano, Bakari Kitwana, S. Craig Watkins, Mark Anthony Neal, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Hanif Abdurraqib, Touré, Danyel Smith, Erica K. Blount, Michael Eric Dyson, Nikki D. Giovanni, Joan Morgan, Adam Bradley, Rakim, Chuck D, KRS-One, Kendrick Lamar, Ice-T, Russell Simmons, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Danyel Smith, Kathy Iandoli, Marcus Reeves, Brian Coleman, Vikki Tobak