Hip-Hop Histories
From its humble beginnings in 1970s New York to a worldwide movement, Hip-hop has influenced the landscape of music, dance, style, and art. Be introduced to or further explore a genre that you know and love with these great titles...
Hip hop Family Tree Vol. 1 by Ed Piskor
This non-fiction graphic novel is the first in an on-going series detailing the history of hip-hop with big beautiful artwork, and rapid-fire story-telling. Piskor covers a lot of ground, from the mythical moments right down to the gritty realites. Volume 2 is out now, and 3 is soon to come.
The Gospel of Hip Hop by KRS-One
Hip-hop has always been about communal experience, and has often delved into the political, social, and spiritual elements of that experience. This work is part self-help, part philosophy, and part history, from one of the pioneers of the genre.
Can't Stop Won't Stop by Jeff Chang
This thorough account connects the multi-faceted history of hip-hop directly to the history and culture of America. An introduction from DJ Herc, one of the innovators of hip-hop scratching and mixing, makes this work extra special.
The Hip Hop Wars by Tricia Rose
The mainstream success of hip-hop has brought endless debates over its lyrical content, and function in pop culture. Rose takes on these debates with an academic eye and explores a wide range of social issues and their expression in hip-hop.
The Concise Guide to Hip-Hop Music by Paul Edwards
This book is exactly what it claims to be, and its hard to imagine a better resource for someone wanting to learn more about hip-hop. From a who's who of great artists, to a break down of hip-hop appreciation, this book is like an entry level class.
The Anthology of Rap
Rap is the vocal and lyrical element of the broader hip-hop music and culture. This book celebrates the art-form with the lyrics of hundreds of defining songs from the entire history of the genre.
The Dead Emcee Scrolls by Saul Williams
This book, part memoir, part poetics, explores the unique experience of hip-hop through the voice of one of its most unque champions. Williams speaks to the physical and spiritual elements he finds in the music, and the power of expressing oneself through the medium.
The Breakbeat Poets
A self-described "anthology of poems by and for the hip-hop generation." This book presents voices from across the spectrum of hip-hop, each utilizing the culture and art-form as a spring board for their own expression. Nothing will teach you more about hip-hop than reading its history presented through the lenses of so many different minds.
...and don't forget that hip-hop is also for children. Share hip-hop history and a love for music and rhymes with these great books:
Hip Hop Speaks to Children
Find this article at