Description

A celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop’s vibrant history, and its transformative influence not just on American music and culture, but across the world.

This vivid chronicle of the rhythm, rhyme, and reason of Hip Hop is told through intimate narratives, over 150 iconic images, and the voices of Hip Hop’s founding artists.

Co-authored by the legendary LL COOL J, celebrated journalist Vikki Tobak, and Rock The Bells’ editorial director Alec Banks, this unparalleled collection is a must-have for music fans.

*Personal Stories from Hip Hop Luminaries: Firsthand accounts from the likes of DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg and many more.
*Insights from Hip Hop Royalty: Written contributions from an A-list roster including Rakim, MC Lyte, Jay-Z, and many more.
*Iconic Shots from Photographic Legends: Contributions from Joe Conzo Jr., Ernie Paniccioli, Jonathan Mannion, and others who chronicled Hip Hop’s rise.
*Rare Images & Cultural Artifacts: Capturing the essence of Hip Hop, from street scenes to iconic performances. Delve into a collection of album covers, handwritten lyrics, and original graffiti art.
*Essential for an Aficionado’s Collection: With art direction by Hip Hop photography icon Ernie Paniccioli and photo editing by the renowned Jonathan Mannion.

This treasure-filled testament to a cultural revolution charts Hip Hop’s birth, meteoric rise, and enduring influence on the American music scene for fans everywhere.

Publisher Review

"This eye-catching survey...spotlights important players in hip-hop history, from the 1970s, when skeptics believed the genre "had the same shelf life of a carton of milk," to the moneymaking phenomenon enmeshed in today's popular culture. [The book's] all-star lineup and the treasure trove of photos...bring to vivid life the energy and history of hip-hop." -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY