Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this wide-ranging, academic anthology of essays, interviews and panel discussions, 2005 American Book Award-winner Jeff Chang (Can't Stop, Won't Stop) presents hip-hop's past, present and future as seen by some of its founding figures, guiding lights, journalists and scholars. From a post-civil rights era grassroots phenomenon born in the streets of the Bronx, N.Y., hip-hop has become a global cultural movement whose stylistic impact and social perspectives clearly extend beyond popular rap music. Part manifesto, part apologia, the collection takes on such topics as the aesthetics behind hip-hop photography and graffiti, offers an informative history of hip-hop dance and assesses hip-hop's effects on literature and theater, while pursuing debates about identity, sexuality and homophobia. Especially intriguing are pieces documenting hip-hop's sociopolitical influence in Cuba (Chang's interview with filmmaker Eli Jacobs-Fauntauzzi) and South Africa (an essay by Capetown natives Shaheen Ariefdien, performer/anthropologist, and Nazli Abrahams, an educator). Not surprisingly, amid talk about "keepin' it real" and multiculturalism, multiple definitions of hip-hop emerge-ideas and values that are as varied and contradictory as the book's attempt to critically scrutinize hip-hop in context. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
After his history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop, journalist Chang offers an aptly titled anthology on this music-art-culture agglomerate, with contributions from an authoritative and varied crew of hip-hop scholars, advocates, and artists. Here, Chang attempts a survey of the state of hip-hop today and works to answer the popular question, "What is hip-hop?" Loosely organized into five sections dealing with the history of hip-hop, hip-hop beyond the four elements (rapping, DJing, graffiti, and break dancing), identity in the hip-hop generation, international hip-hop, and the future of hip-hop, the text ranges from poetry and essays to panel discussions and interviews. What is historicized here (e.g., Jorge "Fabel" Pabon of the Rock Steady Crew on hip-hop dance) vs. what is actively discussed (e.g., Vibe's Danyel Smith on the tension between street lit and black literary fiction) sheds light on hip-hop's chaotic but rooted journey. Not designed for research purposes, the collection stands up to a straight-through read. Recommended for popular culture and music collections.-Anna Katterjohn, Library Journal (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
