That guy from the Black Eyed Peas. No, the other guy. This one might be worth a purchase just for the cover. That and, if you’re like me, you know nothing about Taboo. Did you know he was a father at age 18? Did you know he grew up in East LA? Did you know he struggled with drugs and alcohol? If you don’t know, now you should maybe read this book.
Rev. Run is made for the memoir. He has a strong writing voice–closing each episode of Run’s House with a monologue-as-text-message that was at times inspiring or funny or both. He lived an interesting life, rapping in Run DMC and then falling on some tough times after Run disbanded. He’s a Reverend now and his religious perspective may color your opinion of the book, but there’s some honest self help and reflection.
I picked this up on a whim at Barnes and Noble once and could not put it down. Comprised entirely of poems he wrote before he became an icon, this is one of the clearest window you’re gonna get into Pac’s head. READ THIS SHIT!
KRS One - The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument Superflyronald – Hip Hop Autobiographies
KRS One is one of the most verbose people in music. Not only has he published two books of hip hop non fiction but one of them (Gospel of Hip Hop) is over 800 pages. He’s got ideas!
He might just have the best Rap Genius verified account around too.
Memoir was the case that they gave me. This a comprehensive look into West Coast rap as it broke into the mainstream as well as Snoop’s legal struggles and triumphs. Snoop is also a religious, family man and the book is framed by his experiences as a dad and a person of faith. Most hip hop autobiographies are written by twenty and thirtysomethings, but you get some hindsight here.
This is worth the read just to find out what Questlove listens to. You get some great music recommendations here as he maps the songs he was listening to from youth to adulthood. He listened to Public Enemy right before he quit his first job!
Besides that, you also get to hear about the rise of the Soulquarians, the rise of Kanye West, and the time Alicia Keys friend-zoned Questlove. Get into it!
Oh, and the title references the Spike Lee film, Mo Better Blues.
Lil Wayne’s Gone Till November is out of print for some reason, but if you manage to pick up a copy online then you’ll get a look into Weezy’s mind while he was in jail–collected straight from his journals.
The art, images, and words of Kanye’s “Glow In The Dark” tour captured for posterity in this nearly five pound tome. If you buy one Kanye West book, make it this one.
About four or five just had to settle two
They said I try to show a nigga what the metal do
But didn't succeed the nigga still breath Beanie Sigel (Ft. Peedi Crakk) – Flatline
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On the one hand you might think Rap Genius makes a lyrics-extensive book like Decoded a little outdated, on the other hand you think Decoded sold like a billion copies so what do I know? With its beautiful embossed cover, Decoded is part memoir, part Rap Genius profile. It’s a good one to have on the coffee table.
