The Rap Year Book

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From Sugarhill Gang to NWA to Biggie to Kanye, The Rap Year Book takes readers on a journey that begins in 1979, widely regarded as the moment rap became recognized as part of the cultural and musical landscape.

New York Times and Washington Post Bestseller * Foreword by Ice-T

Featuring illustrations by Arturo Torres, The Rap Year Book is an in-depth look at the most influential genre of music in our generation.

Complete with infographics, lyric maps, hilarious and informative footnotes, portraits of the artists, and short essays by prominent music writers, The Rap Year Book is both a narrative and illustrated guide to the most iconic and influential rap songs ever created.

Award-winning writer Shea Serrano deftly pays homage to the most important rap song of each year. He also examines the most important moments that surround the history and culture of rap music—from artists’ backgrounds to issues of race, the rise of hip-hop, and the struggles among its major players—both personal and professional. Covering East Coast and West Coast, famous rapper feuds, chart toppers, and showstoppers.

It’s like the gold tank from Master P’s “Make ’Em Say Uhh!” video, except it’s a book. It’s like Kanye’s verse on “Put On,” except it’s a book. It’s like the face Biggie made when on the boat with Puff in “Hypnotize,” except it’s a book.

Songs include:

1979: Rapper’s Delight
1982: The Message
1988: Straight Outta Compton
2004: Still Trippin’
2007: International Players Anthem
2010: Monster