Book Review- Rap-Up

Title: Rap- Up: the Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B
Author: Cameron & Devin Lazerine
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: 2/28/08
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-446-17820-4

Rap has taken the world by storm no doubt. Since its debut in the late 70's (early 80's) it has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Many adults today in their middle ages are children of the first generation of rap. In Philadelphia, PA African American mayor Michael Nutter was once known as “DJ Mixmaster Mike” during his mixing and scratching days. Therefore, hip hop has long before come out of boom boxes and dance clubs in the hood; it is now in the world of politics.

Hip Hop has become the music that fuels the nations as of recent years. It is used in every aspect of the media and it has far reached outside of the hood. It has crossed the seas and touched others across the world. Hip hop has become a movement!

The style of music that was once considered a passing fad has been going more than 20 years strong, diving into the world of business. For most, Rap music has been positive in the lives of the youth with more than just dance moves. B-boys and B-girls have become entrepreneurs creating brand names bringing in millions of dollars. From food to fashion, major corporations have been more than pleased with the revenue that they have received from advertising with hip-hop.

Hip hop has also been a reason to stop and think about society as it grows and changes every day. Many think that crime of the inner cities is connected to hip hop, but it no longer resides in this heavy populated area. Loud beats, baggy jeans, and gun crimes are now reaching the suburbs causing specialists to dig deep into the understanding of the music and how it affects people’s way of thinking because the rebellious lyrics just may be a cause for alarm.

Rap-Up, written by the Cameron & Devin Lazerine who are also the creators of Rap-Up Magazine endeavors to give us an overview of the hip-hop movement. It is an informative book that gives you the history behind your favorite artists yesterday and today. Learn how:

L.L. Cool J got his start
Run DMC connects with Def Jam
Salt-N-Pepa became female icons
And much more

The Lazerine brothers gradually bring us from yesterday into the future with the scoop on Jay-Z, Beenie Seigel, Eve and 50 cent.
Although this book keeps you very informed of the artists and their contributions to hip-hop, it fell short in giving us the culture of hip-hop which is the very essence that makes it the phenomenon that has taken over the music industry.

For those of you who are looking to learn some of the methods of the big players in the game there is plenty of information on how each artists brought something unique to the table and changed certain ways of doing things for the better. Learn from the pros and build your own plan to succeed in the Rap Game.

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Aalim Elitou- Reviewer