Guide to HipHop Studies

Let’s talk about the hiphop tradition. Traditionally, rap beefs unfold over extended periods, with albums released, shows performed, and lives lived between diss tracks.

As the genre evolved and gained mainstream recognition, so did the intensity of rap beefs. From the legendary clashes between East Coast and West Coast artists in the 1990s, such as Tupac Shakur vs. The Notorious B.I.G., to the ongoing feud between Jay-Z and Nas, rap beefs became more than just musical rivalries; they became cultural phenomena that held real meaning.

But rap beefs weren’t just about ego and bravado; they also reflected the social and political tensions of the times. From addressing issues of race and identity to calling out hypocrisy and injustice, diss tracks became a form of cultural commentary, giving voice to the marginalized and challenging the status quo.

Despite the drama and controversy surrounding rap beefs, they also served as catalysts for creativity and innovation within the genre. Artists pushed the boundaries of lyrical expression, experimenting with new styles and techniques to outshine their rivals and leave a lasting impact on hip-hop history.

In the end, rap beefs remind us that hip-hop is more than just music; it’s a culture built on competition, creativity, and self-expression. And while the battles may rage on, the legacy of diss tracks and lyrical warfare will continue to shape the evolution of hip-hop for generations to come.

The following list of books are all about teaching the basics of Hip Hop Culture.

If you use these links, I will receive a commission as part of the Amazon Associates Program. Thank you for your support!!!

1) 50 Years of Hip Hop: Volume 1: From Underground to Mainstream

“50 Years of Hip Hop: Volume 1 — From Underground to Mainstream” is the first book in a trilogy celebrating the 50-year history of hip-hop. This volume explores the evolution of the genre from its early days with artists like Grandmaster Flash and Kurtis Blow to its current mainstream prominence with figures like Travis Scott and Lil Wayne.

The book features narratives of key figures who have shaped hip-hop, including The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Salt-N-Pepa, and Biz Markie. It highlights how hip-hop has become a global phenomenon, influencing areas such as fashion and social justice.

“Volume 1” chronicles the pivotal albums, memorable lyrics, and significant moments that have contributed to hip-hop’s rich history. It discusses the contributions of artists like Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj in breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries.

2) Hip Hop Family Tree: The Omnibus

Ed Piskor’s “Hip Hop Family Tree” has been a global sensation and a consistent bestseller since its debut in 2013, with the release of its first of four volumes. The series has garnered widespread acclaim, resulting in numerous printings, the creation of fourteen comic books, and the establishment of the author’s immensely popular YouTube comics channel, Cartoonist Kayfabe, in collaboration with fellow cartoonist Jim Rugg. However, the series has never before been compiled into a single volume. Until now.

This comprehensive omnibus edition brings together the entire 360-page original series along with over 140 pages of additional material. This includes a cover gallery featuring every “Hip Hop Family Tree” book and comic cover ever produced by Piskor, as well as previously uncollected pages from the comic book series. Furthermore, the omnibus features new annotations by Piskor for the entire series. Additionally, readers can enjoy a foreword by Charlie Ahearn and an afterword by Bill Adler.

“Hip Hop Family Tree” serves as an entertaining and encyclopedic account of the early years of the music genre that revolutionized global culture. Piskor’s dynamic cartooning style evokes the energy of legendary artist Jack Kirby as he transports readers from the parks and rec rooms of the South Bronx to the vibrant nightclubs, recording studios, and radio stations where the hip-hop scene flourished in the late 1970s. The panels burst with meticulously researched and authentically detailed depictions of New York City during this era.

3) The Hip Hop Wars

Hip hop has served as a powerful platform for expressing the Black experience in America, from iconic figures like 2Pac to modern-day trailblazers like Kendrick Lamar, whose achievements include winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Scholar and cultural critic Tricia Rose contends that hip hop has evolved into a primary means of discussing race relations in the United States.

However, the genre currently faces a crisis. Commercially successful hip hop has increasingly been dominated by portrayals of stereotypical black characters, such as gangstas, thugs, pimps, and hos. This trend both reflects and perpetuates issues within Black American culture. Yet, Rose raises the question: does this representation truly mirror and exacerbate societal problems, or is it a reflection of deeper issues.

In “The Hip-Hop Wars,” Rose dives into the core debates surrounding hip hop, and addresses polarized viewpoints on critical issues. Does hip hop promote violence, or does it simply mirror a violent urban culture? Is hip hop inherently sexist, or are critics unfairly demonizing its sexual themes? Does the portrayal of Black culture in hip hop hinder progress for the Black community?

4) God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip Hop

Previous histories of hip-hop, such as Jeff Chang’s “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” and Shea Serrano’s “The Rap Yearbook,” have predominantly centered on male artists, neglecting to provide a comprehensive examination of the significant contributions of women in the genre.

Women in hip-hop have historically been marginalized, often relegated to secondary roles or viewed merely as accessories to male artists. However, Kathy Iandoli challenges this narrative, emphasizing the substantial impact and presence of female artists in today’s hip-hop landscape. While figures like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have achieved immense success, there exists a wealth of female talent whose influence continues to shape the genre.

In “God Save the Queens,” Iandoli pays homage to the pioneering women of hip-hop, ranging from early trailblazers like Roxanne Shante to iconic hitmakers such as Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott, as well as contemporary superstars. The book takes a deep dive into crucial themes including gender dynamics, financial disparities, sexuality, violence, body image, feuds, and objectification, offering a comprehensive exploration of the experiences and challenges faced by female artists in hip-hop.

“God Save the Queens” stands as a landmark work of music journalism, providing long-overdue recognition and respect to these influential women who have played a vital role in shaping hip-hop culture.

5) Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

In “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” acclaimed author Jeff Chang presents the captivating story of hip-hop, as a cultural movement and musical genre that has had a massive impact on American politics and society.

From its origins to its present-day impact, Chang, along with Dave “Davey D” Cook, offers compelling exploration of the evolution of hip hop and the world it has created.

The book uses original interviews with key figures such as DJs, b-boys, rappers, activists, and gang members, to provide a glimpse into the origins and development of hip hop. Through portraits of hip hop’s pioneers, innovators, and contemporary icons, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” chronicles the transformative events, ideas, and music that have defined the rise of the hip hop generation.

6) Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip Hop

In the realm of modern American poetry, the names Jay-Z and Eminem might not immediately come to mind as innovators. However, hip hop has emerged as a fertile ground for some of the most dynamic advancements in verse today. Despite the controversies surrounding its lyrics, hip hop represents a significant revolution in poetic expression and experience. Through the medium of rap music, the rhythmic cadence of a song amplifies the intricacies of poetic meter, enabling an MC’s wordplay to resonate with and engage a crowd of eager listeners in a club setting.

In his work “Book of Rhymes,” literary scholar Adam Bradley explores the contributions of rap history’s most memorable lyricists and their unique artistic techniques. Bradley argues that to truly appreciate the forefront of contemporary poetry, it is imperative to recognize rap as a legitimate form of poetry in its own right. Through an examination of America’s least understood poets — those within the realm of rap — Bradley unpacks the complex craftsmanship inherent in their work.

7) Do Remember!: The Golden Era of NYC Hip-Hop Mixtapes

From the street corners to corner offices, mixtapes wielded significant influence over the music industry and hip-hop culture in New York City during the late ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Serving as a barometer of what rap songs were trending in clubs, on the radio, and throughout the streets, mixtapes played a pivotal role in shaping which artists secured coveted record deals. Moreover, they provided a platform for DJs to showcase their skills and creativity.

“Do Remember!” offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of mixtapes as a vital component of New York City’s hip-hop scene. The book combines oral histories with visually striking imagery. The book explores the cultural significance of mixtapes, featuring a wealth of rare cover art, previously unseen photographs, vintage tracklists, and exclusive interviews with influential DJs such as Kid Capri, Brucie B, Mister Cee, Ron G, S&S, Doo Wop, Green Lantern, Lord Finesse, Clark Kent, Bobbito, Cipha Sounds, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and the late DJ Kay Slay, among others. With a special foreword by Fab 5 Freddy, “Do Remember!” immortalizes an era in New York City that continues to inspire hip-hop enthusiasts around the globe.

8) Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History

From diamond-encrusted grills to oversized “truck” style chains, jewelry has long been a defining element of hip-hop culture. Sparkling with glamour and streetwise charisma, these extravagant adornments serve as a bold declaration of identity and self-expression.

“Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History” chronicles the evolution of hip-hop jewelry from its roots in the 1980s to its contemporary manifestations. Through a blend of storytelling and visuals, the book showcases hundreds of remarkable images featuring iconic hip-hop artists, illustrating how “Ice” has become synonymous with the hip-hop lifestyle.

Artists such as Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and Cardi B take center stage, and push the boundaries of hip-hop jewelry with their bold and innovative creations that incorporate unique pop culture references and unconventional materials.

Author Vikki Tobak provides insights into the pioneering work of jewelers like Tito Caicedo of Manny’s, Eddie Plein, and Jacob the Jeweler, as well as newer artisans such as Avianne & Co., Ben Baller/IF & Co., Greg Yuna, Johnny Dang, Eliantte, and many others.

Beyond its flashy exterior, “Ice Cold” reveals a transformative narrative that celebrates the spirit of hip-hop culture.

9) Foundation: B-boys, B-girls and Hip-Hop Culture in New York

B-boying, often referred to inaccurately as “breakdancing,” originated in the Bronx, New York, during the early 1970s as a form of Afro-diasporic competitive dance. Despite being misconstrued as urban acrobatics set to music, b-boying is, in reality, a deeply traditional and highly expressive art form with roots dating back almost four decades. “Foundation: B-boys, B-girls and Hip-Hop Culture in New York” represents the first comprehensive study of b-boying as a real manifestation of the fundamental principles of hip-hop culture.

Author Joseph Schloss draws on anthropological and historical research, interviews, and personal experience as a student of the dance to present a nuanced understanding of b-boying and its social significance

10) LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness

Co-authored by hip-hop icon LL COOL J, renowned journalist Vikki Tobak, and Rock The Bells’ editorial director Alec Banks, “LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win” commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of American hip-hop music. This monumental volume celebrates the culture, sound, and influential voices that have shaped the genre over the past five decades.

Through rarely seen photographs that capture hip-hop’s evolution from its inception, including block party performances, street scenes, parties, and recording studio sessions, the book chronicles the journey of this iconic music genre. Accompanied by firsthand accounts from hip-hop’s MCs, B-Boys, graffiti artists, and DJs, the imagery is complemented by personal recollections that provide insights into how these individuals fell in love with hip-hop, broke into the industry, found inspiration for their artistic and personal styles, and reflect on the culture and music of hip-hop.

Featuring stories from icons such as DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, KRS-One, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, and many more, “LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win” offers a tribute to the legacy of hip-hop.