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HIP-HOP IS HISTORY


QUESTLOVE, BEN GREENMAN (PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR)

4.33
15 ratings11 reviews

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In Hip-Hop is History, Questlove, one of the major and most revolutionary
figures of that genre, unpicks one hip-hop song from each of the years since the
sound of breakbeat drums first burst out of a house party in the Bronx on 11
August 1973. Clive Campbell, a Jamaican-born teenager threw the party. Questlove
wants to talk about the present. In this book he analyses the conditions of each
song's creation, its lyrical and musical content, and its role in pushing the
genre forward and shining a light on Black American History. Questlove was there
at the beginning. He's still creating and influencing in the present. He is the
perfect companion on this journey through the music, the context and the lasting
impact.
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GenresNonfictionMusicHistoryPop Culture


352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 11, 2024

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

QUESTLOVE

13 books51 followers
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Ahmir K. Thompson (b. 1971), known professionally as Questlove, is an American
musician, drummer, record producer, disc jockey, filmmaker, music journalist,
and actor. He is the drummer and joint frontman (with Black Thought) for the hip
hop band the Roots. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the Clive Davis
Institute of Recorded Music at New York University.


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4.33
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Martin Maenza
767 reviews12 followers
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May 10, 2024
Farrar, Sraus and Giroux provided an early galley for review.

Back in 2021, I read Questlove's Music Is History and enjoyed it. I knew his
knowledge would again provide an entertaining and enlightening read with this
new book.

I was at just the right age for music discovery (my teen years) when hip-hop
came into being. Thus, I appreciated that the first chapter dives right in at
the start in 1979. My own exposure to the evolution of hip-hop over that first
decade was reinforced by the next couple of chapters as well.

What I liked about this book was that it is not meant to be a thorough history
of hip-hop. In fact, it mostly a primer that is built around Questlove's own
experiences in the genre first as a consumer and later as a musician. It is
meant to serve as a beginning and an introduction that should be followed by the
reader's own indepth exploration.

I also enjoyed the section that came at the end - the hip-hop songs that
Questlove wanted to put some extra focus on. There was a lot here I myself will
need to look into in the future. I suspect this homework will be quite enjoyable
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Trina
1,078 reviews3 followers
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April 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this! I appreciate the writing style and I like the structure
(half decades). Full disclosure this is a genre I know very little about, but
it's my partner's favourite (with R&B). It's a good sign for me when I'd already
downloaded another Questlove book by the time I was half through!


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Brian Shevory
178 reviews4 followers
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May 30, 2024

Questlove’s phenomenal new book Hip-Hop Is History is a must read for any
hip-hop fans and music fans in general. Questlove starts by discussing the 50th
anniversary of Hip-Hop’s start, and how he was tasked with organizing the
celebration for the Grammy Awards. It is an interesting story that begins to
give readers who may be unfamiliar about the scope and depth of Hip-Hop, trying
to organize all the different styles and contributors, as well as their egos and
personalities, into a short, allotted time frame. I really enjoyed reading about
the stress involved in this process, and this story provided an effective set up
for the history of Hip-Hop, according to Questlove. While I don’t dispute that
Questlove is one of the strongest advocates and most knowledgeable people about
Hip-Hop, I did find some places where there were some omissions in his chapters.
Thankfully, his list at the end of the book incorporated more artists and groups
that I felt were deserving of more time. It’s also just a great snapshot of
different eras in Hip-Hop. Interestingly, Questlove organizes the book
chronologically, but also pairs each era in Hip-Hop with its drug of choice. I
thought this was an interesting choice, but he makes a compelling point showing
not necessarily how the drugs themselves, but the social impacts and influences
from the drugs (including legality, police enforcement, prison, etc) have
impacted the music. It’s why he spends some time discussing PE’s “Night of the
Living Bassheads” in the “Back in the Incredible” chapter detailing the golden
age of Hip-Hop from 1987-1992, and then exploring the influence of The Chronic,
both album and drug, on the “While I Get My Proper Swerve On” (1992-1997). While
I loved how Questlove discusses these albums and singles and how he conveys his
own personal connection with much of the music in these chapters, he goes beyond
just being a fan (or musical contributor) and delves into critical analysis of
the music, the styles, and the rhymes. He brings in not just a historical
perspective, but also a sociological perspective, examining issues happening in
society and relating these events to styles and innovations in Hip-Hop. I was
especially surprised to hear how critical and honest Questlove was in this book.
He not only discusses calling out certain MCs (Da Baby), but also discusses not
initially liking some music and questioning the work of other artists he looked
up to (1991 albums from PE and Prince). I really appreciated his candor and
honesty in discussing this music, but also appreciated how he sometimes
revisited certain songs or music and gained a new appreciation. I think that
this book not only provides a history and sociology of Hip-Hop, but also
provides new ways to listen to music across different eras. I think that my
favorite chapters were those dealing with the early to golden age of Hip-Hop
from about 1979-1997. I related to a lot of Questlove’s experiences, remembering
the first time I hear Wu-Tang or PE and feeling a kind of
transformation—although he mentioned not liking the production values of Enter
the 36 Chambers, I felt like it was the varied styles of the MCs that really
drew my interest. I also remember having to sneak Hip-Hop into my house since my
parents held certain assumptions about it. Now, my mom knows Snoop Dog from his
work with Martha Stewart and my kids know Snoop Dog from his cartoon work. I was
wondering where DITC fits into some of these chapters- especially Showbiz & AG,
but for the most part, Questlove is a completist, and I know that he was trying
to keep his list focused and representative of the best Hip-Hop. Although as the
book progresses into more recent times and the chapters become shorter,
Questlove provided me with some great points of entry for accessing today’s
Hip-Hop. I loved how Questlove references artists like Kendrick Lamar who are
going back to other eras from Hip-Hop to represent. It’s reassuring to know.
This book is not just for music fans, but I could see teachers making excellent
use of this book for their students. I would love to use this book to have
students develop their analytical skills, researching different eras and
identifying and explaining the differences between the eras of Hip-Hop—or taking
the historical events and seeing how songs and artists from those eras dealt
with or addressed some of the events. There’s so much to consider in this book.
Highly recommended.

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Dan
1,303 reviews37 followers
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April 27, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux for an
advance copy of this history of a musical genre, combined with the personal
reflections of a person who was made, by the music, what certain songs, and
performers mean to him, and where Hip-Hop might be going in the future.

There are a few things I know for sure. Water is wet, one needs oxygen to
breath, and Questlove has forgotten more about music than I will ever know. All
music. Questlove, aka Ahmir K. Thompson was founder of the band The Roots, was
musical director for the Tonight Show and won an Oscar for his documentary
Summer of Soul, and is also the writer of several books on music, life and food.
Hip-Hop Is History, written with Ben Greenman is an oral history of the genre
told by a man who has been a fan since the beginning, and traces both the rise
of the music with his career, and interactions with other performers.

The book has its origins with the author's inability to say no. Questlove was
asked by the people putting together the Grammys to produce a segment on the
history of hip-hop. This was not only a tremendous honor, but also a tremendous
burden. How to tell a history of music, with so many songs, so many performers,
popular, unpopular, singers who faded away, and performers who never got their
due. In thirteen minutes. Questlove loves the difficult and even with lots of
problems, network interference, artists egos and more, pulled it off. In doing
this Questlove began to look at his relationship to hip-hop, how his life was
made and changed by music, and the many people he met on the way. The starts
with the origins of the music, the beats and samples that would become famous,
along with stories about Questlove finding the music, hitting record stores,
reading magazines, sharing mixtapes and more. The book is not a complete
history, but is an overview, along with stories, behind the scenes information,
along with Questlove's commentary on why certain songs work, don't work, or why
a song shouldn't work, but they were able to pull it off and here is how.

The book is a history and a biography about a genre, and about Questlove. This
is not a ranking book a top 500 songs list or anything like that. Questlove
talks about the performers, and their music, and what they mean to him.
Questlove is honest about what he missed, what he didn't get, or was late to the
party in picking up, which is refreshing. What comes across most is that
Questlove loves music. Making music, listening to music, talking about music,
and what music does for the soul. This is not a book one goes, I can't believe
he likes that, why didn't he mention this guy. This book is based on his ears,
his heart and what he loves. The writing is very good, loaded with information,
funny stories, scary stories and sad stories. And lots of great music. I was
unfamiliar with the artist J Dilla, now I can't seem to stop listening to him,
especially his final album. I have Questlove to thank for that.

Music fans will enjoy this immensely. There is a lot to take in, and a lot to
learn. And a lot to listen to. Questlove is like that cool older brother, though
I think we are the same age. Listen to this, this why this song is big, you
never heard of this guy, well play this. I enjoyed this book quite alot, not
just for the music, but for what I learned about Questlove.
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groove
110 reviews4 followers
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May 28, 2024
As a child of Old School Rap (I was 14 when I first saw Run-DMC on Graffiti Rock
in 1984), Questlove's "Hip-Hop Is History" spoke directly to my soul. This book
is not only a fascinating deep dive into the evolution (and devolution?) of hip
hop, it is a captivating commentary on the influence of hip hop on its devoted
listeners. The fact that it is told from the POV of a passionate insider/expert
allowed for particularly insightful exploration.

Questlove traces hip hop from it's precise(?) origins right up to today with a
unique combination of behind the scenes experiences and cultural analysis. His
authenticity is a breath of fresh air as we follow him from being a young, avid
fan of early hip hop, consuming everything he can get his hands on, through his
experiences as a founding member of his own group and, finally, as a
contemplative elder statesman for the genre.

What sets this book apart is the author. Far from a wikipedia-esque cataloguing
of hip hop's biggest characters/moments/music, Questlove balances his unwavering
love of the genre that has immeasurably shaped his life, with a stubborn habit
of holding every corner of hip hop accountable. After all, when you love and
cherish (worship?) hip hop as much as he does, you better be 100% committed to
protecting and serving it. His passion from page to page is truly infectious.

Finally, I loved this books structure. Broken up into 5 year chunks, Questlove
not only explores the artists and moments shaping each period, he also delves
into the politics, cultural trends and even the prominent drugs that influenced
hip hop in each half decade.
.
As a fan of hip hop, or music in general, Questlove's book is a must read. All
of those stories you thought you knew about hip hop? You will hear them (and
plenty more) with new ears and walk away with a more complete understanding of
this fascinating, precious gem of a genre.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Persnickety
60 reviews
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March 28, 2024
5 Shiny Stars!
Questlove's "Hip-Hop Is History" is a captivating and insightful exploration of
hip-hop's evolution, delivered with the passion and expertise that only
Questlove could provide.

From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its status as a cultural phenomenon,
Questlove traces the roots of hip-hop with a blend of personal anecdotes,
cultural analysis, and historical context. As a young Black kid immersed in
Philadelphia's music scene, Questlove's journey mirrors the rise of hip-hop
itself, making his perspective uniquely intimate and authentic.

What sets this book apart is Questlove's ability to balance reverence for
hip-hop's iconic moments with a deep dive into its lesser-known gems. He
skillfully weaves together stories of chart-topping hits and influential
underground tracks, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates the diversity and
creativity of the genre.

Questlove's encyclopedic knowledge shines through as he delves into the creative
and cultural forces that shaped hip-hop, offering readers a comprehensive yet
engaging narrative. His passion for the music is palpable on every page, making
"Hip-Hop Is History" not just a book about hip-hop, but a love letter to the
genre and its impact on society.

Whether you're a die-hard hip-hop fan or someone looking to understand the
cultural significance of this art form, Questlove's book is a must-read. It's a
masterful blend of personal reflection, cultural analysis, and historical
documentation, presented with the flair and authenticity that only Questlove can
deliver. "Hip-Hop Is History" is not just hip-hop's story—it's Questlove's
history, and a testament to the enduring power of music to shape our lives.

Thanks to Questlove the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an
honest review
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Ink
612 reviews12 followers
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March 22, 2024
Hip-Hop Is History by Questlove is hands down one of the best books on
contemporary music history I have ever read. The title may be slightly
miscontrued, but it is all about perception and after you read the book, you
will likely change it in your mind ot "Hip Hop IS History"

Questlove outlines the book in the introduction and this in itself gave a
wonderful taster of this incredibly talented musicians highly knowledgable and
personable narrative which immediately hooked me in, detailing the accepted
beginnings of HipHop at a party in 1973 but expanding on this and why it could
be seen as a springboard for a movement as opposed ot a definitive start date.

The book then goes on to explore the evolution of Hip Hop through the years,
from a personal perspective as well as a social one, and on to advancements in
technology and culminating in an absolutely blinding playlist that is organised
by years in the same way the chapters are (this has my sensibilities firing on
all of their happy cylinders!)

If you like music, history, and a really, really good read, then this is for you

Thank you to Netgalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux | AUWA and the author
Questlove for this stunning ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions
are my own
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Danielle Bricker
182 reviews10 followers
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May 16, 2024
A memoir-like retrospective of hip-hop and rap history

Questlove has a way with words that can near bring me to tears. He presents 50
years' worth of music and culture with humor, insight, and scholarly precision,
speaking both as a fan and as a musician within the genre. This is really as
much memoir as it is historical nonfiction.

There are spots that could have been reined in a touch more, such as a few
Inception-level parentheticals within parentheticals that become hard to follow.
An epilogue written as if we are 50 more years into the future is so corny and
silly that I think it undermines the more poignant notes the book could leave
the reader with.

But on the whole, this is a really valuable and illuminating piece of
nonfiction. Beyond worth the departure from my usual genres. I recommended it to
several people in person (bordering on everyone I know) before even finishing
it, which is a rare occurrence in my reading.

Thank you to publisher Farrar, Strauss & Giroux/AUWA for my advance copy,
provided in exchange for an honest review. Hip Hop is History will be published
on June 11, 2024.
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Sarah
31 reviews4 followers
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April 14, 2024
Synopsis: An in-depth history of hip hop thought out the last 40+ years.

Thoughts: Since I was born in 1980, hip hop has been a part of my life but this
book takes my knowledge to another level. At times the history and all the song
references were intense- lots of dates, artists and song names. I needed to pull
up a lot of the songs I wasn’t aware of and listen. It taught me a lot and
learned about new songs too! A bonus at the end is a list of Questlove’s top
songs which I immediately made myself a Spotify playlist because it was that
good of a list!

Thank you to Questlove: Farrar, Straus & Giroux; and NetGalley for the advanced
copy!
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Kendall
94 reviews1 follower
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May 30, 2024
The longest-ever Wikipedia article??! Woof. I think I overestimated my scholarly
capabilities here. There were some amazing firsthand accounts. A lot of it was
just blah blah blah to me though. If you’re more of a music aficionado, this
could be up your alley. I will give props to Q for the heart and passion I felt
throughout.


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Iza Cupiał
480 reviews8 followers
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February 21, 2024
<3 yaaaas


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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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