Product Description
A generation voicing
stories, hopes, and fears
founds a hip-hop nation.
Say holler if you hear.
The roots of rap and the history of hip-hop have origins that precede DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Kids will learn about how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and breakdancing that developed around the art form and gave birth to the musical artists we know today. Written in lyrical rhythm by award-winning author and poet Carole Boston Weatherford, and completed with flowing, vibrant illustrations by Frank Morrison, this book beautifully illustrates how hip-hop is a language spoken the whole world ’round, and features a foreword by Swizz Beatz, a Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop rapper, DJ, and record producer.
Praise for The Roots of Rap:
“No way around it, this book is supa-dupa fly, with lush illustrations anchored in signature hop-hop iconography for the future of the global hip-hop nation.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Starting with its attention-getting cover, this picture book does an excellent job of capturing the essence of rap . . . This tribute to hip hop culture will appeal to a wide audience, and practically demands multiple readings.”—Booklist, starred review
“A resounding testament . . . that hip-hop is a flavorful slice of a larger cultural cake.”—Jason Reynolds, New York Times-bestselling author
