What to read to understand hip-hop

Three books exploring the origins, politics and stars of American rap culture

Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America by Tricia Rose (1994)

Tricia Rose’s pioneering analysis of rap music is an early pillar of hip-hop studies. Organised around five thematic chapters, Black Noise interrogates the origins of rap music and hip-hop culture in 1970s New York, examining the ways rappers relied on older oral traditions while appropriating technology to reinvent music production. Rose also uncovers the political meanings of rap music, whether through female rappers’ critiques of sexism within the genre or the politics of noise deployed by groups such as Public Enemy.

Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz (2018)

The 555-page Beastie Boys Book features recollections from surviving members Ad-Rock and Mike D about the group’s origins, tour stories and recordings over the course of three decades. The book charts the trio’s evolution from rambunctious and misogynist party people to mature musicians – and features a testimonial from the original drummer, Kate Schellenbach, who addresses her reaction to the Beastie Boys kicking her out before they hit superstardom. Beastie Boys Book is also a tribute to the group’s moral guiding light, MCA, who famously apologised to women on Sure Shot and involved himself in the Tibetan independence movement.

To Live and Defy in LA: How Gangsta Rap Changed America by Felicia Angeja Viator (2020)

A play on Tupac Shakur’s song To Live & Die in LA, Felicia Viator’s book documents the rise of gangsta rap and the Compton outfit NWA. Viator excavates the conditions that gave rise to “the world’s most dangerous group”: structural racism, the militarisation of police following the 1965 Watts uprising, the 1980s crack epidemic, and the LAPD’s brutal war on drugs. Out of these conditions, Eazy-E, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, DJ Yella and the oft-forgotten Arabian Prince forged their persona, a new rap sound and their attack on law enforcement, Fuck Tha Police.

Austin McCoy’s Living in a D.A.I.S.Y Age: The Music, Culture and World De La Soul Made is published by John Murray (£25). Order a copy fropm The Observer Shop for £22.50). Delivery charges may apply

Photograph of Public Enemy by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images