Book description
An introduction to the history of British hip-hop as it finally escapes
its reputation as the poor cousin of the American variant with a
succession of hugely successful releases by the new stars of 'grime'.
Alex Ogg, a notable author in this field having previously written The
Hip Hop Years (and been a consultant on the accompanying BAFTA nominated
documentary strand), The Men Behind Def Jam and Rap Lyrics: From The
Sugarhill Gang to Eminem, is a long-term commentator on the global
breakout of hip-hop. His latest book explores the unique factors at play
in the development of this subculture, tracing it right back to the
first key releases in the early 80s, to the false dawn of the early 90s,
and finally the spectacular success of grime in the last two years. Key
landmarks are addressed along that timeline, and important recordings
and incidents appraised, including many first-hand quotes. The
ill-defined and much misunderstood grime genre is placed in a specific
historical context, as well as sections on trip-hop and other
contributory/parallel British musics. As well as offering a
comprehensive foundation for those who wish to investigate this
phenomenon, Ogg provides a recommended listening list as well as
snapshots of the new heroes of grime, from Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy
Snyder to Tinie Tempah. An introduction to the history of British
hip-hop as it finally escapes its reputation as the poor cousin of the
American variant with a succession of hugely successful releases by the
new stars of 'grime'. Alex Ogg, a notable author in this field having
previously written The Hip Hop Years (and been a consultant on the
accompanying BAFTA nominated documentary strand), The Men Behind Def Jam
and Rap Lyrics: From The Sugarhill Gang to Eminem, is a long-term
commentator on the global breakout of hip-hop. His latest book explores
the unique factors at play in the development of this subculture,
tracing it right back to the first key releases in the early 80s, to the
false dawn of the early 90s, and finally the spectacular success of
grime in the last two years. Key landmarks are addressed along that
timeline, and important recordings and incidents appraised, including
many first-hand quotes. The ill-defined and much misunderstood grime
genre is placed in a specific historical context, as well as sections on
trip-hop and other contributory/parallel British musics. As well as
offering a comprehensive foundation for those who wish to investigate
this phenomenon, Ogg provides a recommended listening list as well as
snapshots of the new heroes of grime, from Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy
Snyder to Tinie Tempah.
