Kategoria BISAC: Music >> Genres & Styles - Rap & Hip Hop

At the outset of summer in 1990, a Houston gangsta rap group called the Geto Boys was poised to debut its self-titled third album under the guidance of hip-hop guru Rick Rubin. What might have been a low-profile remix release from a little-known corner of the rap universe began to make headlines when the album's distributor refused to work with the group, citing its violent and depraved lyrics. When The Geto Boys was finally released, chain stores refused to stock it, concert promoters canceled the group's performances, and veteran rock critic Robert Christgau declared the group...

Derided as one-hit wonders, estranged from their original producer and record label, and in self-imposed exile in Los Angeles, the Beastie Boys were written off by most observers before even beginning to record their second album - an embarrassing commercial flop that should have ruined the group's career. But not only did "Paul's Boutique" eventually transformed the Beasties from a fratboy novelty to hiphop giants, its sample-happy, retro aesthetic changed popular culture forever.

A fascinating genuine narrative formed in the crucible of Golden Age Hip-Hop mindfulness.

Behind the Music Tales is a series which captures the mood and feel of the energy that surged through music in the 90s and 2000s. It presents exclusive original interviews as an honest record, directly from authentic creative forces, and is a distinct historical document as close to the truth as one can get.

New York State of Mind 1.0, the 7th book in the series, provides you with a true flavour of the...

A dark, twisted journey inside the mind of one of America's most outspoken celebrities

Kanye West is the self-proclaimed Steve Jobs of the Internet, downtown, fashion and culture. He doesn't just produce critically acclaimed rap albums, he has ideas for water bottle design and architecture. He tried to design a leather jogging pant, but European fashion designers won't allow him to be great, because he doesn't have the necessary connections. Kanye West Superstar is the story of how Kanye West became such an important person to himself and also to America.

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