THE COME UP An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop

Virtuoso narrator Dion Graham delivers the exhilarating historical narrative in this work, while a cast of 13 convincing pro voices perform a large assortment of interview quotes from key executives and pioneer artists in the hip-hop revolution. The illuminating quotes are finely orchestrated as a rapid-fire symphony of street-smart voices, creating a high-impact soundscape that gives hip-hop's origin story a steady supply of New York City immediacy. With its unsung heroes and lively jockeying for audiences and recognition, this oral history of today's most popular music form could not have a better master of ceremonies than Graham. The creativity of his phrasing palette and ability to consistently deliver enthusiasm and punchy drama turns this audio into a hero's journey about how an art form is born and matures. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2022]