HIP-HOP IS HISTORY

Questlove is an established musician, musicologist, DJ, and narrator of his latest audiobook. Here, he recounts the fifty-year history of hip-hop with exuberant joy. The result is a fascinating journey from the coastal cities in the early 1970s, where historians believe hip-hop started, to the current state of the art. From the nature of sampling, lyrics, and how music made the jump from vinyl grooves and mixtapes to streaming, Questlove's curiosity, intelligence, and natural ability to compel listeners are on full display. He weaves personal stories of record collecting and the pleasure of discovering new artists while delivering deeper discussions on the meaning of music. The production is punctuated with brief samples, highlighting key points and enhancing the journey. This is a thorough education. S.P.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2024]