It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop by M.K. Asante Jr.
By Darnetta Frazier • Nov 18th, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
Email This Post
• 
Print This Post
What do popping collars and bling have to do with a revolution? How are people who know nothing about hip hop defining its culture? It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop by M.K. Asante Jr. shows how these things, and more, have everything to do with hip hop’s transformation. Asante Jr. goes beyond surface facts like the first rap song to top music charts or defining acronyms (i.e. D.J., M.C., etc.). The author eloquently cannon-balls into the grudge today’s youth have with what hip hop stands for because of what it stood for initially. From the perspective of a generation deep in awareness and appreciation of the need hip hop used to fill, readers will learn why hip hop no longer represents them, what they feel is needed for its resurrection, and what was ultimately sacrificed when we became all about the Benjamins. Asante Jr. examines conversations with his college students, rap lyrics, speech sound bytes, etc and hits on political, historical, racial, and economical issues that play vital roles in the unrest and revolution-ready, conscious young adults of today.
The author’s passion for the topic is what gripped me from the first page. As a self-professed hip hop head, it was challenging to wrap my thoughts around, and accept, how disabled the culture has become. When I began having my own uncomfortable moments with hip hop, I could not quite define why. It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop describes in detail the exact reasons I was on the brink of discontent. Moving beyond what this book has clarified for me, the writing is fresh, excerpts were used effectively, and the pictures painted parallel free verse poetry. Readers who enjoy hip hop culture and those who have grown weary of hip hop would really enjoy It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop.
Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub
CLICK HERE to order a copy of It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop and to vote accordingly for Darnetta’s review.
Related Posts
Darnetta Frazier is an Ohio-born, spoken-word poet who has composed poetry since she was able to hold a laddie pencil. As reviewer for A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) and aspiring novelist, she dabbles in the literary scene from all perspectives. She has been published on www.thebacklist.net, interviewed on www.blogginginblack.com, and is currently submitting fiction manuscripts to publishers while juggling daughterhood, sisterhood, wifedom, parenthood, and of course, writing. Outside of family and all things literary, Darnetta overindulges in Hip-Hop, dabbles in computer graphic design, and creates handcrafted cards, candles, and jewelry.
Email this author | All posts by Darnetta Frazier
