5 comments about Young, Black, Rich, and Famous: The Rise of the NBA, the Hip Hop Invasion, and the Transformation of American Culture.

1. In the book, Young Black Rich and Famous, Dr. Todd Boyd talks about the struggles young African American men and women have in the United States. He uses basketball and the hip-hop nation as a giant metaphor, illustrating their reach for the American Dream. In his attempt to make his analogy, I feel he barely backs up his contention about hip-hop. Boyd does color his content with quotes from rapiers such as Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, but he doesn't go in depth with his ideal synopses. He does talk broadly about basketball though. I fill he over-powers his context with sports facts instead of getting strait to the point. I think he uses a lot of "fluff" to try and fill in his points with basketball. He talks in his book about "Keeping It Real", but my opinion is that he is far from that. I will give him the benefit of the doubt though. Along with the abysmal content, there were many times in the book that he has put some hefty passages that were mind-boggling. In conclusion, this book did change my perspective on things. And that's keeping it real.



2. I dig whenever Todd Boyd is on a Project because He has a way with words.this Book puts alot into Perspective&Bridges many a gap.I was hoping for more Pulling together of Hip-Hop with the NBA a bit more but overall this Book makes for a Pretty Good read.



3. Todd Boyd takes the notion of the hip-hop industry and basketball being synonymous to an entirely new level. With fluid and memorable references to the similarities of how hip-hop came from the streets, to the formation of how basketball is now the newest form of hip-hop, Boyd captures the essence of the sport like no other.

   Using references of how both dominate the streets and how the world of basketball has been changed thereafter, Boyd highlights the game and its glitches, from racism down to the money-making formula that has taken hold today. With no stone unturned, readers are carried through moments of fame, glory and the challenges that former and current NBA players face, including dealings within the drug game and how money-making opportunities being offered today are very similar in nature.

   Although basketball used to be a quiet and unnoticed, it has now emerged as a dominant and lucrative force in the professional sports arena. With unparalleled style, YOUNG BLACK RICH & FAMOUS details the life that almost every young black man dreams of. The NBA, its lucrative deals and opportunities have transformed the way everyone looks at young black males and the actual sport today. Actually, it's quite obvious that basketball has emerged as the new "American" sport. They said it couldn't be done and couldn't happen - next question: Who's Ballin' Now?

   Reviewed by T. Belinda Williams
   of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




4. Dr. Boyd hits it on the head with this piece about basketball and hip-hop. The only way a book like this can be written the way it was is if you are a part of the culture yourself, because if not, it will not be easy to understand. I, for one, love it because he uses teams from the 80's, such as the Georgetown Hoyas, the early 90's with the Fab Five of the Michigan Wolverines, and other teams, players, and events in the game which took me back in time. When he speaks about these things, you can see the connection with hip-hop, such as Allen Iverson's influence, and others lack thereof. He uses lyrics from some of the hip-hop's greats, but like I mentioned before, you must be a part of the culture or at least familiar with it to see what he is trying to say. He keeps it real throughout the book and gives credit where it is due while being critical at the same time. 'Ball and hip-hop have a unique bond, and the significance of it cannot be ignored.



5. Using the tools of a critical theorist, Todd Boyd sets out to analyze the quest for freedom of expression and existence, as it is played out on the basketball court and within the Black cultural renaissance of Hip-Hop music. American basketball, as it is played and lived by young African American men and Hip-Hop culture both resist being co-opted by mainstream America. They have both moved from the purlieus of the larger American popular cultural purview to occupy a unique space at the vortex of the American global marketing machine. Within this framework, America and the world, are live witnesses of the creative expression of black culture as it is lived and informed by black rather than white norms and of the global representation of American popular culture, in the face of black rather than white men. Such an analysis requires that one is able to navigate seamlessly between the theoretical constructs of critical theory, the lyrical genius of the Notorious B.I.G. and the choreographic grace of his Airness, Michael Jordan, all the while "keeping it real" as only a Black man can do. Boyd is successful in his methodological approach as he delivers with stunning detail the nuances of what it means to be young, black, rich and famous in America.
   Boyd's expertise as a critical theorist is evident as he lays out the theoretical framework for the book and adeptly situates his theory within the venue of the National Basketball Association where Hip-Hop music has become the new national anthem. In addition, his background as a journalist and sports enthusiast gives him a solid foundation from which he recounts more than thirty years of basketball history. As an African American man and scholar, Boyd brings lived as well as critical experience to the understanding of the emergence of Hip-Hop culture as a counter hegemonic movement on the American landscape.
   Boyd identifies the creative genius of the African American style of basketball at the center of a transformation that has taken place in the NBA. It is basketball, with its low equipment cost, ability to be played in small places, and its capacity to be played alone, that is uniquely suited for the African American urban reality. Basketball provides African American "ballers" the creative canvass on which portraits of individualized representations of freedom may be painted.
   Reminiscent of the aesthetic rhythm of a Magic Johnson assist to James Worthy, Boyd show how the lyrics, the style of dress and the overall attitude of Hip-Hop has informed a new generation "Hip-Hop ballers" in the NBA. Boyd connects the freestyle of play in this new generation of ballers to the freedom of style and expression that is epitomized in Hip-Hop culture.
   The connection between Hip-Hop and how it influences the rise of freestyle play in the NBA, and the uncompromising and unassimilated attitude of the young, black, rich and famous NBA stars is critical to Boyd's central theme. Boyd does an outstanding job in developing his thesis along the lines of the transformation of the NBA through these new school players. However, he fails to do justice to the emergence and the development of Hip-Hop as a cultural phenomenon. The book focuses on the transformation of the NBA and Hip-Hop is used primarily as the background music throughout the process. Boyd also neglects the significance of the WNBA as a creative context for African American woman, or perhaps as a restrictive platform for a black female cultural contribution. Finally, Boyd leaves important questions unanswered: Does the power to maintain one's personal freedom and individual creativity only lend itself to the "rich and famous"? If so, how should we address the simply "young and black"?
   Overall, the work makes a significant contribution to the growing body of literature that concerns itself with the radical reconstruction of race and representation in a global society. Students and academicians of critical theory, critical race theory, and cultural anthropology will find the examination of the NBA and Hip-Hop as fascinating contexts in which to study race representations and the indigenous creation of cultural norms. In addition, the book provides for the sports enthusiast, a tremendous insight into the evolution of the game of basketball as it distinguishes itself from baseball and football, as the only major professional sport in which individual creativity has transformed the sport, and in doing so transformed the culture.
   In the end Boyd makes a shocking revelation that shows that as the NBA gains global popularity as an American cultural commodity, the global spokesperson for American culture is increasingly a black man.

1 comments about Race Music: Black Cultures from Bebop to Hip-Hop (Music of the African Diaspora).

1. Race Music is a wonderful example of music scholarship. Ramsey's work provides a rigourous, fresh, and inciteful look into African American Music. Unlike many music scholars who unsuccessfully negotiate the academic and popualar terrains simultaneously, Ramsey presents an unflinchingly academic book in a way that allows the lay public access into his wonderful world of idas. A must read!!!!

3 comments about Turn That Down!: A Hysterical History of Rock, Roll, Pop, Soul, Punk, Funk, Rap, Grunge, Motown, Metal, Disco, Techno & Other Forms of Musical Aggression Over the Ages.

1. Grossberger is a force of nature. His comedic gift blurs the lines between fact and fiction, music and mischief. He invents a history of music from the 50s to the present day, leveling the playing field. It's zany, zooey, unglued, and hyperbolic, just like the musicians themselves. It's a book for Elvis fans, Beatlemanias, Little Richardarians, Motownians, Madonna maniacs, Bowie wowies--in other words, all of us with iPods and LPs and old copies of Rolling Stone. It's the music industry unplugged, unzipped, and zapped. I can't imagine anyone else having such a smart perspective. A great read, with photos (and wayward captions) throughout!



2. This is one of the funiest books I have ever read. It has a magnificent sense of musical history and the story is told with astounding insight and humor. Buy it. Read it. You'll laugh.



3. A great buy for anyone who wants to learn about rock history without falling asleep (which would be very sad considering the topic). I'd buy it more for the humor but you'll come away knowing quite a bit aobut how music evolved and it's history. Browsing the picture captions is worth the price alone.

4 comments about The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs.

1. for anyone who is from the Hip Hop Culture or grew up in any phase of the Hip Hop generation. Outside of that, this book will connect to anyone who understands the power of music and its ability to heal, guide and reflect the way we feel. I think the writing was done beautifully. Go get it, and if you don't like it... you need to read it again! LOL
   
   peace.



2. When you reminisce over hip hop, where do your thoughts take you?
   Do you think about the night you went to the roller rink with your friends and you heard NWA's "Express Yourself" pumping loud from the DJ booth, inspiring you to dance to the 70's beats in the song? Or maybe you think about the times you chilled out at the park in your car, with your boyfriend or girlfriend when L.L. Cool J.'s "I Need Love" played on the radio? If you're like me, you may reminisce about your college days: the parties in the student union, the walks with your friends across the bridge to the nearby store, the sorority and fraternity step shows. All of these memories have hip hop wrapped around them. We lived, loved and laughed, riding on the beats of songs by old school and new school hip hop artists. Within the pages of The Message: 100 Life Lessons From Hip Hop's Greatest Songs, author Felicia Pride shares similar memories with us and invokes our hip hop laced past. Not only does Pride break down the meaning of each of the songs represented within The Message, she also provides inspirational anecdotes from her life. As a self proclaimed hip hopper and journalist, Pride reveals the lessons she has learned, ranging from how to succeed in life, to knowing when to end a failing relationship. The author shines a light on what is positive about hip hop so that we too can absorb valuable insights from these songs. Readers of all ages will be able to get something meaningful from The Message.
   
   DuEwa M. Frazier
   Rhymes, Views & News Reviews



3. The Message is a must read for teachers and other professionals who work wit youth. Hip Hop plays a major role in the socialization of youth worldwide. Ms. Pride's work highlights the power of Hip Hop. Although often demonized. Pride;s work illustrates the beauty of Hip Hop as an art form. Great work. Respectfully David Miller Urban Leadership Institute
   
   The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs



4. Being a TRUE hip-hop fan, I really enjoyed this book. I could totally relate to having certain songs/lyrics that fit a certain time in my life. Considering the vast amount of great artists, songs and lyrics, I would have a hard time trying to narrow it down, but I enjoyed the songs Ms. Pride used. If you enjoy TRUE hip-hop, then you'll enjoy this book.

5 comments about Gangsta Rap Coloring Book.

1. I got the idea for this coloring book from a friend who had it sitting on her coffee table. I bought three for little Christmas gifts and everyone loved them! Well, I had to keep one for myself. Nothing like a coloring book with Crayon Bullets to brighten any holiday!



2. The concept of this book is good, and many classic rappers/groups are depicted, but the art is lacking. The line-drawings are very simple, with little detail. A good coloring book has lots of detail to make it fun to color; if someone were to actually color in this book, it would get pretty boring. The book's only saving grace is the Bone Thugs page... that one's pretty good.



3. This Color Book is a disgrace to every African American. As a Homicide Investigator who has worked many murders of young Black teenager males this coloring book doesn't help to stop the problem on "Black on Black Murders" involving juvenile males. I am outrage by the images of weaponry and killing and prison and thing of that nature. I don't see this coloring book to be a fitting image for our young people. Maybe the Author of this coloring book should come and spend a day with me during an autopsy of a 15 year Black male who was killed by gang violence.



4. I wish there was a rating of zero. This book is a disgrace and worthless. Although it may not be marketed to kids, it will most certainly end up in the hands of a child. Marketing to adults it is just a mask to get to the REAL target market - children. My children and YOURS. Think about it. Do you really think adults have crayons lying around awaiting to color a coloring book? What adult spends free time coloring in coloring books? And if you have children, would you really want them coloring guns?? Some may find it humorous or funny. I see nothing funny about it. Please stop aiding others in perpetuating negative images of the Afro American culture.
   
   Anyone that buys this book should be ashamed of themselves.



5. Buy this book, leave it right out on the coffee table during a party or visitors, and watch the hilarious reactions. The conversation over the great pages of rappers usually turns into a lively debate on who was the greatest rapper of all time. They are all in here: Biggie, Pac, KRS One, Cube, 50 Cent... about 40 in all. Just be sure to hide it sometime during the party, or you'll wake up the next day and find someone has colored-in your DMX. GREAT BOOK!

5 comments about Legend of a Rock Star: A Memoir: The Last Testament of Dee Dee Ramone.

1. I read this book in one day! To me, this book was like a long version of one of his best songs, but with such a sad ending. Through this book, and in his own words, I got the impression that DeeDee knew that his time on this earth was short.
   
   Rest in Peace DeeDee Ramone.



2. This is not an autobiography!!! or even Biography.. Its a diary of one of his tours plus a little on Joeys death.. Its amusing as Dee Dee always is.
   It Also contains a great discography of Ramones and Solo Dee Dee. Any Dee Dee fan will get a laugh out of this.. Enjoyable and worth a read.



3. Everyone who loved Dee Dee would want to read this.



4. personally, i was 13 when my slick friend got me into the ramones and i never think of them as 'punk', punk is the sex pistols and mohawks, they were just hard rock, further i don't think dee dee was a 'rock star', though he with joey/johnny were super influential to those who were into it, his book, then, is for those who are up for a short quick read about mostly the last year or the last europe tour, which is not all that poetic, though interesting to hear what a band of his level does when they tour there, i don't think it was particularly revealing of the person, i imagine he is, though it has moments, it was worth finishing especially as it IS short.



5. It was really great book, almost I felt like I have a conversation with him.
   Go on tour with him, and talk about fame with him.
   
   I would keep reading this book.You might be do the same.

5 comments about The Killing of Tupac Shakur.

1. I place this book beside another three books on Tupac which I feel are must reads: [1] "Back in the Day" by Darrin Keith Bastfield, [2] "Holler if you hear me" by Michael Eric Dyson, and [3] "Got your back" by Frank Alexander. These three plus Cathy Scott's book paint a complete picture of his life and death. Cathy Scott's book is thoroughly researched but some facts that are commonly excepted as fact are expressed differently by her. It is evident in this book that she wishes she could talk about the investigation into Pac's death but the sad fact is that there is no investigation. Witness's refuse to cooperate and the incidents on the night of his death make the whole situation difficult for the police. Scott tries to circumvent this very hard but in the end she fails. The book also deals with the murders of Biggie, Orlando Anderson, Yafeu Fula and discusses how moronic the "he is alive" theories are as well. Very good book overall and a very quick read.



2. With so much controversy about his death, I decided to get the facts from this shocking, yet very informative book from acclaimed journalist Cathy Scott.

   While also telling you about the man himself, Scott reveals the many flaws in the investigation of the shooting that took place on the night of September 7th, 1996 - the scene of the crime not being secured quick enough, the fatal release of key witness Yafeu Fula, Suge Knight's attorney playing hard to get with Les Vegas Police and the confusion of other witnesses Frank Alexander and Malcolm Greenridge - which makes you wonder just how much effort did police put into this case?

   Not just providing the facts, Scott also presents the many possible motives and turns heads to several known suspects. An interesting read, showing you not only a violent, but tragic story about a young man who lived hard and fast all the way to the end. With information on Tupac's background and other events related to him and his murder, you get to know about the man as well as the musician, with additional comments made by various writers - Kevin Powell, Michael Eric Dyson - and those who knew him well - Jasmine Guy, Suge Knight, a moving letter from his Godfather and a final comment from his mother, Afeni Shakur. The book even uncovers the rapper's mystique - his obsession with death, the alive theories and many other strange coincidences.

   'The Killing Of Tupac Shakur' is a revelation that will both shock and fascinate you in more ways then one. A must have for Tupac fans.




3. 2PAC...was,is,and will be forever in our hearts.
   I really don't know what to believe:is he death or not...because here,in romania a lot of magazines keep saying that he is not death...why?Just becaue they wanna be close to him,or what?
   suspicious events:13th is a day which usually doesn't bring us good news.Interesting is that there weren't any pictures with PAC bleeding.In his song "Life Goes On"he is talking about his own death . The driver of the car,SUGE KNIGHT hasn't been present at the inquiry of the event."i'm not paid to solve murders"said him
   The white cadillac in which where the assasins,just after the murder ,passed near PAC's car,but nobody tdyed to stop theme.
   His video,"I Ain't Mad At Cha"was released rigt after the shoots.
   in that video,2pac was an angel in Heaven...and there are a lot of theories like these...anyway,his lucky number seems to be 7...
   Even if they say yhat he isn't death,I think that we should respect him,even in his death!
   Keep ya head up and folllow your dreams!
   Peace,love and respect for this ANGEL!



4. There aren't many actual facts in this book and honestly, this is slipshod work at best. I am very knowledgeable about Tupac Shakur and truthfully, I would have written a better book. The autopsy photo disturbed me greatly and who took that photo anyway? Whoever took the autopsy photo should be shot! I was not at all impressed by Ms. Scott's conjectures that she tried to pass off as facts. This book is a waste of time and money if you're really interested in the death of Mr. Shakur. I wouldn't recommend this book to my neighbor's dog.



5. I find it hard to believe this author managed to get a book published. She describes the BMW as a $47,000 V8....wrong. '96 750's were V12, and more like $90,000. Difficult to put much faith in whatever else is written when basic facts cannot be nailed down. Scott also describes Run DMC as 'a rapper', good god. One plus, the book is easy to read, because it's written at about a 3rd grade level.

No comments about Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap (CultureAmerica).

1 comments about The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip-hop and the Globalisation of Black Popular Culture.

1. A collection of essays, infused with Marxist and post-modernist jargon, dedicated to the proposition that
   global hip-hop (one of America's most pernicious exports to the world) represents resistance to the evil
   hegemony of Western discourse. That most of the purveyors of this often subliterate pseudo-scholarship
   have academic affiliations is a sad commentary on the intellectual degeneracy of the American university,
   which is increasingly a factory for the production of ideology and social engineering.

2 comments about Hip-Hop, Inc. : Success Strategies of the Rap Moguls.

1. I thought the premise of this book was great, but basically the book was a re-write of the history of hip-hop, starting with Russell Simmons. The book listed the wealth and a few tactics of P. Diddy, Jay-Z and Russell, but didn't apply any real strategic feedback.
   
   I thought the book would outline basic business school practices such as -- Understand your market -- or something like that and THEN take that principle and break down how the hip-hop artist followed that business principle.
   
   Totally, totally disappointing. I wanted my money back, but I wrote my name in the book.



2. For sure the book is a great introduction to a business many of us are interested in knowing about and having wanted a comprehensinve source that took this business seriously. It was not a hard core business text detailing the strategies of the Hip-Hop moguls. If you want detail then you will need to find other books to complement, instead, Richard Oliver et al. sets the business context which is all I think the truly passionate young entrepreneur needs from this book. The entrepreneur will know what to do next!
   
   The accounts of these players are very inspiring for a whole generation of young people of African descent who want to take the busniness of our culture seriously.
   
   I recommend this book for use in all programmes that teach about the entertainment business right along with Vogel's Entertainment Industry Economics because it is truly about the Entertainment business rather than just about the music. If you're interested in entrepreneurship in creative enterprises, innovative branding approaches and extensions grab a copy.
   
   More time.