The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781499804119)

Explore the roots of rap in this stunning, rhyming, triple-timing picture book!

"Carole Boston Weatherford, once again, delivers a resounding testament and reminder, that hip-hop is a flavorful slice of larger cultural cake. And to be hip-hop-to truly be it-we must remember that we are also funk, jazz, soul, folktale, and poetry. We must remember that . . . we are who we are!" ―Jason Reynolds, New York Times best-selling author

"Starting with its attention-getting cover, this picture book does an excellent job of capturing the essence of rap . . . This tribute to hip hop culture will appeal to a wide audience, and practically demands multiple readings." ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

"No way around it, this book is supa-dupa fly, with lush illustrations anchored in signature hip-hop iconography for the future of the global hip-hop nation." ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"With short, rhyming lines and dramatic portraits of performers, the creative team behind How Sweet the Sound: The Story of Amazing Grace offers a dynamic introduction to hip-hop. . . . This artful introduction to one of the most influential cultural movements of the 20th century pulses with the energy and rhythm of its subject." ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

A generation voicing
stories, hopes, and fears
founds a hip-hop nation.
Say holler if you hear.

The roots of rap and the history of hip-hop have origins that precede DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Kids will learn about how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and break dancing that formed around the art form and gave birth to the musical artists we know today. Written in lyrical rhythm by award-winning author and poet Carole Boston Weatherford and complete with flowing, vibrant illustrations by Corettta Scott King Award winner, Frank Morrison, this book beautifully illustrates how hip-hop is a language spoken the whole world 'round, and it features a foreword by Swizz Beatz, a Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop rapper, DJ, and record producer.

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
ISBN-10: 1499804113
ISBN-13: 9781499804119
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Language: English
Published: 01/08/2019
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.30w x 0.40d
Award: Golden Kite - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 10/15/2018 pg. 44
School Library Journal 11/01/2018 pg. 89
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2018 pg. 103
Publishers Weekly 02/25/2019
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw