The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed

Shea Serrano

Oct 2015 · Abrams

About this ebook

A New York Times–bestselling, in-depth exploration of the most pivotal moments in rap music from 1979 to 2014.

Here’s what The Rap Year Book does: It takes readers from 1979, widely regarded as the moment rap became recognized as part of the cultural and musical landscape, and comes right up to the present, with Shea Serrano hilariously discussing, debating, and deconstructing the most important rap song year by year. Serrano also examines the most important moments that surround the history and culture of rap music—from artists’ backgrounds to issues of race, the rise of hip-hop, and the struggles among its major players—both personal and professional. Covering East Coast and West Coast, famous rapper feuds, chart toppers, and show stoppers, The Rap Year Book is an in-depth look at the most influential genre of music to come out of the last generation.

Picked by Billboard as One of the 100 Greatest Music Books of All-Time

Pitchfork Book Club’s first selection

Ratings and reviews

I would barely make the age limit of those counted as worthy purveyors of old school rap, but I'd happily grab that horrible title to give this collection from Shea five stars. Supremely studied, ungodly witty, and lavishly entertaining.

Hahah looking at the pic was wondering wheres shady at seen a white spec knew it was him

great book. very concise

About the author

Shea Serrano is an award-winning writer, author, and illustrator. His first book, Bun B’s Rap Coloring and Activity Book, was widely praised, receiving accolades from Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, the Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork, MTV, and more. Currently, he is a staff writer for Grantland.