Rap Attack 3
by David Toop (Paperback - Jun 15, 1999)
Buy new: $14.96

Description:
In its first edition published in 1984, Rap Attack documented the origins of hip-hop and its genesis in New York City's South Bronx. Many old-school hip-hop and electro pioneers, producers and entrepreneurs were interviewed at length, including Afrika Bambaata, Grandmaster Flash, Arthur Baker, Paul Winley and Bobby Robinson.

Now with rap a multi-million dollar business and more important than ever in the culture, this new third edition of the rap classic examines the music's crisis of identity, following the fatal shootings of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., gangsta rap overload and the resultant upsurge of nostalgia for old-school hip-hop and its now legendary DJs, MCs, graffiti artists, breakdancers, beats and breaks.

'Rap Attack is "down by law" for understanding the roots of rappers in America - past, present and future' Gary Byrd, DJ

'David Toop rolls away the stones to uncover a hidden world of B Boys, Hip Hoppers and Planet Rockers, where time is caught in a frantic loop, and where taste is a matter of "if it fits, use it"' Charlie Gillet

'Records the vertiginously metamorphic nature of Afro-American culture' Greg Tate, Village Voice

'The most authoritative book yet on the New York street phenomenon. Recommended' Record Mirror

'David Toop has done more justice to the rap scene than Hollywood ever could. A word of praise, too, for the excellent black and white photographs of Patricia Baters' West Indian World

'Rap Attack will not only put you in touch with the most innovative music of the last decade but will also give you a fair insight into the creative input of the Black American for the last century and more, and then tie it up neatly with a comprehensible bow at the end - most rewarding' The Wire

Illustrated with 100 black and white photos by Patricia Bates