Rap whoz who

by Steve Stancell

Rap has been among America's most popular musics for over two decades now. Yet, for most listeners, rappers are mysterious figures, shrouded behind outrageous costumes, incendiary lyrics, and colorful pseudonyms. Rap Whoz Who identifies rap's major stars, tracing the influences of the pioneering rappers, deejays, promoters, and composers through today's best-known artists, both black and white. It shows how rap as a genre bridges many musical styles, and includes a variety of social and political messages. Rap has been controversial because of its content, but as a musical style it has barely been documented. Rap Whoz Who closes this gap in a thoughtful and colorfully written account of the music and its stars.