In the 50 years since hip-hop was formally invented, the Bronx-based
musical genre has evolved into a world-wide cultural phenomenon that has
forever changed the shape of music. A Child's Introduction to Hip-Hop
will teach kids about the history of the genre, covering everyone from
early heroes like The Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, and Run D.M.C., to
modern day titans like Kanye West, Cardi B, and Kendrick Lamar.
In the 1970s, a musical and cultural movement was sparked in the Bronx
neighborhood of New York City. Led by three DJs who performed at local
block parties, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash
become known as the "Holy Trinity" of hip-hop and they helped establish
the four main pillars of the genre: deejaying, mc'ing, break dancing,
and graffiti art.
From these early days, acclaimed journalist and music critic Jordannah
Elizabeth takes kids on a journey through the history of hip-hop,
helping young readers understand how and why it was invented, and how it
evolved into a powerful platform that gave (and still gives) a voice to
the often-ignored Black community in America. From Tupac Shakur and Ms.
Lauryn Hill to Drake and Tyler the Creator, kids will celebrate some of
hip-hop's biggest names while learning about the roots of their musical
sounds, and the community that propelled them into stardom.
Packed with modern, charming illustrations, including a pull-out poster
for kids to color, A Child's Introduction to Hip-Hop features
age-appropriate descriptions of a musical genre that is changing the
world and dominating the airwaves. This is the perfect book for young
students who want to know more about the world of hip-hop and rap, as
well as for parents who want to introduce their children to some of
their favorite artists.
