On August 11, 1973, in an apartment block in the Bronx, an 18-year-old DJ named Kool Herc, also known as Hercules, played funk records at a dance party. He turned up the beats, rapped along to the music, and unknowingly gave birth to a new style that would eventually dominate popular music.
In “Hip-hop Is History,” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, a drummer, producer, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Roots, celebrates 50 years of hip-hop. The book is part memoir – Questlove’s musical journey began when he heard Rapper’s Delight on the radio at the age of eight – and part chronological history of a genre that has led to decades of innovation, achievement, and artistry.
Questlove, along with co-author Ben Greenman, reflects on significant moments in hip-hop history, like the tensions between rap’s east coast and west coast factions at the 1995 Source awards. The book delves into the careers of rap icons such as Dr. Dre, De La Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and the tragic deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG.
As a narrator, Questlove exudes passion, knowledge, wit, and profundity as he discusses the evolution of hip-hop. He describes the genre as a cycle of growth, implosion, and rebirth, showcasing its impact on music and culture.
The audiobook is available through White Rabbit and spans 11 hours and 20 minutes, offering listeners a deep dive into the world of hip-hop.
Further listening
Dr No
Percival Everett, Tantor Audio, 6 hours and 22 minutes
Narrated by Amir Abdullah, this unconventional crime caper follows the story of Wala Kitu, a mathematician specializing in “nothing.”
Eighteen
Alice Loxton, Macmillan, 9 hours and 26 minutes
Author Alice Loxton explores British history through the lives of individuals in their 18th year, including Empress Matilda, Elizabeth Tudor, Richard Burton, and Vivienne Westwood.