What should we read to understand HipHop?

These books bring a number of values to the reader. They provide a historical perspective on the origins and evolution of hip-hop culture, including the emergence of rap music, the development of breakdancing and graffiti art, and the impact of hip-hop on society. They also offer an in-depth examination of the social and political issues that have been central to hip-hop culture, including issues of race, class, and gender. Additionally, these books offer a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of hip-hop, including its role in shaping popular culture and its impact on the global economy. They also provide a way for readers to understand the influence of hip-hop on contemporary music, art, fashion, and politics. Through these books, readers can gain a greater appreciation of the richness and diversity of hip-hop culture, as well as its ongoing impact on society.

1. "Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation" by Jeff Chang - This book provides a comprehensive look at the history of hip-hop culture and its impact on society, including the rise of rap music, the development of breakdancing and graffiti art, and the role of hip-hop in politics and social justice movements.

2. "The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk About When We Talk About Hip Hop - And Why It Matters" by Tricia Rose - This book examines the debates surrounding hip-hop culture and its impact on society, including issues of race, gender, and class.

3. "Ego Trip's Big Book of Rap Lists" by Sacha Jenkins, Elliott Wilson, Chairman Mao, Gabriel Alvarez - This book is a collection of lists and essays on the history of hip-hop, featuring contributions from some of the most influential figures in the genre.

4. "Hip Hop America" by Nelson George - This book explores the history of hip-hop culture, including the emergence of rap music, the development of breakdancing, and the impact of hip-hop on society.

5. "The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop" by Dan Charnas - This book covers the business and commerce of hip-hop culture, including the rise of rap music, the development of hip-hop fashion, and the impact of hip-hop on the global economy.

6. "The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed" by Shea Serrano - This book covers the most important hip-hop song from every year since 1979, and provide a context for the song and its impact on the culture.

7. "The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture" by Bakari Kitwana - This book examines the hip-hop generation and its relationship to the broader African American community, including issues of identity, politics, and social justice.

8. "The Hip Hop Generation: A Cultural History of Rap and Graffiti" by Mark Costello, David Foster Wallace - This book explores the history and cultural significance of hip-hop, including the emergence of rap music, the rise of graffiti art, and the impact of hip-hop on society.

9. "Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture, and the Struggle for the Soul of a Movement" by S. Craig Watkins - This book examines the politics and cultural significance of hip-hop, including issues of race, class, and gender, and the impact of hip-hop on society.

10. "Hip Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap" by Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar - This book explores the history and cultural significance of hip-hop, including the emergence of rap music, the development of breakdancing and graffiti art, and the impact of hip-hop on society.