Words by Ime Ekpo
Unmatched legend of hip-hop culture, Public Enemy’s Chuck D is on a mission to set all records straight regarding the chronological history of rap and hip-hop culture. So, forget about all of those Instagram and Tumblr pages floating around in the name of “today in hip-hop history” that is being run by 18-year old hip-hop heads and allow a living legend who walks, talks, and breathes this culture, tell it.
Titled, Chuck D Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History, the book takes the reader on a journey through the most iconic moments, influential songs, and key highlights of the genre’s documented history. Starting from the culture’s infancy in 1973 up to today’s blatant evolution of 2017, Chuck D catalogs deeds in the likes of godfather DJ Kool Herc, the monumental undertaking of Rakim, the achievements of Outkast, to the modern day phenomenon of Drake.
Throughout the scroll, Chuck presents his own personal insight on hit songs and fellow icons along with nostalgic vivid imagery from artists who have an eye and soul for hip-hop culture in the likes of Shepard Fairey (who is responsible for the iconic Barack Obama “Hope” poster), the iconic image artist ASKEM, notable photographer Glen E. Friedman, Russian-born artist Rinat Shingareev, and many more.
In a press release, current rapper phenomenon Kendrick Lamar expressed expressed the need for such a book:
“If you want to understand our culture. To learn knowledge itself. Truth about the art form of poetry in motion. The struggle of our community through rhyme and rhythm. This is the book that inspired me long before I found my place in hip-hop. The power of self-expression. Unapologetically. Taught by the teacher himself. Chuck D!!!”
Chuck D’s fellow legend is rhyme LL Cool J added on to the hype by saying: “Reading this book is like reliving my life all over again.”
Chuck D Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History will be available for grabs on October 10th. Pre-order is available over at Amazon.
