I think that my Chapter 4, “Gangstas, Militants, Media, and the Contest for Hip-Hop,” provides some new perspective on the intense debates surrounding the culture, and reflects a good part of what the book is about.

As mentioned, I explore many of the arguments used against hip-hop. Unlike many of those who write about the debates, I give voice to the rappers who are often some of the most eloquent critics of their peers who are often charged with bastardizing the art.

For example, groups like Jurassic 5, the Roots or Mos Def have established their own standards for “realness” in hip-hop that veer far from commercial rappers like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent or Young Jeezy. But, the former group happens to offer social commentary as well, speaking out against various forms of oppression, while providing absolutely amazing lyricism and creativity.

Also, this chapter provides a level of demographic analysis not seen on any study of hip-hop. It refutes pervasive myths promulgated by many public intellectuals and cultural critics on various ends of the political spectrum.

Ultimately, this book explores the culture and politics of hip-hop by providing a broad historic context and wide-ranging use of sources and texts. If your favorite rapper has sold anywhere near gold in the last twenty years, chances are I consider his or her impact and contribution to the art. I look at activism, policy, race, gender, class and intellectual engagement in hip-hop. I think that laypeople will be surprised to see exactly how diverse the hip-hop community in the U.S. is.

Moreover, many hip-hop denizens of a divided hip-hop nation may be surprised at the range of expression among artists. Others will be amazed to see how many of the current debates about artistic direction and “authenticity” are identical to those of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. It really offers a broad historical and social exploration of the nexus of generation, gender, class and race in the context of America’s latest truly unique artistic gift to the world.Finally, I think that this book offers a cursory history of African Americans since the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, but exploring the socio-economic landscape, demographic shifts, and debates that have characterized the last forty years, with a particular attention to younger people.