Catalog Search Results
1) Will
Author
Language
English
Description
Will Smith's transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale-- but it's only half the story. His whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world-- only they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they had not signed up for. Here he shares his journey of self-knowledge, telling how he mastered...
Author
Language
English
Description
"The first and only Estate-authorized biography of the legendary artist, Tupac Shakur, a moving exploration of his life and powerful legacy, fully illustrated with photos, mementos, handwritten poetry, musings, and more. Tupac Shakur is one of the greatest and most controversial artists of all time. More than a quarter of a century after his tragic death in 1996 at the age of just twenty-five, he continues to be one of the most misunderstood, complicated...
Author
Language
English
Formats
Description
"The first biography of rapper Mac Miller, the Pittsburgh cult favorite "turned" rap superstar who touched the lives of millions before tragically passing away at the age of twenty-six. Malcolm James McCormick was born on January 19, 1992. He began making music at a young age and by fifteen was already releasing mixtapes. One of the first true viral superstars, his early records earned him a rabid legion of die-hard fans -- as well as a few noteworthy...
Author
Language
English
Description
*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
*AN XXL BEST RAPPER-PENNED BIOGRAPHY*
"A gripping journey."—People
The highly anticipated memoir from hip-hop icon Rick Ross chronicles his coming of age amid Miami's crack epidemic, his star-studded controversies and his unstoppable rise to fame.
Rick Ross is an indomitable presence in the music industry, but few people know his full story. Now,...
*AN XXL BEST RAPPER-PENNED BIOGRAPHY*
"A gripping journey."—People
The highly anticipated memoir from hip-hop icon Rick Ross chronicles his coming of age amid Miami's crack epidemic, his star-studded controversies and his unstoppable rise to fame.
Rick Ross is an indomitable presence in the music industry, but few people know his full story. Now,...
5) Decoded
Author
Pub. Date
2010.
Language
English
Formats
Description
Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.
Praise for Decoded
“Compelling . . . provocative, evocative . . . Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author’s own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing...
Praise for Decoded
“Compelling . . . provocative, evocative . . . Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author’s own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing...
Author
Pub. Date
2011.
Language
English
Formats
Description
The Dark Story of Eminem is the best-selling, ground-breaking biography of Marshall Mathers, tracing his fierce rise from the schools and factories of Detroit to global superstardom – Now updated to investigate the violent death of his best friend Proof, his debilitating drug addiction, four-year disappearance from the public view and his triumphant comeback album Recovery.
In researching this phenomenal story, Nick...
In researching this phenomenal story, Nick...
Author
Series
Pub. Date
2016.
Language
English
Formats
Description
Learn about William's childhood in Virginia, his meeting in high school of friend Chad Hugo, and their founding of the Neptunes. William's work with the Neptunes is covered, including their first hit, Britney Spears|s |I|m a Slave 4 U|. William's career as a musician both with band N.E.R.D. and his solo work including his first album On My Mind is covered, as are his many Grammy Award wins, designer clothing lines, and first book based on his song...
Author
Pub. Date
[2012]
Edition
First edition.
Language
English
Description
Purpose is Wyclef Jean's powerful story of a life rooted in struggle, soul-searching, art, and survival.
In his own voice the multi-platinum musician and producer shares everything, from his childhood in Haiti to his rise to the top of the American music scene. For the first time ever, Wyclef reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the Fugees, including his partnership with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, the details of their award-winning album The...
Author
Series
Pub. Date
c2011
Language
English
Description
As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "Tupac Shakur saw himself as both artist and urban soldier, battling the media, the law, the courts and rival rappers." Tupac overcame poverty to become one of hip-hop's biggest stars. His life, death, and music were all surrounded by controversy. Raised by a single mother and ex-Black Panther in Harlem, Tupac grew up aware of the problems in society around him. His social conscience and creative...
Author
Pub. Date
2019.
Edition
First edition.
Language
English
Description
JAY-Z: Made in America is the fruit of Michael Eric Dyson's decade of teaching the work of one of the greatest poets this nation has produced, as gifted a wordsmith as Walt Whitman, Robert Frost and Rita Dove. But as a rapper, he's sometimes not given the credit he deserves for just how great an artist he's been for so long. This book wrestles with the biggest themes of JAY-Z's career, including hustling, and it recognizes the way that he's always...
Author
Pub. Date
[2015]
Edition
First edition.
Language
English
Description
"Timbaland offers fans an unprecedented look into his life and work. He reveals the magic behind the music, sharing the various creative impulses that arise while he's producing, and the layering of sounds that have created dozens of number one hits."--Amazon.com.
Author
Pub. Date
[2019]
Edition
First edition.
Language
English
Description
The musician and Hip Hop legend--hailed as "the greatest MC of all time" and compared to Thelonious Monk--reimagines the writing handbook in this memoir and guide that incorporates the soulful genius, confidence, and creativity of a master artist. When he exploded on the music scene, musical genius Rakim was hailed for his brilliant artistic style, adding layers, complexity, depth, musicality, and soul to rap. More than anyone, Rakim has changed the...
Author
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
"The Notorious B.I.G. was one of the most charismatic and talented artists of the 1990s. Born Christopher Wallace and raised in Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, Biggie lived an almost archetypal rap life: young trouble, drug dealing, guns, prison, a giant hit record, the wealth and international superstardom that came with it, then an early violent death. Biggie released his first record, Ready to Die, in 1994, when he was only 22. Less than three...
Author
Pub. Date
[2015]
Language
English
Description
"Kanye West is undoubtedly one of pop culture's most divisive and fascinating characters. Alongside his multimillion selling albums, Kanye has also launched record labels and clothing lines and in the process, become one of the most respected, creative and influential artists in music today.The most in-depth look at West's life and career to date,"--Novelist.
18) Nicki Minaj
Author
Pub. Date
2019.
Language
English
Appears on list
Description
Nicki Minaj is a rapper, actor, businesswoman, model, screenwriter, philanthropist, and fashion icon. Today, she is one of the most successful rap artists in the world and has won many accolades for her award-winning albums, mixtapes, and videos. She has sold more than ninety million singles and albums worldwide, ranking her one of the highest-selling rap artists of all time. Minaj is also known for her highly creative stage costumes, colorful wigs,...
Author
Pub. Date
2010.
Edition
First Da Capo Press edition.
Language
English
Description
A passionate, critically incisive cultural biography of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur and an examination of the forces that shaped him.
In 1996 Tupac Shakur, one of the most talented artists of his time, was murdered by an unknown gunman. Fred L. Johnson and Tayannah Lee McQuillar examine the theories surrounding his death and the story of Tupac's lost legacy in this definitive biography.
For millions, Shakur gave voice to their stories, but there was...
Author
Pub. Date
2011.
Language
English
Description
Now updated and revised-from a Forbes senior editor, a compelling portrait of American rapper Jay Z and his rise from the Brooklyn projects to the top of the business world.
Only a handful of people embody the legacy of hip-hop and entrepreneurship like Jay Z. A modern-day King Midas, everything he touches-sports bars, streaming services, record labels, and cognac-turns to gold. How exactly did he do it?
Forbes senior editor Zack O'Malley Greenburg...
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