Author Brian Coleman grew up immersed in the burgeoning American hip-hop scene of the 1980s. Today he makes a living writing articles about the culture that flourished from that exciting time. After pulling his hair out over the lack of documentation on the era’s ground-breaking releases, Coleman decided to fill the gap himself. Like the 33 1/3 series, this book collects the accounts of a large variety of people involved in the making of 21 seminal records. There’s plenty of technical and personal info from the artists, producers, radio DJs, journalists, friends and entourage. I love reading about how musicians create their art, and the stories here are inspiring. Many of the MCs, DJs and groups were just getting started in music or rapping at all. They managed to capture their unique sounds on extremely cheap and cobbled-together equipment, not aware of or privy to more standard and expensive gear and techniques. A few even recount playing their drum machines live while recording tracks in a single take, nailing complex rhymes and scratches on cheap tape recorders. Pretty impressive compared to the process of polished multi-track studios. There are some great and humorous bits about seasoned studio producers meeting and working with new rappers, an almost alien experience for both. The contrast of well-respected bands like Public Enemy discussing their politics in one chapter, while in another Biz Markie details the inspiration behind tracks like “Pickin’ Boogers,” is also funny. It also goes to show the diversity and experimentation that was rampant at the time, something much more rare now that hip-hop has become so mainstream. The men and women featured here earned their fame and careers despite huge odds, most of them doing all the work that labels and promotion companies handle for typical pop stars. An entire industry owes them a big debt for their determination. I can’t wait for Coleman to put out more volumes, and I’m really enjoying the albums he covers with fresh ears.

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