"Chronicles the first 50 years of hip-hop through insightful and passionate analysis that celebrates the big-named artists who popularized the style, as well as those lesser-known creatives who quietly influenced rap's rise. Along the way, he offers personal recollections about how the relatively young music style has shaped his identity. A must-read for old school hip-hop heads and burgeoning fans alike." --Shannon Carlin, Time Magazine "A wonderful ride, colored by personal digressions and crisp observations." --Dorian Lynskey, The Guardian "[Questlove] is an affable and expert tour guide through the annals of hip-hop, as adept at spinning yarns as he is at spinning records." --G'Ra Asim, The Washington Post "A trip worth taking. Questlove's embedded narration of the infamous 1995 Source Awards . shows the author at his storytelling best.
" --AD Carson, Los Angeles Times "[Questlove is] a major artist and a major fan. With co-author Ben Greenman, [he] covers 50 years of hip-hop with insight, passion and the geeky love of a true believer. Not to be missed." --Michael Giltz, Parade "Like a window looking deep into the workings of a pretty special hip-hop mind . Entertaining and authoritative . [Questlove] uses his knowledge and experience to his advantage in every way, bringing unique and fresh perspectives. His well-honed instincts are spot-on . Immensely entertaining.
" -- Pop Matters "A memorable, masterful history of the first 50 years of an indelible American art form. Questlove's instincts as a superfan and artist take this history beyond the hype to something very special." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Questlove closely examines the social, political, and artistic factors contributing to hip-hop's growth, many facets and styles, stars, controversies, innovations, and far-ranging influence. This is a must-read . Questlove's illuminating and insightful survey is as personal as it is expert." -- Booklist (starred review) "A kaleidoscopic chronicle of hip-hop's 50-year history. Throughout, Questlove interweaves sharp and lyrical analyses of hip-hop's evolution with fascinating, up-close recollections of the genre's turning points. an exuberant account of a dynamic musical genre and the cultural climate in which it evolved.
" -- Publishers Weekly (starred review).