"Chuck D is a stone-cold genius in every sense of the word. In the Hour of Chaos is an integration of the significance of the culture by someone who was inside the music in conversation with a range of brilliant thinkers. It is a breakthrough in hip hop studies, in Black studies, in music studies, and across the humanities."--Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Freedom Dreams "Chuck D doesn't just talk about the importance of culture but teaches us the importance of making change. This book is a gift to future generations of artists, activists, and academics, and to all those who love hip hop."--Jeff Chang, author of Can't Stop Won't Stop "Chuck D is the best person to lead us on this journey because it's rare to find someone who has literally laid the foundation of the culture and grounded us through its difficult periods--massive capitalist growth, the really terrible bouts of misogyny, and regional and global shifts.

We need his voice now more than ever."--Joan Morgan, author of When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost "To have the kind of longevity Chuck D has is a testament to his artistry and his dedication to the craft, to always evolving, to being in context. This book gives us a rare window into his intellectual brilliance."--Adam Bradley, author of Book of Rhymes.