Hip Hop Family Tree Book 3: 1983-1984

Hip Hop Family Tree #3

by Ed Piskor

Ed Piskor’s acclaimed graphic novel series continues! Book 3 highlights Run DMC’s rise to fame and introduces unassailable acts like Whodini, The Fat Boys, Slick Rick, and Doug E Fresh. The Beastie Boys become a rap group. Rick Rubin meets Russell Simmons to form Def Jam. The famous TV pilot to the dance show Graffiti Rock and the documentaries Style Wars and Breakin’ and Enterin’ are all highlighted in this comprehensive volume spanning 1983-1984. Ed Piskor continues to deliver the goods in this comprehensive history of hip hop.

Genres: Comics, Music, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, History, Hip Hop, Comic Book

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

Ed Piskor had been cartooning professionally in print form since 2005, starting off drawing American Splendor comics written by Harvey Pekar. The duo continued working together on 2 graphic novels, Macedonia, and The Beats. Ed began self publishing Wizzywig after developing a huge interest in the history of Hacking and Phone Phreaking. 3 volumes, making up 3/4 of the full story, have been published to date.

Recently Ed had designed the characters for the new Adult Swim series, Mongo Wrestling Alliance.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of new acts get introduced. The focus seems to be Rick Rubin and Beastie Boys getting involved. Lots of coverage of some movies that I should probably check out.

Fantastic cartooning but I feel like a lack of a real story prevents this book from being truly engaging.

[Nikiverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could make a sweet playlist after reading this.

[Kevin Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where volume 1 of Hip Hop Family Tree was filled with fascinating vignettes, colorful characters, and nuggets of information about early hip hop, volume 3 sees writer/artist Ed Piskor honing his narrative techniques, weaving dozens of parallel stories together to evoke the vibrant hip-hop scene in early '80s NYC. The “family tree” aspect of Piskor's project comes to the fore, as he chronicles the tight-knit connections between his cast of 80+ real-life characters. This includes the growing sphere of influence that the grassroots hip hop movement ca. 1983 and '84 has on up-and-coming artists, the entertainment industry, and the culture at large. But, best of all, Piskor's love for the music, and the culture, and the players involved is evident in every panel. He doesn't just capture the energy, excitement, and passion of early hip hop, he infects you with it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we're down to only a single year in this third volume, making the narrative focus even tighter and more satisfying. If only volume 4 were available now!! Aughhhhh!

[Joe Bliven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third volume manages to wrangle itself in a bit more than the previous books which has its positives and negatives. On the positive end we have a much smoother narrative that doesn't jump around so manically and more time is spent showing how the characters are interconnected. It really feels like all of the major players are finally coming together and the Avengers are really assembling in this one. On the negative side it almost feels like the hip-hop world is getting smaller, while we know it isn't -it is in fact growing to massive heights- the narrower focus of this volume makes it feel like hip-hop is only happening in a few specific pockets when viewed alongside Volume I. One of my complaints in Volume II was that flashforwards use the same Jack Kirby art style but without the newsprint filter to show the time change, which is jarring and unattractive. In this book that problem is handled masterfully and I must give Ed a big peace sign for this one. In a flashforward to Ice-T's career in the 90s Piskor switches it up with a less pronounced filter over a Rob Liefeld pastiche. This was absolutely the best call, way to handle that perfectly Mr. Piskor. Another phenomenal entry into the series, I'm sad to know that I only have the final volume left to read. Happy 11th Birthday Elena!

[Rogue Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this series enough.
If you are a music fan (I mean the kind of fan that's interested in historical context and learning about the origins of musicians and genres) then this series is one to invest in.
This volume is the beginning of rap getting BIG. Run DMC is gaining traction. Rick Rubin is making albums in his college dorm and partying with The Beastie Boys before they get big. LL Cool J is starting his career.

The history of rap has been really interesting. I love that I can go on YouTube and other fans of Piskor's series have actually gone through the trouble to make playlists featuring everything (available) that is mentioned in each volume.

This would also make a fantastic gift if you have someone in your life that is interested in rap or 1980's NYC. 10/10 I can't wait to start volume 4 and for the eventual volumes in the future.

[Adam M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beastie Boys really arrive in this one and we spend more time with Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. The Fat Boys (who were a personal favorite of mine thanks to an absolutely terrible movie they were in when I was young that I certainly didn't understand, but enjoyed the broad comedy and beat boxing Disorderlies) are here along with a whole new list of luminaries in the Hip Hop hallows.

This series is the best kind of history book. Thanks Ed Piskor for all the hard work that must have gone into the research and plotting of this story. The art brings me a lot of joy and I can't image that was easy either.
... so yeah, Thank you.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know about y'all, but I did a lot of popping and locking in Brownies. Then, there was the time this no-name kid did a headspin in front of the entire school at assembly and everybody lost their minds. Whodini was definitely named best group in my 4th grade school newspaper.

I'm from the middle of NOWHERE, folks. But in 1983/84, hip hop was definitely part of my little girl life. At first, it seemed like a school fad -- bigger than Fruit Rollups, but not as big as Michael Jackson. Turns out we were on the ground floor of the future. All these old 80s guys kept trying to convince us that 'the heart of rock n roll was still beating' or whatever. But that was not exactly the case.

Anyway, this is the first volume in the series that felt like more than academics to me. Thanks for the 2 pages on Newcleus, Ed Piskor!

[Jason]

The pace is a bit more frenetic, as rap gains momentum as a cultural phenomenon. We see the beginnings of major players such as Ice T, Dr. Dre, Chuck D, and the Beastie Boys (who have cameoed pretty much since the beginning, so I'm guessing Piskor is a big fan) and witness the phenomenon of the epic rise of RUN-DMC (due in part to the combination of rock music with their rap, which they initially opposed). There's so much going on now, it's hard to keep up. But there's not much if anything from this volume that I'd wished Piskor had left out. Well, actually, I'm still not as interested in the graffiti stuff, except where it directly pertains to the hip hop scene (like in the case of KRS-One). Can't wait for volume 4 this summer!!

[Peter Landau · Rating 5 out of 5]

With HIP HOP FAMILY TREE BOOK 3: 1983-1984, Ed Piskor continues his Herodotus-like chronicle of the birth of hip-hop. The medium is the message here, comics, specifically Marvel-styled superheroes of the 1970s, being the perfect pop platform to tell the larger-than-life story of the emerging art form from the streets of NYC and it’s burgeoning steps outside the city borders. This, as previous volumes, are thoroughly engaging, entertaining and edifying reads, but that’s enough alteration for now. Just go read the books.

[Ethan Gooding-Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been an avid fan of rap and hip hop music for the past four years, and it's something very passionate about. Learning about the history and the other cultures surrounding it was never something that I found as interesting as modern day rap, but this graphic novel changed that. It was very interesting and showcased a lot of hip hops history in the 80s. Overall, this was a spectacular book, and I would highly recommend it for hip hop fans or even people who were alive in this time period!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the things I loved about the first two volumes (the art style, the presentation, the obvious love and knowledge for the genre/culture) only with more of the bands and artists I have more familiarity with. It's only going to get better in this respect too so I can't wait.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like in the previous two volumes, Ed Piskor does a great job combining information and entertainment.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series rules. That is all.

[Steve Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is well-researched, and I like the artwork. But I didn't enjoy reading this comic. It was like a kid with ADD had the remote control: the story jumped around too quickly.

[Jeremy Hornik · Rating 4 out of 5]

You should read this.

[Mills College Library]

782.42164 P677h v.3

[Bradley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1983, full-length hip hop albums just aren't getting made. Rather, you have a cobbled together collection of 12-inch single. Hip hop records just don't sell. However, the artists that are pioneering the genre work hard to get it to the mainstream and establish hip hop as a business. While Sylvia Robinson is the biggest name in the business with her Sugarhill touring acts, it is Russell Simmons of Rush Management who is managing the biggest artists. With Kurtis Blow as his primary focus, Simmons also manages Whodini, the Fat Boys (originally the Disco Three), and Run-DMC. Partnering with Simmons is Rick Rubin who is hard at work running the beginning of Def Jam in his dorm room. Rubin helps the Beastie Boys transition to hip hop and signs LL Cool J as his first artist. Also happening at this time to promote the culture of hip hop is the documentary "Style Wars," the TV pilot "Graffiti Rock" modeled after "Soul Train," and a whole new generation of young artists being inspired to make their voices known. Piskor's illustrations are stunning and the writing is informative, poignant, and witty.

[Sukho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for Vol 1-3: I admire Piskor's ambition and dedication, but there's just too much info, too many characters, etc. and not enough space for a full satisfying meal. It feels more like a sampling menu, which is fun and enticing, but ultimately kind of frustrating and, frankly, tedious at times. Also, a lot of this feels aimed at people who already know the songs, artists, producers, etc. so if you don't then you feel left out and confused. It's almost impossible to really appreciate what's going on when you don't know the songs/music being written about, which also created frustration for me to have to constantly stop and look up tracks. I'm sorry but reading rap lyrics is as enlightening and entertaining as reading rock lyrics. It would have been ideal if Piskor did a podcast series to accompany the books to expand the storytelling, play song clips, etc. Still, it's really impressive work and for the uninitiated or partially initiated like me, an inspiring start to dive deeper into this history. I was really surprised about how much I didn't know. RIP Ed Piskor.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Piskor continues the story of rap in volume 3 of Hip Hop Family Tree.



At this stage of the story, hip hop and rap are just hitting the edges of main stream. They still can't find a presence on MTV. But other mediums are becoming more open to the growing art form.



A few new players are introduced to the mix. But for the most part, Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, KRS-One, Russell Simmons, The Beastie Boys and Rick Rubin are the main characters. but if you are a fan of LL Cool J or Whodini, volume 3 is where you will want to come in.



I read volume one on a lark. I knew next to nothing on the subject of hip hop and rap. Piskor does an amazing job making it interesting and his 'Cast of Characters' charts at the beginning and/or end of each volume is massively important in being able to keep up with who is who.



If you are a newbie to the genre or a seasoned listener just wanting to learn more inside stuff, then you must read Hip Hop Family Tree!

[Kara Corthron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so glad these books exist as historical documents. Doesn't really tell a story in a traditional sense and sometimes a scene would abruptly end with no warning, but once I understood the style, I was OK with that. My biggest issue is with the artwork. So much of it is fabulous! Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Slick Rick and Kool Moe Dee for instance, all look GREAT. Others are kind of vague. Like KRS-ONE and Russell Simmons. But, for me, the most egregious rendering was Chuck D. I had to read the pages where he's introduced several times, because my mind could not comprehend that the drawing I was looking at was supposed to be Chuck D. He looked more like Jim Croce. Then I wondered "Does Ed Piskor hate Chuck D. or does he really think that's what he looks like?

Anyway, it was still a fun read.

[Ma'Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed Piskor's verbal storytelling skill are still pretty horrendous, but the visual action, glimpses into hundreds of overlapping stories that have influenced so much of the music I love, makes up for it. My interest in these histories has gone up significantly after having recently watched two Netflix originals on the same topic: The Get Down and Hip-Hop Evolution. Each of these narratives offers different portrayals on some of the same core characters, and I've been eating it all up voraciously.

[David Records · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Piskor is one of the great American culture historians. His work on HHFT is nothing short of staggering.

Vol 3 follows some of the biggest acts in 1983-4 including the Fat Boys and Whodini along with Run DMC. To be honest, I’d never heard of the first two and maybe for good reason. Could not get into it, though Whodini’s haunted house song will now feature in my Halloween playlist.

The most insane thing to me is that Rick Rubin produced several records and founded DefJam from his NYU dorm room. That is just insane. All while majoring in philosophy.

[Artnoose McMoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hip hop stars begin to be just plain old stars in this era of hip hop. There are business disagreements over contracts, etc. I never knew that the Fat Boys were originally called the Disco Three. My 5-year-old started asking me questions so I showed him some Fat Boys and Run DMC videos. I caught him later whisper-singing to himself, "It's tricky, tricky, tricky..."

[Joshua Gage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid history of rap and hip-hop, but often disjointed. Piskor is so dedicated to a thorough exploration and including all the history that the reader can get lost in the cross-country narrative and the who's who of the history. Still, an overall great resource and really well researched book.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

More snarky goodness from the early years of hip hop, in this volume that means 1983 to 1984. Style Wars, Graffiti Rock, the rise of Def Jam Records, and the origins of everyone from KRS-One to the Fat Boys, from Public Enemy and Whodini to LL and Roxanne Shanté. I'm looking forward to cranking through Volume 4.

[Charles Eldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly fascinating history that I went in knowing nothing about. I sat down and devoured the first three volumes of Ed Piskor’s history. If you have any interest in the history of hip-hop (or music production, or art, so so many things) then this series is a must-read. Retro comic stylings and a large format presentation really make this sing.

[Anthony D Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cool but the storyline was all over the place and not very organized, so it was a bit hard to follow a narrative. I learned about a lot of connections that I didn't know about before though so that was cool. The artwork is dope too.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

More on how hip hop culture became noticed and eventually mainstream. Loved learning about Flavor Flav's origin. (Apparently, I'm the only one who didn't know brass monkey was a drink.) Oh seeing the first outfit for LL Cool J was pretty wild too.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to spend more time with my favorite groups that were introduced in the previous entries in this series (Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC), and to see some other favorites get introduced (Fat Boys, Whodini, KRS-One, LL Cool J).