The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar, the Rise of a Great American Art Form

by Soren Baker, Xzibit (Foreword)

Journalist Soren Baker’s The History of Gangster Rap takes a deep dive into this fascinating music subgenre.

Foreword by Xzibit

Sixteen detailed chapters, organized chronologically, examine the evolution of gangster rap, its main players, and the culture that created this revolutionary music. From still-swirling conspiracy theories about the murders of Biggie and Tupac to the release of the film Straight Outta Compton , the era of gangster rap is one that fascinates music junkies and remains at the forefront of pop culture.

Filled with interviews with key players such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, and dozens more, as well as sidebars, breakout bios of notorious characters, lists, charts, and beyond, The History of Gangster Rap is the be-all-end-all book that contextualizes the importance of gangster rap as a cultural phenomenon.

“ History has so often been written by the victors, that you very rarely ever get the real story behind anything. So it’s really important to hear from the people that were there, which is exactly what Soren Baker shares in this book. He writes about it and he’s honest about it.” —The D.O.C.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Hip Hop

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2018

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an admitted newcomer to rap, I found this book was very helpful not only in teaching me about the history of gangster rap, but also to help me appreciate it. I'm sure there are a number of key artists that aren't covered in depth, but as an introduction, this book works well.

The only thing that would have made this book better (at least the audiobook) is the inclusion of music samples. Maybe the cost of getting permissions would be too expensive, but it's hard to read about songs and not hear them.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before my little opinion about this book, I want to make an small contribution for all the future readers: I made a playlist in Spotify that covers almost all the important songs that Soren Baker mentions throughout the book. They are arranged cronologically, not in order of appearance:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gE...

Now... this was amazing:
I don't grew up with this kind of music, but I've been always surronded by her, so, what can I tell about this book?
Is a really good introduction for those who want to understand the origins, importance and evolution of the gangsta rap, because we travel since 1982 to 2017 through interviews, notes, series of anecdotes, etc. It touches politic and social issues in which gangsta rap was involved and and the beefs that are mentioned are treated with the utmost respect towards the victims.
A lot of people say: "The pioneers was N.W.A." or "Ice-T", but Soren Baker inquire in the deepest origin of this genre and rescue the true roots with "The Message" of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, and the evolution of this message with Scholly D, Toddy Tee and more.
I really recommend this book for all the fans and not fans of this musical genre.

[Elliard Shimaala · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone deeply passionate about the genre, I found this book to be an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the rise and impact of gangster rap. Soren Baker takes readers on a journey, tracing the roots of gangster rap from its beginnings with artists like Schoolly D and Ice-T. Baker also delves into the socio-cultural context and the circumstances that led to the emergence of gangster rap, offering valuable insights into how it became a powerful vehicle for social commentary and storytelling.

One of the book's strengths lies in Baker's ability to provide an intimate look into the lives and careers of the artists who shaped gangster rap. He interviews some of the most iconic figures in the genre, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations, struggles and contributions to hip-hop. These first-hand accounts and interviews add an authentic and personal touch to the narrative.

Baker also excels in dissecting the lyrical content and themes that define gangster rap. He tackles complex issues such as street life, violence, poverty, and racism, highlighting how these artists used their music as a platform to address these pressing concerns. The book does not shy away from the controversies surrounding gangster rap, providing a balanced perspective on the genre's impact on society and its often-tumultuous relationship with the mainstream media.

Furthermore, "The History of Gangster Rap" offers a valuable exploration of how gangster rap evolved over the years, from its West Coast origins to its influence on the East Coast and the subsequent emergence of artists like Kendrick Lamar, who have redefined the genre in the modern era. Baker's attention to detail and his ability to connect the dots between different eras and artists make this book a must-read for rap enthusiasts and music historians alike.

While the book is undoubtedly informative and well-researched, it lacked coherence in some chapters and I think a more concise analysis of certain themes or periods might have enhanced its readability.

Soren Baker’s work is an essential read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of hip-hop culture and its evolution over the decades. It provides an in-depth look at the artists, the music, and the social context that have made gangster rap a lasting and significant American art form. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the genre, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of rap's turbulent and transformative journey.

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 There is a lot of information to cover here, but I still think it could have been organized better so some things were given more context in place of rehashing information that had already been presented. Felt ultimately incomplete

[Aaron Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that serves as a time capsule and textbook on the rise of a unique rap niche. Both historical and introspective, this is a great resource and logging of some of raps most controversial and cool moments.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and eye opening book. The one downside is the organization was a bit haphazard and it kind of falls off the year by year format after around 1995. But just thrilling to learn so much about gangster rap. I added all of the songs mentioned (and related) to a Spotify playlist and I’m appreciating it so much.

[Ryan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar, the Rise of a Great American Art Form by Soren Baker, Xzibit (Foreword) was a great book. It delved deep into the origins of "Gangster Music" and pointed out some of the unfair stigmas such as East Coast rappers who were putting the same content in their music but were not labeled as "Gangster Rappers" because they were not on the West Coast or weren't more easily to affiliate with gang culture because they didn't wear the noticeable red and blue uniforms of west coast gang culture.
The book talked about how Gangster Rap helped push hip-hop forward, cementing it as the most popular genre. It also explored the negative effects of Gangster Music whether that be from promoting violence or that be the conditions that artists are reporting on. Gangster Rap had a hand in waking up the nation to police brutality and the everyday life of someone growing up in an underfunded community that was aggressive and more vividly painted than “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, a song that was the first to bring mainstream nationwide attention to the inequalities of people in underfunded communities. While reading, I found myself reliving moments in my life, like the first time my father played Snoop Dogg's “Doggystyle” album or the duality of TuPac, to be able to make a song like "I Get A Wrong" and "Dear Momma" then seeing this same duality being portrayed in the characters he played on the big screen with "Juice" and then with "Poetic Justice". I also liked how the book talked about how the genre of Gangster Rap has evolved to include artists like Kendrick Lamar who some would say tethers the line between Gangster rap and Conscious Rap. You have to give Ganger Rap / West Coast rap its flowers because it helped push the culture forward, I continue to be amazed by how it keeps evolving from the Drill scene in Chicago to now even overseas in Japan.
To sum it up. It was a great a book!
Just wait: One day there'll be a book about the history of Tulsa Hip-hop!

[Kira Caillouet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the History of Gangster Rap. Baker gracefully weaves gangster rap history with what was going on in the world during that time. The structure of each chapter included interviews with gangster rap pioneers and insiders. He not only talks about the influential subgenre but also to the musicians themselves. He writes from an outsider's point of view but it's clear he has a respect for the musical genre. If you love hip hop and want to know more about a segment of it, I recommend this book. If you don't like hip hop( or think you) don't the books provides great insight into the historical events that birthed a powerful movement.

The epilogue features current rappers like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and G Perico and discusses the evolution of what Ice T called "reality rap."

I wished it talked more about women in the genre. The book was a beautiful layout and design.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book puts context to a history I knew loosely about. Told as a series of anecdotes, it is often exciting while also being mostly mundane, as anecdotes should be. The major disconnect with this book is that it's grounded in 2018 which makes me think that much of this book won't stand the test of time, which honestly is fine. I grew up listening to a lot of Z-Ro, Trae, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog and the Game mostly because of the time in which I grew up and the region I grew up in. I feel like I have a better understanding of those rappers from reading this book, even if there was a focus on the earlier time periods and the north east and west coast.

I dropped a star for not having a single reference to madlib which seems inexcusable. I feel like artists like madlib are so emblematic of the maturing of the art form that not mentioning him is a serious missed opportunity.

[Bryan R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive history on the origins of Gangster Rap from someone who has been following the genre for decades. He even surprised me on a few things and i worked with some of these dudes back in the early to late 90's. This would be a great holiday gift for any of your diehard music fans. I'm definitely gonna pull out some of my CD's and go down memory lane.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. A reminder that gangster rap is smarter and deeper than it ever gets credit for. This was a nice trip down memory lane, I grew up on many of these early artists. I'm particularly excited to see how much credit Ice-T and Schooly D get in the book, as they are too often overlooked. Recommended for anyone into music especially hip hop fans.

[Jay Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of the history of Gangster Rap. Follows the general ascent very well and even takes time to mention some obscure artists (Dru Down, X Raided, C Bo, etc.) The author doesn't overly dwell on the biggie vs. pac beef which is really welcome. The pulls inside the book are often very interesting, but they become distracting.

[Pamela Catalán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es una lectura muy interesante, porque mezcla historia cultural, política y de los medios. Además, cuenta con entrevistas a raperos y análisis de letras. Tiene un diseño atractivo, porque secciones pequeñas que profundizan datos o cuentan historias paralelas, enriquecen la experiencia.
Es muy de nicho, ideal para conocer más.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh boy. The subject matter for this book is so interesting but unfortunately the writing doesn’t do it justice. The whole book reads like a long, dry encyclopedia article with very little narrative. I just couldn’t get through it.

[Wampus Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather dry account of a genre that could be more strictly defined with no real through line. It’s a fine report and overview though padded with almanac factoids and some redundant parts, but doesn’t convey what made it feel so dangerous and hilarious at the same time.

[Игнат Тамошин · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга стоящая. Дает ясное представление о поджанре "гангста-рэп". Много фактов здесь освещаются со стороны здравого смысла и приведены (по сравнению с другими источниками) правдиво и развернуто. Для себя открыл ключевые альбомы исполнителей, о которых слышал, но не знал, что именно можно послушать.

[RICKY CROMWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this tell the backstory of artist n songs . Very good perspective of Rap itself .

[LaShana Claude · Rating 5 out of 5]

We know not to go over there with this color or over there with that color. That shit was deeper than wrap. YUK-MONTH

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty comprehensive guide to the genre, and I thought that the interviews with the author were cool. It just took me forever to get through this one.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me an insight to gangster rap and the elders that held it down

[Silly Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un libro que hacía años quería leer y no decepciono para nada

[Gabriele Masini · Rating 5 out of 5]

una grandissima storia raccontata da chi c'era e con un ottima analisi sui testi.
per vivere e leggere tutta la storia di un genere che ha cambiato l'America e la musica