This book review is long overdue! When this book was released in January of 2019, I got a lot of text messages with a link to this book! Of course, I had already pre-ordered it but I loved that my family and friends knew me well enough to send over a book, they knew I would obsess over (and am STILL obsessing over).
The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Frank Morrison is a poetic attestation of the all of the musical elements that have influenced rap music. It also illustrates a brief journey through Hip Hop history. The story being 16 bars in no coincidence but a testament to rap music itself. This beautifully crafted story honors the culture, creativity, and craftsmanship of Hip Hop music.
I am very biased because I love Hip Hop and Hip Hop culture, so I highly recommend this book. Young readers will love it too. The rhymes and illustrations keep the smallest budding Hip Hop head highly entertained. The book also has a glossary of terms and a list of notable Hip Hop artist. I would love for this book to made into a mini posters book. I would love to have this type of representation on the wall in my children’s bedrooms.
I had the pleasure to interview Carole Boston Weatherford about another one of her wonderful books and we briefly discussed this one! Check out the interview below.
You can also pick up a copy of this book at my shop, The Dope Kid, in our Dope Kid OG Kit!
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy!
Maya
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