The Come Up: an Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop by Jonathan Abrams
really short book review
The Come Up overviews the development of Hip Hop culture across the United States through short quotes from the people who were there, including rappers, journalists, and music insiders. Centered on Rap—readers won’t learn about b-boying, DJing, or graffiti—the book lays out Hip Hop’s foundation in early 70s-mid 80s with vibrancy, enthusiasm, and pointed inside stories.
But as with any oral history, we can’t hear from everyone. Most noticeably absent are the superstars (ie. Jay-Z, Snoop, Lil’ Wayne, etc.) who have transcended Hip Hop to become American cultural icons.
Since Hip Hop is barely 50 years old, we are lucky enough to still have access to the people who defined this culture. This book makes me wanna to attack some podcasts and listen to the originators themselves while I still can. If you love Hip Hop, read The Come Up, even if just to learn who rappers consider the real pioneers.
Pluses: Unvarnished insights from Bronx legends; unbiased yet respectful and enthusiastic engagement with the subject; focused on the artists and their truths; much info on who the artists themselves give credit to
Minuses: Stretched a bit thin; the connective tissue among the regions could be explored more; doesn’t address the changes that occur in early 2000s when commercial success boomed; no discussion on the contemporary lack of gatekeepers (which contrasts with descriptions of the early days when people had to pay their dues)
Opportunities: Each chapter could be its own book; when the artists discuss other artists (especially the unheralded folks) there is an opportunity to just set the record straight and give credit where its due; the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of the movement are mentioned but I wanted more!
Just for fun, here’s a documentary about the Bronx around the time Hip Hop culture began to coalesce.