Books I’m Excited About #1: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop by Jeff Chang
Note: I get a lot of books sent to me in the mail and usually am either a) not impressed or b) confused and not sure what to do with them. So I’m going to do an occasional feature herebouts where I highlight new books that I probably haven’t read yet but have peaked my interest.
Title: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation
Author: Jeff Chang
Relationship: Friends and mutual admirers. I’ve followed Jeff’s work for a few years now. We’ve hung out once and have several friends and project interests in common.
Synopsis: A political and social history of hip-hop. Intro by pioneering DJ Kool Herc.
Acquired: Beginning of the month from Booksmith, my neighborhood joint.
Why I’m excited: Been looking forward to another history-of-hip-hop book to read since loving Nelson George’s Hip-Hop America a few years ago and giving several copies of it as gifts. Jeff and I met right as he was wrapping up edits. I’ve been following his tour notes on his blog and though, I haven’t been free to attend his events, I’ve been more than eager to dive into his book. And let you all know about it.
Oh and if you need to know, the reviews have been killer. And Kool Herc, who wrote the introduction was on Fresh Air this afternoon.
Prelim Verdict: It’s next in my reading queue.