Book Review: The Gospel of Hip Hop by KRS-One
December 21st, 2009 Filed under: Reviews - Books by admin
Book Review – The Gospel of Hip Hop
By KRS-One
Powerhouse Books
When presented with this hardcover, 800 page gold embossed volume of pure wisdom, my first reaction was in fact “is this real?”, for such a tome seems like too much to be true. Subtitled “The First Instrument”, this is the first volume in KRS’s philosophical masterwork “I Am Hip Hop”, presented in the format of a “self-help holy book”, and the culmination of over thirty years of living, breathing, speaking and being Hip Hop, and while those raised in the ringtone era may marvel at such a lofty undertaking, those raised in the beginning and the golden era, all breathed a collective sigh of relief on even hearing this book was published.
Rigorously organized into eighteen “overstandings” that set out the foundational principles of Hip Hop culture, from its origins in the Bronx through its historical development in America and beyond, the “Gospel” also delves deep into past events and movements that prefaced Hip Hop, from the tribal inter-communality of pre-colonial America, to the promise of hope contained in Dr. Martin Luther King’s monumental “I have a dream…” speech. Those accustomed to KRS’s far-ranging intellect and radical re-interpretations of society, culture, religion and economics will find this book the logical extension of the familiar voice of “The Teacha”, giving himself free rein to explore the deepest extent of his inner knowledge and experience.
Opening with a quote from Edgar Cayce, the sleeping prophet, that “Heaven is not a place you go to, it is a place you grow to” this is a self-help book in the truest sense, encouraging the motivated reader to take responsibility for and control of ones life, and to utilize one’ abilities and circumstances for the greater benefit of all in the original flow of Hip Hop. Using a vocabulary of redefined terminology that differentiates Hip Hop, HipHop and hip-hop (you’ll have to read it yourself…), and establishes the principle of “endarkenment” as the necessary corollary to enlightenment, reading the Gospel is an enervating mental exercise leading to knowledge of self and true inspiration, as long as one is willing to cast aside the cynicism built up by a decade and a half of corporate hip-hop. Peace, Love, Unity and having Fun without violence. Intelligent Movement. The relation between Light, Mind, and God. These are just a few of the keys to the kingdom that KRS brings to the table.
For those who rejoiced over the release of “The Wu Tang Manual”, “The Gospel Of Hip Hop” is an essential addition to the library of any devoted hip hoppa who seeks to delve deeper into the original philosophy that brought forth our culture, and is perhaps the greatest contribution to Hip Hop from a respected veteran in a year that saw releases from Raekwon and Rakim. This is a book to be savoured in quiet moments of reflection, absorbing a little each day as inspiration for times to come. Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody, and with the publication of “The Gospel Of Hip Hop”, may knowledge now reign over every true hip hoppa, so that the essence of our culture may be fully manifest.
powerhousebooks.com/thegospelofhiphop
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