Hip-Hop Revolution

Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, overcame a life of poverty in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn and became one of the most successful rappers in the world. He has received more than twenty Grammy Awards as well as other music honors, and he has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur with his clothing, clubs, and sports business ventures. Drawing from the rapper's own words, which are accompanied by detailed photographs and fascinating sidebars, this book provides readers with a straightforward look at the life of Jay-Z and the business empire he built.

When Chancelor Bennett was a child growing up in Chicago, his parents instilled into him a strong work ethic. Little did they know that in a few years, their son would achieve an amazing number of accomplishments in the entertainment business. By putting his work on the internet for free, Chance showed a new generation of rappers that they can go directly to their fans to build an audience. In 2016, he became the first internet-based artist to win a Grammy. Eye-catching photographs, engaging sidebars, and revealing quotations show readers a different side of Chance the performer. They'll meet Chance the advocate, a man devoted to his family, faith, and hometown.

Best-selling rap artist Nicki Minaj has racked up many awards for her thrilling work. She rose from mixtape recordings to become a sought-after collaborator, actress, and spokesperson who has climbed to the top of the charts. High-interest details, engaging sidebars, and an accessible timeline guide curious readers along her path from struggling beginner to music mogul. Thought-provoking direct quotations and vivid photographs enhance readers' journey and invite them to revisit the exciting hip-hop world of Nicki Minaj.

Born Aubrey Drake Graham, the rapper better known as Drake caught his big break on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. His songs and albums have gone platinum and gold, won Grammys, and resulted in sold-out performances. Simple text, accompanied by powerful direct quotations, interesting sidebars, and detailed photographs, recounts how Drake surmounted his difficult beginnings as the son of a single hard-working mother who struggled to pay the bills to become a successful hip-hop artist. Readers will be inspired that he has never forgotten his past hardships and continues to donate to charitable causes.

Lil Buck was known around his hometown of Memphis as a talented dancer, but after a video of him performing alongside Yo-Yo Ma went viral, he became a hit around the globe. He's added his own flair to the dance style known as jookin and has shown the world that he is a true artist. This high-interest volume includes stimulating sidebars, colorful photographs, and exciting details to help readers understand what drove Lil Buck to strive for his dreams, inspire others, and revolutionize the world of dance.

Since he was a child, Kanye West had always been considered intelligent and eager to work hard by the people in his life. He carried these traits into adulthood when he began his career as a music producer. When he turned his attention to music, he was catapulted into international fame, and Kanye continues to be one of the most talked about musical artists. Engaging text, insightful pull quotes, and intriguing sidebars reveal fascinating details about his unique childhood experiences, which drove him to succeed in the music and fashion industries, while colorful photographs draw readers closer into the artist's life story.

Cardi B had her start on social media and reality television before rocketing to the top of the music charts. Her many accomplishments include becoming the first female rapper to have two number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first person of Dominican descent to have a song hit number one in the history of the chart. Full-color photographs, insightful details, and direct quotations will give readers insight into the early hardships that drove this 'regular girl from the Bronx' to achieve record-breaking successes, while still remaining humble and true to herself.

Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar continuously wows fans and critics alike with his contributions to the world of hip-hop. Born in Compton, California, Lamar was no stranger to street violence. He channeled his experiences into pensive lyrics, releasing his first mixtape at the age of sixteen. Readers will learn about Lamar's experiences in the music world, his association with Dr. Dre, and his ascent to becoming a Pulitzer Prize winner. Quotes from Lamar, sidebars, a timeline about his life, and vivid photographs of performances make this high-interest volume a must for every hip-hop lover's collection.