Stars of Hip-Hop

Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake, was famous for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television show Degrassi: The Next Generation before becoming a big rap star. His songs and albums have won many honors, including Grammy Awards and topping the Billboard Hot 100 lists. Growing up with a single mother who struggled to pay the bills, Drake is now worth millions of dollars and donates to charitable causes. Through simple text, revealing direct quotations, informative sidebars, and colorful photographs, readers will learn about the remarkable life of this biracial Jewish rapper.

Hip-hop dancing has been around for decades, but Memphis-raised dancer Lil Buck is taking it to new heights. Having collaborated with many artists, including ballerinas and the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Lil Buck has shown just how versatile the art of hip-hop can be. With this captivating biography, readers of all levels can learn about the life and artistry of Lil Buck. High-interest content is shared with the help of accessible text, concise sidebars, and detailed photographs. This unique volume is sure to hold readers' attention and foster an excitement for reading.

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, better known as Chance the Rapper, grew up in West Chatham, a middle-class neighborhood in Chicago's South Side. His parents raised him to believe in himself and encouraged him to work hard. Now he is a popular and successful musician who challenged the music industry by foregoing the traditional record deal and releasing his own mixtapes through the internet for free. Simple text and vivid photographs will pull readers into Chance's rise to fame in the music world and budding acting career. Through sidebars and direct quotations, students will get to know the more personal side of the humble and devoted family man and education activist.

Cardi B is a regular girl from the Bronx who has managed to do extraordinary things. In just a few short years, she paved a way to success and did it her way. Using social media and little more than a camera and an app as a launching pad, she rocketed to the top of the music charts. Eye-catching photographs, revealing quotations, and accessible text pull readers into Cardi B's past struggles, present successes, and future hopes and dreams. Sidebars expand on fascinating details, and a timeline presents important milestones in an easy-to-read format.

Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar is a standout in the hip-hop world. Even as a teenage rapper, he used the joys and tragedies he experienced living in Compton, California, to craft thoughtful lyrics amid evocative rhythms. Young music lovers will appreciate learning about Lamar's rise in the hip-hop game, including his work with Dr. Dre, through accessible text, Lamar's own words, informative sidebars, and an instructive timeline. They'll especially love the colorful photographs of the artist in action.

Shawn Carter, better known by his hip-hop name Jay-Z, rose from the world of poverty and drugs in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to become one of the most successful rappers ever. His net worth is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and his business ventures include clothing, clubs, and sports. With high-interest material delivered in simple language and structure, and enhanced by colorful photographs, direct quotations, and informative sidebars, readers will have access to the life story of this award-winning songwriter and businessman.

Award-winning Nicki Minaj is one of today's best-selling musical artists. Born in the Caribbean, then moving to New York, she thrills fans and music lovers with her catchy hip-hop tunes and high-energy performances. Readers will root for Nicki as they read about her early struggles growing up in a new country in an unhappy home, her first try at rap at age eleven, and her determination to succeed in a genre dominated by men. Nicki's own words and advice sparkle in this high-interest book, enhanced with exciting facts, sidebars, and a timeline. Lively color photographs accent the life story of this modern musical talent.

As a child, Kanye West always worked hard to be the best at whatever he tried to do. The people around him saw how talented he was, and soon the world would know as well. Through accessible text and full-color photographs, accompanied by interesting sidebars and insightful quotations, readers will learn how Kanye West used his ambition to become a top music producer and celebrated rap artist who has also helped other artists achieve their big breaks in the music business.