The Haunting of Hip Hop

by Bertice Berry

A ghost story with a beat . . . Bertice Berry follows her finely pitched Blackboard bestselling debut novel, Redemption Song, with a mesmerizing cautionary tale about urban hip hop culture.

In ancient West Africa, the drum was more than a musical instrument, it was a vehicle of communication–it conveyed information, told stories, and passed on the wisdom of generations. The magic of the drum remains alive today, and with her magnificent second novel, Berry brings those powerful beats to the streets of Harlem.

Harry “Freedom” Hudson is the hottest hip hop producer in New York City, earning unbelievable fees for his tunes and the innovative sound that puts his artists on the top of the charts. Harry is used to getting what he wants, so when he’s irresistibly drawn to a house in Harlem, he assumes he’ll be moving in as soon as the papers can be drawn up. The house, after all, has been abandoned for years. Or has it?

Rumors are rife in the neighborhood that the house is haunted; that mysterious music, shouts, and sobbing can be heard late at night. Ava, Harry’s strong-willed, no-nonsense agent, dismisses it all as “old folks” tales–until she opens the door and finds an eerie, silent group of black people, young and old, gathered around a man holding an ancient African drum. They are waiting for Harry and bear a warning that touches his very soul: “We gave the drum back to your generation in the form of rap, but it’s being used to send the wrong message.”

The Haunting of Hip Hop is a reminder of the importance of honoring the past as a means of moving safely and firmly into the future. It is sure to raise eyebrows and stir up controversy about the impact, good and bad, of rap culture.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Fiction, Music, African American, Hip Hop

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2001

Reviews

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable. I wasn't expecting how it turned out and that's a good thing!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read where it's underlying theme connects the past with the present. The book had a great twist(spoiler)that Freedom died visiting the house alone. I was unsure how he died because the book just said he did. But why he died was more important. Freedom was able to join the spirits in the house and relay their messages out through song. The spirits achieved peace with themselves. Freedom's death in the book left an impact among the book's society. The movie he was supposed to make became independently produced by his assistant Ava. I like the way the book ended as it was Charles "psychic" grandmother who predicted the haunting would happen. As it her time to go, the book ends with her listening to Freedom's final beat tape, emphasizing his music would live on as truth. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story, as the spirits really intertwined with the living.

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her riveting novel, *The Haunting of Hip Hop*, Bertice Berry seamlessly weaves a cautionary tale that resonates deeply with fans of urban culture and music. Berry impresses with her ability to blend rich storytelling with profound cultural commentary.

The narrative centers around Harry "Freedom" Hudson, an ambitious hip hop producer at the pinnacle of success. Berry introduces us to a vibrant Harlem, infused with the rhythms of the past and the beats of the present. From the very first page, the allure of an abandoned house — rumored to be haunted — sets an atmospheric tone that is both enticing and foreboding.

What truly draws readers in is the profound importance attached to the drum, symbolizing communication and heritage from ancient West Africa. Berry's writing masterfully illustrates how the drum's legacy has evolved into the modern art of rap, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with such powerful cultural expressions. The haunting group that Harry encounters serves as a reminder of the weight of this legacy and the potential consequences of misusing it.

Berry's characters are beautifully crafted; Harry’s journey into the world of the supernatural reveals his internal struggle with identity, ambition, and the messages he's sending through his music. Ava, his pragmatic agent, adds an intriguing dynamic, representing a voice of reason as they navigate the tension between commercial success and cultural integrity.

*The Haunting of Hip Hop* is not just a ghost story; it’s a reflection on the challenges that come with the evolution of music and the messages it carries. Berry skillfully provokes thought about the impact of hip hop culture, making this an essential read for those who appreciate its roots and wish to see it honored.

This novel will undoubtedly spark discussion among readers, compelling us to consider how we honor our heritage while shaping our future. With its haunting themes and irresistible beats, Bertice Berry has crafted a masterpiece that resonates with the soul of contemporary culture. Highly recommended for anyone eager for a story that entertains while it enlightens.

[Degenerate Chemist · Rating 1 out of 5]

The back flap tried to sell this as a novel that would explore the violence and misogyny in hip hop and the use of music as a cultural unifier. I was also interested in what this book might have to say about the importance of the history of music in Black culture. And I am always up for a good ghost story.

This book was not any of that. It was disjointed and the pacing was strange. In places it felt like a Sunday school sermon rather than a nuanced and adult examination of important issues. The one female character in the book had a character arc that revolved around her desire to have children.

At the end of the day I wanted this book to be something it wasn't.

[Eereeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable short read, although I liked Redemption Song much better. I do think about our spirits and where they reside. Do they rest? But I guess overall, it was about the importance of sharing your story with others. Caring enough to share your life makes life better and bearable.

[Trudy Estridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it but it had some topics that I just do not believe.

[Jerrika Rhone · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF @ 8%: My audio book kept skipping :(

[Sarah]

http://www.blackpast.org/?q=1963-eski...

"Who is so stupid as to deny the historical fact of negritude as both a protest and a positive assertion of African cultural values? All this is valid. What I do not accept is the way in which too much of the poetry inspired by it romanticizes Africa-as a symbol of innocence, purity, and artless primitiveness. I feel insulted when some people imply that Africa is not also a violent continent. I am a violent person and proud of it because it is often a healthy human state of mind; some day I’m going to plunder, rape, set things on fire, I’m going to cut somebody’s throat; I’m going to subvert a government; I’m going to organize a coup d’etat; yes, I’m going to oppress my own people; I’m going to hunt the rich fat black men who bully the small weak black men and destroy them; I’m going to become a capitalist, and woe to all who cross my path or who want to be my servants or chauffeurs and so on; I’m going to lead a breakaway church there is money in it; I’m going to attack the black bourgeoisie while I cultivate a garden, rear dogs and parrots; listen to jazz and classics, read “culture”, and so on. Yes, I’m going to organize a strike. Don’t you know that sometimes I kill to the rhythm of drums and cut the sinews of a baby to cure it of paralysis?

This is only a dramatization of what Africa can do and is doing. The image of Africa consists of all these, and others. And negritude poetry pretends that they do not constitute the image and leaves them out. So we are told only half-often even a falsified half-of the story of Africa. Sheer romanticism that fails to see the large landscape of the personality of the African makes bad poetry. The omission of these elements of a continent in turmoil reflects a defective poetic vision." ~On Negritude in Literature by Es'kia Mphahlele 1963

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of Hip Hop is a quick and captivating read. I finished it within a few hours and really enjoyed it. Again, in the same style of Redemption Song, Berry, intertwines the past and present masterfully. The essence of the story is that of the spirits of the past manifesting themselves out of the need tell their stories to the living in an effort ease the pain, bring peace, and resolve issues that plagued their lives. There are many lessons taught in this story, however, the focus is on the spirit, Ngozi, an African slave, and his desire to bring back the love, passion, and true unifying purpose that the drums of African once did in his beloved homeland. He feels that the drums/beats have been misused and corrupted and he must connect with super producer, Harry "Freedom" Hudson before its too late. There were some surprising twists in the plot as each of the supporting cast experiences their own awakenings. I was disappointed in some of the conclusions, but it was a great work nonetheless...highly recommended!

[S10_tommccormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fictional novel tells the story of Freedom, a hip-hop music producer who is tempted by the woman, fame, and money associated with commercial hip-hop. Freedom is interested in buying an old house in the city, so he contacts Ava, an old friend who is a lawyer, to help him strike a bargain. There are rumors that the house is haunted. Soon, past meets present as various narrative threads come together in the house. This cautionary tale includes positive African American role models, authentic cultural details, and an interesting look at the origins of hip-hop music. Students’ appreciation for the novel will depend on their willingness to embrace the supernatural elements of the novel.

[Shamekia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must say that this book was a disappointment. And I was so excited to read it because I'm a Black history buff and music fan. I love to learn about the complex intersections of music, the African Diaspora, and current Hip-Hop culture. This book had so many good things going for it, but it came up short-literally and figuratively, it's only 210 pages!

Her characters aren't fleshed out enough, and she speaks for them the whole time. I'm a fan of 1st person p.o.v., but when an author writes in the 3rd person it has to be done well-or not at all.

~S

[Jinnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Billed on the cover flap as a kind of "Ghost of African Drum Beats Past" that was killed by slavery haunts a rap star who misuses the life beats of his ancestry to make mysogynistic music to redemption. In reality, it fell far short of that goal. I don't think it had much of a point at all. In the end, it read more like a ghost story that would be told around a campfire than a thoughtful, insightful reflection on rap's ancestral origins.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and listened to this book many times over the years. I love this book and especially the audiobook. The lessons of the story is forever. Honoring the ancestors is what we always need to do. Every couple of years I listen to this book and fill moved by this story. I wish Redemption Song was an audiobook so that I can savor the spoken word. I have read most of Bertice Berry’s books but this is my favorite. January 14, 2025

[Katie M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was kind of intrigued by the somewhat creative and creepy premise of this book, but the lessons were just too heavy-handed and the characters and dialogue too formulaic.

[Endora harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Lynn Lipinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read -- more of an African-American parable about being true to yourself and your ancestors than a fully-fleshed out novel.

[Aurelio Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, although the book doesn't refer much to the history of drum, but rather, going with what you heart and mind tells you. Corny, but true...

[Kiko Coyona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great book but I hated that Freedom died.

[Derek Pufahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle school reading level. Bland and stilted writing, sounds like it's coming from a PR rep. The story is good, the writing is bad.

[Ian Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

my brother loaned this book to me back in highschool good stuff!!

[RK Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, but needed more hip hop.