Chuck D. Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History

by Chuck D.

A one-of-a kind survey of rap and hip hop history from 1973 to today by Chuck D, arguably the most influential rapper in the world.

In the more than 40 years since the days of DJ Kool Herc and "Rapper's Delight," hip hop and rap have become a billion-dollar worldwide phenomenon. Yet there is no definitive history of the genre-until now.

Based on Chuck's long-running show on Rapstation.com, this massive compendium details the most iconic moments and influential songs in the genre's recorded history, from Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin'" to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar's ground-breaking verse on "Control." Also included are key events in hip hop history, from Grandmaster Flash's first scratch through Tupac's holographic appearance at Coachella.

Throughout, Chuck offers his insider's perspective on the chart toppers and show stoppers as he lived it. Illustrating the pages are more than 100 portraits from the talented artists specializing in hip hop.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Hip Hop, History, Pop Culture, Art, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2017

Reviews

[Damien Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Guide to Hip-Hop

Very informative history of Hip-Hop for an old school fan like me but also an essential chapter in Black culture for those who love Hip-Hop today. While I am not a fan of most of the hip-hop that came out after 2000 I support the art if it still can be used to awaken the social conscience of our society. Chuck D will always be a hero to me along with KRS1.

[Bill Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would be a great reference about the timeline of watershed events and albums in rap history doesn't quite work as a linear book.

I listened to it on Audible, and at first it's a pretty amazing series of massive events in rap history, and up until about 1996 I was loving it, because it put all my favorite albums in context with one another.

But as it gets into the late 1990s and early 2000s, the list, like rap itself, becomes tedious. To be honest, I can't really get amped for anything regarding Wocka Flocka Flame (even though my man Chuck D feels a special need to mention him), and when I got to the entry for Pitbull (hip hop??), I pretty much gave up.

It's a really interesting reference for people who enjoy rap music, but if you aren't into the modern mumble rap or coke rap, it may provide diminishing returns.

[Scott Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't consider myself much of a rap/hip-hop fan at all, but having listened to some of the genre from time to time, and given how established it is in our current pop culture, I thought this might a good way to learn a bit more about it, since there isn't really isn't a single one-volume history about all of rap/hip-hop. Overall, I would give this a higher grade if I had physically read the book. It is informative, and I was a bit surprised about how much I already knew of the names and some of the songs, and I certainly learned more. However, a verbal chronology can be tough to listen to...especially one as long as this. I thought some of the commentary that broke up the chronology was really good and added some insight. It was also a bonus that the author actually read the book. Still, if an audiobook, perhaps some additional files could have included key tracks of the songs. This was not a bad audiobook, but I think this is a case where the hard copy work would be better than an audio recording (perhaps ironic, but just how I see it).

[Paula Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great. It's not the type of book that you read from cover to cover, but it's sufficiently detailed and doesn't editorialize. It goes back to DJ Kool Herc and is very inclusive.

One thing I love about it is the art. The inclusion of the art really makes this book great and worth owning. Obviously, you would have to be into rap/hip-hop to enjoy it.
My only complaint is that I wish it was cross-referenced a little better, but admittedly, that will take a lot more time.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chuck D. lays out a chronology of iconic moments in rap and hip hop history from 1973 through 2016. There are a lot of album release dates, singles, notable concerts, tragic deaths, and even holographic resurrection put in order with a short note on each event. Interspersed in the chronology are notes from Chuck D. relating his personal experience with or insightful commentary on an artist or event. The information on production collaborations, contract disputes, and personal rivalries were an interesting view of the industry and reflected how rap and hip hop has become more business and less passion project over time, that you wouldn't get without reading liner notes, something that you are seeing less and less of with the rise of digital music. The artwork let the reader put a face with a name and added a bit of personality to the descriptions. I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.

[Karna Vora · Rating 5 out of 5]

My opinion on this book is that it is amazing. If you love hip-hop and rap and would like to learn about how the modern scene came to be, then this is definitely the book for you. The book sheds light on both groundbreaking innovations in rap, but also the minor players in the scene that ended up shaping and molding how we perceive modern hip-hop and rap. By mentioning famous rap groups such as Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, and Run-D.M.C., people who appreciate older rap can relate and understand the history of rap. However, at the same time, the book goes all the way to more modern times and mentions popular artists of today such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj. The book also has excerpts and quotes from some of these great figures and gives an insight and better understanding of the history.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book listing important records in hip hop history rather than a book of long form music criticism. The benefits of this format are that you really get a sense for the progression of the genre and how various artists relate to one another. Listening to it did feel kind of repetitive in structure like an almanac, but the sporadic interjections highlighting the big moments helped keep my focus. I suspect I would have had a different experience reading it in print and probably would have done more browsing.

[David Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronicling Hip Hop from its inception through 2016, Chuck D’s ‘This Day…’ is a must have. I didn’t realize that the format of this work would be as literal as it’s title, which is essentially a date and who did what, such as ‘P.E. Releases their 3rd studio album…’, but i still found this work enlightening. I’ve rediscovered many favorites, and given Mr. D’s delivery, now understand much of the works in context to ‘the world’ when they were released. David

[Max Lesnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really interested me before I read it, because of my love for rap and hip hop. Today, the meaning of Hip Hop is completely different than it was it the 1990s with the whole west coast and easy coast rap scene. This book really provided me the information about the older generation of rap and how it really affected my generation and the past generation.

[Tecpatl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck D gave a lot of information in a short amount of time. A fantastic summary of the songs and time in which they derived painting a precise picture of what was unfolding at the time. His voice made me drift multiple times (delivery + tone), many of the songs I was already extremely familiar with, and a large portion of the information I already knew were the reasons I deducted 1 star.

[Gerrod Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chuck D delivers a fun look at hip-hop through focusing on a timeline that highlights some of the most influential artists, albums, and moments that shaped the genre. Aided by his own personal anecdotes, This Day In Rap And Hip-Hop History is guaranteed to enrich your listening experience and serve as a valuable foundation to a better understanding of the genre.

[David Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out great but after year 2002 I really wasn't familiar with what was being discussed. Very informative book however! I went listened to a lot of the songs after the mention was made in the book.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brought back good memories and reintroduced music that I enjoyed in the past. It's encyclopedia style, so one can choose to read what interests them.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very informative and I'm checking out a lot of music that I hadn't heard before but I wish that there were more anecdotes about the people because that's the most interesting part.

[Dinah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Not a lot has been written on the topic.

[Brock Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would have loved for it to be longer. A great trip down Hip Hop memory lane. Chuck D makes a great storyteller and narrator.

[Danielle Mintzlaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an informative book.

[Sidik Fofana · Rating 3 out of 5]

SIX WORD REVIEW: Cool, mostly litany of release dates.

[gemsbooknook Geramie Kate Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A comprehensive, chronological survey of rap and hip hop from 1973 to the present by Chuck D, arguably the most influential rapper in the world.

In the more than 40 years since the days of DJ Kool Herc and “Rapper’s Delight,” hip hop and rap have become a billion-dollar worldwide phenomenon. Yet there is no definitive history of the genre-until now.

Based on Chuck’s long-running show on Rapstation.com, this massive compendium details the most iconic moments and influential songs in the genre’s recorded history, from Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin'” to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar’s ground-breaking verse on “Control.” Also included are key events in hip hop history, from Grandmaster Flash’s first scratch through Tupac’s holographic appearance at Coachella.’

This book was awesome.

The layout of this book was absolutely perfect. Having these events chronologically placed means that you can pick an era and jump right it. I read this book from start to finish, but I will definitely be using this book as a reference book.

I loved the addition of Chuck D’s insights, it was great getting to read about his personal experiences with these artists. These scattered insights really added a personal layer to this book that I wasnt expecting.

This great book included some really beautiful illustrations. The illustrations were a real surprise to me and really added and extra layer to this already wonderful book.

I was honestly surprised by how much information this book contained. From singles, albums and videos to deaths, infighting and tours, this book really is a treasure trove of information.

Reading this book was a wonderful experience, it was like taking a walk down memory lane.

Chuck D Presents This Day In Rap And Hip-Hop History is the perfect book for any music lover, and an absolute must have for any Rap and Hip-Hop fan.

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[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this one, and it was fun hearing about songs I had forgotten about and some I had never heard before (I Googled a few after hearing about them). I had hoped for more "behind the scenes" type information, but it really was like listening to an encyclopedia being read aloud. Each entry is a date, followed by what happened on that date. There is very little additional commentary.