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Rapthology: Lessons in Lyrics and Life
A revelatory work of non-fiction from one of the most popular and influential musicians of today: part autobiography, part guide to creativity and part cultural history.
What makes a song work? What element causes us to stop, to listen, to listen again? Is it a melody? Is it a beat? Is it the words that are sung, or spoken? Is it what they speak to in us? Is it a combination of all of the above?
Wretch 32 is one of the most influential musicians at work in Britain today. He is also a lyricist of unparalleled ability, and an advocate of music as a tool to educate as well as to entertain. In an age of unprecedented social and political change, Wretch’s music stands as a medium of protest and of progress, helping to explain and shape a new era.
Rapthology is an anthology of the songs that have shaped Wretch, and our society, over the last thirty years, from gospel music to dancehall anthems to the most innovative emerging young voices. Step by step, Wretch explains what each song means to him, why it matters and how it has become so popular, and so powerful.
In Rapthology, Wretch also provides a lesson in lyric writing, taking us through his own creative process, from the first flashes of inspiration to final edits and improvisation. The result is a groundbreaking autobiography, a guidebook to the music that matters, and an insight into the artistic practises of one of the most inspiring artists of a generation.
What makes a song work? What element causes us to stop, to listen, to listen again? Is it a melody? Is it a beat? Is it the words that are sung, or spoken? Is it what they speak to in us? Is it a combination of all of the above?
Wretch 32 is one of the most influential musicians at work in Britain today. He is also a lyricist of unparalleled ability, and an advocate of music as a tool to educate as well as to entertain. In an age of unprecedented social and political change, Wretch’s music stands as a medium of protest and of progress, helping to explain and shape a new era.
Rapthology is an anthology of the songs that have shaped Wretch, and our society, over the last thirty years, from gospel music to dancehall anthems to the most innovative emerging young voices. Step by step, Wretch explains what each song means to him, why it matters and how it has become so popular, and so powerful.
In Rapthology, Wretch also provides a lesson in lyric writing, taking us through his own creative process, from the first flashes of inspiration to final edits and improvisation. The result is a groundbreaking autobiography, a guidebook to the music that matters, and an insight into the artistic practises of one of the most inspiring artists of a generation.
400 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 18, 2025
Admittedly read this to and with a 12 year old child, but it SLAPS. We also have both greatly improved in beatboxing and rapping, and for that I’m thankful. Skeeeeeen.
January 20, 2020
Equal parts poetry analysis, autobiography, and social commentary, a book not just for fans of Wretch 32 or rap/grime. A real insight into the craft of a song writer and the mind of one of the best lyricists in modern music.
January 17, 2021
To me Wretch32 is a poet before he is a rapper, what he does with words is nothing short of magic in my opinion. The way he is able to use a word and make it have multiple meanings as well as, at the same time, ensure that the listener is able to conjure up an images in their mind, is exactly what makes him among the top three rappers in the UK. This book is a perfect mix of linguistic anthropology and autobiography and the situations that led up to some of his hits such as; His and Hers (perspective).
Be prepared to be schooled in the university of Wretch when you read this.
Side note: My favourite Wretch lyric - "How about we make a challenge for our children to be challenged"
Be prepared to be schooled in the university of Wretch when you read this.
Side note: My favourite Wretch lyric - "How about we make a challenge for our children to be challenged"
January 10, 2020
Rapthology was an excellent blend of genres - part anthology, part literary analysis, and part autobiography. Despite the variety of styles the book reads extremely well and keeps you engaged throughout.
For those who are fans of Wretch 32, rap, or songwriting this is the book for you. If you’re not it’s still worth a go because it’s written in an inclusive enough way with all jargon explained in layman’s terms. It holds interesting life lessons as the title suggests but never feels like it is pushing any specific ideology on to you.
All in all, a great first read for 2020
For those who are fans of Wretch 32, rap, or songwriting this is the book for you. If you’re not it’s still worth a go because it’s written in an inclusive enough way with all jargon explained in layman’s terms. It holds interesting life lessons as the title suggests but never feels like it is pushing any specific ideology on to you.
All in all, a great first read for 2020
April 14, 2020
A great insight into the mind of Wretch 32, the book takes us through an analysis of his lyrics with reflective autobiographical moments and makes me looks at his songs through another perspective. Great book, from a genius wordsmith. Been a fan of Wretch’s for years and I’m glad he’s taken his penmanship a step further and created this book. Great read not just for fans of Wretch’s but music fans as well. Really glad I’ve read this!!
April 24, 2020
This book was such a breath of fresh air. I was never bored whilst reading this. It kept me on my feet. If you are a lover or rap (particularly UK rap but all rap is fine), poetry, spoken word, a songwriter or someone who analysis the lyrics of a song deeply; this one is for you! Wretch gave us history, poetry literature, a UK rap music timeline, autobiography and much more. It was wicked and well written!
October 23, 2025
Rapthology: Lessons in Life and Lyrics is part memoir, part guide to songwriting, and part cultural reflection by UK rapper Wretch 32 (Jermaine Scott). Structured around an anthology of the tracks that have defined his career—and British urban music at large—Wretch breaks down the inspiration and meaning behind key songs, from his earliest mixtape days to chart-topping singles. He candidly explores the stories and emotions that shaped each track, inviting readers behind the curtain of his creative process, from flashes of inspiration to final edits. Alongside these song dissections, Wretch weaves in formative life experiences: moments of family, fame, hardship, and growth, all filtered through the lens of an artist who treats music as both personal reflection and social commentary.
The book also incorporates broader lessons, borrowing from the philosophy and analysis found in anthologies and self-help guides. Wretch 32 not only deconstructs his own bars—using tools like metaphors, prolepsis, and intricate rhyme schemes—but also reflects on his evolution as an artist and the way music serves as both protest and progress in changing times. The audiobook is noted for Wretch’s own engaging narration and spoken-word delivery, lending extra emphasis to the lyric breakdowns and personal stories.
Review
Rapthology is a unique blend of lyric breakdown, autobiography, and life lessons, and I enjoyed every part of the creative mix. Wretch 32’s analysis of his music is both thoughtful and accessible, striking a balance between deep dives into his songcraft and open reflections on the moments that shaped him as both a person and an artist. The detailed breakdowns of his most prominent songs were a highlight—especially as he walks the reader through his inspirations, wordplay, and the artistry that sometimes gets overlooked in rap music.
The book is more than just a musician’s memoir: it’s laced with broader ideas about self-discovery, growth, and the universal lessons you pick up chasing your passion. Moments from his personal journey—family challenges, battles with stereotypes, industry struggles—are woven in, making the book feel intimate, not just lyrical theory. The writing is well-paced and clean; having Wretch narrate his own audiobook is a real strength, as the emotion comes through with every passage.
It’s a testament to Wretch 32’s skill as a lyricist and his desire to inspire a new generation, blending influences from classic anthologies and philosophy with his lived experience. In essence, a good book—well-crafted, occasionally profound, and a reminder of how much thought goes into every memorable verse.
The book also incorporates broader lessons, borrowing from the philosophy and analysis found in anthologies and self-help guides. Wretch 32 not only deconstructs his own bars—using tools like metaphors, prolepsis, and intricate rhyme schemes—but also reflects on his evolution as an artist and the way music serves as both protest and progress in changing times. The audiobook is noted for Wretch’s own engaging narration and spoken-word delivery, lending extra emphasis to the lyric breakdowns and personal stories.
Review
Rapthology is a unique blend of lyric breakdown, autobiography, and life lessons, and I enjoyed every part of the creative mix. Wretch 32’s analysis of his music is both thoughtful and accessible, striking a balance between deep dives into his songcraft and open reflections on the moments that shaped him as both a person and an artist. The detailed breakdowns of his most prominent songs were a highlight—especially as he walks the reader through his inspirations, wordplay, and the artistry that sometimes gets overlooked in rap music.
The book is more than just a musician’s memoir: it’s laced with broader ideas about self-discovery, growth, and the universal lessons you pick up chasing your passion. Moments from his personal journey—family challenges, battles with stereotypes, industry struggles—are woven in, making the book feel intimate, not just lyrical theory. The writing is well-paced and clean; having Wretch narrate his own audiobook is a real strength, as the emotion comes through with every passage.
It’s a testament to Wretch 32’s skill as a lyricist and his desire to inspire a new generation, blending influences from classic anthologies and philosophy with his lived experience. In essence, a good book—well-crafted, occasionally profound, and a reminder of how much thought goes into every memorable verse.
December 27, 2022
“I found my treasure in you…”
I found my treasure in “Rapthology”. I remember when I first heard “6 words”, and I thought to myself: “Wretch, is that you yeahhhh?!”, “I can’t sing but I wrote you a song yeah. Wrong notes but the melodies so clear.” I was taken aback by the love song, the ambiguity within the lyrics, the melodies, his vulnerability, it was and is still one of my favourite songs by Wretch 32. “Rapthology” is definitely a treasure you should seek out - indefinitely.
“Now I’m reflecting through my sentences”.
For someone who very rarely puts pen to paper, Wretch 32 has created magic within the pages of “Rapthology”, an exploration of his pen game (exceptional), the music industry, the curation of music,, and of course . What stunned me whilst listening, was how adaptable much of the content was to life. Whilst Wretch discusses & deconstructs music, its form, his lyrics, I could not help but apply these statements to life: “To find music again you’ve got to learn what to block out, as well as what to take in”. To me the “music” is “me”. This statement whilst applicable to music, can be taken and adapted to our day to day lives. This is a book about music, without a shadow of a doubt, but it (IMO) is very much a self help/advice book too. It’s provocative, it’s real, it’s reflective, it’s “the perfect verse over a tight beat” #iykyk.
“I wish you knew the kitchen just like you know women”.
His & Hers (Perspectives), this was one of my favourite chapters of “Rapthology”, Wretch discusses the inspiration behind this song, and highlights how important perspectives are. Not only does Wretch delve into the history of this song's origins, but he also goes on to unpack toxic masculinity, toxic relationships, coercive/controlling behaviour, and domestic violence.
“Kodak, enjoy the moment. You ain’t got a choice, you was chosen”.
I am so glad I chose to opt for the audiobook, hearing Wretch 32’s lyricism, his journey, his lessons, his knowledge was awe inspiring. If you thought that this book was purely a discussion on music, you thought wrong. “Rapthology” is cultural, anthropological and musical relic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found my treasure in “Rapthology”. I remember when I first heard “6 words”, and I thought to myself: “Wretch, is that you yeahhhh?!”, “I can’t sing but I wrote you a song yeah. Wrong notes but the melodies so clear.” I was taken aback by the love song, the ambiguity within the lyrics, the melodies, his vulnerability, it was and is still one of my favourite songs by Wretch 32. “Rapthology” is definitely a treasure you should seek out - indefinitely.
“Now I’m reflecting through my sentences”.
For someone who very rarely puts pen to paper, Wretch 32 has created magic within the pages of “Rapthology”, an exploration of his pen game (exceptional), the music industry, the curation of music,, and of course . What stunned me whilst listening, was how adaptable much of the content was to life. Whilst Wretch discusses & deconstructs music, its form, his lyrics, I could not help but apply these statements to life: “To find music again you’ve got to learn what to block out, as well as what to take in”. To me the “music” is “me”. This statement whilst applicable to music, can be taken and adapted to our day to day lives. This is a book about music, without a shadow of a doubt, but it (IMO) is very much a self help/advice book too. It’s provocative, it’s real, it’s reflective, it’s “the perfect verse over a tight beat” #iykyk.
“I wish you knew the kitchen just like you know women”.
His & Hers (Perspectives), this was one of my favourite chapters of “Rapthology”, Wretch discusses the inspiration behind this song, and highlights how important perspectives are. Not only does Wretch delve into the history of this song's origins, but he also goes on to unpack toxic masculinity, toxic relationships, coercive/controlling behaviour, and domestic violence.
“Kodak, enjoy the moment. You ain’t got a choice, you was chosen”.
I am so glad I chose to opt for the audiobook, hearing Wretch 32’s lyricism, his journey, his lessons, his knowledge was awe inspiring. If you thought that this book was purely a discussion on music, you thought wrong. “Rapthology” is cultural, anthropological and musical relic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 1, 2020
Great book and amazing for anyone invested in the art of music and songwriting, plus hip hop in general! Wonderful look into the UK music scene. Written in a very conversational style
The audiobook is pretty cool because he raps his own lyrics 5/5
The audiobook is pretty cool because he raps his own lyrics 5/5
December 12, 2021
listened to the audiobook read by Wretch himself. Great listening for fans of the creative process of lyricism and for acknowledging rap as a literary, audible and intangible art form.
March 8, 2022
Skillfully written. Wretch is a wordsmith. It’s interesting to get an insight into his thought process behind his songs.
May 29, 2024
The greatest urban poet made a masterpiece ♥️
May 14, 2025
Wretch 32 has laid out the groundwork for how his mind works, allowing aspiring artists to study him and his process. He goes into detail to explain his music and choices in his art.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews