Understand Rap: Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics You and Your Grandma Can Understand

by William Buckholz

Rap songs are famous for their double entendres, clever turns of phrase, and general ingenuity, but that doesn’t mean things always make sense the first time around. Enter Understand Rap, a very funny pop-cultural reference book based on the website of the same name, which precisely explains the confusing lyrics and terms used in rap songs using language that even the most un-hip person can understand. The juxtaposition of a dry, academic tone with hip-hop terminology results in a book that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

Genres: Music, Humor, Nonfiction, Hip Hop, Poetry

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[GrahamCEO · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok. Honestly most of the lyrics selected weren’t in need of any deciphering, and even some of the deciphering I think was a bit too much and at times even incorrect. Interesting idea, not so great execution.

[Steven Pilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good toilet book.

It is funny and as you pick it up read 5 pages put it down the one joke which is all it has doesnt wear too thin.

[Shevon Quijano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read at small get togethers! Great ice breaker.

[Neil Pasricha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says on the tin. A small book with sharp design that uses a stilted emotionless translation for rap lyrics. “I got rubber band banks in my pocket” from “Whatever You Like” by TI. What? “I carry such large amounts of cash that a wallet would quickly wear out as it would be stretched beyond capacity … the money clip is pushed beyond its mechanical limits as well. Therefore, a large rubber band will be employed, as it can expand with increased capacity.” Ha! Want another? “I was strapped with gats when you were cuddlin’ a cabbage patch.” from "Forgot About Dre" by Dr. Dre. “When you were still a child and had no concerns other than playing with dolls in the comfort and safety of your home, I was carrying guns to defend myself in my dangerous urban neighborhood.”

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

When you spot it in the store and check out a random page, it seems quite witty. After buying it you'll soon realize that it'll only be entertaining as bathroom literature. After relegation to the bathroom, that initial joy from reading 2 randomly flipped pages in the store, is nowhere to be found when actually reading. It ranges from barely interesting at best to just random phrases/page you just mentally phase through.

"Toilet literature" should be, at the very least, consistently mildly interesting. Sadly this one doesn't hit that mark.

[Michele Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a pretty entertaining read. what's also nice is that it not only provides a usually funny explanation of the lyrics, but you actually get to know what the lyrics even are in the first place. Sometimes the rappers flow so quick you can't quite catch what they are saying. I felt I had a pretty good grasp on rap songs but I feel a bit more knowledgeable now.

[Alecia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. Forced writing. The rap lyrics themselves were more entertaining.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

very funny and I also learned a lot. best read aloud with a partner.

[Wilbur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat amusing. It tends to drag and the explanations are can seem trite. This is more a comic bit than a book. It would be an entertaining article using only the best material.

[Alberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not funny, when you explain the joke.
Big Momma Thang by Lil’ Kim doesn’t need an explanation. WAP doesn’t need and explanation.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick but fun examinations of various rap lyrics that might need explaining if you’re not familiar with the terminology or references rappers use.

[Chaelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 --the straightforward dry translations make it funny, but the assumption that people would need said translations is not...maybe if you don't love rap already, as I.

[JP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book solely to expose yourself to something new. This quick collection of chapters explains the meaning of various phrases found in popular rap songs. It goes without saying that some of the content is adult. The explanations are written very formally, which is funny at first but then quickly gets old. I definitely learned some things I didn't know, though it's worth realizing that one reason for the continually evolving slang is to exclude most people from the meaning. This work is an interesting choice for an author who credits a strong Christian belief in their bio.

[Ben Dams · Rating 3 out of 5]

As humorous as it is enlightening - author categorically presents lyrical rap jargon then provides overly-verbose, tongue-in-cheek translations. Admittedly, before reading this book I was Ebonically challenged. Now, I am supremely equipped to call all the shots, rip all the spots, rock all the rocks, and cop all the drops, play by play and day by day, know-whut-I'm-sayin'? If not, read this book.

[Peregrinus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to think. On the one hand, sometimes Buckholz does point something out that's legitimately insightful. On the other, despite him telling us that he's not looking to be condescending, I can't help but occasionally find that he is regardless of his intentions. Overall, a fun bedtime read.

[Maciej · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's... ok. A bit predictable and repetitive, and missing a few famous verses one would expect in a book like this. Having said that there were a few quotes that I've finally understood after reading the explanation.

[Anton Iokov · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea for the book is dope but the way's done is not. Urban Dictionary gives a better explanation in most cases. However, the book is great for improving English because of periphrases and rich vocabulary.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of funny and a big dose of scary....

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these are pretty funny.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually pretty funny. I loved the author's explanations to the lyrics (which are not necessarily what the artist meant but hilarious)

[Stephanie Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious coffee table book I won at a Christmas gift exchange.. Very informative.

[Vonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was rather funny... oh, the things you can learn from seemingly useless lyrics...

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gets old after a bit.

[gabriel s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fun book explaining rap lyrics its easy for me but its a funny book

[Micah Cowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little comedic diversion.

[Lizette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous, but the author tries far too hard to be funny so I was annoyed halfway through the book. It is still a light read and would make a great novelty gift.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny for awhile, then begins trying too hard. Great idea though!

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny, only because I despise rap, but entertaining nonetheless.

[Lacey Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great coffee table or toilet book. No something I loved reading cover to cover but definitely entertaining!!!

[Trevor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda funny. Worth flipping through. I'm old so I didn't know a lot of the songs referenced.