Books in Giants of Rap and Hip-Hop series

"It is Scott's artistry that has elevated the rapper's rising star. He was listed on the 2018 Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, an annual ranking by Forbes of the world's highest paid hip-hop musicians. His endeavors have contributed to Scott's wealth and his place in hip-hop history - which is a long way from where he started, when he was practically homeless after dropping out of college to follow his music dreams"--

"Lamar grew up in Compton where he was an eyewitness to the desperate poverty, gang murders, and police brutality. By the time gangsta rap celebrated its thirtieth birthday in 2018, Lamar was one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation. While he was never a gang member Lamar has become the modern face of gangsta rap. Lamar will surely be able to express himself creatively and feel good about his art into the foreseeable future. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music"--

"From her first mixtape in 2007 to her 2018 chart-topping album Queen, Minaj has blazed her own trail through hip-hop culture. Minaj's larger-than-life personality allows her to break barriers in an industry where sexuality is rewarded and talent is often overlooked. And there is no argument that Minaj has spearheaded a movement that appeals to a vast audience"--

"Drake is more than record-setting performer. He is also the composer and lyricist of his songs. While this is not unusual in rap world, it does set him apart from many of the best-selling singers of all time. However, the music business is a fast-changing world, and few stars have remained at the top for very long. Drake's talents as a songwriter and an actor in addition to being a performer will certainly help his longevity. It may be that his era has just begun"--

"J. Cole raps about the struggles of growing up as the mixed-race son of a white single mom and an African-American US Army soldier. He talks about the challenges of leaving Fayetteville for college in New York and eventually a career in music. His songs explore concerns in the African American community including, mass incarceration, racial discrimination, gang violence, drug addiction, and depression. He raps about personal issues as well. Everything about his career so far suggests that J. Cole is more than capable of meeting and even exceeding those expectations"--

"Cardi B's hot rap lyrics, or bars in hip-hop slang, are sometimes vulgar and controversial. But her astounding success in a male-dominated genre that is often tainted with misogyny proves she has few equals of either gender. Cardi B has become a rap icon while busting down doors for other women who hope the hip-hop spotlight will shine on them one day"--