Books in Hip-Hop Stars series

Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar is a standout in the hip-hop world. Even as a teenage rapper, he used the joys and tragedies he experienced living in Compton, California, to craft thoughtful lyrics amid evocative rhythms. Young music lovers will appreciate learning about Lamar's rise in the hip-hop game, including his work with Dr. Dre, through accessible text, Lamar's own words, informative sidebars, and an instructive timeline. They'll especially love the colorful photographs of the artist in action.

Shawn Carter, better known by his hip-hop name Jay-Z, rose from the world of poverty and drugs in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to become one of the most successful rappers ever. His net worth is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and his business ventures include clothing, clubs, and sports. With high-interest material delivered in simple language and structure, and enhanced by colorful photographs, direct quotations, and informative sidebars, readers will have access to the life story of this award-winning songwriter and businessman.

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, better known as Chance the Rapper, grew up in West Chatham, a middle-class neighborhood in Chicago's South Side. His parents raised him to believe in himself and encouraged him to work hard. Now he is a popular and successful musician who challenged the music industry by foregoing the traditional record deal and releasing his own mixtapes through the internet for free. Simple text and vivid photographs will pull readers into Chance's rise to fame in the music world and budding acting career. Through sidebars and direct quotations, students will get to know the more personal side of the humble and devoted family man and education activist.

Tupac Shakur spent much of his brief 25 years living in tough inner-city neighborhoods in New York, Maryland, and California. A pensive, artistic youth, Tupac burst onto the hip-hop scene in the 1990s and became one of rap music's most popular and volatile figures thanks to his highly charged lyrics and seemingly endless legal troubles. To his critics, Tupac symbolized the evils of "gangsta rap" and its glorification of violence. His fans, however, saw him as a thought-provoking hip-hop intellectual who unflinchingly articulated the plight of millions of disaffected inner-city youths. Shot to death in 1996 under still-unsolved circumstances, Tupac's career lasted a scant half-decade, but his iconic stature continues to prosper with each passing year. Brimming with evocative full-color photographs, revealing text, and insightful sidebars and other features, "Tupac Shakur" provides a powerful examination of the life, legacy, and impact of the best-selling rapper of all time.

In a youth-dominated industry filled with one-hit wonders and short-lived careers, LL Cool J has shown remarkable longevity. Born James Todd Smith, he bounced back from a turbulent childhood to become one of the most groundbreaking artists in rap music history. From practicing in his grandmother’s basement to selling out venues around the world, LL Cool J has remained relevant for more than two decades. And with eight consecutive platinum albums, roles in more than 20 motion pictures, and the starring role in a primetime sitcom, his artistic diversity has shown no limits or signs of slowing down. With its blend of appealing full-color photographs, engaging text, and informative features such as sidebars, a chronology, discography, glossary and related Web sites, LL Cool J sheds light on this charismatic and versatile performer.

Cardi B is a regular girl from the Bronx who has managed to do extraordinary things. In just a few short years, she paved a way to success and did it her way. Using social media and little more than a camera and an app as a launching pad, she rocketed to the top of the music charts. Eye-catching photographs, revealing quotations, and accessible text pull readers into Cardi B's past struggles, present successes, and future hopes and dreams. Sidebars expand on fascinating details, and a timeline presents important milestones in an easy-to-read format.

Award-winning Nicki Minaj is one of today's best-selling musical artists. Born in the Caribbean, then moving to New York, she thrills fans and music lovers with her catchy hip-hop tunes and high-energy performances. Readers will root for Nicki as they read about her early struggles growing up in a new country in an unhappy home, her first try at rap at age eleven, and her determination to succeed in a genre dominated by men. Nicki's own words and advice sparkle in this high-interest book, enhanced with exciting facts, sidebars, and a timeline. Lively color photographs accent the life story of this modern musical talent.