Rap Music

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-While not compelling reading, this book is certainly up-to-date, and presents an unbiased, well-reasoned discussion of the subject. Rather than providing an overview of the history of rap, Keeley focuses on the social issues raised by the music. Unfortunately, the text itself is dry, and may not hold interest for readers beyond its value as a research tool. The topics include sexism, violence, and censorship. Readers are given a fairly good sense of the legal issues that have been raised since rap emerged as a phenomenon. Similarly, the chapter on censorship discusses the most widely reported incidents, including the criticism of Sister Souljah by President Bill Clinton and the more recent flap over homophobia in the songs of rapper Eminem. There are copious notes and an equally copious list of books and other sources consulted, as well as contact information on organizations mentioned in the text. The stock, black-and-white photos provide minimal visual interest. Readers who want a more compelling introduction to rap that also addresses the issues raised in this book would do well to seek out James Haskins's One Nation under a Groove: Rap Music and Its Roots (Hyperion, 2000).-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.