I consider these two books, The Death of Rhythm & Blues (1988), and Hip Hop America (1998), companion pieces. ‘Daeth’ is narrative history that leads to the creation of R&B, soul and funk and how corporate control of black music changed the business around that music. There’s a hint of hip hop at the end of that text. Ten years later hip hop has replaced R&B has the most commercial aspect of black popular music and the second book is an acknowledgement of that shift. But the text of ‘America’ is more episodic and impressionistic, less a detailed narrative than a series of closely connected essays. Together the two books take the reader on a journey through the 20th century and how these musical expressions impacted (and were impacted by) racism, politics, geography, religion, sex and violence, producing different aesthetics and audiences. I wrote ‘Death’ while at Billboard magazine, knee deep in covering the record biz for its major trade publication. I wrote ‘America’ in the wake of Biggie and Tupac’s deaths. I’m proud of both and happy that they’re taught at many universities. If you haven’t read them this month is a good time to start.
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