| Title | : | Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0374283400 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 978-0374283407 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Inbunden, Pocketbok, Förladdad digital ljudspelare |
| Number of Pages | : | 336 pages |
| Publication | : | MCD |
From one of the most lyrically gifted, socially conscious rappers of the past twenty years, Vibrate Higher is a firsthand account of hip hop as a political force
Before Talib Kweli became a world renowned hip hop artist, he was a Brooklyn kid who liked to cut class, spit rhymes, and wander the streets of Greenwich Village with a motley crew of artists, rappers, and DJs who found hip hop inspiring than their textbooks (much to the chagrin of the educator parents who had given their son an Afrocentric name in hope of securing for him a traditional sense of pride and purpose). Kweli’s was the first generation to grow up with hip hop as established culture―a genre of music that has expanded to include its own pantheon of heroes, rich history and politics, and distinct worldview.
Eventually, childhood friendships turned into collaborations, and Kweli gained notoriety as a rapper in his own right. From collaborating with some of hip hop’s greatest―including Mos Def, Common, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Kendrick Lamar―to selling books out of the oldest African American bookstore in Brooklyn, ultimately leaving his record label, and taking control of his own recording career, Kweli tells the winding, always compelling story of the people and events that shaped his own life as well as the culture of hip hop that informs American culture at large.
Vibrate Higher illuminates Talib Kweli’s upbringing and artistic success, but so too does it give life to hip hop as a political force―one that galvanized the Movement for Black Lives and serves a continual channel for resistance against the rising tide of white nationalism.
Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story Reviews
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As a longstanding Talib Kweli fan I was expecting a "heavy" read now that TK is so vocal in the culture. Not to diminish the important work he's doing on his excellent podcast, I was happily surprised that Vibrate Higher is what you would expect in a well written musical autobiography. Talib is a major connector in the hip hop world, this book draws on those stories and perspectives really well, and his writing style is accessible and very readable. I usually read bios slower than fiction but found this to be a real page turner. A must read for any '90 '00 culture fans, with a lot of new back stories that really keep you engaged. Bravo!
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I am crazy about this Rapper's work. There is no one who can do it exactly like Talib, the flow, the thought and the often great wisdom & musicality of his product. I just had to take a look at this.Inside the covers I was first taken aback by frequent life similarities which I had shared with the author even in childhood. And shabam! His parents were educators which explains why his Rap is a bit different.The writing is fairly straight up & honest. This may underwhelm a few. We're not talking bravado, 'I'm the greatest' type of dialogue here. The poetry that is so evident in Talib's music is not being utilized to tell this story. It is not what you would call that 'tale' of a superhero. If it is our hero falls down in so many ways as we have all fallen, again and again. Sometimes in fact you may find the story to date a bit bland. Faleable & flawed this is a fight for a career by an artist who may still have a long way to go to understanding himself.It is something to ponder, especially if you may have considered taking a similar artistic route. For others, a curiosity to see the stripping down of genius to the role of everyman's aquaintance on the street.
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This is a memoir, a call to action and deep knowledge on the power of revolutionary black voices and the threat that the government sees and treats them as. The tagline on the cover “A rap story” is a supremely modest description of what is a thorough history lesson in all things hip hop. Talib has met, collaborated with and supported so many artists throughout his incredible career, he has become written into the DNA of the genre itself. Despite his critical acclaim and monumental achievements, this reads as a truly humble account of one mans life, in all his glory and pain, trying to become the best MC while selflessly staying true to his convictions and desire to manifest positive social change with his voice and actions. This was a true page turner, and a must read for anyone with an interest in hip hop, or a desire to make America a just place to live. I finished this, and it left me wanting . I eagerly await what is to come for Talib Kweli and his extraordinary life.
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This was a great read by one of the most talented Mc’s in the rap game. Talib’s writing style is like a modern day griot telling a story of a Blackman discovery himself through the Hip Hop. It’s insightful storytelling that weaves NYC hip hop culture to black social justice activism is a great reminder that Hip Hop culture is a diverse platform for musical, social, cultural, and political voice. I will be buying this book for my sons, nephews, and nieces to vibrate higher.
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insightful & illuminating ~ powerful & thought provoking ~ not unlike his thoughtful music and lyricism this book is another beautiful and timely gift from one of the greatest to ever do it ~ weather you’re a fan of TK or just of hip hop in general you will be better off for having read this book.
