The bumpin' book for hip-hop disciples (a.k.a. fiends), songwriters, all other writers, pop culture fans, linguists, and parents who are just trying to figure out what their kids are saying. The inventive sounds of hip-hop (which became America's number two music genre in 2001, outselling country) have echoed far from their Bronx beginnings of twenty years ago. Making its way from Compton sidewalks to suburban malls, garnering commentary from The Wall Street Journal alongside Vibe , hip-hop by definition delivers its messages in the most creative language possible. Celebrating hip-hop's boon to the realm of self-expression, Hip Hoptionary (tm) translates dozens of phrases like "marinating in the rizzi with your road dawg" (relaxing in your car with your friend), including- . Big bodies- SUVs or luxury vehicles . Government handle- registered birth name . 411- the latest scoop or information . Bling-bling- diamonds, big money, flash and cash . Brick City- Newark, New Jersey . 1812- war, fight (as in War of 1812) In addition to the lexicon of idioms and beeper codes, Hip Hoptionary(tm) also features lists of hip-hop fashion labels, books, mixed drinks, and brief bios of America's famous rappers, making this the ultimate guide for a Double H (hip-hop) nation.
While this Street Language text does have some off quotes and definitions, its core is dedicated to the Hiphop Spirit and has some real knowledge in it. Recommended by the Temple of Hiphop- Peace-
Great Translation!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I highly recommend this book to scholars, parents, and students. From the very beginning of the intro, Westbrook draws you into "the flowering of Negro expression". Turning our attention to our ancestors, which used slave songs to communicate messages, explaining rap is continuing to do the same. It's play on words are in your face, raw and real. As a result, has brought different cultures together to blend and mix. This book brings it all together.
I thoroughly and immensely enjoyed it!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I have a 14 year old white daughter who is into hip hop, and quite frankly I can't relate to her. (Ok, maybe when i grew up in e 70's with Wayne Newton and the Carpenters, being "phat" was being a bit on the pudgy side!) At any rate, I can't understand anything that my angel says, so I figured...."What the heck", I'll purchase this lexicon and ultimately get back into the good graces of my first born. Well, did I ever!!!!! We're starting our own hip hop band called "Allison and the fat, bald father", and let me tell you, I won't be the only "phat" part of this equation. We're already counting the dead presidents!!!! Thanks Alonzo for bringing my little girl back to me.
Hollar if you hurrrr me
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This book is sooooooo ganxxtah, i used to be illiterate to the "hip hoption" lingo, but since i bought this book, i have join the conversations of my fellow brothas. Hip Hoptionary has changed my life for the better. Good Job, Alonzo, and I thank you
An amazing book for the Hip Hop culture
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This book is excellent and I enjoyed reading it from front to back. A book for all cultures and races. I look forward to more books by this author.
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