Rap music has been described as "Black America's CNN". "Yo! MTV Raps!" is one of the most popular programs on the all-music network. Yet for most listeners, tappers are mysterious figures, shrouded behind outrageous costumes, incendiary lyrics and colorful pseudonyms. Rap Whoz Who identifies the major stars of this musical genre, tracing the influences of the pioneering rappers, deejays, promoters, and composers through today's best-known artists -- both black and white. It shows how rap bridges many styles, and includes a variety of social and political messages.
-- A complete A to Z work on rap and hip hop stars from the late '70s to today
-- Includes sidebars on related issues, including rap and politics, and building a rap music library
-- Includes a complete glossary of rap terms