The Rap Records 2004 Edition

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT SOURCE FOR THE COLLECTOR
Review: A MUST FOR ANY RAP/HIP HOP OLD SCHOOL FAN/COLLECTOR. GREAT INSIGHT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: No die-hard hip-hop enthusiast can ignore this masterpiece.
Review: Freddie Fresh's photo appears on the inner sleeve of Boogie Down Productions' first album, so he's no new jack. This latest revision of his invaluable book defies all expectations. The attention to detail and the uncovering of lost classics on impossibly obscure labels, some of which existed to release a single 12", is a labor of love. It is impossible to withold admiration for someone who actually cares profoundly about the *history* of hip-hop. Not only did this book require the patience of a saint to assemble (witness the hundreds of inner label scans/photos), but it also brings to light how easily the complex histories of African-American musical culture might be lost altogether. Freddie is one person who will simply not allow that to happen. A book of staggering proportions *and* one that will be of interest even to those who aren't hip-hop heads given its exploration of the minutiae of an art form that has altered American life from the late 20th century onwards.

Rating:
Summary: This book is one of a kind...
Review: I love this book... I always knew there were alot of independent hip-hop records in the 80's but when I read this book and saw all the detailed and numerous listings it was like someone had punch me in the face...wow! I never expected it to be this much... Freddy Fresh deserves much respect for preserving this invaluable info and keeping old school hip-hop alive!...