Bomb the Suburbs

Rating:
Summary: try it, you'll like it
Review: If you know nothing about hip hop, if you're white, if you don't live in the big city (like me), this is a good book to read to find out more about the other side from a point of view that is neither condescending and fearful nor filled with undue awe. It deals with the past, present, and hopeful future of hip hop culture, and also gives some really surprising insights into how blacks in the big city perceive whites. The author is courageous, honest in his own views, and extremely objective during his interviews with others. It's an amazing amount of wisdom packed into a small space, definitely something to pass on.

Rating:
Summary: Catching up with this late.
Review: Listen, I'm not particularly interested in writing a soliloquy here so I'm simply going to tell you what I think. Many of my close friends read this book when it came out in 1994. I blew it off wholesale, because I didn't think I needed someone else to tell me about hip hop culture. As it turns out, I was wrong again. What this book does best is shine a light on the contradictory forces regarding race relations in the US. Upski's greatest asset, in this context, is his honesty. He expresses dismay at the current state of hip hop culture (music, graf, dance, etc.) yet he knows that his legitimacy (as a white participant) is in question. It's really quite fascinating. Upski very clearly cares about the subject matter; his feelings virtually bleed onto the paper. But what kind of power does someone his position have in this case? The answer, of course, is: both more and less than you'd think. This book questions legitimacy, the suburban view of the "ghetto", the "real" ghetto, graffiti's place within the hip hop canon, and, of course, the white presence in hip hop culture. Anyone intersted in this topic should read this book. No one is asking you to agree with the views expressed inside. We are, however, asking for you to participate.

Rating:
Summary: Catching up with this late.
Review: Listen, I'm not particularly interested in writing a soliloquy here so I'm simply going to tell you what I think. Many of my close friends read this book when it came out in 1994. I blew it off wholesale, because I didn't think I needed someone else to tell me about hip hop culture. As it turns out, I was wrong again. What this book does best is shine a light on the contradictory forces regarding race relations in the US. Upski's greatest asset, in this context, is his honesty. He expresses dismay at the current state of hip hop culture (music, graf, dance, etc.) yet he knows that his legitimacy (as a white participant) is in question. It's really quite fascinating. Upski very clearly cares about the subject matter; his feelings virtually bleed onto the paper. But what kind of power does someone his position have in this case? The answer, of course, is: both more and less than you'd think. This book questions legitimacy, the suburban view of the "ghetto", the "real" ghetto, graffiti's place within the hip hop canon, and, of course, the white presence in hip hop culture. Anyone intersted in this topic should read this book. No one is asking you to agree with the views expressed inside. We are, however, asking for you to participate.

Rating:
Summary: A true book about the hiphop culture by one who's lived it
Review: One of the best books I've ever read. Not just a book for rappers, writers, and breakers, but rather a book that anyone interested in how they really think should read. Discusses things not normally found in mainstream books such as grafitti "Bombing" runs and freight hopping cross country. Also inspires your curiosity into hiphop by showing rap in its true form: inner city youth expression. Includes various drawings, photo's and blackbook sketches. I'd give my highest possible recomendation for this book. Form the black youth to the conservative Connecticut banker, a must read for the culture of youths, the 90's and AMerica in General 11 out of 10.

Rating:
Summary: Essential book
Review: read it, loved it, read it again. Must read for any one who identifies with urban culture of any kind or is just curious. Inspired my passion for documentary film making, and improved my brain.

Rating:
Summary: Makes me wanna read No More Prisons
Review: Tell you what, this cat Upski knows his stuff. He's been around for a bit and around the corner a few times and comes to tell you what's right and what's wrong with hip hop. There's some good points made, some of the interviews give you a first hand insight into the culture. If you ain't bout it and wanna learn what it's REALLY about, not just guns blazin and hoe slappin crap you hera on the radio then I suggest you read this book. So cop it, read it, and expand your puny mind. It'll open your eyes to a lot of the hypocricy in the world, although there are some weak points, but what good book dosent' have atleast a couple? Overall it's worth your money and time.

Rating:
Summary: get it... don't think... just get it.
Review: the book is awesome. really interesting and full of a lot of good writing. definitely buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Donate a copy!
Review: The previously posted reviews cover the book pretty well, so I'll keep this short. It's totally inspirational - my mind kept flooding with ideas with each section. I want to give a copy to every kid I know. It should be in every public library, but it won't be anytime soon. Of course, most libraries will add a book to their collection if you request it - or better yet, buy an extra copy and donate it to a library or organization.

Rating:
Summary: Print it again, Sam!
Review: This book is an excellent source for those who are interested in graffiti and or Hip Hop culture. It is good for those with short attention spans and those with open minds.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone should read this book!
Review: This book is exciting and educational all at once. I can't stop reading upski. He shows the reader what hip-hop, grafitti and the industry is like from an inside viewpoint. i want to get inside. Race is a factor in this book as it is in reality. read it.