Posted at 17:28h
in
Lit,
Music
In May 2010 we asked superproducer
Just Blaze "What Happened To The Remix?" - who would have thought that that answer would make it's way into the pages of the colossal 420-page coffee table book
Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey Book?
Bound in black leather and described as "the definitive literary and photographic celebration of the groundbreaking culture," the luxury book features unseen photos by Hip Hop photographer Jonathan Mannion, interviews, essays and profiles on a range of Hip Hop pioneers, legends and players key in the growth and global impact of Hip Hop of Hip-Hop, including
Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, Will.I.Am, Diddy, 50 Cent and
Will Smith.
Afrika Bambaataa penned the book's intro with a further 150 or so artists contributing commentary, including
Cee Lo, Chuck D, Faith Evans, Ice-T, Kool Keith, Method Man, Nelly, ?uestlove and
Spinderella.
Watch our interview with Just Blaze below, along with more details on
Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey and how to get your hand on it.
Even though the international popularity of Hip Hop has seen many heavyweight acts perform in Africa, what captivates the Motherland even more is an artist whose music is enriched by the traditional sounds from the continent. Whilst Talib Kweli and Nas have made several references to Africa, none have been more fully immersed in the culture than Ghanaian-American rapper Blitz The Ambassador. Lauded for his delicious blend of African Jazz, Hip Hop and poetry, Blitz is a favourite of many critics and with his new album, Native Sun ready for release, the Ambassador hopes his unique offerings can break into the paint-by-numbers realms of mainstream success.
An interesting documentary I just stumbled across: Originally aired on the BBC in 2004,