All About the Beat Hardback - 2008

by McWhorter, John

The bestselling commentator, hailed for his frank and fearlessarguments on race, imparts a scathing look at the hypocrisy ofhip-hop and why its popularity proves that black America mustoverhaul its politics.

One of the most outspoken voices in America's culturaldialogues, John McWhorter can always be counted on toprovide provocative viewpoints steeped in scholarly savvy.Now he turns his formidable intellect to the topic of hip-hopmusic and culture, smashing the claims that hip-hop is politicallyvaluable because it delivers the only 'real' portrayalof black society.

In this measured, impassioned work, McWhorter delves intothe rhythms of hip-hop, analyzing its content and celebratingits artistry and craftsmanship. But at the same time hepoints out that hip-hop is, at its core, simply music, andtakes issue with those who celebrate hip-hop as the beginningof a new civil rights program and inflate the lyrics witha kind of radical chic. In a power vacuum, this often offensiveand destructive music has become a leading voice ofblack America, and McWhorter stridently calls for a renewedsense of purpose and pride in black communities.

Joining the ranks of Russell Simmons and others who havecalled for a deeper investigation of hip-hop's role in blackculture, McWhorter's All About the Beat is a spectacularpolemic that takes the debate in a seismically new direction.