Chance the Rapper: Independent Innovator

April 1, 2018

Gr 7 Up-Up-to-date, detailed accounts of hip-hop music's most famous artists offer insight into their lives and music before and after they rose to superstardom. The books are lengthy and sometimes provide so many career details that none of their subjects' accomplishments stand out as significant. However, true fans will savor the minutiae along with the time lines, sidebars, and photos. The text also manages to provide facts without moralizing. (The only mention of parental objection comes from Kanye West's parents, who were "not always thrilled with rap and hip hop music" because some lyrics "were insulting to women and African Americans.") The authors dedicate much of their attention to the charitable contributions made by these industry titans. VERDICT Informative and balanced coverage of popular figures for middle and high school students.

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