Life and Def
Sex, Drugs, Money, + God
گزارش تخلف
کتاب های مرتبط
- اطلاعات
- نقد و بررسی
- دیدگاه کاربران
نقد و بررسی
August 13, 2001
Legendary entrepreneur Simmons's career bio reads like a history of the hip-hop movement, from his first stint as a DJ and promoter in the mid-1970s, through his cofounding of Def Jam Records and groundbreaking 1980s work with Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, to his wildly successful cable showcase Def Comedy Jam and his fashion label Phat Farm. But surprisingly, the tone of his memoir, written with accomplished author George (The Death of Rhythm and Blues), is rather flat. Simmons shares tales of his youth in Queens, early New York street-hustling days with DJs like Kurtis Blow, and partying in the Caribbean with Naomi Campbell and Robert De Niro, describing his life as full "of decisions and danger with deep moral and emotional consequences." Long on details and short on self-analysis, the stories blur into one long rise to the top. The book has an "as-told-to" quality, as if George transcribed interviews and added accurate sociological analysis in stilted prose ("It is that contrast between street knowledge and traditional values that frightens mainstream people about hip-hop"). Judging from Simmons's taciturnity about past drug use and sexism, he may have wanted simply to recount his success as a black businessman—"all of my business success ties in directly to my internal growth." Still, Simmons's book is required reading for hip-hop fans. 16 pages of b&w photos not seen by PW. (Oct. 9)Forecast:The major media blitz includes tie-in with Phat Farm's 10th anniversary promotions and the $1-million launch of Simmons's new telecommunications company, Rush Communications, as well as promotional support from the BET cable company and Simmons's 360HipHop.com site.
April 1, 2002
Adult/High School-With the help of prolific author George, Simmons discusses his experiences as a manager and producer of hip-hop music, comedy, and fashions. His real name is Hollis Crew, the big brother of former old-school rapper Run of Run-D.M.C. Their father wrote rap lyrics for Run-D.M.C. early in their career. Although this memoir is unlikely to hold teens' interest from cover to cover, it can be a useful source for researching the history and influence of hip-hop culture. It provides information about other rap stars as well. Readers can also gain valuable insights into the business aspects of the entertainment industry from Simmons's explanations of how he developed film projects, Def Comedy Jam, Phat Farm fashions, and the Internet company 360 Hip-Hop. The author gives examples of how major record companies such as Sony exploit small independent companies such as Def Jam. He also details how specific individuals-including rap artists-have betrayed him in business deals. At the end of the memoir, Simmons summarizes his formula for success in five succinct lessons. A telling look at the unglamorous side of the industry.-Joyce Fay Fletcher, Rippon Middle School, Prince William County, VA
Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 15, 2001
Drug use and supermodel encounters fill much of hip hop impresario Simmons's mediocre autobiography basically a retelling of the American Dream. A native of Hollis, Queens, and a one-time gang member, Simmons overcame racial, economic, social, and critical barriers to achieve quantum success: a history-changing rap record label, Def Jam (cofounded with Rick Rubin); a clothing label, Phat Farm; an artist management company, Rush Productions; and a model wife. What keeps the story line from sagging is a pulsing hip hop soundtrack. Readers will get some behind-the-scenes glimpses into the formative and recent years of hip hop, now the most dominant form of youth culture. Simmons relates, for example, hanging out with rapper Notorious B.I.G. hours before he was murdered. Unfortunately, the book, written with the help of George (Hip Hop America), shifts from pop-culture diary to business tome, presenting, in less appealing prose, theories on how to achieve monetary success. Recommended for metropolitan libraries and anywhere with a sizable hip hop fan base. Robert Morast, "Argus Leader Daily," Sioux Falls, SD
Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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