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With a thriving curiosity and passion for hip-hop culture, we’ve seen a surge in quality books from the industries top writers, as well as emcees. From Sweat the Technique authored by Rakim himself, to Jay Z’s forthcoming Made in America penned by Eric Dyson, Anthony Bozza’s Not Afraid: The Evolution of Eminem, Kathy Iandoli’s acclaimed God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in HIp-Hop, as well as Best Damn Hip Hop Writing: The Book of Dart by hailed rap scribe Dart Adams, there’s never been a better time to be a hip-hop bibliophile.
Adding to this notable list, long time music publicist, Ben Merlis is pleased to present Goin’ Off: The Story of the Juice Crew & Cold Chillin’ Records, which officially dropped this past Tuesday, November 5th as part of the RPM Book Series via BMG Books. With a forward by Peanut Butter Wolf, the 300 plus page turner chronicles the rise and fall of Cold Chillin' and its partnership with Warner Bros. Records. It follows the careers of the label's recording artists through first-hand accounts of industry players, producers, emcees, and deejays: Roxanne Shanté was a 14-year-old battle rapper who spawned the diss record; MC Shan engaged in a legendary cross-borough feud with KRS-One; Kool G Rap was a foundational participant in what the media dubbed "gangsta rap"; Big Daddy Kane's quick-witted lyricism changed the way people rhyme; the collegiate Masta Ace sought to uplift his community during the height of the crack epidemic; The Genius (aka GZA) co-founded the rap dynasty Wu- Tang Clan; and the enigmatic Biz Markie had the world singing along to his hit anthem "Just a Friend." Plagued by corporate censorship and a landmark sample-related lawsuit in the 1990s, Cold Chillin' folded, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in controversy and a catalog that influenced multiple generations of rap artists.
