Overview

For a glorious ten-year period from 1995 to 2005, hip-hop music received a much-needed shot in the arm from a generation of determined and wildly creative rappers and producers. They rallied against the increasingly formulaic and shallow world of mainstream rap, as well as a music industry unwilling to listen. By releasing music on their own terms as independent artists-many adopting the mantra of being 'independent as fuck' as a mission statement-these hungry creatives reclaimed their artistic freedom and wore it as a badge of honour. Most importantly, they also made a lot of excellent hip-hop. What emerged was a vibrant underground music scene that stretched from New York to Los Angeles, with influence reaching across the world. Independent as F**: Underground Hip-hop from 1995-2005 looks back at this golden era, celebrating the most important artists, record labels, 12' records, and albums, along with the stories behind them, while also shining a light on those who have since been forgotten. Lovingly researched and curated, this book is the ultimate guide to a special time in music history, one that continues to inspire each new wave of hip-hop artists decades later.

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9781913231873

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Reviews

""Ben is an archivist of the highest regard. His Grown Up Rap blog pushes the myth and mythology aside for real powerful hip hop facts."" -Chuck D

Author Information

Ben Pedroche fell in love with hip-hop in 1993 and has been listening non-stop ever since. He has written about and documented the genre for decades, including as a regular contributor to the groundbreaking rap magazine, Hip-Hop Connection, and various other titles. He has also written extensively for online gaming magazines, and more recently, Ben has contributed to websites such as Albumism, and since 2014 has been the Editor of his own hip-hop culture platform, Grown Up Rap.

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