Hip-Hop icon LL COOL J is gearing up to release a new book, The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness.
Co-authored with Vikki Tobak (author, journalist, and curator of music photography) and Alec Banks (Rock The Bells editorial director), the book celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and pays tribute to the influential culture, distinctive sound, and preeminent voices that have defined the iconic genre.
Commemorating the birth, rise, and progression of Hip-Hop’s culture and its impact on American music over the past 50 years, the journey of the genre is presented through rarely seen photographs of Hip-Hop from its inception, from block party performances to street shots, parties, sessions at recording studios, and more. The vibrant imagery is accompanied by first-person stories told by icons including DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, KRS-One, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and more.
The book features images by celebrated Hip-Hop photographers including Joe Conzo Jr., Ernie “Brother Ernie” Paniccioli, Jonathan Mannion, Janette Beckman, Estevan Oriol, Jamel Shabazz, Mike Miller, Clay Patrick McBride, and others who documented the growth of Hip-Hop from its early days.
The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness, will be published by Rizzoli and will hit shelves on Oct. 3. Pre-order it here.