It took decades for the mainstream to recognize rap as a viable part of the cultural and musical landscape. So when we heard about Shea Serrano's Rap Year Book (Abrams), out October 13, we knew it was going to be big. Like, Biggie big. With infographics, lyric maps, and short essays by major music writers, it's the reading equivalent of a Ken Burns documentary, except with more cuss words. Here, we reprint Serrano's exacting chart of the most iconic gangsta rappers to ever pick up a mic.
The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed, By Shea Serrano © Abrams Image, 2015