From the irresistible party jams of old-school rap to the gritty sound of hardcore, hip-hop has electrified the music world and influenced global culture like nothing else. The All Music Guide to Hip-Hop features over 3,100 reviews and ratings, highlighting the essential albums and songs from nearly 1,200 artists, including legends of rap and hip-hop like Grandmaster Flash and 2Pac as well as contemporary hit-makers like Jay-Z and Eminem. This complete, concise and authoritative guide includes: music maps charting the evolution of hip-hop, including its styles and biggest performers * biographies of the most influential hip-hop artists and exciting new performers * reviews and ratings for the best recordings of each performer, plus the essential collections by various artists * and critics' choices for the best place to start exploring each artist.7-1/4 inch. x 9 inch., 646 pages.