As the Rappers Wrote It - rap singers' memoirs - Bibliography

Black Issues Book Review, Sept, 2001

Angry Blonde by Eminem Regan Books, November 2000, $26.00 ISBN 0-662-0922-6

Fans of Marshall Mathers (aka Eminem) will enjoy this introspective autobiography that focuses not on Eminem, or Slim Shady his alter ego, but instead reveals the stories behind Marshall Bruce ,Mathers' songs, as well as the meanings behind his favorite lyrics.

As Nasty As They Wanna Be: The Uncensored Story of Luther Campbell of the 2 Live Crew by Luther Campbell with John R. Miller Barricade Books, March 1992, $17.95 ISBN 0-942-63743-7

Luther "Luke" Campbell tells all in his uncensored autobiography and portrait of his life with the 2 Live Crew.

Tha Doggfather: The Times, Trials, and Hardcore Truths of Snoop Dogg by Snoop Dogg with Davin Seay William Morrow & Co., November 1999 $23.00, ISBN 0-688-17158-3

Multi-platinum-selling rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg speaks candidly of his rise to stardom from the ghetto in Long Beach, California.

I Make My Own Rules by LL Cool J with Karen Hunter St. Martin's Press, September 1997 $22.95, ISBN 0-312-17110-2

LL Cool J shares his blessings, hardships and life lessons in this detailed autobiography that takes readers from the rapper's earliest childhood memories up to the years of coping with stardom.

It's Like That: A Spiritual Memoir by Joseph Simmons with Curtis L. Taylor St. Martin's Press, August 2000, $18.95 ISBN 0-312-20467-1

As half of the dynamic rap group Run-DMC, Joseph "Run" Simmons tells of his journey from rap superstar to ordained minister. This book paves the road from stardom to righteousness. (Question: Can we now expect a book from DJ Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell?)

Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman by Queen Latifah with Karen Hunter William Morrow & Co., January 1999 $22.00, ISBN 0-688-15623-1

Grammy Award-winning recording artist, successful film and television actress and talk-show host and executive producer, Queen Latifah continues her message of empowerment as she emphasizes self-esteem and the ability for all of us to be queens and kings.

Fight the Power: Rap, Race, and Reality by Chuck D with Yusef Jah Delta, October 1998, $12.95 ISBN 0-385-31873-1

Chuck D, the creative force behind Public Enemy, discusses role models in the African American community, Hollywood's depiction of blacks, the effects of the "gangsta rap image" on youth and a host of other social and political issues.