Gangsta Rap

Black Issues Book Review, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Desiree Harrison

Gangsta Rap by Benjamin Zephaniah Bloomsbury Children's Books, August 2004 $7.95, ISBN 1-582-34886- 3

Ray, a 15-year-old male from London's East End, lives at home with his younger sister, Kori, and West Indian parents. With a natural talent with words and rebellious spirit, Ray and his father, especially, tend to disagree regularly. After many suspensions from school, Ray is permanently expelled; he has a fight with his parents and leaves home.

Ray finds refuge in his best friends Tyrone and Prem. Like Ray, Tyrone and Prem also have problems at home and school. The boys seek guidance from Marga Man, an older Jamaican owner of a well-known record store and the boys' daily hangout. Marga Man becomes a father figure to the young men and encourages them to stay off the streets and develop their talent and love for hip-hop music.

The boys gain focus and become serious about the rap group they've formed, The Negative Positives. Their passion to create music helps them to succeed in the music industry, but are Ray; Prem and Tyrone ready for the uncertain and sometimes violent British rap game?

Gangsta Rap, a first novel from Zephaniah, is a great tale of individuality and passion. The author takes readers through the lives of three young males of color in London. Through the experiences of these best friends, the importance of education, individuality, and believing in one's self are explored.

Desired Harrison is a senior at Baltimore City College High School, in Maryland.