Introducing: Hip Hop Can Save America! The Book.
"I indeed endorse this crucial project." -- Cornel West
MORE INFO HERE | PURCHASE DIRECTLY HERE
When I say “finally…” 🥴
I purposefully didn’t write this announcement until it was real. It was supposed to be real about a month ago. But things happen in the publishing world, and so here we are, after a long, stressful, anxiety-filled month of me waiting, and hoping it was really real. But it is. And it’s here.
I’ll share just how monumental this moment is for me — both professionally and personally — another time. Right now, like the book itself, this moment is really about others. It’s about the people featured in its pages, and by extension, the many other guests who’ve appeared on the podcast and livestream over the years (and those who haven’t yet but absolutely should).
It’s about the work we all do to make the world a better place through Hip Hop music and culture.
Having spent years interviewing, conversing with, being in community with, presenting to, collaborating with, and admiring these brilliant innovators and thought leaders, I wanted to put together a compendium which both highlights their individual expertise, as well as a bit of my own — my over-arching analysis about how their collective work connects to my general thesis that Hip Hop can (help) save America — from its own worst characteristics, inequities, injustices, societal ills, and perhaps even worse, it’s demise.
Here’s a quick description, if you haven’t seen it yet:
This book examines how Hip Hop, far beyond its musical aspects, represents a powerful force for social, economic, and cultural transformation in America. Through detailed analysis and real-world examples, it demonstrates how Hip Hop’s innovative spirit and collaborative mindset are already improving fields like education, healthcare, technology, and community building.
Improving or “saving” any flawed aspect of society through Hip Hop is, as I always say, a lofty goal. But I think this book shows us that I am not alone in this thinking, and I hope it demonstrates just how impactful it could be if everyone — in any field or discipline — were to tap in and apply some of the lessons shared in this book to their work, to their organization, to their community…
Because… Well… What if I’m right? What if, within the largely unexplored recesses of Hip Hop juxtapositionality exist uniquely powerful tools and methods, that when applied with intention, purpose, authenticity, and compassion, could not only help level unequal playing fields, but build whole new fields — create whole new games!
While I was the one to create a brand and media ecosystem around exploring and documenting these possibilities, it’s the folks featured in the book who then took me on a path toward validating those ideas, and have since thoroughly convinced me that we may indeed be on to something — something needed now more than ever.
And get this. The brilliant and esteemed Dr. Cornel West agrees (!), giving this book his blessing:
“I indeed endorse this crucial project! There is no doubt these visionary voices are badly needed in our grim times!"
[OMG. Can I just take a second to admit how freaking wild that is? OMG. Ok. Thanks.]
But of course, I agree. And so it is with great pride and pleasure I bring to you these visionary voices — and a bit of my own — in this, my debut book.
You’ll note that it’s been published through an academic press, so it is technically listed as a textbook — for which it is most certainly suitable — but it’s also very much in the vein of my other writing and media work, accessible and approachable. To me, it’s as much a “general interest” book as anything, so please, don’t feel like it’s only for the academics among us.
In fact, my literal goal is to provide inspiration for anyone with an open mind interested in learning new ways to tackle old problems. You honestly don’t even have to be a “Hip Hop head.” In fact, part of my pitch was that this is a great book for people who love Hip Hop to give to people who don’t.
People less familiar with Hip Hop — and yes, even many of us who are familiair but have become jaded — are constantly bombarded by examples of everything BUT the brilliance and ingenuity and love that WE KNOW exists in Hip Hop culture.
And while there are many issues within Hip Hop music and culture which need correcting — as with the rest of society which it often mirrors — this book, these people, and these words have inspired me to believe that there is something truly special that could help change ALL that, within the cultural DNA of Hip Hop-minded folks and those who would listen to and learn from them. Folks who honor the true tenets of this powerful culture. Folks who recognize the unique beauty and untapped potential of what many view as the most powerful, multi-cultural, multi-generational, boundary-breaking, humanity-first, globally connected social movement of all time.
As the brilliant and acclaimed Dr. Raphael Travis, author of The Healing Power of Hip Hop stated about this book:
“We have a responsibility, and now a blueprint… to build and promote community, to transcend what is risky and destructive, and to embrace what is transformative and empowering. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand and harness the transformative power of Hip Hop culture to bring out the best in individuals, communities, and society.”
So yeah. Here we are. I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been here before. This book is literally the culmination of my life’s work, to date, and I really hope you enjoy it.
I’ll certainly be sending out a few more dispatches about the book. For now, I need a moment. It’s been a hell of a ride to get here.
Thank you all for your continued support. I’m here because of you, and if this book contributes one iota to a better planet — which I believe it will — you should take some credit for that too.
-Manny
Congrats!!
I can't wait! Super proud of you Manny!