Know What I Mean? by Michael Eric Dyson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Know What I Mean?
Book Review: Hard to put down.... Preach on Dyson!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll be the first to tell you that Hip Hop has changed dramatically over the years. With the influx of commericalization the art form seems to have lost its originality. Dyson's represents Hip Hop to the fullest. He embraces the art form and respects the artists as lyrical geniuses. Dyson gives a brief look back with DJ Kool Herc, but remains focused on the social aspects of the music. Dyson brings up logical arguements that are in the defense of Hip Hop music.
My favourite section was the chapter dealing with "Conscious Rap". This sub-genre of Hip Hop is never praised in the media since it approaches topics that are both social and political.
Dyson is extremely candid with his assessments of music and he has many accolades from numerous artists in the Hip Hop Industry.
Consider reading "Democracy Matters" by Cornel West --- he has a great section on Hip Hop music as well
Book Review: Understanding A Portion of the Younger Black Culture.
Summary: 5 Stars
I truly enjoyed this cultural and generational work by Dr. Dyson. Similar to most of Dyson's books I found it hard to put down, always wanting to know more of his thoughts. There are areas in Dyson's thinking that I disagree with, but it always challenges me to provide a solid, realistic and comprehensible reason for my beliefs. I believe this book points a finger at the generational gap we have in the black community. The older generation needs to have a loving relationship with the younger generation and vice versa, only then can healing, teaching and correcting fix some of the problems within our culture. There are already outside forces that seek to divide us, we shouldn't ignorantly help those forces by causing internal division fueled by ego, hypocrisy and greed.