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The Big Payback takes readers from the first $15 made by a "rapping DJ" in 1970s New York to the multi-million-dollar sales of the Phat Farm and Roc-a-Wear clothing companies in 2004 and 2007. On this four-decade-long journey from the studios where the first rap records were made to the boardrooms where the big deals were inked, The Big Payback tallies the list of who lost and who won. Read the secret histories of the early long-shot successes of Sugar Hill Records and Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC's crossover breakthrough on MTV, the marketing of gangsta rap, and the rise of artist/ entrepreneurs like Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs.
300 industry giants like Def Jam founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons gave their stories to renowned hip-hop journalist Dan Charnas, who provides a compelling, never-before-seen, myth-debunking view into the victories, defeats, corporate clashes, and street battles along the 40-year road to hip-hop's dominance.
DAN CHARNAS scouted talent and promoted records for the seminal rap label, Profile, and was Vice President of A&R for Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the Village Voice. Charnas holds a master’s degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, and was awarded a Pulitzer Prize Fellowship. This is his first book.
Anonymous
Posted August 17, 2012
This book is 600+ pages deep. Trust me when I tell you this: it could have been twice as big. Mr. Charnas took on the Herculean task of explaining the history of Hip-Hop from the perspective of entreprenuership. He makes you understand why any conversation about Hip-Hop has to include all of the groundbreaking inclusions (Yo MTV Raps), it's use as a driver of commerce (Wu Wear, Phat Farm, Vitaminwater, Sprite) and the actual people involved who helped it become what it is.
The reason why I said it could have been twice as big is because the book does a fine job of pointing out it was a rising tide lifting many boats. Right off hand, I can think of a half-million other businesses that saw their fortunes elevated by the ascendance of hip-hop (AKAI, Roland, DiscMakers, Open Mics).
I recommend this to anyone who is a serious student of hip-hop history because this book will connect the dots, shatter your illusions and provide a you a low-cost MBA all in one long read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NativeBx
Posted May 10, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book because it basically took me back to my childhood. I grew up with hip hop from the beginning. I knew about most of the stories from rap mags but this book gives great detail of what the culture of hip hop endured during the last 25 yrs. But was a real surprise is what hip hop to go through with radio stations. A very good history lesson for those who are ignorant about how hip hop got started.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2011
A highly recomend this book to anyone who works in the music industry, wants to work in the music industry or thought about working in the music industry. This book takes you on an informative journey through not only the history of the business of hip hop but also the culture of hip hop. Hip Hop fans won't be disappointed.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CLdaGreat
Posted January 11, 2011
This book is a complete timeline of the Hip Hop business covering all the events and players big or small. From the first Park DJ's to the Multimillionaire Executives and everything in between. It's addition to being entertaining it is also a teaching tool for anyone who has aspirations to contribute to this wonderful culture from a business perspective!
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Posted December 31, 2010
The Big payback was very informative. It takes you through every aspect of the music industry and how it supported the worlds love of Hip-Hop. If you are in the music business READ
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Posted December 28, 2010
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Overview
The Big Payback takes readers from the first $15 made by a "rapping DJ" in 1970s New York to the multi-million-dollar sales of the Phat Farm and Roc-a-Wear clothing companies in 2004 and 2007. On this four-decade-long journey from the studios where the first rap records were made to the boardrooms where the big deals were inked, The Big Payback tallies the list of who lost and who won. Read the secret histories of the early long-shot successes of Sugar Hill Records and Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC's crossover ...