HIP HOP FAMILY TREE (2015)

"The New York Times bestselling book series debuts as a monthly comic book (!) with new covers, artwork, a 'director's commentary' section that describes the motivation, process, and research involved in making this masterpiece, plus other surprises! This first issue highlights the breakdancers, graffiti artists, DJs and MCs who formed hip hop culture beginning in the tenement rec rooms of the south Bronx in the 1970s. You'll discover who invented the term 'Hip Hop'. You'll see names you recognize like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa and you'll discover where they fit into the culture as pioneers... every month!"

"Hip Hop jumps from the streets into the record business in this issue documenting the first rap songs on wax by acts like the Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious five and Kurtis Blow. Discover the secrets that took place to make Hip Hop culture the global phenomenon that it grew into."

"Things ramp up in the late 1970s when the first gold-selling hip hop records are released. Details of Kurtis Blow's world tour and Sylvia Robinson seduces Grandmaster Flash to come over to Sugarhill records where he'll go on to create his most memorable work."

"The best-seller is action packed in this issue. Rap battles will never be the same after Kool Moe Dee gets done with Busy Bee Starski in their legendary confrontation. Blondies 'Rapture' plays on the first day's broadcast of a new channel called MTV. Grandmaster Flash and other rap groups get seduced by Sugar Hill Records."

"The uptown Hip Hop world collides with the downtown Manhattan art world in this issue which introduces Hip Hop luminaries like The Beastie Boys, Doug E Fresh, Ice T and KRS-One into the ever expanding world of Rap music in 1981. Eisner Winner & NY Times best seller!"

"The first Hip Hop movie, Wild Style, gets its day in the sun in this issue of the New York Times Best-Selling, Eisner winning series. Piskor obsessively breaks the film down and shows exactly how it fits into the wider culture highlighting the people, places, and events that made Wild Style a cult classic. Plus other suprises!"

"Before there was NWA there was a group called the World Class Wreckin' Cru anchored by the young, impeccable Dr. Dre from Compton. This issue is jam packed with early appearances of Ice T, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Notorious BIG, and a punk rock band called Beastie Boys (which has a female drummer)."

"Did you know Jean-Michel Basquiat produced a Hip Hop record? How about Run-DMC first wore leisure suits when they performed? Hip Hop took an opulent form in 1983. You don't know the half of it. The award winning, best selling series continues."

"This issue marks a distinct new era in rap music where the Beastie Boys become a rap act, Run DMC become superstars and the introduction of the Fat Boys takes place. Your favorite rapper's favorite rappers are covered in this bold award-winning, bestselling series."

"The endlessly quoted graffiti documentary, Style Wars gets lovingly dissected in this issue amongst many other earth-shattering discoveries. Did you know Public Enemy were first the Spectrum City DJs? Did you know Flavor Flav can play a dozen musical instruments? Just to name a few..."

"The earliest phases of the biggest company in rap music, Def Jam Records, are put into place this issue. Get ready to read the origins of rap pioneers like The Fat Boys, Slick Rick, and a 16 year old boy who calls himself LL (ladies love) cool J."

"Too many incredible milestones in this issue to name! LL Cool J makes a record with Rick Rubin and Def Jam. KRS One gets arrested and meets his future DJ. The Fat Boys and Run DMC headline the first national Hip Hop tours. Just to name a few. PLUS: This issue comes with an exclusive flexi disc of hip hop gold!"