"Since its introduction in the 1970s, hip-hop has become a way of life. This title takes an inside look at hip-hop music. Hip-Hop Music examines the origins of many styles of hip-hop music, such as crunk and gangsta rap, and explores how they burst into the mainstream and went global. Features include a timeline, a glossary, essential facts, references, websites, source notes, and an index." -- Publisher.

The birth of the scratch -- The roots of hip-hop -- Mainstream music -- Hip-hop goes political -- East Coast versus West Coast -- World music -- New hip-hop -- Hip-hop's future.