Preface to this work

 If a space alien came to Earth and for some unknown reason wanted to understand the human fascination with rap, what would we tell it?  How would we explain the current image of violence, misogyny, false bravado?  Essentially where would we start, and what would we say?

This writing is an observers attempt to quantify and conceptualize these cultural phenomena from a listener's point of view.  Normally we are the consumers of this product, whether knowing or unknowing, however somewhat like the heroic and vociferous Youtube commentator Charleston White, I thought it time to give back a little of what has been given to me!

Why is it called a bible?  The word "Bible" comes from the Latin root "Biblos" which simply means: "book".  On a higher level however it refers to a collection of works from different people at different times, all neatly meant act as the ultimate authority on one particular subject: man's relationship with God. 

The Hip Hop Bible, likewise, is meant to be a type of authority, as it comes from a lifetime listener and imbiber of the product.  Unlike many of the lyrics in Hip Hop music however this is meant to be real account of what happened and what is happening within this genre.  

By this examination of different aspects over time, it is my purpose that it may be possible to arrive at some rhyme or reason for the current state of affairs.  A day where the lines between the fantasy world and the real world have become blurry for some as, the mostly Black youth make war upon one another in the full light of day.  A type of strange controversy fueled by fame, fortune, and million-dollar contracts.  Yet what happens when the leaders fail to lead?  When those in the light can only produce darkness?  When the fruit becomes a curse to humanity?

We seek to examine not only the destructive tendencies, but also the diversity, creativeness and magnetic energy spawned from the music and culture.  How will this all play out? Will we end with a type of Hip Hop Armageddon, will a Hip Hop Messiah arrive to renew the culture? 

The world of Hip Hop consists of rappers, poets, producers, writers, executives, sound engineers, actors, politicians and as time goes by, even bloggers.  This is one effort to better understand the good, and try to confront the nature of the bad.  Like all things human, Hip Hop is a complicated subject with many facets that we can only attempt to conceptualize a few choice words and ideas shared here in this blog.