THE BOOK REPORT: Somebody Scream! By Marcus Reeves

Somebody Scream!
Rap Music’s Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power
Marcus Reeves
Faber and Faber, Inc.

Music journalist Marcus Reeves has written a stunning account of the history of rap music and the genre’s rise to the top of the charts in the “aftershock” of the Black Power Movement. The tome titled Somebody Scream! is not just a dry recitation of dates and doings. His musings are personal, even affectionate at times. Reeves sets the scene by looking back on when he realized his place in society was as a child of the post-Black Power movement – a member of a generation that would find their voice, not in political parties, but in the rhymes and flow of rap. The book captures all the seminal moments – the beginnings of the hip-hop movement on Bronx street corners to the meteoric rise and deadly fall (Tupac Shakur) of some of its most cherished sons – while always retaining a steadfast critical eye. Reeves openly discusses the genre’s failings and is unafraid to end on a note questioning whether or not rap has seen its glory days, sacrificing a relevant message in favor of the almighty dollar.

–Amy Wagner

The Daily Shortlist March 18

The Mountain Goats

Location: Union Square, NYC
Bands: The Mountain Goats + The Moaners
Show time: 8:30 PM
Venue: Webster Hall
Food: Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar
Drink: McSorley’s Old Ale House
Miscellaneous: Mudd Cafe

Everyone’s favorite sarcastic songwriter John Darnielle returns with his band The Mountain Goats on the tail of their new release Heretic Pride, which is all over the place. Joining them are The Moaners, a North Carolina based blues rock female duo. For eats, check out Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar, a sandwich shop offering Thai sandwiches with 7 Steamed Fried Vegetables and a choice of chicken, veggie, tofu or beef on a baguette with 3 types of sauces for $7. One of the city’s oldest bars, you can feel the history when you enter as memorabilia, since its beginnings in 1854, are all over the walls. Aside from it being a frat hangout nowadays, it’s worth the trip. You’ve seen that orange Mudd coffee truck parked on Astor Place and on various other streets, but check out their café on East 9th for coffee and a healthy, vegan, and vegetarian menu.