New book examines the dark side of Hip Hop music
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Oakland, CA (BlackNews.com) — The destruction of the music business can be traced to two words: hip hop. At least that’s the contention of Anthony Adams, the main character of Alex Langford’s new novel, The Emperor’s New Music.
“It’s a story that will rattle a few cages in the music industry, especially the defensive world of hip hop,” said Alex. He wrote the book after seeing R&B, rock and pop music being decimated by the atmosphere of rap music in the early 90s.
“There was a point around Tupac’s time where black music had to fit into a certain mold: angry, hard and macho. That’s when people like Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie disappeared. But no one could speak up or be critical. One day I heard a rap song everyone was raving about, and I said to myself, this is the emperor’s new music. The title stuck in my head, and three years later, my novel was complete.”
The book tells the story of Anthony, a struggling musician living in Hollywood. His journey begins just as disco is ending, and follows his goal to be a songwriter in a world of changing fads and tastes. It ends in the early 90s, when he sees the effect of hip hop on the music business, black culture, and young people in general.
Alex Langford is currently a Berkeley educator, and wrote for ABC News in San Francisco for five years. There, he covered entertainment, and based his story on what he learned and saw as a newsman. He has also worked as a tennis instructor, copywriter, and a musician.
The Emperor’s New Music is a timely story, both entertaining and enlightening as it traces one man’s journey through the music business. Through Anthony’s story, readers will learn how society went from The Beatles and Supremes to Lil Wayne and Snoop Dog. For a sample chapter or to purchase, visit www.alexlangford.blogspot.com.
Picture shown is book cover.
