Monroe Free Library

When sixteen-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper, pours her anger and frustration into her first song, she finds herself at the center of a controversy.

Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.

Praise for Decoded
“Compelling . . . provocative, evocative . . . Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author’s own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing...

Will Smith's transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale-- but it's only half the story. His whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world-- only they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they had not signed up for. Here he shares his journey of self-knowledge, telling how he mastered...

Taking their relationship public, American rapper Danielle "Duchess" Nelson and brilliant reclusive royal Prince Jameson learn that their popularity comes with a price when people try to take advantage of their fame, especially when his family is embroiled in yet another scandal. "Against all odds, sexy American rapper, Danielle 'Duchess' Nelson and brilliant reclusive royal Prince Jameson have fallen in love! They've decided to take their relationship...

On the heels of Kendrick Lamars Pulitzer Prize, as the world begins to recognize the creative side of Hip-Hop, comes a writing guide from a musician and "The greatest MC of all time," Rakim. The musician and Hip Hop legendhailed as zthe greatest MC of all timey and compared to Thelonious Monkreimagines the writing handbook in this memoir and guide that incorporates the soulful genius, confidence, and creativity of a master artist.

"In September 2019, "Truth Hurts" became the longest-reigning solo female rap song at the number 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100. Since then, Lizzo has appeared on TV, at award shows, and on sold-out world tours. Learn more about this Grammy-winning artist and how she went from band kid to opening act to mainstream superstar"--

"Award-winning actor, rapper, and producer Ice-T unveils a compelling and astonishing memoir of his early life robbing jewelry stores until he found fame and fortune-while a handful of bad choices sent his former crime partner down an incredibly differentpath"--

Two cousins work through the Atlanta music scene to better their lives and the lives of their families. Earn Marks is a young manager trying to get his cousin's career off the ground. Alfred is a new hot rapper trying to understand the line between real life and street life. Darius is Alfred's right-hand man and visionary. Van is Earns best friend and the mother of Earn's daughter.

For the first time, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson opens up about his amazing comeback-from tragic personal loss to thriving businessman and cable's highest-paid executive-in this unique self-help guide.

Working at Miami's Queen of Diamonds gentleman's club to support herself until turning twenty-one, Desirae discovers her talent for rap music and becomes famous seemingly overnight, before her success is threatened by a rival newcomer and a friend's brutal murder. Kicked out of her parents' home in Little Havana on her eighteenth birthday, Desirae Fernandez get an opportunity to make fast money at Miami's Queen of Diamonds gentlemen's club. She dives...