Monroe Free Library

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"--

"An updated business biography of one of the biggest names in the music business I'm not a businessman-I'm a business, man. --Jay-Z Some people think Jay-Z is just another rapper. Others see him as just another celebrity/mega-star. The reality is, no matter what you think Jay-Z is, he first and foremost a business. And as much as Martha Stewart or Oprah, he has turned himself into a lifestyle. You can wake up to the local radio station playing Jay-Z's...

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...

"The first and only Estate-authorized biography of the legendary artist, Tupac Shakur, a moving exploration of his life and powerful legacy, fully illustrated with photos, mementos, handwritten poetry, musings, and more. Tupac Shakur is one of the greatest and most controversial artists of all time. More than a quarter of a century after his tragic death in 1996 at the age of just twenty-five, he continues to be one of the most misunderstood, complicated...

"For far too long, women in hip-hop have been relegated to the shadows, viewed as the designated "First Lady" thrown a contract, a pawn in some beef, or even worse. But as Kathy Iandoli makes clear, the reality is very different. Today, hip-hop is dominated by successful women such as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, yet there are scores of female artists whose influence continues to resonate. God Save the Queens pays tribute to the women of hip-hop--from...

In this dangerously sexy rom-com that evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, a prince who wants to live out of the spotlight falls for a daring American rapper who turns his life, and the palace, upside down. Sexy, driven rapper Danielle "Duchess" Nelson is on the verge of signing a deal that'll make her one of the richest women in hip hop. More importantly, it'll grant her control over her life, something she's...