When did you fall in love with hip-hop? For the die-hard hip hop lover, this question usually is answered with a very detailed answer. Whether you fell in love with it on the streets of New York in the early 80s, or in a candy-painted whip in the dirty South noughties, Hip-Hop: A Cultural Odyssey is a must have for anyone personally connected to the genre, who is seeking a comprehensive archive.

Released late last year, the 420 page “luxury coffee table book” is filled with the history of the genre from past to present, showcasing the roots, birth, evolution, and global impact of hip hop over the past four decades.

Filled with dynamic photos, original essays and over 150 interviews; the book also features 40 profiles of “game changers” who influenced progression—Kurtis Blow, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Run-DMC, Outkast, Queen Latifah, Sean Combs, 50 Cent, Will Smith, Missy Elliott, Native Tongues, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G among them.

With co-signs from VIBE magazine and The Source, this is book is a must-have essential. ($175, available online at HipHopCultureBook.com)

Tune in for ‘Hip Hop A Cultural Odyssey: Know Your History’ June 9th at 11P/10C

TAGS: 50 Cent, Eminem, Hip-Hop, Jay-Z, KANYE WEST, Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, Native Tongues, Notorious BIG, Outkast, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Run DMC, Sean Combs, Source Magazine, Tupac, VIBE Magazine, Will Smith