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Marcus J Moore
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Marcus J. Moore

High and Rising

Written by the esteemed author, curator and essayist Marcus J. Moore, this is the first biography of De La Soul. It unpacks the significance of the influential rap group, the birth of hip-hop culture, and the evolution of alternative rap. Marcus also weaves in a deeply personal coming-of-age story about his journey through life with De La as a backdrop.

About
Marcus

Marcus J. Moore is an esteemed music journalist, editor, event curator, professor, and author of two acclaimed books: The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America (2020) and High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul (2024). The latter is a blend of cultural biography, memoir, and critical analysis.

Curated
Musicby Marcus J Moore

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
Armand Hammer

Patterns / Message to South Africa

Patterns / Message to South Africa
Noah Howard

Drum Dance to the Motherland

Drum Dance to the Motherland
Khan Jamal Creative Arts Ensemble

Natural Brown Prom Queen

Natural Brown Prom Queen
Sudan Archives

High and Rising

A biography of the hip-hop trio De La Soul, charting their ascension, their boundary-pushing experimentation, and their lasting cultural influence.

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Writings

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Nina Simone

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Nina Simone
The New York Times

How Kassa Overall Turned Rap Into New Jazz Standards

How Kassa Overall Turned Rap Into New Jazz Standards
Active Listening

You Can’t Understand Black Music Without Sly Stone

You Can’t Understand Black Music Without Sly Stone
The Nation

We Should Talk About Meshell's Sun Ra Album

We Should Talk About Meshell's Sun Ra Album
Active Listening

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Ella Fitzgerald

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Ella Fitzgerald
The New York Times

John Legend on the Enduring Legacy of His Debut Album Get Lifted

John Legend on the Enduring Legacy of His Debut Album Get Lifted
TIME

Madlib and the Art of Jazz Excavation

Madlib and the Art of Jazz Excavation
Active Listening

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Blue Note Records

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Blue Note Records
The New York Times

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