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Marcus J Moore
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Marcus J. Moore

High and Rising

Written by the esteemed author, curator, and music journalist 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), now on sale. The latter is a blend of cultural biography, memoir, and critical analysis.

The book is out via Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. His latest book, High and Rising, a cultural biography of rap trio De La Soul, was published by HarperCollins in November 2024.

Curated
Musicby Marcus J Moore

The Call

The Call
Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra

Black Rio Vol. 2 – Original Samba Soul 1968-1981

Black Rio Vol. 2 – Original Samba Soul 1968-1981
Various Artists

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

‘Was It a Lost Psych-Funk Classic?’ It’s Khruangbin, Right Now

‘Was It a Lost Psych-Funk Classic?’ It’s Khruangbin, Right Now
The New York Times

52 Years Ago, Thelonious Monk Played a High School. Now Everyone Can Hear It.

52 Years Ago, Thelonious Monk Played a High School. Now Everyone Can Hear It.
The New York Times

Re-enter the Wu-Tang: The iconic rap crew on legacy and looking ahead

Re-enter the Wu-Tang: The iconic rap crew on legacy and looking ahead
Entertainment Weekly

The Donald Glover Experiment

The Donald Glover Experiment
The Nation

How Black Musical Artists Revolutionized the Sound of Protest in 2016

How Black Musical Artists Revolutionized the Sound of Protest in 2016
TIME

The Culture Is Still Catching Up With Georgia Anne Muldrow

The Culture Is Still Catching Up With Georgia Anne Muldrow
The Nation

Sunday Review: Eddie Gale's "Ghetto Music"

Sunday Review: Eddie Gale's "Ghetto Music"
Pitchfork

At 85, the Jazz Bassist Ron Carter Still Seeks ‘A Better Order of Notes’

At 85, the Jazz Bassist Ron Carter Still Seeks ‘A Better Order of Notes’
The New York Times

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