The Dictionary of Hip-Hop Terminology, by Alonzo Westbrook (Harlem Moon / Broadway)
Review by Dan Eldridge
Resonance, 10/01/02
Finally, a book that'll explain what the hell Ol' Dirty Bastard is talking about. Or will it? Clocking in at an impressive 217 pages, (including the "English to Slanguage" chapter) one has to wonder if every last one of these entries is entirely straight up. (That's "in truth" to you; see page 131.) Who knew, for instance, there was a hip-hop cocktail by the name of Num Num juice (a vodka, 7-Up and cranberry concoction), or that a black person's large lips are more popularly known as dizzles? Then again, unlike its long-lasting, online big brother at rapdict.org, the Hip Hoptionary is at least pocket-sized and portable--a definite plus, should you wish to decode the messages of P. Diddy and his ilk on your next trip to the rap section at Sam Goody. Na' mean?
Return home