Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain

Where We Come From is a groundbreaking social history of UK rap and grime by journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom. It explores how these genres emerged from the inner cities and became some of the most popular music in the nation. The book weaves together intimate stories of resilience, courage, and loss, as well as a shared music culture that gave refuge to those in search of belonging. Ekpoudom offers a rich chronicle of rap, identity, place, and the social and human condition in modern Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Ekpoudom delves into the stories of the artists who have made these genres their own,from the pioneering MCs of the 1980s to the contemporary stars who are redefining the landscape. He also examines the impact of these genres on British culture,from fashion and language to politics and social justice.

Where We Come From is not just a history of music; it is a celebration of the resilience and creativity of the British people. Ekpoudom's writing is lyrical and evocative,transporting readers to the heart of the scenes he describes. He brings a deep understanding of the cultural and social nuances that shape these genres,and his passion for the subject shines through on every page.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in music,culture,and the stories that shape our world. It is a testament to the power of art to connect people and transform lives,and to the enduring legacy of UK rap and grime in shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.

In this groundbreaking social history, journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom travels the country to paint a compelling portrait of the dawn, boom, and subsequent blossoming of UK rap and grime. Taking us from the heart of south London to the West Midlands and South Wales, he explores how a history of migration and an enduring spirit of resistance have shaped the current realities of these linked communities and the music they produce. These sounds have become vessels for the marginalised, carrying Black and working-class s.

Ekpoudom delves into the stories of the artists who have made these genres their own, from the pioneering MCs of the 1980s to the contemporary stars who are redefining the landscape. He also examines the impact of these genres on British culture, from fashion and language to politics and social justice.

Where We Come From is not just a history of music; it is a celebration of the resilience and creativity of the British people. Ekpoudom's writing is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to the heart of the scenes he describes. He brings a deep understanding of the cultural and social nuances that shape these genres, and his passion for the subject shines through on every page.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in music, culture, and the stories that shape our world. It is a testament to the power of art to connect people and transform lives, and to the enduring legacy of UK rap and grime in shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571363254
Edition number: Main