KRS-One Writes The Gospel of Hip Hop in New Book

KRS-One is set to release a new book, titled The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument, the first from his I Am Hop Hop series via PowerHouse Books.

The upcoming book is set in the format of a self-help book, and is 800-plus pages in length. According to the publisher, it's "a spiritual manual for citizens of hip-hop culture that combines classic philosophy with faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of hip-hop as a life path."

Known as "the teacha," KRS-One developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Bronx, NY engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected MCs in the genre's history. In the book, KRS painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as "hiphoppas," can and should preserve its future.

He also discusses the origination of hip-hop culture and relays specific instances in history wherein one can discover the same spirit and ideas that are at the core of its current manifestation. He explains hip-hop down to the actual meaning and liguistic history of the words "hip" and "hop," and describes the ways in which hiphoppas can change their current circumstance to create a future that incorporates health, love, awareness and wealth (H-LAW).

KRS is also the author of other books such as The Science of Rap (self-published, 1995) and Ruminations (Welcome Rain, 2003).

Additionally, KRS is producing an album celebrating 20th anniversary of his Stop the Violence Movement, which he founded in 1988. The forthcoming project includes contributions from Nelly, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, The Game, and many others.

The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument is set to drop in November.