Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ 1st Edition

I can't thank Mark Katz enough for writing this book! I've read all the other books about DJing, some of which are also outstanding, but I always wanted to read more about the Hip Hop DJs! Mark gets deep into the history and culture more than I've ever seen in a book, or anywhere else for that matter. He treats the subject in an unbiased scholarly approach, and asks all the right questions to all the right people. He writes in a really enjoyable style to read, putting the reader in the perspective of what it's like to be obsessed with turntables and skratching and other things that most people don't think about yet dominates the lives of others. He's only scratched the surface though because there's so much to cover (and he admits that), but I can only hope that he'll write another one! Everyone who's ever been interested in DJs, Hip Hop, and just music culture in general needs to read this!!

A great read, very well written. I would highly recommend it. Truly authentic history! Props to Author Mark Katz! Thanks!

This is one of the best books I have ever read.

Every Dj should read it

I didn't grow up in New York City and my first introduction to the art form was through Rapper's Delight (unfortunately), but hip-hop is my favorite music genre. I use it to lift my spirits when I'm depressed, and to make me feel powerful when I need a boost of confidence. I've also been known to actually tear up when I hear a good sample used in a particularly masterful way or an intricate scratching routine. Seriously.So I was excited to read this new book by music historian, Mark Katz. He specifically chose to focus on DJs that actually manipulate records, not the DJ/producers that are so popular today. Even though I've learned about the history from reading other books, it was still interesting to hear about who invented what scratch and how the technology has advanced and its effect on the industry. The inclusion of female DJs was nice, because they are so often overlooked, but I would have liked for that chapter to have been a little longer. This is a great addition to the growing canon of books about hip-hop.

There are so many books written about hip hop and the DJ world but Katz covers everything from its roots to what is going on today with the movement. As a musician and turntablist, I find myself all over the map when it comes to different music genres- not knowing much about any one really. I have worked with and met some of the best hip hop Djs/turntablists in the world but have always felt that my knowledge about this artform was never really there. This book has enriched my knowledge about the hip hop / turntablism / DJ culture more than I have ever learned in the past 8 years of performing as a turntablist. The interviews come from the most legitimately skilled cats in this game and they will tell you how it really is. One of the most amazing parts of the book is the section he dedicates to the females who have changed this culture. My appreciation for this author goes infinite for what he has done for our community. I own 2 copies!Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ

Mark Katz knows his music--and is clearly in the groove--His book is both readable and and covers the waterfront--What is nice is the even though Katz did not grow up in New York City or specifically the Bronx he has captured the spirit of the hip hop scene and has found a way to put the reader in the middle of the hip hop world. It is also interesting to me is that hip hop DJs are really anti-digital--because without the physical groove you cannot create the real feeling of the sound of the so called music. It is also proper that Katz covers both male and female DJs since that's the real world. This book should be in every music lovers collection--Zach Dicker