Life Lessons from Hip-Hop: 50 Reflections on Creativity, Motivation and Wellbeing

By Grant Brydon

Book Overview

Take control of your narrative and become the best version of yourself with 50 Hip-Hop inspired lessons that will motivate a new generation.

Grant Brydon has interviewed some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Here he shares the creative directions and tips derived from one-on-one conversations with Pharrell Williams, J Cole, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, and many more. With chapters covering motivation, creativity, authenticity, mental wellbeing, resilience, and more, the advice gleaned from these important artists' life experiences will help you to face up to your own challenges and inspire you to make simple changes that have major positive consequences.

Lessons include:

- Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and producer J Cole on how to Define Success.
- Grammy award-winning hip-hop- legend Nas on Maintaining Focus on What's Important.
- A lesson in Committing to Inspiration from Flo Milli, viral TikTok sensation and Best New Artist nominee at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards.
- Big Sean on how to Take Time Off and Talk to Someone.
- Multiple BET Hip Hop Awards nominee Action Bronson on how not to be discouraged.
- Kenny Beats - producer of Vince Staples and Ed Sheeran - on the dangers of overthinking.
-Grammy nominated Freddie Gibbs on Integrity.
- Hip-hop royalty Pharrell Williams on the importance of always staying curious.
- Mac Miller on reinvention

Adopt a hip-hop mindset to take control of your own narrative and become the best version of yourself with this book of 50 must-read lessons on creativity and self help that will inspire a new generation. Containing exclusive interviews with billion-streaming artists, including J Cole, Nas, Big Sean, Flo Milli, Action Bronson and many more, alongside contemporary illustrations by Ketu the Artist, which offer a fresh visual take on the self-help genre. This is a must-have volume for fans of hip-hop, alongside individuals with an interest in positive thinking, wellness and self-help.

Quotes

"Grant Brydon compiles many of the major keys from some of the most prolific voices in hip-hop and draws a through-line to the hearts of their success stories... An entertaining and informative read." ― Kathy Iandoli, author of God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop

"A thoughtful collection of essays on hard work and creativity that taps into generous anecdotal wisdom about music and life from an array of personalities in the industry, past and present." ― Lance Scott Walker, author of DJ Screw: A Life In Slow Revolution

"A brilliant tapestry of story and artistry by a seasoned journalist whose love for hip-hop flourishes here." ― Ciesay, co-founder of PLACES+FACES

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0744061199
• ISBN13: 9780744061192
• Release Date: September 2022
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.6" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A hip-hop guide to life

Grant Brydon has spent years interviewing hip-hop artists and clearly has love and respect for the music and culture of hip-hop. Life Lessons from Hip-Hop is a compilation of 50 fantastic essays focused on advice from various artists. This book feels like it is geared towards young people, but as an adult reader, I found a lot to reflect on. Hip-hop fans will love this book, but the advice here is solid and relevant for anyone. It is like a guide to life. The section on mental health and work-life balance was particularly important, especially since so many people have been negatively affected by the pandemic. There is a lot to learn here about the history and influence of hip-hop, and many artists to discover. Ketu's illustrations are amazing and life-like. This book belongs in every school library and in the home of every hip-hop fan.

Great Conversation Starter

This fun collection of self help stories is a great book to keep handy. I loved reading through a few stories at a time giving myself time to appreciate the narratives that were written on each page. I think the collection is truly captivating and there is something to take away from each and every artist portrayed. I think the purpose of the book is to connect with these unique people that have made such a big splash in our culture and our generations. I love having this book out on our coffee table and I find it very a awesome that people can pick it up and skim for their favorite artist. Getting that glimpse at their story of success and getting some advice all of the way makes a fun read. I like that it doesn’t take itself to seriously when it comes to its delivery and we can see the artist true personalities on each page. I am very glad to have gotten the chance to get this book!