Jeff Chang

Radical Historian, Hip-Hop Journalist and Expert on Multiculturalism

Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of The Hip-Hop Generation

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In his book Can't Stop Won't Stop, Jeff Chang uses hip-hop to radically remix the last 25 years of America's political and social history. The Chicago Sun Times calls it "the best-argued, most-thoroughly researched case for hip-hop as a complete and truly American culture." But the book is only ostensibly about hip-hop. It's really a people's history: Chang is the Howard Zinn of hip-hop! A radical historian with both street cred and academic chops, he tackles race relations, student activism, political engagement, multiculturalism and the politics of abandonment so keenly felt by America's inner city youth.

Chang traverses continents and decades to show us how hip-hop came to crystallize a multiracial generation's worldview. How does it define the lives of millions around the world? How has it transformed politics and art? And how did it redefine the portrayal of race in popular culture? He draws on economics, social theory and demographics to trace the tumultuous period in which hip-hop came to life -- a time when the post-civil rights generation moved from out of the margins and into the mainstream. He speaks with passion, tempered with a critical understanding of pop culture, to tell students that this important history is actually their history.

Jeff Chang grew up in Honolulu, received a Master's in Asian American Studies from UCLA, and was an organizer for the National Hip-Hop Political Convention. He currently contributes to the Huffington Post and writes the political blog for vibe.com. As editor of Total Chaos, he highlighted the influence of hip-hop on other artistic mediums. His first book, Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation, was a bestseller, won The American Book Award and is now taught in universities around the country. His next book will be about multiculturalism in America.

Additional Keynotes and Lectures by Jeff Chang

Chang also speaks often on issues concerning the Asian-American community, Islanders, and people of color.

LINKS

Jeff Chang's 2008 Election Blog at Vibe.com

cantstopwontstop.com

BOOKS

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Total Chaos

ARTICLES

"Jeff Chang Interviews Barack Obama" - Vibe cover story

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