Hip Hoptionary TM: The Dictionary of Hip Hop Terminology

The bumpin' book for hip-hop disciples (a.k.a. fiends), songwriters, all other writers, pop culture fans, linguists, and parents who are just trying to figure out what their kids are saying.

The inventive sounds of hip-hop (which became America's number two music genre in 2001, outselling country) have echoed far from their Bronx beginnings of twenty years ago. Making its way from Compton sidewalks to suburban malls, garnering commentary from The Wall Street Journal alongside Vibe, hip-hop by definition delivers its messages in the most creative language possible. Celebrating hip-hop's boon to the realm of self-expression, Hip Hoptionary(TM) translates dozens of phrases like "marinating in the rizzi with your road dawg" (relaxing in your car with your friend), including:

- Big bodies: SUVs or luxury vehicles
- Government handle: registered birth name
- 411: the latest scoop or information
- Bling-bling: diamonds, big money, flash and cash
- Brick City: Newark, New Jersey
- 1812: war, fight (as in War of 1812)

In addition to the lexicon of idioms and beeper codes, Hip Hoptionary(TM) also features lists of hip-hop fashion labels, books, mixed drinks, and brief bios of America's famous rappers, making this the ultimate guide for a Double H (hip-hop) nation.

Author: Alonzo Westbrook
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
Published: 10/15/2002
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 7.52h x 5.06w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9780767909242

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 11/01/2002 pg. 82
School Library Journal 04/01/2003 pg. 198
Booklist 04/15/2003 pg. 1494
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2003 pg. 442

About the Author
Alonzo Westbrook is a writer and former General Assignment Reporter for ABC and CBS affiliates in Charlotte North Carolina, Dayton Ohio, and Macon Georgia. He lives in New York.