Raps of Resistance is the kind of meticulous and incisive work that serves the culture well by taking a wide-lens approach to helping us understand the role all of the elements of hip-hop have played in shaping the world we live in. This is a book, I hope, that will be a major part of the hip-hop literary canon.

Hanif Abdurraqib, award-winning poet, cultural critic, MacArthur fellow, and bestselling author, There's Always This Year

Battling is a hip-hop staple, reserved for the most skilled and strategic. What made this battle so popular is the two men being on top of the food chain, as revealed in this insightful book.

Affion Crockett, comedian

Throughout its history, conscious rap has remained hip-hop's heartbeat and true purpose. Jeremy C. McCool and Earl Hopkins insightfully articulate the detriments of its shrinking spotlight while highlighting the origin and impact of its modern torchbearers, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Who will pick up where they leave off? It's an urgent question posed by this timely work that demands an answer.

Jonathan Abrams, award-winning journalist and author of The Come Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop

Raps of Resistance is a thoughtful, compelling portrait of two of the genre's best and most groundbreaking acts. Earl Hopkins and Jeremy C. McCool expertly detail the throughlines between past and present, proving that rap has always been – and will always be – conscious.

Jessica Lipsky, award-winning journalist and author of It Ain't Retro: Daptone Records & the 21st Century Soul Revolution

This book not only showcases our roots in music but also explores the current state of hip-hop through the eyes of Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. This is a must read not only for people who want to learn about the culture but also for anyone who is a fan of hip-hop.

Kyra Knox, Emmy Award-winning director

Raps of Resistance is a tribute to the history, power, and influence of a movement of artists who have continually told stories of life in real time. The way that McCool and Hopkins describe the many comedies and tragedies of the artists, culture, and subgenres are seamlessly woven as an artistic masterpiece for all hip-hop enthusiasts.

Khalid N. Mumin, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education