The Haunting of Hip Hop: A Novel
by Bertice Berry
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A ghost story with a beat . . . Bertice Berry follows her finely pitched Blackboard bestselling debut novel, Redemption Song, with a mesmerizing cautionary tale about urban hip hop culture. In ancient West Africa, the drum was more than a musical instrument, it was a vehicle of communication–it conveyed information, told stories, and passed on the wisdom of generations. The magic of the drum remains alive today, and with her magnificent second novel, Berry brings those powerful beats to show more the streets of Harlem. Harry “Freedom” Hudson is the hottest hip hop producer in New York City, earning unbelievable fees for his tunes and the innovative sound that puts his artists on the top of the charts. Harry is used to getting what he wants, so when he’s irresistibly drawn to a house in Harlem, he assumes he’ll be moving in as soon as the papers can be drawn up. The house, after all, has been abandoned for years. Or has it? Rumors are rife in the neighborhood that the house is haunted; that mysterious music, shouts, and sobbing can be heard late at night. Ava, Harry’s strong-willed, no-nonsense agent, dismisses it all as “old folks” tales–until she opens the door and finds an eerie, silent group of black people, young and old, gathered around a man holding an ancient African drum. They are waiting for Harry and bear a warning that touches his very soul: “We gave the drum back to your generation in the form of rap, but it’s being used to send the wrong message.” The Haunting of Hip Hop is a reminder of the importance of honoring the past as a means of moving safely and firmly into the future. It is sure to raise eyebrows and stir up controversy about the impact, good and bad, of rap culture. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
A beautiful, and yes, haunting, story of the power of love and music, The Haunting of Hip Hop draws the reader in for a journey from slave ships to Harlem nightclubs and stops to hear most of the stories in between. This is mostly a novel about listening to your heart and your history, and the supernatural element does not hinder this in any way. It isn't a spooky story...it's a love story. A story about the love between husband and wife, father and descendents, mothers and grandmothers and sons, playmates and grown professionals, spirits and their lives, a people and their music, a people and their history, the need for expression, and I could go on and on and on. This is a phenomenal read, sad yet hopeful. And quick. Do yourself a show more favor--take a few hours to lose yourself in this beat. show less
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12+ Works 355 Members
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- Reviews
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- Languages
- English
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