More than 3,500 entries are listed in chronological order in a day-by-day record of rap and hip hop including industry awards, television and film appearances, noteworthy concerts and music festivals, personal disputes and controversies, arrests and court trials, and birthdays and deaths. There is also a strong focus on the biggest as well as the most influential songs and albums, from the earliest years of rap to the modern era. Lastly, there are plenty of historical tidbits and pieces of interesting trivia that gave hip hop its unique character and prominent status on the global stage. This book is a celebration as well as a historical reference guide of the hip hop era, from its origins on the tough streets of New York City to its current status as a multi-billion dollar industry.