Jonathan Abrams
New York Times Bestselling author of All the Pieces Matter and Boys Among Men
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Jonathan Abrams
“This book is a masterclass that takes the reader through the meager beginnings of gangster rap’s origins all the way to its position today as rap’s most important and impactful subgenre. Soren’s knowledge of the topic is seen throughout each page and the artists’ trust in him is shown throughout thoughtful anecdotes and recollections. A highly recommended book for anyone who has a cursory interest in those who trailblazed and popularized the art. You’ll leave with a much deeper appreciation for its impact and influence.” (from Amazon)
by Soren Baker, Xzibit·You?
Journalist Soren Baker’sThe History of Gangster Rap takes a deep dive into this fascinating music subgenre. Foreword by Xzibit Sixteen detailed chapters, organized chronologically, examine the evolution of gangster rap, its main players, and the culture that created this revolutionary music. From still-swirling conspiracy theories about the murders of Biggie and Tupac to the release of the film Straight Outta Compton, the era of gangster rap is one that fascinates music junkies and remains at the forefront of pop culture. Filled with interviews with key players such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, and dozens more, as well as sidebars, breakout bios of notorious characters, lists, charts, and beyond, The History of Gangster Rap is the be-all-end-all book that contextualizes the importance of gangster rap as a cultural phenomenon. “History has so often been written by the victors, that you very rarely ever get the real story behind anything. So it’s really important to hear from the people that were there, which is exactly what Soren Baker shares in this book. He writes about it and he’s honest about it.” —The D.O.C.
Recommended by Jonathan Abrams
“We are all fortunate witnesses to the finished product. We marvel at Steph Curry’s deep splashes that betray reality, Russell Westbrook’s explosiveness and Kevin Love’s nimble post footwork. Their grace in front of cameras cloaks the countless hours of work and training behind the scenes. Rob McClanaghan is often the guiding conscience that drives these NBA players to their peak. In Net Work, McClanaghan lifts the veil to provide humanizing portraits of these superstars trying to maximize their potential, and he inspires with his own uplifting backstory.” (from Amazon)
by Rob McClanaghan, Stephen Curry·You?
by Rob McClanaghan, Stephen Curry·You?
Rob McClanaghan, the NBA’s most sought-after trainer, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how superstars like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love work to excel at the game. When Rob McClanaghan failed to make the Syracuse basketball team as a walk-on freshman, he asked the coaches what he needed to do to achieve his goal the following year. They all agreed: get stronger. So that’s what he did. For months, Rob traded fraternity parties and hanging out with buddies for hours in the gym lifting weights and shooting baskets. He was single-minded; the only thing that mattered was defying the odds. He returned to Syracuse for his sophomore year thirty pounds heavier and caught the coach’s eye. In Net Work, McClanaghan—referred to by many as “RobMac”—brings to the page what he brings to each of his training sessions: the same grit and spirit that got him into the college game. He calls it “the grind,” and he knows that without it, even the most talented players will come up short. McClanaghan pushes his clients hard; he does whatever he can to drive his players to the edge and to simulate fourth quarter, at-the-buzzer adrenaline and fatigue. An all-access pass to the practice courts of the NBA, Net Work combines McClanaghan’s hard-earned wisdom—both on and off the court—with rare glimpses into the dues-paying life of professional athletes determined to stay at the top. McClanaghan shares stories of working one-on-one with some of basketball’s greatest names, explaining how each athlete works to shore up his offensive and defensive weaknesses; perfect his nutrition; treat injuries; build mental toughness; and find occasional refuge from the glare of the spotlight. This book is life inside the NBA as you’ve never seen it, where players differentiate themselves by their willingness to put in relentless “net work.”