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Yeah I'm sure there's already a thread about it, but I don't c it and anyway, let's get some fresh opinions here.
I'll buy it eventually. Just ordered the next 2 books I plan to read, and wondered what my urgency level to read this book should be.
I read U-God's and Cilva's. Both worthwhile reads.
I read RZA's, Uey's and Buddha Monk's books. As expected, all of them were pretty bad. I'd rate Uey's the best and Rae's the worst. He's so full of himself, while, at the same time, it becomes pretty clear that he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Still, it's okay for the anecdotes (even if heavily biased). You can read it on the toilet when you're taking a shit. I'd say that's suitable. And shouldn't last you longer than a week.
Cool man. It's always been very clear to me from skits where he talks that he's dumb as shit. Was hoping the co author would take control of the literary side of things.
Sounds like I needn't be in any hurry to read it.
Was just looking at some reviews on Amazon. It gets a five star average, which means nothing to me as I've seen how fucking dumb most hip hop fans r by reading some reviews on Rza's stupid books.
But I saw this, which I thought was pretty effin' funny...
Bought this book by Raekwon 'The Chef' thinking it would make a great gift for my 87 year old Nana this Christmas. Imagine my frustration when it arrived today and I discovered it contains no recipes at all! Id have been better off with Jamie Oliver. Gave it to my Nana anyway and now she keeps calling me saying Wu Tang Clan ain't nuttin to F wit and how she now lives by the Ethos that Cash Rules Everything Around Her. Do not buy this book hoping for some succulent recipes like I did or you will be severely dissapointed
LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by KoKane
noel why don't you like RZA's books? They aren't amazing works of literature but they're pretty fascinating as a Wu fan and RZA is always an entertaining storyteller.
Guess that was me saying that. And I didn't mean to say that there isn't anything worthwhile to get out of those books if you like the Wu - there certainly is! And RZA's books in particular are put together beautifully, no doubt. So why did I say they're bad?
1. They're really badly written. All of the authors use a style where they are writing (more or less) proper English sentences, while still mixing in A LOT of slang (words and grammar). And it just comes off really awkward and corny to me, because neither does it sounds like them, nor is it well composed. Sorta feels like a caricature, almost patronizing. But, well, the authors ain't no Alex Haleys and the Wu ain't no Malcolm Xs, so I guess it is what it is. One NB though: Ghost, please don't ever publish a book. Just talk to some author/journalist, record the sessions and publish the audios!
2. They all come off as pretentious. That's probably accurate enough, given that we all know they suffer from inflated egos. It just gets annoying to "spend time" with people who have so little capacity for self criticism and humility.
Sometimes I wished I would have never started reading/watching any interviews and all of that bullshit. Just listen to a bunch of mystical ninjas dropping dope verses over dark beats. But it is what it is, and I'll probably keep on reading any book they're going to publish 🤷🏻 Would prefer to hear more from the extended family though. Power, LAD, Timbo King, Killa Sin. I think they'd all have interesting stories to tell. From the clan maybe MK, GZA and Allah Math, because they're the most humble...
Peace.
I only read the first one. From what I recall it was some pretty cool light reading. I just remember reading reviews on Amazon and seeing all these people saying how it was the deepest thing ever and it changed their life and shit like that, which was enormously depressing and a good example of why I distance myself from society and human beings.Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaDynasty
Yeah people tend to overreact like that and they be throwing all kind of praises very loosely. Shit like "Wu taugh me more about history than school did for 10 years" XD I used to be like that but then I realized it was my fault that I didn't pay attention in class xDQuote:
Originally Posted by noel411
Yeah theres a lot of philosophy pulled from random sources. If you never read anything like that (and are young or not well educated) it might blow your mind. Also people hero worship RZA, they probably gave him credit for the things he quotes in the book.
You gotta admit RZA ain't no dumb dude. He knowledgeable and shit but you know
U God’s book was the best. Rae’s was ok. Waiting on Deck’s book.
I recently finished Rae's book, and was looking for the threads on here surrounding that book. You can't find them, because all the discussion took place inside threads about his Vlad videos. Now Rae's book is okay. It is an entertaining read. But in my opinion the pacing was a bit off. Especially in the later part things were just sort of skipped over. Regarding the writing, I agree. And I had the same with Buddha's book about him and ODB, which is really a light read that you could finish in day. It is written from the way that Rae is telling it. But this sadly does not leave any space for reflection. Something a Wu book could really use in my opinion. The end result now is just one guy's solo opinion with little to no introspective, and often just one side of a story. Some of the stories though, are interesting as a Wu fan. And if you approach it from that angle, it is a welcome addition.
Ueys book, hahahaha. I have not heard the audio book version yet, but I am sort of dying to hear that. The book is written exactly as he speaks. Which again, does not result in the best writing. And the above also stands with the comments I had about Raes book. Both also show a bit of introspective. But sometimes I think it could be done better. Both also jump in time sometimes to the point where you are not sure when exactly this is taking place anymore. Now it has been a sec since I finished Raw.
Buddha Monk about ODB is also written in the same vein, but more about him and ODB. I think it is just short of 200 pages, and you could finish it in a day. The writing is the same, and you know how it ends. But it still hurts to see how it all went down.
It has been ages since I last read that first RZA book. I remember after that I was like done with RZA for a minute. I can see the commentary here, where people are saying it is super philosophical or whatever. That just sounds like you never read up or studied philosophy. Lol @ the history comment. That is true, you just did not pay attention, or read a book.
Sophia Chang also has a book out on here time in the industry, and when she worked with Wu. Can't give any comments on that one since I haven't started it yet.
Did not know Deck was writing a book.
Last time I heard, Ghost was working on a book though. No idea what the status on that one is.
Somebody should sit down and maybe get Shabazz his story on paper. A lot of it is already in the lyrics. But I think it just crazy going by that. Would need a good writer to do that proper justice.
Last note, reading all these books. There are a lot of stories. And right now we are just getting them one by one. One account after another of the same event. Would be nice if somebody got the funds together to start writing a proper book on the stories of everybody, all together. Though I think you'd end up with a pretty heavy pill. Or maybe multiple. But only when you approach it like that, could you serve people up with a complete story. Sorta like the series right now I think? Have not seen it yet. (Ah yeah, one of our discussions was about Rae wanting to do a film about Wu & RZA doing a series.)
That's about it, book wise I think. Or maybe I am forgetting this one 3rd party book about Wu. No idea what the name is, or if it was any good.
Great thorough break down of main Wu Books...
Likewise didnt know about Deck book and would be SO HYPE for that as hes my FAV MC!
RE GFK book: there was promo about it in early 2000's. Even had an isbn number and all but never materialized... Hopefully some day!
https://g.co/kgs/fHv2Y1
RZAs 2nd book (Tao of Wu) is more philosophical. Whereas 1st book Wu Manual was more Knowledge (of Clan & 36 Chambers) Book 2 was more Widsom and events that lead to RZA gaining wisdome...
Would love a book by GZA and doesnt event have to be biographical either!
Appreciate how are talking about books & lit in this thread :) #readtosucced #readingfortheloveofit PEACE
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jet Set
Book was def necessary in the Wu universe.
Holy fuck. Are you saying that next to unreleased albums, movies, documentaries, when can now add books? Did not know about that. I see that the book was supposed ot be released in 2002. That would place the release in between BPW & Pretty Toney. I wonder how far they got with that and what the story if of it not happening. Thanks for sharing!Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeAll
A book by GZA would be an interesting one. Though we are still waiting on that documentary by him. Don't think we are ever going to get that though. But him doing lectures, getting involved in that universe show on Netflix, a book with more writing on the subject would be a good fit. Heck, he could even do Dark Matter in that form.
One thing I forgot was the Cyrus book about OUATIS. I think noel mentioned it as Ringz his book. But it is really Cyrus'. I've seen him at a talk, and the book is exactly how the guy tells stories and talks. That was a great read though, and better structured than Rae & Ueys book. It also gives you some food for thought if you are interested in art and exhibitions.
Yeah the Cilvaringz book was cool cos it was basically just an ongoing story about one event. I think I quite enjoyed it.
I didn't know about that Buddha Monk book. I'll probably get that too. I read a shit tonne of musician's (auto) biographies, but very few hip hop ones. Ice-T's autobio is the final book I'm still waiting for in the mail tho, and I'm pretty keen to read that.
Just googling about hip hop autobios, not many I'm interested in, but one I did think might be interesting is Scarface. Cheap too. Anybody read it?
I just ordered it.
Ordered the Buddha ODB one too
Have you read Prodigy's book? Thats the best of the ones I've read.
^I saw that one n tossed up whether or not I'd wanna read it. Maybe one day. I'll def keep it in mind.
All the hip hop books have co-writers (it’ll say “Raekwon with…”) because they can’t write an entire book by themselves. Same thing with sports books. So the voice is theirs, but the actual writing is done by the co-writer, who’s a professional author.
The Prodigy book is good, Raekwon is decent, and the Cilvaringz was interesting. I haven’t read any others. I’d read a biography on Big Pun, Ghostface, Roc Marci, Big L, Slick Rick
I was thinking today how MF Grimm would be an interesting one, and then I remembered there was the graphic novel about his life, which was pretty cool from what I remember. Dunno if I bought that or dl'ed it. Think I just dl'ed it. Don't remember ever having a physical copy of it.
I actually read the Ice T autobio, but this was like 20 years ago. Together with the one about LL, and the one about Corey/Monster. That last one is real good. As far as I recall both Ice T & LL's book were entertaining. They were properly written, but I could be off since this is like 20 years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by noel411
I think this Ice-T one might be more recent. I think he's maybe written a few. Not sure.
I've read Monster too. Was a very good read.
That is no the one I read. Because I finished mine 10 years before this was published. lol. FOUND IT! I read The Ice Opinion (https://www.amazon.com/Ice-Opinion-T...p%2C329&sr=1-4) Which in Dutch had the subtitle Sex, God & Rap: The World According To Ice-T. Might want to pick both that old & new one to read. I recall Ice-T being a smart guy, so both these might be interesting reads.Quote:
Originally Posted by noel411
Monster was good starting point for anyone interested in gang culture.
Couple years ago I read Notorious C.O.P., book I randomly came across in a shop for cheap. The book is also referenced in the Buddha book. That one is not very well written, and just sort of an account of all the people this guy met along the way. He did point out the drug connections in the JMJ murder before they actually picked up on it. All the stuff about Pac & Big is a bit meh. The story abut The Comission, and putting that into retrospect with rappers begin robbed & killed again is interesting.
Btw, did anybody get that comic book form the last bobby digital album?
I can't imagine a scarface one being good lol. He's a good rapper but his personality comes off unnecessarily bitter and off. I can imagine it being an unusually non-specific novel about him being tired of ppl thinking he's a rapper. That's the type of shit he's on in interviews I've heard lolQuote:
Originally Posted by noel411
Rapper books are more entertaining than any other bio genre I can think of but they usually lack self reflection and self awareness and are written like a guy who's never read a book trying to sound like what he thinks a book sounds like. Rzas are of course exceptions.
50 cents is really fucking good. Very surprising and multi-dimensional. He's honest about his flas and mistakes and has a generally interesting way of thinking
I saw The Ice Opinion when I was browsing. Figured I'd go for the more up to date one.
I've never watched or read a Scarface interview or anything. Only know him from the Geto Boys albums and his first 3 solo albums. But I was heavy into that early to mid 90's southern rap in the mid 90's, so I'm interested to read about that whole scene. The first 3 (proper) Geto Boys albums, and South Park Psycho still rank among my favourite hip hop albums.
I saw the 50 Cent one. I can see that it'd be potentially a good read, but just not interested in the guy, or his music. I'd buy it if I saw it for a couple of dollars, and put it aside for when I have nothing else to read. But not gonna actively buy it online or anything.
All the Raekwon highlights prolly came out on the press tour of him dissing RZA as he likes to do
Finished it yesterday. Good read. Now on to Prodigy's...
I listened to prodigys audiobook some yeats ago. It was cool but it was too many half lies and pure lies.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kutman
Also it was to many couldve wouldve shouldve.
But over all it was nice.
Wow I actually figured Raekwon would be a decent read at least, because his interview with Vlad was pretty level headed. Maybe because he looks smart on the cover and his lyrics can be quite on point. It's this odd thing with rappers and unfortunately black celebraties, like the NBA, where talking slang and sounding ignorant when they know better is still a big thing. I figured with Rae all of the silliness in his raps and interviews was just that, but maybe he's also not the sharpest tool in the shed. With Meth I feel he can be both and definitely believe he could have a very informative and humble approach to having a book published.
Whenever there's a Wu group interview, which hardly ever involves GZA unfortunately and even when he's there he's just quiet and observing, the ones that talk a lot like Rae, Ghost, Cappa, Meth & U-God I'd say Meth is the most level headed and logical person to U-God on the other end of the spectrum with all the shouting, acting ghetto and talking ignorant shit. His hate for RZA is just too much as well. Ghost actually CAN sound intelligent, but way too often he just clowns around and comes with the bullshit like on his albums. Ghost could've been way better rapper than he was in my opinion if he cared enough to go deeper than he did.
Masta Killa & GZA in particular are dudes that I think are highly intelligent and would be the ones I'd love to read a book from, especially GZA who's quite literally a genius in some areas. His perspective on matter, the universe etc. would be fascinating to read. Then Meth & Deck probably behind them. The rest I don't need to publish a book for various reasons. RZA can be as smart as he can be, but humble he is not his forte so therefore I have no interest in his books. He'd probably lie and make himself more important than the group, just like Rae probably did in his book and U-God in his, though correct me if I'm wrong.
In general books from rappers can really vary, from actually just writing it themselves with little editing - like one of the Outlawz (Pac's group) in Hussein Fatal - to one that is actually informative and trying to show people what their life was all about to learn from, which comes from a person who's outgrown the ghetto persona and is interested in teaching people something rather than just give anecdotes and talk in depth about how "hood" they were. Don't know where Wu members' books would rank on this spectrum if you will, but I get a feeling that is Rae's was even on the more ignorant, self-writing end than there's little hope for the others.
Im dropping a book too, fuck it
I already own your book lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Cilvaringz
Lol just because Raekwon can release a mediocre book and get people to buy it doesn't mean you can Cilva...hahah the bar is low, but not that low.
Ouch.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaolinmonk
But I'm still writing it. Calling it FANBOY.
There are barely any Barnes And Noble's left. You will have to book signings at local libraries.. You ready for those lines around the block, security guards at the entrance and signing some broad's breasts while her man looks on hating??
Surely that will be the title of Drake’s book at this point?Quote:
Originally Posted by Cilvaringz
I’d genuinely read your book though, detailing the making of OUATIS and everything that followed after ‘release’ etc.
Just thought the same:Quote:
Originally Posted by mrvaughn
he a fan, he a fan, he a fan
Freaky Ass N
U-God's book is entertaining. But all of them are not literary master pieces. They'd need a good writer for that that would go in deep.