Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South

There are so many things that you can say about this manuscript, but it is simply a classic that resonated with me and took me back in time today. My formative years was during this era plus I grew up in the south as well, so this book was very relatable and nostalgic. I honestly felt like I relived critical moments in my life while reading this book listening to classic songs such as black ice, elevators, what for the hook, u-way along with other southern classics ! Great analysis and critical thought from a true southern hip-hop experience !

If you are only vaguely familiar with OutKast, you will be a fan of the group by the end of this book.If you are an OutKast fan you will love this book.OutKast put the south on the map in hip hop culture, and hip hop hasn't been the same since. Dr. Regina Bradley eloquently discusses how this group and their unique sound moved Black Southerners forward in time beyond Jim Crow, segregation, and the Civil Rights movement.An important book that shows how hip hop evolved out of its previously bi-coastal existence.

This is a mostly good book. The book does a good job of explaining the South's mentality & how Outkast helped to expose it to the World.Being a NY'er, I'm still embarrassed that my City booed Outkast; today, NY rap is based heavily on the South, no? All that P-Diddy Disco music is dead.The book's final 3rd was more about the Author; I wish it was used to tell us more in-depth stuff about Outkast. This is the sole reason it gets 4 stars.

This book is 🔥🔥. Regina weaves how the “The South Got Something to Say” through personal stories of how music has been instrumental in her life, and she writes about how the music impacts the writing of Kiese Laymon, Jesmyn Ward and others.... scholarly and relatable. Long live The South! ✊🏿

I absolutely devoured this book! A staple for any Southern hip-hop loving student of the Black Experience. This book is one you’ll need a physical copy of while you curate your accompanying soundtrack. Loved it!!!