There’s no doubt about it, today’s students listen to an average of 2.5 hours of music every day. Guess what they are listening to? Hip-hop is mainstream, continually topping Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. These hi-lo biographies engage striving readers from the very beginning with blinged-out covers, stunning four-color photographs, modern and graphic page design, and high-interest informational text.

This biography highlights the unique characteristics of each mega-rapper, including childhood struggles, personal style, rivalries, giving back, and more. Each 48-page paperback book includes a timeline and glossary, with vocabulary words highlighted throughout.

Bad-boy Chris Brown signed with Jive records at age fifteen. “I hope I can be the next Michael Jackson,” Brown said. His first album was an instant top-ten hit. Grammy nominations brought him even more attention. Billboard named Chris 2008’s Artist of the Year. He maintained a low profile after his assault of then-girlfriend, Rihanna. But now he’s back on top.