Hip Hop Music: History and Culture explores core hip hop elements, including graffiti art, breakin', DJing, MCing, and the knowledge of self. It covers innovators of the art form from the 1970s to present, providing readers with a deeper understanding of hip hop through the styles and terminology that have made it a significant, enduring aspect of global culture.

Opening chapters of the text examine the origin of hip hop and how it developed as a music and cultural movement. Readers learn how hip hop is not solely a source of entertainment, but also a vehicle for commentary on political and social empowerment. Dedicated chapters explore the roles of the DJ and MC, the commercial success of hip hop, and how inner-city youths have used beats and rhymes to build and heal their communities.

Readers learn about the careers of Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Luke Campbell, as well as various styles that have evolved over time, including rap rock fusion, rap ballads, dis rap, novelty/humorous rap, dirty booty rap, and gangsta rap.

Additional chapters trace the story of hip hop through the rap stars, producers, and record owners who continue to move the music into uncharted territories, including those who are leveraging their platforms for social and cultural change.