Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) by Jeff Chang and David “Davey D” Cook chronicles the history and evolution of hip-hop culture through four major transformative periods, starting with its emergence in the Bronx during the late 1960s, its global spread in the 1980s, its establishment as a dominant genre through the 1990s amid significant social issues, and its continued influence in the digital age through 2020. The book contains discussions of police brutality, gang violence, and systemic inequality.

Jeff Chang's Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) has been praised for its engaging and educational exploration of hip-hop culture and its socio-political impact. While some readers appreciate its accessible prose and timely subject matter, others note that it occasionally oversimplifies complex issues. Overall, it's a valuable resource for young readers interested in history and music.

Readers who are passionate about social justice, hip-hop culture, and history will enjoy Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) by Jeff Chang. Similar to fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, these readers seek engaging, educational narratives that challenge societal norms.

Informative / Inspirational / Hopeful / Heartwarming

**DJ Kool Herc**  
A pioneering DJ recognized as the father of hip-hop music and culture, who started hosting influential block parties in the Bronx in the early 1970s that laid the foundation for hip-hop.  

**Tupac Shakur**  
A renowned hip-hop artist born in East Harlem in 1971, known for his impactful lyrics and acting career, as well as his involvement in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry.  

**Charles “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace**  
Also known as Biggie, he was a prominent hip-hop artist from Brooklyn who played a crucial role in revitalizing East Coast rap and was central to the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop feud.  

**Afrika Bambaataa**  
A key DJ from the South Bronx who helped shape early hip-hop by combining electronica with breakbeat, and founded The Zulu Nation to promote and spread hip-hop culture globally.  

**Run-DMC**  
A groundbreaking hip-hop group from Queens that played a pivotal role in bringing hip-hop to mainstream audiences with their innovative music and collaborations.  

**Public Enemy**  
A politically charged hip-hop group from Long Island, formed under Def Jam Recordings, known for addressing systemic oppression and racial issues in their music.  

**Ice Cube**  
A key figure in West Coast rap, originally part of NWA, known for his controversial lyrics and involvement in the East Coast-West Coast rap feud, as well as his success in film.  

**Eminem**  
A highly successful hip-hop artist from Detroit known for his intricate rhymes and collaborations with Dr. Dre, who navigated criticism for being a white rapper in a predominantly Black genre.  

**Jeff Chang**  
A co-author of the book, a historian, music critic, and journalist who drew inspiration from political movements in Los Angeles during the early 90s and co-founded the Solesides record label.  

**David “Davey D” Cook**  
A hip-hop pioneer with roots in the Bronx and the San Francisco Bay Area, who contributed insights from his firsthand experiences and interviews for the book.

Jeff Chang

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Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) Summary and Study Guide

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Part 1: “Loop 1: 1969-1982”

Part 1 Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Loop 2: 1983-1990”

Part 2 Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 “Loop 3: 1991-1997”

Part 3 Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Loop 4: 1998-2020”

Part 4 Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition) Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Introduction

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Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition): A Hip-Hop History

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