Publisher's Synopsis
Borrowing its name from the 1996 album by Nas, It Was Written: Poetry Inspired by Hip-Hop is the latest book from indie publishers Minor Arcana Press. Jason McCall and P.J. Williams have brought together over 50 poets for a cypher--and a conversation--with hip-hop and literature.
The poems and poets in this book are influenced by hip-hop not only as a genre of music but also as a force of life. Contributing poet Michael Mlekoday says, "Hip-hop isn't a just a genre I appreciate; it's a culture that has actively contributed to my sense of self--a way of seeing the world." It Was Written shows how modern poets have engaged with one of the most powerful cultural forces of our time.
And it's not just a book of poetry; It Was Written is a conversation. The poets have also contributed over 30 writing prompts in the back of the book to encourage readers to pick up their own pen.
