Kanye West God Monster

"Kanye West is undoubtedly one of pop culture's most divisive and fascinating characters. Alongside his multimillion selling albums, Kanye has also launched record labels and clothing lines and in the process, become one of the most respected, creative and influential artists in music today.The most in-depth look at West's life and career to date,"--Novelist.

As a child, Kanye West always worked hard to be the best at whatever he tried to do. The people around him saw how talented he was, and soon the world would know as well. Through accessible text and full-color photographs, accompanied by interesting sidebars and insightful quotations, readers will learn how Kanye West used his ambition to become a top music producer and celebrated rap artist who has also helped other artists achieve their big breaks in the music business.

Crazy in Love explores the astonishing life and career of Beyoncé Knowles, the Texan teenager who rose from performing in hometown backyards to being the most recognisable face on the planet. Beyoncé now towers above the entertainment industry – Music, film, fashion. She has released critically acclaimed albums one after the other, and, alongside partner Jay-Z, forms half of one of the most powerful couples in the world. This exciting and revealing portrait delves into the key events of her life, her music and her marriage to uncover true person behind the persona. Crazy in Love is essential reading for any fan. “At this point, I really know who I am, and don’t feel like I have to put myself in a box. I’m not afraid of taking risks – no one can define me.” Beyoncé

The Def Jam label gave America hip hop. But who gave America Def Jam? Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin did. The Men Behind Def Jam examines the most unlikely history of the legendary label that started life in a student dorm and went on to introduce the world to LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, DMX and Jay-Z. Hustler-incarnate Russell Simmons and ex-punk Rick Rubin, the odd couple, fought and triumphed against all predictions to change the course of popular music forever. Here is an honest appraisal of these rival personalities, the quarrels, the successes and the failures of the spectacular Def Jam adventure. With Rubin and Simmons now pursuing other interests, the label continues with others at the helm, but the story of Def Jam’s birth and coming of age makes for one of pop music’s most feisty and fascinating legends.

Jay-Z: King of America is the first in-depth biography to dissect the life and music of the most successful rapper of all time. From crack dealing on the mean streets of New York to million dollar deals at the highest echelons of music industry, Jay-Z’s story is a whole new kind of American Dream. Updated to include recent turbulence with Kanye West, rumours of an affair with Rhianna, his latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail and troubles with his streaming service Tidal, this is the most complete biography of Jay-Z available. Author Mark Beaumont has interviewed Jay-Z, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Damon Dash, Dr Dre, Rick Rubin and more. Revealing insights from these encounters inform this no-holds-barred biography of a great American success story. Along his winding path Jay-Z shattered barriers in rap music and has done more than anyone to make the genre the global crossover success it is today. This book includes detailed accounts of all 12 of his albums, including the seminal classic Reasonable Doubt, the landmark Blueprint trilogy and his latest gem, Magna Carta Holy Grail. Mark Beaumont traces Jay Z’s ascent to hip-hop’s throne and his pivotal role in forging modern rap music. Taking in all of the drug busts, knife attacks, entrepreneurial brilliance, premature retirements and secret weddings, this is Jay-Z’s hard knock life fully exposed… “Definitely THE book to own this Christmas, and takes his rightful place at the top of our book chart.” - RWD magazine (Leading UK urban music mag)

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West may be the world's most ambitious power couple. Kim was already a reality star and successful businesswoman when her relationship with Kanye hit the tabloids. His talent as a rap artist and songwriter has earned Kanye many awards. Together they have amassed billions of dollars and dominated social media by courting controversy, and kept their global fan base fascinated and entertained. In this engaging and illuminating biography, readers will discover how Kim and Kanye leveraged beauty, talent, ego, and sheer audacity to become two of the most talked about people on the planet.

Black celebrities in America have always walked a precarious line between their perceived status as spokespersons for their race and their own individual success--and between being "not black enough" for the black community or "too black" to appeal to a broader audience. Few know this tightrope walk better than Kanye West, who transformed hip-hop, pop and gospel music, redefined fashion, married the world's biggest reality TV star and ran for president, all while becoming one of only a handful of black billionaires worldwide. Despite these accomplishments, his polarizing behavior, controversial alliances and bouts with mental illness have made him a caricature in the media and a disappointment among much of his fanbase. This book examines West's story and what it reveals about black celebrity and identity and the American dream.