BOOKS
Welcome to our library!
A selection of recommended reads for the older ones looking to learn more about Hip Hop’s rich history, art forms and techniques.
Parental advisory: books marked with a hand icon may contain mild to strong language.
Graffiti Cookbook
Easy, simple and informative
The ultimate pocket guide to graffiti with photos, interviews, and practical tips. A must-have for beginners and enthusiasts — clear, inspiring, affordable and easy to follow.
Graffiti School
In depth, lesson based guide
Artist Jeroo's Graffiti School is a real nice, fully illustrated graffiti coursebook. It covers history and techniques, plus practical guides for creating art and teaching it. It was one of our first books!
Street Fonts
Facinating, complete alphabets
Classic graffiti lettering and experimental typographical forms make up this monster book, featuring 154 high profile artists covering over 30 countries, this book is our go to!
Subway Art
Reprint of a classic
This version is a reprint of the classic that helped spawn a global movement. Composed by photographers Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, this old school street classic is a must-have in all collections!
Forms of Rockin
Informative and visually stylish
Forms of Rockin' traces and defines the stylistic letterforms that have become iconic ideals. From the early New York tags to the mid - 90s ugly-fresh styles of Scandinavia, Forms of Rockin' tells the story of how popular culture and graffiti styles influences each other.
Name Tagging
Hello My Name Is picture book
A compact book by Hip Hop renowned photographer Martha Cooper featuring hundreds of “Hello My Name Is” sticker photos. It reveals a hidden world — after reading, you’ll spot name tags everywhere and smile.
Life Lessons from Hip Hop
Great life lessons for everyone
This version is a reprint of the classic that helped spawn a global movement. Composed by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, this old school street classic is a must have in all collections.
The Gospel of Hip Hop
Hip Hop culture and it's essence
Written by KRS-One, The Gospel of Hip Hop is blends philosophy, faith, history and practical wisdom — exploring Hip Hop as a way of life and how to preserve its culture.
Think Breaking
Intellectual breakdown of breakin
Written by BBoy Storm, this book explores Breakin in depth, offering a thoughtful, theoretical approach from one of the dance's leading pioneers. A real heavy read.
The Tao of Wu
Wu Tang, Origins and insight
RZA, Wu-Tang Clan’s founder, shares life lessons and spiritual insights from his journey from Staten Island to global fame — a blend of Hip Hop, philosophy, and wisdom.
Sweat The Technique
An epic tale with lyrical lessons
One of Hip Hop's greatest emcees of all time, Rakim, shares his creative process and life story, blending memoir and writing guide to reveal how he shaped rap’s lyrical craft and artistry.
Starting From Scratch
compelling life biography of a Deejay
The story of a rhythm-loving kid who grew into a UK champion DJ — a journey of creativity, chance, and a lifelong passion for Hip Hop and Turntablism
Can't Stop Won't Stop
Society, culture and history
A definitive history of Hip Hop, tracing its roots from Jamaica to the Bronx. it offers a deep insight into the rise of young Black America and the evolution of Hip Hop from the 1970s to today.
Last Word
Beyond Hip Hop: Shared Roots and Conscious Connections
More recommended books will be added over time as we build a comprehensive Hip Hop library. We found it hard not to include other influential materials — from spiritual to cultural works like Oriental culture and Capoeira, which we at HelloHipHop also follow — as they share values similar to Hip Hop. However, we’ve kept the focus here to avoid blending practices that each deserve their own space.
​
Our advice: explore widely. You’ll find that many conscious traditions share common ground. Stay creative, be conscious, and spread love — that’s what it’s all about.
Peace.