This collection of essays is fantastic. Most of the essays are about music, though don't be fooled by the categorization ("music history > rap") of this book: it is not entirely (or even mostly) about hip-hop. Abdurraqib is an unapologetic Carley Rae Jepsen fan, and he appreciates and writes about artists from Johnny Cash to Fall Out Boy.

These essays explore how music reflects societal attitudes and culture. The short and concise pieces discuss racism, poverty, gentrification, faith and how all of those things have impacted the author's life. There is not a dud in the bunch.

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