A review by neftzger
Signifying Rappers: Rap and Race in the Urban Present by David Foster Wallace, Mark Costello

4.0

One of the most interesting things about this nonfiction book is that it was written during the early years of rap music as the industry was just beginning to expand into a formidable genre. It's almost like reading the biography of an an established and successful individual to learn about the person's early years. Granted, this is the insight of one individual, but that person is David Foster Wallace who has written some excellent commentary on other aspects of American culture. The essays in this book are similar to others he's written and certainly worth reading, especially if you're a fan of DFW's work, which I am.

Whether or not you listen to rap music, a number of DFW's point hold true across the arts — and these points make the book worth reading. For example, my favorite quote from the book: "Ironies abound,of course, as ironies must when cash and art do lunch."

Recommended for fans of DFW or individuals who enjoy art commentaries, in general.