Common Sense Media Review
By Kyle Jackson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Insightful, kid-friendly intro to the history of hip-hop.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WHEN THE BEAT WAS BORN tells the story of the birth of hip-hop and rap culture in the early 1970s in the projects of the South Bronx. Fusing the sound-system-toasting style of the West Indies with the bounce and groove of soul and funk, disc jockeys, break dancers (or "B-boys"), MCs, and graffiti artists created a fresh expression of urban self-empowerment. Hip-hop, the movement that began in New York City with illegal outdoor parties presided over by legendary figures such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and KRS-One exploded into a worldwide phenomenon in the 1980s.
Is It Any Good?
Subdued but beautiful illustrations by Theodore Taylor III match the clear and simple storytelling of Laban Carrick Hill. In the vision they present, the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, and New York City aren't ugly, rough, or rugged but rather exciting, colorful, and magical. Kids dancing in the streets and plugging enormous speakers into street lamps are portrayed as urban heroes, defying conventions and expectations, inspiring everyone around them and reminding them that anything is possible.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the social conditions that led to the creation of hip-hop: the cutting of arts programs, widespread poverty, lack of law enforcement and access to basic public services, and a culturally diverse population. How did this unique combination of factors lead to such vibrant artistic development?
Although the origin stories and mythic figures of other genres such as rock and jazz are well known and revered, rap music's genesis has received much less attention. Why do you think this cultural bias exists?
Can you hear the influence of West Indian dancehall and reggae in contemporary rap music?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Theodore Taylor
- Genre : Arts
- Topics : Arts , History
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : August 27, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 10
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate