Author Ben Pedroche will be in conversation about his new hip-hop culture book, ‘Independent As F***: Underground Hip-Hop From 1995-2005’, charting a golden era of music when artists rallied against the mainstream record industry to make music on their own terms. Ben will join DJ and podcaster Adam Gow (aka DJ Wax On) for a Q&A session, with a chance to buy the book and get it signed afterwards. Later, Adam will be playing a hip-hop set in the bar, including many of the classic tracks discussed in the book.

This event is free of charge but booking is essential

Times:
Talk and book signing – 7-7.45pm
DJ Set: 8-9pm

Cost: Free

About the book:

For a glorious ten-year period from 1995 to 2005, hip-hop music received a much-needed shot in the arm from a generation of determined and wildly creative rappers and producers. They rallied against the increasingly formulaic and shallow world of mainstream rap, as well as a music industry unwilling to listen.

By releasing music on their own terms as independent artists—many adopting the mantra of being “independent as fuck” as a mission statement—these hungry creatives reclaimed their artistic freedom and wore it as a badge of honour. Most importantly, they also made a lot of excellent hip-hop. What emerged was a vibrant underground music scene that stretched from New York to Los Angeles, with influence reaching across the world.

Independent As F**: Underground Hip-hop from 1995-2005 explores how a generation of rap artists rebelled against the major record labels and made music on their own terms, celebrating individuality and creative freedom. It also traces the history of some of hip-hop’s most respected artists, including MF DOOM, El-P, Mos Def, Kool Keith, and Madlib.