
Marcus J. Moore

High and Rising
Written by the esteemed author, curator, and music journalist Marcus J. Moore, this is the first biography of De La Soul. It unpacks the significance of the influential rap group, the birth of hip-hop culture, and the evolution of alternative rap. Marcus also weaves in a deeply personal coming-of-age story about his journey through life with De La as a backdrop.















About
Marcus
Marcus J. Moore is an esteemed music journalist, editor, event curator, professor, and author of two acclaimed books: The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America (2020) and High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul (2024), now on sale. The latter is a blend of cultural biography, memoir, and critical analysis.
The book is out via Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. His latest book, High and Rising, a cultural biography of rap trio De La Soul, was published by HarperCollins in November 2024.

High and Rising
A biography of the hip-hop trio De La Soul, charting their ascension, their boundary-pushing experimentation, and their lasting cultural influence.
Select
Writings

Kahil El’Zabar, Spiritual Jazz’s Dapper Bandleader, Keeps Pushing AheadThe New York Times

‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ Returns, Bringing a Jazz Tale to a New GenerationThe New York Times

For Sampha, Joy Comes After the MourningThe New York Times

The Liner Notes: Amiri Baraka’s BluesTIDAL

Armand Hammer Keeps a Foot in the Past, but Its Eyes on the FutureThe New York Times

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Max RoachThe New York Times

The Liner Notes: Why You Need to Hear yUTIDAL

For Meshell Ndegeocello, blurring musical lines has provided a clear pathThe Washington Post

