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Marcus J Moore
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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.

Curated
Musicby Marcus J Moore

Ancestral Echoes – The Covina Sessions, 1976

Ancestral Echoes – The Covina Sessions, 1976
Horace Tapscott with the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra

MOBILISATION GENERALE Protest and Spirit Jazz from FRANCE 1970​-​1976

MOBILISATION GENERALE Protest and Spirit Jazz from FRANCE 1970​-​1976
Various Artists

Friendly Futures Radio – Dublab

Friendly Futures Radio – Dublab
Marcus J. Moore

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.

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Writings

Erykah Badu: Finding ‘Amerykah’

Erykah Badu: Finding ‘Amerykah’
TIDAL

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Jazz Piano

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Jazz Piano
The New York Times

The Liner Notes: The Culture Is Still Catching Up to Saul Williams

The Liner Notes: The Culture Is Still Catching Up to Saul Williams
TIDAL

A Car Accident Couldn’t Halt the Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin’s Rise

A Car Accident Couldn’t Halt the Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin’s Rise
The New York Times

The Liner Notes: The Revolutionary Fusion of Matías Pizarro

The Liner Notes: The Revolutionary Fusion of Matías Pizarro
TIDAL

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Sun Ra

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Sun Ra
The New York Times

Julius Rodriguez, a young pianist fusing (all) the music from inside-out

Julius Rodriguez, a young pianist fusing (all) the music from inside-out
NPR

'Revival' captures drummer Elvin Jones as a nascent bandleader finding his voice

'Revival' captures drummer Elvin Jones as a nascent bandleader finding his voice
NPR

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