
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 event curator, pundit, 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). The latter blends cultural biography, memoir, and critical analysis.

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

In the Time of D’AngeloPitchfork

Jeanne Lee, A Voice That Contorted TimeActive Listening

Earl Sweatshirt Will See You NowActive Listening

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Nina SimoneThe New York Times

How Kassa Overall Turned Rap Into New Jazz StandardsActive Listening

You Can’t Understand Black Music Without Sly StoneThe Nation

We Should Talk About Meshell's Sun Ra AlbumActive Listening

5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Ella FitzgeraldThe New York Times

