The Logophile's Orgy

A lively and informative collection of media relating to rap music, Rap on Rap will appeal to readers who enjoy hearty intellectual brawls. Drawing on such diverse sources as Spin, Footwear News, Crossfire, William Safire, Ice Cube and Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, the book is a rap-centric examination of African-American culture, censorship, racism, politics and sexism. Editor Sexton (Desperately Seeking Madonna) skillfully initiates the debate by outlining the music's numerous controversies; but, though his introduction establishes the book's themes, the articles take center stage thereafter. Despite Sexton's reservations concerning rap criticism, nearly every selection is well written and thought-provoking. Sexton is clearly a fan of hip-hop, which makes his inclusion of such a range of opinion, from an eloquent political statement by the rapper Paris to the anti-rap sermon delivered from the pulpit of Rev. Butts, truly admirable. The transcripts of television and radio panel discussions included are notable as microcosms of the larger conflicts confronting rap; the ``talk'' of these talk shows, sometimes inadvertently hilarious, is rapidly replaced by shouting. While it offers no clear solutions to the problems rap poses, Rap on Rap asks the questions well and answers them fairly. (Apr.)