One of the most lyrically gifted, socially conscious rappers of the past twenty years offers a firsthand account of hip-hop as a political force in addition to illuminating his own upbringing and artistic success.

Prologue --Stakes is high -- Growing up Greene -- Gifted and talented -- The poetry of practicality -- The word became flesh -- The cipher -- Village people -- God lives thru -- The nigga ya love to hate -- The salad days -- Friends with rappers -- The best is yet to come -- 1995 -- The peaceful warrior -- Black star keep shining -- The eighth light -- The joy -- The Bizness -- Reflections of our ancestors -- Spitkickers -- The strange land -- Wake up, Mr. West! -- Family. Matters. -- Blacksmith Music -- Shadows of tomorrow -- Independent's Day -- Knowledge of wealth -- Dillagence -- Twitter fingers -- Defenders of the dream -- My president is black -- Trump's Amerikkka -- The story of mama -- The beginning.