HIP-HOP & R&B: CULTURE, MUSIC & STORYTELLING © 2020

by Carlie Lawson

John Legend (John Roger Stephens) works as a musician, an actor, entrepreneur, model, and philanthropist. Homeschooled until the age of 12, Legend graduated from Springfield North High School at age 16, then matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on African American literature. Legend worked as a music minister for nine years while building his early music career. Legend’s hip-hop career led to him meeting his wife, model Chrissy Teigen, on a video shoot. The couple now have two children. Aside from his studio albums, Legend has begun a successful career as an actor in movies and musical theater. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar. His wife may have rubbed off on him, since he now models for The Gap, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and, with daughter Luna, Pampers. He even wrote a jingle for Pampers, called “Stinky Booty.” Legend volunteers with numerous charities, championing issues of social justice and working to break the poverty cycle by providing quality education to children.In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) works as a rapper, actor, entrepreneur, model, voiceover artist, philanthropist, and fashion designer. He is also the father of four children. Widely regarded as the best rapper in the world, his successful rap career began when he was signed to a recording contract at age 11. His albums and singles have won him numerous awards and nominations. Aside from his music, Carter has mounted a successful career in acting on the small and big screen. He owns multiple businesses, including a sports agency, a record label, and a fashion line. Carter enjoys giving back to the community and conducts charity work in his home state of Louisiana as well as throughout the U.S. He has built a skate park, re-built a New Orleans park after Hurricane Katrina destroyed it, and funded a multitude of after-school programs for youth.In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Nicki Minaj is a rapper, actor, businesswoman, model, screenwriter, philanthropist, and fashion icon. Today, she is one of the most successful rap artists in the world and has won many accolades for her award-winning albums, mixtapes, and videos. She has sold more than ninety million singles and albums worldwide, ranking her one of the highest-selling rap artists of all time. Minaj is also known for her highly creative stage costumes, colorful wigs, and characters. Aside from her music, Minaj has had a successful career in acting on the stage and screen. She has also been a judge on the reality show American Idol. Furthermore, she has launched several fragrances that have won awards. Minaj is a great believer in giving back to the community and is involved in several projects in her hometown of Queens, New York. Other charity interests include funding projects in India and an initiative to pay students’ tuition fees. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Post Malone (Austin Richard Post) works as a musician, a shoe designer, a voice-over artist, and a philanthropist. From his SoundCloud launch to placing 14 songs on the Billboard Top 40 at one time, Post Malone has vaulted himself to success. He started out playing heavy metal in a high-school band but transitioned to hip-hop to go solo. He moved from Grapevine, TX, to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue his music career. Aside from his music, Malone has begun a successful career as an animation voice-over artist. His entrepreneurial spirit contributes to his growing partnerships with various corporations, such as Crocs, to merge his music with lifestyle brands. Malone enjoys giving back to the community and conducts charity work throughout the U.S. He uses his penchant for comedy as a catalyst for fundraising, such as with Seth Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity.In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

by Carlie Lawson

Travis Scott (Jacques Bermon Webster Jr.) works as a rapper, actor, fashion designer, model, producer, songwriter, and philanthropist. He is also the father of one child with his significant other, Kylie Jenner. Scott established himself first in Houston, Texas, then in both the New York City and Los Angeles rap games. He began his career in high school, working in musical groups and building the network that would allow him to sleep on floors and couches rent-free while he worked daily in the recording studio to build professional hip-hop contacts. Aside from his music, Scott has focused on building a career in production and songwriting. He’s also breaking into film acting after successfully entering the film soundtrack arena. Scott has partnered with Nike and Jordan Brand to design athletic shoes, and he has designed a fashion line with Helmut Lang. The rapper enjoys giving back to the community and conducts charity work in his home state of Texas as well as throughout the U.S. He focuses on philanthropy that begins and expands after-school programs and on social justice issues like post-prison-release employment availability. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today’s hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists’ lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.