Beat

Discover the vibrant world of go-go music with Beat by Kip Lornell, published by the University Press of Mississippi in 2009. This engaging book delves into the musical, social, and cultural phenomenon of go-go, a genre that has shaped the soundscape of Washington, D.C. Since its inception, go-go has played a pivotal role in the African American community, and this updated edition includes a substantial chapter on the current scene, showcasing its evolution into the 21st century.

Lornell, alongside co-author Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., expertly situates go-go within the broader context of black popular music since the mid-1970s, a time dominated by the rise of hip-hop. With 304 pages of insightful analysis and rich historical context, Beat is an essential read for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the cultural dynamics of Washington, D.C.