The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed

Abrams Image (Publisher); Authors: Shea Serrano, Ice-T, Arturo Torres · Books & Media > Non-fiction > Music

The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed

Era / Decade

2010s (Published in 2015). Visual cues: Modern graphic design style, publication date 2015 inside.

Material

Paperback book; high-quality semi-glossy printed cover and matte interior pages with full-color illustrations.

Condition

Very Good to Excellent. The cover shows minimal shelf wear, sharp corners, and a crisp spine with no visible creasing. Interior pages appear clean and flat.

Demand Level

Moderate. It is a popular gift item and a staple for hip-hop enthusiasts, though it is widely available in new condition.

Resale Value

Estimated Resale Value

$7.00 - $14.00 (Low-Mid-High Range)

Estimated Retail Value

$19.00 - $22.00 (MSRP)

Comparable Sales

Recent sold listings on eBay range from $6.50 (well-used) to $15.99 (like new/pristine). Current Amazon used price sits around $9.00 plus shipping.

Description

A New York Times Bestseller by Shea Serrano. This 240-page paperback features a yearly breakdown of hip-hop's most influential songs starting from 1979. It includes a foreword by Ice-T and iconic illustrations by Arturo Torres. The book is known for its humorous, debate-style writing and deep-dive infographics into the world of rap music.

Key Features

New York Times Bestseller status; high-quality illustrations by Arturo Torres; foreword by legendary rapper Ice-T; cult following for author Shea Serrano; heavy coffee-table book appeal for music fans.

Authenticity Indicators

ISBN-13: 978-1419718182. Correct publisher logo (Abrams Image) and high print quality on the cover art. Confidence: High.

Flaws to Note

Minor surface scuffing on the black cover (inherent to matte black finishes); very slight corner blunting on the bottom left. No permanent damage noted.

Selling Guide

Where to Sell

eBay (best for targeted book buyers), Poshmark (popular for 'home decor' or 'lifestyle' categories), or local used book shops like Half Price Books.

Selling Tips

List using 'Media Mail' to keep shipping costs low (approx. $4). Mention Shea Serrano’s name and 'Hip Hop History' in the title. Take a photo of the table of contents and a few of the color illustrations to show interior quality.

Appraised on 7/12/2026