Between God and Gangsta Rap Bearing Witness to Black Culture

Michael Eric Dyson is a critic, scholar, and ordained Baptist minister who has forged a unique role: he is a compelling spokesman for the concerns of the black community, particularly with urban youth. In his essays, lectures, sermons, and books, he has emerged as one of the leading African-American voices of our day.Dyson's passion for contemporary black culture informs Between God and Gangsta Rap, his latest foray into the ongoing debate about African-American identity which embraces the hopes of the church and the cool reality of hip-hop. Arguing that the richness of black culture today can be found in the interstices -- between god and gangsta rap -- Dyson brings together writings on music, religion, politics, and identity to offer a muti-faceted view of black life."Michael Eric Dyson is...one of our most compelling spokesmen for the concerns of the Black community today". -- Black History"In Dyson's prose one hears the fervor of a Sunday sermon; in his ideas one sees the analytic scrupulousness of a man who knows a thing or two about tenure committees". -- Christopher John Farley, Time"Eclectically jumping from profiles of Michael Jordan...to the Rev. Gardner Taylor...Dyson provides an expertly composed snapshot of contemporary African-American life". -- Newsday"This brother's sermon is a must-read". -- Shani Saxon, Vibe"Dyson's writing posesses an enviable energy and an ability to mesh influences that include everything from Shakespeare to Public Enemy". -- U.S.A Today

Michael Eric Dyson is an ordained Baptist minister, Director of the Institute of African-American Research, and Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is the author of the widely acclaimed Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism, and Making Malcolm: The Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X. His most recent publication is race Rules: Navigating the Color Line.