Explore this curated list of books about rappers and find your next read. From memoirs and biographies of famous rappers to a collection of Tupac poetry and books that collect the handwritten notes, personal photos, and thoughts of artists like Eminem, Tupac, and Jay-Z, you’ll find recommendations for reading a book about rappers here.

The Rose That Grew From Concrete
by Tupac Shakur
IN A NUTSHELL. Posthumously published poetry by Tupac
SHORT & SIMPLE. A collection of poems written by Tupac between the ages of 19 and his death.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read poetry that provides a unique insight into the heart and mind of one of the world’s most famous rappers.
This moving book of emotional poetry from legendary rapper Tupac Shakur contains 72 poems. The poems in The Rose That Grew From Concrete appear in typewritten format and in Tupac’s own handwriting. This collection of poetry is recommended for Tupac fans looking for a book about the rapper.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
Let's Talk About Pep
by Sandy Denton
IN A NUTSHELL. Salt-N-Pepa’s Sandy Denton tells about her life
SHORT & SIMPLE. Sandy Denton of Salt-N-Pepa tells-all in this book about her life that discusses childhood struggles, abuse, and her rise to fame.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you’re looking for a book about a female rapper.
An easy, enjoyable reads for fans of Denton and Salt-N-Pepa. This 2008 release is Sandy Denton’s memoir covering a difficult childhood, domestic abuse and failed marriages, her rise to fame, and her relationship with Cheryl James (Salt).
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
The Way I Am
by Eminem
IN A NUTSHELL. Personal reflections and photos from rapper Eminem
SHORT & SIMPLE. Eminem shares personal photos, handwritten lyrics, and his reflections.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you’re looking for a visually appealing book about a rapper.
A New York Times Bestseller, Eminem’s The Way I Am, is an inside look at the rapper’s life and creative process. From images of hand scrawled lyrics, to family photos and Eminem’s own firsthand reflections, The Way I Am is a great choice for Eminem fans or anyone looking for a visually stunning book about a rapper.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
Decoded
by Jay-Z
IN A NUTSHELL. Jay-Z explains Jay-Z & Jay-Z lyrics
SHORT & SIMPLE. Jay-Z decodes his own lyrics and tells his story.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a unique book about a rapper that focuses on lyrics.
If you’re a fan of Jay-Z, or if you have an interest in rap lyrics, Decoded is a great choice. Decoded is a 2011 release that’s part autobiography and part an artistic homage to Jay-Z’s lyrics and the meaning behind them.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
Who's That Girl?: A Memoir
by Eve & Kathy Landoli
IN A NUTSHELL. Inspirational personal and professional memoir by rapper Eve
SHORT & SIMPLE. Rapper and actor Eve tells her personal and professional story from struggling with infertility and mental health to professional successes and setbacks.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about a female rapper.
This well-written and relatable autobiography from Eve tells the story of her life from her childhood in Philadelphia to her successes as a rapper and actress and her struggle to become a mother. Eve’s 2024 autobiography is a great choice for Eve fans and anyone interested in reading about a female rapper’s take on the industry.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide: A Memoir
by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels & Darrell Dawsey
IN A NUTSHELL. DMC’s memoir focused on his mental health battle
SHORT & SIMPLE. DMC (of Run DMC) talks about his battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and alcoholism in this memoir.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about a rapper that’s focused on mental health issues.
In this honest memoir, DMC takes you on his journey of self-discovery as he shares about the difficulties in his life and his struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts, alcoholism and the hardships of life. This memoir is a great choice for anyone with an interest in mental health or addiction recovery issues.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs
Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography
by Staci Robinson
IN A NUTSHELL. Tupac biography based on his private writings and conversations
SHORT & SIMPLE. Posthumous biography of Tupac authorized by his estate that utilizes Tupac’s personal writings and conversations with those close to him to tell the story of Tupac’s life and death.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about Tupac’s life.
This 2024 biography of Tupac uses Tupac’s personal letters and writings along with conversations with people who were close to him to tell the story of Tupac’s life. You’ll also find photos and reproduced images of Tupac’s handwritten notes in this authorized biography of Tupac.
nonfiction + biographies & memoirs