Ben Westhoff: Original Gangstas

Tuesday, September 20, 2016 - 7:00pm

Left Bank Books

Ben WesthoffLeft Bank Books presents award-winning journalist Ben Westhoff, who will sign and discuss his new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, and the Birth of West Coast Rap.

This event is free and open to the public, but proof of purchase of Original Gangstas from Left Bank Books will be required to enter the signing line.

Amid rising gang violence, the crack epidemic, and police brutality, a group of unlikely voices cut through the chaos of late 1980s Los Angeles: N.W.A. Led by a drug dealer, a glammed-up producer, and a high school kid, N.W.A gave voice to disenfranchised African Americans across the country. And they quickly redefined pop culture across the world. Ben Westhoff explores how this group of artists shifted the balance of hip-hop from New York to Los Angeles. Featuring extensive investigative reporting, interviews with the principal players, and dozens of never-before-told stories, Original Gangstas is a groundbreaking addition to the history of popular music.

“Invaluable...[Westhoff's] book will stand as a comprehensive guide to an inner-city movement that conquered the world.” – Publishers Weekly

Parking: Lots one block north and one block east; street parking (meters free after 7pm). For directions and public transportation information, click here.

Event address: 
Left Bank Books
399 N. Euclid Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63108
Books: 
Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, and the Birth of West Coast Rap By Ben Westhoff Cover Image
$28.00
ISBN: 9780316383899
Availability: Special Order
Published: Hachette Books - September 13th, 2016