So, I recently picked up Beats of The Streets: Exploring Hip Hop Music with the Music from Video Games and Popular Media—and let me tell you, my brain has been in a head spin ever since. If you're someone who finds themselves jamming out to hip hop, obsessed with video games, or secretly (or not so secretly) an anime fan, then this book might just be your new best friend. 

As a music enthusiast, I’ve always had a soft spot for the unexpected ways different genres collide, and this book doesn’t just flirt with that idea—it throws a full-on dance party with it. Using video games and popular media music to break down music theory? Yes, please! 

In this review, I’ll give you the rundown on what works, what doesn’t, and whether this book is worth adding to your collection or just letting it chill on the shelf.

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • The book provides a unique and engaging approach to learning music theory by using video games and anime music as examples. It really helped me grasp some of the more complex concepts.
  • I loved how it explores the influence of hip-hop music in video games and popular media. This offers a fresh perspective on the genre's impact.
  • The cheat codes and tips provided in the book were incredibly helpful in understanding and analyzing music from different sources.
  • The author's passion for music shines through the pages. This makes it an enjoyable and inspiring read for anyone looking to delve into music theory.
  • The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

What Can Be Improved

  • While the focus on hip-hop music is great, I would have liked to see a bit more diversity. This is particularly so when it comes to the music genres explored within the context of video games and popular media.
  • It would have been beneficial to include more interactive elements, such as audio examples or exercises, to further enhance the learning experience.

Quick Verdict

Overall, Beats of The Streets is a fantastic resource for music enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of music theory through the lens of hip-hop, video games, and popular media

The unique approach, coupled with the author's genuine passion for the subject, makes it a compelling read. If you're ready to master music theory with a twist, I highly recommend giving this book a read. You can find it here.

Specifications

  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book: 32 of 45
  • Print length: 25 pages
  • Sticky notes: On Kindle Scribe
  • Word Wise: Not Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • File size: 4765 KB
  • Language: English
  • Publication date: March 17, 2024
  • ASIN: B0CW1JYR2Y

User Guide

The user guide that came with the product was unfortunately empty. This was disappointing as I was hoping for some guidance on how to make the most of the content. However, I was able to find some helpful information on the product page on Amazon.

Features – What We Found

Exploring Hip-Hop Music

I absolutely love how this book delves into the world of hip-hop music and explores its origins, evolution, and impact on popular media

It provides a comprehensive look at the genre, its cultural significance, and how it has been integrated into video games and other forms of media. The book also offers a deep dive into the different elements of hip-hop music. These range from its beats and rhythms to its lyrical content and storytelling.

If you're a music enthusiast or a hip-hop fan, this feature will definitely give you a newfound appreciation for the genre. 

Pro-tip: Take your time to absorb the information. Listen to the recommended tracks to fully immerse yourself in the world of hip-hop music.

This book does an amazing job of showcasing how hip-hop music has been featured in video games and popular media

It provides examples of iconic soundtracks from games and movies, and how they have contributed to the mainstream success of hip-hop music. If you're curious about the intersection of music and media, this feature will give you a fresh perspective on how hip-hop has permeated different forms of entertainment.

For a deeper understanding of this concept, check out the examples and references provided in the book here.

Master Music Theory With Video Game and Anime Music

This book explores hip-hop music and provides a unique angle by linking it to video game and anime music. It offers a fresh and innovative approach to mastering music theory by using examples from video game soundtracks and anime scores. 

By connecting these different musical styles, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of music theory in an engaging and relatable way.

Comprehensive Analysis of Music Cheat Codes

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of music cheat codes. It provides insights into how music theory can be understood and applied in the context of hip hop, video game, and anime music. 

It also breaks down complex musical concepts into easy-to-understand cheat codes. This makes it accessible to readers of all levels of musical knowledge.

Pro-tip: Use the cheat codes provided in the book as a reference guide when analyzing and creating your own music.

Integration of Video Game and Anime Music

This feature seamlessly integrates video games and anime music into the exploration of hip-hop music. It showcases the interconnectedness of different musical genres. 

By highlighting the similarities and differences between these styles, the book offers a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of music composition. It's fascinating to see how the integration of video game and anime music enriches Hip-Hop music exploration and music theory as a whole.

Concluding Thoughts

Our Score: 81

As a music enthusiast and a fan of hip-hop, Beats of The Streets was a refreshing and enlightening read for me. 

The author's approach to exploring hip-hop music through the lens of video games and popular media was unique and truly captivating. I found the fusion of these two elements to be incredibly innovative. Plus, it provided me with a whole new perspective on hip-hop music. If you're a music theory enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the art of hip-hop, I highly recommend diving into this book. You can find the book here.

The Music Cheat Codes Series has always been a favorite of mine, and this installment did not disappoint. The way the author masterfully intertwines video game and anime music with hip-hop was truly impressive. 

Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of hip-hop music, but I also found a newfound appreciation for the music in video games and anime. This book is educational and an enjoyable read for anyone who loves music. I believe it offers a fresh and engaging approach to learning music theory, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.

Overall, Beats of The Streets is a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their musical horizons. Whether you're a musician, a music enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a captivating read, this book offers something for everyone. 

The fusion of hip-hop music with video game and anime music is brilliantly executed. As such, I’m confident that readers will walk away with a newfound appreciation for the art of music. Get your copy here and embark on a unique musical journey!

Best Combination

When exploring the music world, it's important to have a well-rounded understanding of different genres and their influences. That's why I suggest considering Celebrating Hip Hope Music with Poetry as an alternate product. This will complement the earlier book perfectly.

By delving into the world of video game and anime music with Celebrating Hip Hope Music with Poetry, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse elements that shape modern music.

Furthermore, this alternate product provides valuable insights into music theory and composition techniques utilized in video game and anime soundtracks. This knowledge can be directly applied to understanding the intricacies of hip-hop music. This enhances the overall learning experience.

Celebrating Hip Hope Music with Poetry serves as a complementary resource. It expands the reader's musical horizon and adds a new dimension to their exploration of hip-hop music.

Similar Options

So, you may be wondering why you should consider these alternate products instead of the one you're currently looking at. Well, let me tell you why I suggest exploring these other options.

First off, if you're looking to delve into the world of hip-hop music and want to explore its roots and influences, you might want to check out 100 Rap Chords. This book offers a unique perspective on the genre and its impact on popular media.

Now, if you're a fan of video game and anime music and want to master music theory in a fun and interactive way, then Hip-Hop Production could be the perfect choice. It's a great way to learn and appreciate music in a whole new light.

And for those who are interested in discovering the connection between music and video games, 100 Ultimate Soul, Funk and R&B Grooves provides an in-depth exploration of this fascinating relationship.

Not to mention, if you're looking for more options to expand your musical horizons, R&B Keyboard – The Complete Guide and The Beat Game – The Truth About Hip Hop Production are also worth considering.

So, whether you're passionate about hip hop, video game music, or just want to broaden your musical knowledge, these alternate products offer a variety of exciting opportunities for exploration and learning. 

Ready to broaden your musical horizons and dive into the fusion of hip-hop, video game, and anime music? Visit DLK Soul now to get Beats of The Streets and start mastering music theory in the most engaging way possible!