Signifying Rappers

1990. First Edition. Signed. WALLACE, David Foster and COSTELLO, Mark. Signifying Rappers. New York: Ecco, (1990). Octavo, original pictorial paper wrappers. $2400.First edition of this early examination of rap music, signed on the title page by its co-author, David Foster Wallace.""First published in 1990… Signifying Rappers not only documents two Ivy League 'white yuppies' exploring their shared enthusiasm for hard rap music, but also marks one of the first sincere, intellectual studies of the hip-hop phenomenon as a serious artistic movement"" (Consequence of Sound). While the idea of this work may prove controversial today, few doubt its raw authenticity and good intentions. Wallace ""couldn't help but get swept up in the birth and infancy of an emerging music. In fact some critics claim that his illustrious career was kick-started by this exercise in rap theory, co-authored in an Amherst apartment"" (Guardian). A fine signed copy.