A New Book Takes a Fresh Look at Black Culture

Poet Kevin Young switches to prose with his latest work, The Grey Album: On the Blackness of Blackness, a slick and witty critique of just what constitutes blackness in the mainstream. While the title pays homage to the popular Jay-Z-and-Beatles mashup album, the book takes a critical look at how mass media and popular culture…

Poet Kevin Young switches to prose with his latest work, The Grey Album: On the Blackness of Blackness, a slick and witty critique of just what constitutes blackness in the mainstream. While the title pays homage to the popular Jay-Z-and-Beatles mashup album, the book takes a critical look at how mass media and popular culture portray black culture. Through a collection of narratives and essays, Young makes a compelling argument that black culture is, indeed, American culture.

The Grey Album is now available online and in bookstores.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view

Previous recommendation: Gospel Duo Stars in New Reality Show.

Got ideas for The Root Recommends? Send them to [email protected].

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.