Rapthology: Lessons in Life and Lyrics

Brought to you by Penguin.

A revelatory work of non-fiction from one of the most popular and influential musicians of today: part autobiography, part guide to creativity and part cultural history.

What makes a song work? What element causes us to stop, to listen, to listen again? Is it a melody? Is it a beat? Is it the words that are sung, or spoken? Is it what they speak to in us? Is it a combination of all of the above?

Wretch 32 is one of the most influential musicians at work in Britain today. He is also a lyricist of unparalleled ability, and an advocate of music as a tool to educate as well as to entertain. In an age of unprecedented social and political change, Wretch’s music stands as a medium of protest and of progress, helping to explain and shape a new era.

Rapthology is an anthology of the songs that have shaped Wretch, and our society, over the last thirty years, from gospel music to dancehall anthems to the most innovative emerging young voices. Step by step, Wretch explains what each song means to him, why it matters and how it has become so popular, and so powerful.

In Rapthology, Wretch also provides a lesson in lyric writing, taking us through his own creative process, from the first flashes of inspiration to final edits and improvisation. The result is a groundbreaking autobiography, a guidebook to the music that matters, and an insight into the artistic practises of one of the most inspiring artists of a generation.