Rapthology

About the book

'Groundbreaking... a must-have.' Independent

'A worthwhile tutorial in how to write lyrics.' Evening Standard

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?

Jermaine Scott - aka Wretch 32 - is one of the most important and influential musicians of today, both an important cultural commentator, and a hugely successful artist.

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.

Now in his new book, Wretch sets out the principles of lyric-writing in an accessible and entertaining way, helping to inspire a new generation of musicians and writers.

Taking us through the songs which have shaped his career over the last two decades, from gospel music to dancehall anthems to the most innovative emerging young voices, Wretch explains what each song means to him, and his own creative process - from the first flashes of inspiration to final edits and improvisation.

Part autobiography, part guide to creativity, and part cultural history, Rapthology is a blueprint to the music that matters and an insight into the artistic process of one of the most inspiring artists of a generation.