Rooted in African society and traditions, black slaves in America created a dynamic culture which lives on and keeps evolving. Present day hip hop and rap music are still shaped by the historical experience of slavery and the will to oppose oppression and racism. This volume is an authoritative introduction to the history of African Americans in U.S. popular culture, examining its development from the early nineteenth century to the present. Kevern Verney examines the role and significance of race in all major forms of popular culture, including sport, film. television, radio and music.