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The Hip-Hop MBA

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Lessons in Cut-Throat Capitalism from Rap’s Moguls

Hip Hop is rewriting the rules of business; The Hip Hop MBA takes you on a guided tour of just how and what we can all learn from it, by banker-turned-writer Nels Abbey

What does the founding of the Sugarhill Gang teach us about business development? What can we learn about management and leadership from Jay-Z's decades-long dominance? What does Ice Cube's refusal to accept $75,000 to remain a member of NWA tell us about risk management? What can we learn about market dominance from the Death Row and Bad Boy Records beef? What does the rise and fall of MC Hammer (and the near fall of Rihanna) reveal about the psychology of money management? Does Lil Nas X have anything to teach us about corporate diversity?

In The Hip-Hop MBA, banker-turned-writer Nels Abbey offers an alternative and entertaining look at business and economics through the rise and triumph of Hip-Hop. This is the story of how rap industrialists - like Jay-Z, Suge Knight, Sylvia Robinson, Puff Daddy, 50 Cent and Bryan 'Birdman' Williams - took chronic economic pain and turned it into champagne. With a business acumen often acquired in the streets, these moguls created and sustained a multi-billion-dollar industry - leaving Greek mythology-worthy stories of success and failure, betrayal and revenge in their wakes.

The world of business hasn't taken Hip-Hop moguls or their methods anywhere near seriously enough - until now. The Hip-Hop MBA is taking you back to school.


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An <em>anti-racist</em> social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.
About Amplify Bookstore

An anti-racist social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.

Only about 11% of books published are by BIPOC authors — so unless you specifically seek out books by BIPOC authors, you aren't likely to find very many of them organically. At Amplify, BIPOC authors are highlighted and celebrated. Here, they don't have to fight to be seen, and you don't have to fight to find them.

We hope that in our shop, you can discover a new favourite read, find stories that speak uniquely to you, learn about a culture outside your own (or more about your own histories), and gain a better understanding of the systems that connect us all.

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I’ve discovered so many new-to-me authors and the owners are so generous in their recommendations. Don’t follow the trends, set them! - let Amplify broaden your reading and sharpen your mind.

- Danielle B

If you're looking to expand your book collection to hear voices, perspectives and stories that aren't on blast from mainstream outlets then make your way here as quickly as you can.

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Within are thoughtfully curated books, and I was amazed to see a great diversity of authors. The atmosphere is cosy, calm and relaxed – just the perfect way to start my Sunday!

- Michelle W

I loved how inclusive this space was, there were dyslexia friendly books and a space for books about queer love, a bit of something for everyone.

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