An award-winning journalist, Raquel Cepeda has contributed to Rap Pages, Essence, The Source, Vibe, The Village Voice, GQ, and other publications. She also served as editor-in-chief of Russell Simmons's Oneworld and has appeared on various VH-1 programs, as well as on CNN and E!. This is her first anthology. Nelson George is the author of numerous books and novels that examine African-Americans through the prism of popular culture. His recent works include Hip-Hop America, Post-Soul Nation, and the novel Night Work. He co-authored Russell Simmons's autobiography, Life and Def. George was also executive producer of the HBO film Everyday People and the Trio documentary The 'N' Word.