When Rock Met Hip-Hop: How Run-DMC, Aerosmith, Anthrax, The Beastie Boys, and More Crossed Cultural and Musical Boundaries

“By discussing key records, scenes, and artists, Blush explores the roots and central tracks that drove the early intersections between rock and hip-hop towards the rise of alternative music in the ’90s.” ―Spill Magazine

“A compelling testament to what can happen when cultural expression converges-when collaboration gives rise to an art form that transcends prescribed norms and reshapes collective consciousness.” ―FM Hip-Hop

“Perfectly timed, culturally urgent, and historically resonant, When Rock Met Hip-Hop is a celebration of creativity, a chronicle of risk-takers, and a testament to the enduring power of cultural collision.” ―Blabbermouth.net

“Blush completes his ambitious trilogy exploring rock music’s crossover to different genres and cultures … [and] demonstrates how the sharply contrasting genres of rock and hip-hop successfully transcended strict cultural and musical boundaries.” ―Big Takeover

“Blush delivers a comprehensive, informed romp through the creative convergence of hip-hop and rock that will appeal to fans of both genres.” ―Library Journal

“Even if you are not a fan of the genre, for general popular music consumers there is much to appreciate in Blush’s book.” ―LouReviews

STEVEN BLUSH has written seven books about rock and pop culture including: American Hardcore (2001), American Hair Metal (2006), 45 Dangerous Minds (2005), Lost Rockers (2015), and New York Rock (2016), the upcoming When Rock Met Disco (Backbeat, 2023), and When Rock Met Reggae (2024) – as well as about Billie Jean King’s rebel tennis league, Bustin’ Balls (2020) currently in television development by Billie Jean and Hannah Storm. He wrote and produced the theatrically released Sundance Film Festival-premiered doc film American Hardcore (Sony Pictures Classics, 2006), followed by an expanded Second Edition of the American Hardcore book, now available in four languages. He lives in New York City.