On Friday, April 7 at 7 PM at Tapp’s Arts Center at 1644 Main Street, learn the story behind Columbia, SC’s godfather of hip-hop, FatRat Da Czar. Part memoir and part companion piece to Da Cold War trilogy, his book Da Cold Warrior commemorates the 10 year anniversary of a career-defining body of work.

This beautifully designed book juxtaposes the grittiness of the streets with the poetic lyricism of hip-hop. As former arts journalist for The State Otis R. Taylor, Jr. describes on the back cover: “This book is a timeline for the era when hip-hop went from being played on cassettes in boom boxes on street corners to the speakers in sold-out arenas. With hip-hop as the backdrop, we float through FatRat’s love of life, family and friends. And, of course, his love of hip-hop.”

A generational story, the book’s autobiographical perspective reflects on the strong familial influences that have both shaped and inspired the artist:

“I never wanted to be famous, I just wanted to have the respect of my family,” explained FatRat. “With that in mind, I knew that if we put together a book about the toughest, roughest, and frankly most beautiful time in my life, I wouldn’t care what the masses thought.”

Following FatRat Da Czar from his earliest days in Hampton Roads, VA to Hopkins, SC, Da Cold Warrior traces the progression from street life to business life, rapper to producer, showstopper to mentor.

Da Cold Warrior is a book that speaks not just to fans of hip-hop, but to anyone who has stood their ground to pursue a dream. Working in collaboration with local editor Janet Scouten, FatRat Da Czar offers a look at the work, drive, and determination required to define success on your own terms.

“From the moment Fat began telling me his story, this is the book I’ve been dying to read,” said editor Janet Scouten. “I’ve had the privilege to help gather the moments and memories that have made up this one man’s experience. In doing so, my own experience has been profoundly impacted for the better.”

Richly illustrated with images and artifacts from his childhood through his earliest days as a rapper to the present day, Da Cold Warrior chronicles the years leading up to and beyond Da Cold War, the album trilogy that helped define FatRat Da Czar as an artist.

The April 7 book release includes an exhibit by photographer Larry J. Frazier with images featured in the book, as well as a rare live set from Da Cold War by FatRat Da Czar. Doors open at Tapp’s at 7 PM.

The book release and re-release of Da Cold War CD triology is part of the weeklong Love, Peace & Hip Hop festival. For details, visit www.lovepeacehiphop.com.