Must-Read Music Bios

A list of the best music bios from legendary artists.

Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money and God (2002) - Written with Russell Simmons's long time friend Nelson George, Life and Def is a look at hip hop's first mogul. From the launch of Def Jam Records in his college dorm room to his clothing line Phat Farm and his venture into film and TV production with the hit HBO series Def Comedy Jam, Simmons has met success at nearly every corner. He chronicles his relentless pursuit of the American dream. Hilarious, inspiring and insightful, Simmons holds nothing back on his battle whether it be about his drug addiction, his love of models, his relationships with everyone from Donald Trump, his ex-wife Kimora Lee to the Dalai Lama. For a trip into hip hop's history narrated by one of its architects, this book is the ticket.(Photo: Courtesy Random House Publishing)

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Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money and God (2002) - Written with Russell Simmons's long time friend Nelson George, Life and Def is a look at hip hop's first mogul. From the launch of Def Jam Records in his college dorm room to his clothing line Phat Farm and his venture into film and TV production with the hit HBO series Def Comedy Jam, Simmons has met success at nearly every corner. He chronicles his relentless pursuit of the American dream. Hilarious, inspiring and insightful, Simmons holds nothing back on his battle whether it be about his drug addiction, his love of models, his relationships with everyone from Donald Trump, his ex-wife Kimora Lee to the Dalai Lama. For a trip into hip hop's history narrated by one of its architects, this book is the ticket.(Photo: Courtesy Random House Publishing)

Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman (2000) - As hip hop's first female emcee to land a major record deal and at just 19 years of age, Dana Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, is unquestionably the First Lady of Hip Hop. Documenting her rise from Newark, New Jersey, to a chart-topping musician, a television star, Academy Award-nominated actress as well as successful business woman with her production company, Flavor Unit, and Cover Girl makeup line, Queen Collection, Latifah has demolished barriers for women in the industry. Her book is compelling and empowering, especially for young women coming of age.(Photo: Courtesy William Morrow Publishing)

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Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman (2000) - As hip hop's first female emcee to land a major record deal and at just 19 years of age, Dana Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, is unquestionably the First Lady of Hip Hop. Documenting her rise from Newark, New Jersey, to a chart-topping musician, a television star, Academy Award-nominated actress as well as successful business woman with her production company, Flavor Unit, and Cover Girl makeup line, Queen Collection, Latifah has demolished barriers for women in the industry. Her book is compelling and empowering, especially for young women coming of age.(Photo: Courtesy William Morrow Publishing)

Prodigy My Infamous Life - While serving three years for a weapons charge, Prodigy of Mobb Deep took it upon himself to pick up the pen and write his autobiography — a bold move considering most rappers shy away from revealing too much about their personal lives. Prodigy took the opportunity to explain his upbringing, how his father's erratic behavior affected him and ultimately what led to his incarceration. In between the lines, he sheds light on his famous rap beefs (most notably the one with Jay-Z), which rappers get the side eye and his interactions with other Queens street legends.(Photo: Touchstone Publishing)

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My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy (2011) - Part prison memoir, part-biography, tracing how a young man whose life started out with much promise and privilege turned to a life of crime and drugs after moving into the Queensbridge Housing projects after a family tragedy. Prodigy of Mobb Deep tells a story that is brash, cocky, heavy in the streets and filled with pain and triumph as he battles sickle cell anemia, other emcees and record companies all while trying to make music and provide for his family. This book is a great glimpse at hip hop in the 1990s and includes personal anecdotes and encounters with all of hip hop's icons including Jay-Z, Tupac, 50 Cent and more.(Photo: Courtesy Touchstone Publishing)

Angel on My Shoulder: An Autobiography (2000) - Daughter of music icon Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole as an artist in her own right could never quite escape the omnipotence of her father's musical legacy. The diva had a few hits in the late '70s and '80s but a deep depression and a long-term battle with drugs stunted her career. In Angel on My Shoulder, Cole reveals the many precarious situations she found herself in that she always managed to escape. There is lots of heartbreak in this tale but also a ton of hope when we see Natalie's comeback with her album Unforgettable. Angel allows readers to see just how far she's come.(Photo: Courtesy Grand Central Publishing)

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Angel on My Shoulder: An Autobiography (2000) - Daughter of music icon Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole as an artist in her own right could never quite escape the omnipotence of her father's musical legacy. The diva had a few hits in the late '70s and '80s but a deep depression and a long-term battle with drugs stunted her career. In Angel on My Shoulder, Cole reveals the many precarious situations she found herself in that she always managed to escape. There is lots of heartbreak in this tale but also a ton of hope when we see Natalie's comeback with her album Unforgettable. Angel allows readers to see just how far she's come.(Photo: Courtesy Grand Central Publishing)

Secrets of a Sparrow (1995) - The one and only diva superstar, Diana Ross tells all in this autobiography of love, lust, fame, fortune and betrayal. Ross is honest in revealing both her mistakes and her unwillingness to compromise her dreams. She speaks of the treacherous water of success, the pleasure and peace of being a mom and what it took to see beyond the projects of Detroit into superstardom. Any diva in training must add this to her reading list.(Photo: Courtesy Random House Publishing)

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Secrets of a Sparrow (1995) - The one and only diva superstar, Diana Ross tells all in this autobiography of love, lust, fame, fortune and betrayal. Ross is honest in revealing both her mistakes and her unwillingness to compromise her dreams. She speaks of the treacherous water of success, the pleasure and peace of being a mom and what it took to see beyond the projects of Detroit into superstardom. Any diva in training must add this to her reading list.(Photo: Courtesy Random House Publishing)

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The Confessions of Rick James: Memoirs of a Super Freak (2007) - The late Rick James was in the process of writing this autobiography at the time of his death in August of 2004 and fans eagerly anticipated what the music's wild child had to say about his bouts with the law, his years of drug use, the incredibly beautiful and timeless music he created and of course to see if Charlie Murphy's 'Real True Hollywood Stories' featured on The Chapelle Show were really true. All kidding aside, Rick James was an amazingly talented musician and songwriter who brought us artists like Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls and even made a hit for Eddie Murphy called "Party All the Time."(Photo: Courtesy Amber Communications Publishing)

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The Confessions of Rick James: Memoirs of a Super Freak (2007) - The late Rick James was in the process of writing this autobiography at the time of his death in August of 2004 and fans eagerly anticipated what the music's wild child had to say about his bouts with the law, his years of drug use, the incredibly beautiful and timeless music he created and of course to see if Charlie Murphy's 'Real True Hollywood Stories' featured on The Chapelle Show were really true. All kidding aside, Rick James was an amazingly talented musician and songwriter who brought us artists like Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls and even made a hit for Eddie Murphy called "Party All the Time."(Photo: Courtesy Amber Communications Publishing)

Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones (2001) - Quincy Jones is a legend, an icon, and a genius who has worked with every major music star in the business including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Ray Charles; has scored films like the Soul Bossa Nova used in the hit film franchise Austin Powers and fought alongside activist musicians like Harry Belafonte for civil rights in the U.S. and around the world. For the rich anecdotal history alone this book is a gem but also the drama of his life filled with colorful characters both known and unknown make for a compelling read.(Photo: Courtesy Broadway Publishing)

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Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones (2001) - Quincy Jones is a legend, an icon, and a genius who has worked with every major music star in the business including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Ray Charles; has scored films like the Soul Bossa Nova used in the hit film franchise Austin Powers and fought alongside activist musicians like Harry Belafonte for civil rights in the U.S. and around the world. For the rich anecdotal history alone this book is a gem but also the drama of his life filled with colorful characters both known and unknown make for a compelling read.(Photo: Courtesy Broadway Publishing)

I Make My Own Rules (1998) - With nearly three decades in the game, 13 albums and a successful film and television career, LL Cool J has always been one to watch (and learn from) in the hip hop game. His longevity is incomparable for almost any artist in any genre but especially the rapidly changing waters of hip hop. LL talks about overcoming childhood abuse, addicton to sex and falling too deeply into the sex, drugs and rock and roll life of a celebrity. Throughout his career he has learned to balance his career as an entertainer with being a father, husband and businessman. An entertaining look at hip hop through the decades and an honest look of where ambition and unblinking commitment to one's craft can take you.(Photo: Courtesy St Martins Publishing)

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I Make My Own Rules (1998) - With nearly three decades in the game, 13 albums and a successful film and television career, LL Cool J has always been one to watch (and learn from) in the hip hop game. His longevity is incomparable for almost any artist in any genre but especially the rapidly changing waters of hip hop. LL talks about overcoming childhood abuse, addicton to sex and falling too deeply into the sex, drugs and rock and roll life of a celebrity. Throughout his career he has learned to balance his career as an entertainer with being a father, husband and businessman. An entertaining look at hip hop through the decades and an honest look of where ambition and unblinking commitment to one's craft can take you.(Photo: Courtesy St Martins Publishing)

E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003) - A stirring and dark tale of a troubled young man born into a harsh living situation and environment. His passionate and poetic lyrics and his emotional stage shows are dictated by the severe peaks and valleys of DMX's life. From his early life of crime, stints in a boys' home and juvenile detention centers and jail and his introduction to crack cocaine, which would plague him forever, DMX shows how all the pain in his life fed his music. Released before X's most recent jail stint, with former Giant magazine Editor-in-Chief Smokey D. Fontaine, there's more stories to be told. And hopefully with a comeback on the horizon, this tale will have a happy ending.(Photo: Courtesy It Books Publishing)

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E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003) - A stirring and dark tale of a troubled young man born into a harsh living situation and environment. His passionate and poetic lyrics and his emotional stage shows are dictated by the severe peaks and valleys of DMX's life. From his early life of crime, stints in a boys' home and juvenile detention centers and jail and his introduction to crack cocaine, which would plague him forever, DMX shows how all the pain in his life fed his music. Released before X's most recent jail stint, with former Giant magazine Editor-in-Chief Smokey D. Fontaine, there's more stories to be told. And hopefully with a comeback on the horizon, this tale will have a happy ending.(Photo: Courtesy It Books Publishing)

Miles: The Autobiography (1990) - An indisputable genius known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking jazz compositions, Miles Davis was known for his no-nonsense approach to music and to life. His autobiography openly confronts and condemns the racism Davis and his bandmates endured on the road, his long battle with heroine addiction and how he finally overcame it as well as his tumultuous relationships with women. Davis talks about his music inspirations and gives his thoughts on the many artists he collaborated with over the years including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie "Bird" Parket, Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus.(Photo: Courtesy Simon & Shuster Publishing)

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Miles: The Autobiography (1990) - An indisputable genius known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking jazz compositions, Miles Davis was known for his no-nonsense approach to music and to life. His autobiography openly confronts and condemns the racism Davis and his bandmates endured on the road, his long battle with heroine addiction and how he finally overcame it as well as his tumultuous relationships with women. Davis talks about his music inspirations and gives his thoughts on the many artists he collaborated with over the years including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie "Bird" Parket, Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus.(Photo: Courtesy Simon & Shuster Publishing)

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Soul Survivors: The Official Autobiography of Destiny's Child (2002) - Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child quiet the naysayers in this behind-the scenes look at how each young woman became a part of the group, the friends lost, the legal battles that ensued, media scrutiny and personal demons — for Beyoncé it was conquering her shyness and her weight loss; for Kelly it was growing up without a father and for Michelle it was taunts from school bullies. The women recall their tours around the globe, run-ins with their favorite celebs and even dish on first boyfriends. A fun and inspiring book for young girls.(Photo: Courtesy Harper Entertainment Publishing)

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Soul Survivors: The Official Autobiography of Destiny's Child (2002) - Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child quiet the naysayers in this behind-the scenes look at how each young woman became a part of the group, the friends lost, the legal battles that ensued, media scrutiny and personal demons — for Beyoncé it was conquering her shyness and her weight loss; for Kelly it was growing up without a father and for Michelle it was taunts from school bullies. The women recall their tours around the globe, run-ins with their favorite celebs and even dish on first boyfriends. A fun and inspiring book for young girls.(Photo: Courtesy Harper Entertainment Publishing)

8. Jay Z: Decoded - Jigga's lyrics are deciphered and explained by none other than the man who recorded them: Jay Z.   (Photo: Spiegel & Grau publishing)

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Decoded (2010) - With Jay-Z's powerful and literary lyrics sprinkled throughout to provide both context and insight into one of the world's most famous and successful rapper's life, Decoded tells Jigga's story through the 10 codes that define him. Penned with his good friend veteran journalist dream hampton, the book is beautifully written and gives a unique look into the very private emcee's life — from his humble beginnings in Bed Stuy to not only one of hip hop's greatest but also to a well respected and highly successful businessman.(Photo: Courtesy Spiegel & Grau publishing)

Photo By Photo: Spiegel & Grau publishing

One Day It'll All Make Sense (2011) - Common tells the story of a young man growing up on the South Side of Chicago with dreams of being a star. At first it was basketball but then it was music that called him. The veteran rapper shares his doubts and long road to success, he talks openly about his relationships with the women in his life from his mother, his daughter and former loves including Erykah Badu, Taraji P. Henson and Serena Williams. He even talks about last year's White House debacle. For an interesting look at longevity in the rap game and staying true to yourself, Common helps makes sense of it all.(Photo: Courtesy Atria Books Publishing)

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One Day It'll All Make Sense (2011) - Common tells the story of a young man growing up on the South Side of Chicago with dreams of being a star. At first it was basketball but then it was music that called him. The veteran rapper shares his doubts and long road to success, he talks openly about his relationships with the women in his life from his mother, his daughter and former loves including Erykah Badu, Taraji P. Henson and Serena Williams. He even talks about last year's White House debacle. For an interesting look at longevity in the rap game and staying true to yourself, Common helps makes sense of it all.(Photo: Courtesy Atria Books Publishing)

Moonwalk (1988) - It's been nearly 25 years since the release of Michael Jackson's memoir, Moonwalk, was released and just three short years since his untimely demise. For anyone wanting to learn more about the world's biggest star, Jackson reveals in his own words his life as a child star, the fun he had with his brothers, the strictness of his father, his love of practical jokes, his first love and the isolation of fame. The cast of characters are other icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney and Fred Astaire, who just so happen to be Jackson's friends. His words show a sensitive, sharp and caring man that truly gave his everything to the world.(Photo: Courtesy Crown Archetype Publishing)

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Moonwalk (1988) - It's been nearly 25 years since the release of Michael Jackson's memoir, Moonwalk, was released and just three short years since his untimely demise. For anyone wanting to learn more about the world's biggest star, Jackson reveals in his own words his life as a child star, the fun he had with his brothers, the strictness of his father, his love of practical jokes, his first love and the isolation of fame. The cast of characters are other icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney and Fred Astaire, who just so happen to be Jackson's friends. His words show a sensitive, sharp and caring man that truly gave his everything to the world.(Photo: Courtesy Crown Archetype Publishing)

The Way I Am (2009) - Never one to hold his tongue, the Detroit rapper Eminem gives an honest look at his impoverished childhood, his tumultuous relationship with his mother and ex-wife, Kim, the love he has for his daughter, Hayley, as well as his battle with drug addiction and the depression he faced at the loss of his friend, rapper Proof. Never-before-seen pictures and song lyrics written on everything from napkins to hotel stationary are littered throughout, giving a look into the mind of one of hip hop's biggest stars and its first Oscar winner.(Photo: Courtesy Plume Publishing)

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The Way I Am (2009) - Never one to hold his tongue, the Detroit rapper Eminem gives an honest look at his impoverished childhood, his tumultuous relationship with his mother and ex-wife, Kim, the love he has for his daughter, Hayley, as well as his battle with drug addiction and the depression he faced at the loss of his friend, rapper Proof. Never-before-seen pictures and song lyrics written on everything from napkins to hotel stationary are littered throughout, giving a look into the mind of one of hip hop's biggest stars and its first Oscar winner.(Photo: Courtesy Plume Publishing)

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Tina Turner I, Tina - Tina Turner's life, career and sordid marriage to Ike are all documented in this 1986 autobiography. It would later become the basis for the film What's Love Got to Do With It. (Photo: 272 Pages Publishing)

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I, Tina: My Life Story (1987) - The book that would eventually become the hit Hollywood biopic What's Love Got to Do With It? starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett is a powerful lesson in self-love, fearlessness, ambition and real artistry. Tina Turner along with MTV News' Kurt Loder share Turner's rise from Nutbush, Tennessee, to chitlin circuit star to world-class sensation. Turner's early success was bitter sweet as achievement was also marred by the violence and destructive drug addiction of her ex-husband Ike Turner, which eventually led to the dissolution of their marriage and musical partnership. The memoir also discusses Tina's comeback with her über-successful solo project Private Dancer and shows readers why women like Oprah and Beyoncé pay homage to her.(Photo: Courtesy It Books Publishing)

The Tao of Wu (2009) - Wu Tang's lead philosopher, the RZA is a student of many paths of knowledge — chess, martial arts, pop culture — as any true fan knows. And through this book, he uses the wisdom gleaned from his various sources to filter life experiences like facing jail time and getting his first record deal to use them as teaching moments. Ultimately, RZA hopes to enlighten his readers so that they too can transcend circumstances, as did he, moving beyond the projects of Staten Island to become an international rap star.(Photo: Courtesy Riverhead Hardcover Publishing)

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The Tao of Wu (2009) - Wu Tang's lead philosopher, the RZA is a student of many paths of knowledge — chess, martial arts, pop culture — as any true fan knows. And through this book, he uses the wisdom gleaned from his various sources to filter life experiences like facing jail time and getting his first record deal to use them as teaching moments. Ultimately, RZA hopes to enlighten his readers so that they too can transcend circumstances, as did he, moving beyond the projects of Staten Island to become an international rap star.(Photo: Courtesy Riverhead Hardcover Publishing)