Burlington Township native Nadirah Simmons has written a book on women in hip-hop

BURLINGTON TWP. — Nadirah Simmons believes much of Black culture's rich history has yet to be written.

Now, the local author has done her part to document one part of that heritage — the role of women in hip-hop.

She tells their stories in a new book: First Things First: Hip-Hop Ladies Who Changed the Game.”

"The 'firsts' in this book show the way women in hip-hop stretched the limits of what people previously thought was possible and paved the way for those who would come after them," Simmons writes in the book's "intro."

Over 320 pages arranged like an album track list, Simmons’ book shows the impact of women in hip-hop on areas that include music, fashion, radio and TV.

That line-up includes artists and icons like singer-actor Queen Latifah, rapper-singer Nicki Minaj, and street-wear designer April Walker, who attended the book's release party.

“First Things First” also engages readers with games, charts and art.

The book is important, says Simmons, because "so many strong and successful women were overlooked in the genre of hip-hop."

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In addition, she said, "As a Black person, I feel as though we need to document ourselves."

Why write a story on the history of women in hip-hop?

Being an author wasn't on Simmons' radar until she was asked to write a book.

In fact, she majored in journalism at Rutgers University, where she often explored "the intersections of Blackness, womanhood and Hip-Hop," according to an online biography.

Simmons worked as a social media producer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and, in 2018, launched The Gumbo, a website focused on "the creative excellence and activism of Black women in Hip-Hop and a safe haven free of politics."

While Simmons was working on a blurb for author Shea Serrano, the writer asked if she could host a book-release party.

Simmons, a Burlington Township native, moved to Los Angeles for inspiration.

"New York just felt too busy, but here, it felt like home." Simmons said of Los Angeles. "If someone were looking to write a book, I suggest just find what your passionate is about and highly suggest you move out here."

Simmons today describes South Jersey as "a comfort and somewhere to breathe."

The feedback from readers has made her feel good about the work.

But Simmons also was surprised "with how open and willing people were to learn about parts of this uncelebrated portion of women's history in hip-hop."

The book is available at major retailers and at online sites like Amazon.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Burlington Township native chronicles history of women in hip-hop