Author and music journalist Ben Camp – aka Novocaine132 – a longtime resident of Burien’s Chelsea Park neighborhood, has released his latest book, The Birth of Seattle Rap, a deep dive into the origins of hip-hop in the Emerald City.
Published by Arcadia Publishing’s History Press, the new book explores the rise of local rap artists and the cultural shift that began in the area in the early 1980s.
As disco faded from prominence, hip-hop emerged as a dominant force in Seattle’s music scene. From the Grammy-winning Sir Mix-A-Lot to pioneering groups like Silver Chain Gang and Jam Delight, the city produced groundbreaking talent that shaped the region’s cultural identity and left a lasting impact on global hip-hop.
“These formative years of hip-hop set the tone for the decades that followed, and this once-fledgling music still resonates in pop culture today,” Camp said.
Novocaine132 is a prolific Burien-based music journalist and historian who has significantly contributed to documenting and shaping the region’s hip-hop scene. A graduate of the University of Washington, he began his journalism career in the mid-1990s, writing for notable publications such as The Flavor, The Rocket, and The Stranger.
Camp’s passion for hip-hop traces back to 1984 when he acquired his first rap cassette by K-Tel, featuring classics like “Electric Kingdom” and “Tour De France.” This early exposure ignited a lifelong dedication to the genre, leading him to become a respected figure in Seattle’s music journalism and production circles.
The book has drawn praise from industry veterans and Seattle hip-hop icons. Robert Newman, a creative director and editorial consultant, called it “a rich and deeply-researched history of the Seattle hip-hop scene,” highlighting its ability to bring the stories of early Seattle rap figures like Sir Mix-A-Lot, the Emerald Street Boys, and DJ Nasty Nes to life.
Ryan Croone, a well-known Seattle DJ and hip-hop historian, described the book as “so dope for Seattle music history and the hip-hop culture as well! It was an honor to contribute to this historic book.”
Hip-hop producer and DJ Supreme La Rock also shared his thoughts, stating that The Birth of Seattle Rap is “a must for hip-hop collectors,” expressing gratitude for being included in the book’s historical documentation.
Music historian Peter Blecha praised Camp’s work, saying, “Just got your new book and simply devoured it … Such a cool telling of Pacific Northwest hip-hop history—one with tons of surprising info gems spiced throughout.”
James D. Croone Sr., a member of the legendary Emerald Street Boys, called The Birth of Seattle Rap a “game-changer for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Seattle’s rap scene,” adding, “Your dedication to preserving our city’s hip-hop history is truly inspiring.”
Among other voices in the book is Glen Boyd, a Seattle music journalist and former fellow “West Seattle High Chinook” newspaper classmate of South King Media founder Scott Schaefer. Boyd, who once managed the Penny Lane Records store in Lakewood and later contributed to The Rocket, was an early champion of hip-hop in the city. He played a crucial role in introducing local audiences to rap through his record store selections and later his Shock Frequency radio show on KCMU 90.3. Camp’s book captures Boyd’s contributions and those of many other pioneers who laid the groundwork for Seattle’s thriving music scene today.
In addition to his journalism, Camp has directed three short documentary films, further exploring and chronicling the evolution of Seattle’s music culture.
Between 2020 and 2022, he served as the executive producer for four albums under Ever Rap Records, a Seattle-based label dedicated to promoting local rap talent.
Beyond his writing and production endeavors, Camp is recognized for his commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Seattle’s musical heritage, ensuring that the stories and sounds of the city’s artists continue to inspire future generations.
The book is now available for purchase at $24.99 and is published by Arcadia Publishing, a leader in local history books.
For more information about this book or to purchase it, visit Arcadia Publishing.
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