THE BOOK ON HIP-HOP

When author Brian Coleman (pictured) was working on “Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies,” the Massachusetts-based writer was surprised how excited his subjects were to learn about other rappers and the making of their seminal material. “While I was talking to DMC for the Run-DMC chapter, he was asking me about Rakim,” Coleman says. “You don’t think of DMC as a fan, acting like a 16-year-old kid. But they’re all fans too. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be in the game.” “Check The Technique” provides DMC and others with compelling behind-the-scenes information on 36 classic rap albums. The author will sign copies at the Beat Junkies’ monthly Nightlife club night. 9 p.m. Sat., Knitting Factory. $10 (free before 10:30). (323) 463-0204