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“Kevin Coval is a new, glowing voice in the world of literature. He writes- indeed, speaks, for it is his voice we hear singing. It is a bleak and dangerous time for all mankind. And yet, we shall, despite horrendous evidence, prevail and survive- and hopefully, grow as we glow on hearing his eloquent tribute to our species. In Kevin Coval’s voice is our hope for a new world of peace, grace and beauty.”

- Studs Terkel, Chicagoan


“Coval echoes Allen Ginsberg in his spiritual revolt, cosmic vision, and longing for multicultural transcendence. In boldly beautiful and outspoken hip-hop manifestos…and a Studs Terkelesque openness to humankind’s countless stories, fuel Coval’s percussive calls for compassion and connection. One potent and positive debut.”

- Donna Seaman, American Library Association Booklist


"Chicago has an identity so strong it makes other cities look ambivalent by comparison. It's not the prettiest city, but it has nothing to hide...everyone here is nose-to-the-grindstone, even the writers...like Kevin Coval, the city's unofficial poet laureate."

– Adam Mansbach, The Boston Globe


“Coval’s greatest strength is his rhythmic, beautiful prose…he’s relatable — and likeable — for his remarkable honesty and boyish romanticism, his studied understanding of race and class, his unflinching faith in hip-hop culture and his willingness to speak truth to power, no matter what the personal cost.”

– Stacey Dugan, URB


“In the tradition of Gwendolyn Brooks, Kevin Coval is fierce enough to excavate the beauty and horror of our time, offering us bold and centered meditations, reporting what Chicago looks like in the hip-hop era. Everyday People points us past our fears to possibilities.”

– Bakari Kitwana, author of The Hip-Hop Generation.