"A book that tells the story of rap on New York City’s airwaves, Breaks in the Air is mandatory reading for anyone with an interest in hip hop history and elements of that history that aren’t readily considered, including figures responsible for its early dissemination. As well as providing a meticulous account of the first stations to air rap music, Klaess’ book offers a unique insight into the sociopolitical power of broadcast media and how alongside the growing popularity of hip hop, radio provided a valuable new avenue for Black expression."

Arusa Qureshi, The Quietus

"Breaks in the Air has a lot to offer anyone interested in hip-hop’s rise, as well as anyone fascinated with the larger stories of Black music and American radio."

Michaelangelo Matos, Beat Connection

"Not to be missed, musicologist Klaess has written a fascinating chronicle of hip-hop radio stations. . . . Klaess’s book is a must-read for all those interested in tracing hip-hop’s sociopolitical/racial chord back to its airwaves origins."

Alessandro Cimino, Library Journal

"This is a book about radio as a medium, not the music that flows through it, and it deserves praise for shining a light on the people behind the tapes who have been underappreciated by more conventional histories."

Peter Shapiro, The Wire