Policing the beats

Black music, racism and criminal injustice

By: Lambros Fatsis

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Hardcover | 3 March 2026

At a Glance

Hardcover
328 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.9 x 2.4

Hardcover

$214.49

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A bold analysis that exposes the racist policing of Black music.

The emergence of UK drill music in the 2010s made headline news, as the media rushed to blame this new rap subgenre for the rise of violent crime in Britain's major cities. But is there really a link between Black music and criminality?

In Policing the beats, Lambros Fatsis sets out to uncover the truth, providing the first in-depth historical account of how Black music has been policed in Britain. He dismantles stereotypes manufactured by the government and the media, revealing how characterising Black music as 'criminal' distracts us from racist legal penal processes that make crimes out of rhymes.

Exposing the long history of policing Black music, from the era of colonial slavery to the present day, Policing the beats offers powerful insights into the relationship between politics, culture and criminal (in)justice.

Industry Reviews

'What a journey this is! This book has empowered me by informing me about an important history that I'm connected to, from my experience of having my lyrics used against me to the work that I do with young people.'
Roachee, Roll Deep

'Placing sounds, songs and beats in the midst of the structures of empire, Lambros Fatsis reads Black music and music-making as radical resources - modes of learning and knowing that hold in them rhythmic, sonic and rumbling resistance practices. Policing the beats is an essential text for music lovers and music makers.'
Katherine McKittrick, author of Dear Science and Other Stories

'This is a riveting, bracingly militant account of the racist British policing of Black Atlantic musical culture. Extended sections consider the suppression of African drumming and dancing, calypso and reggae sound systems, rap and drill. The writing is deep, wide-ranging and richly erudite but accessible and unstuffy. Very warmly recommended.'
Honest Jon's Records

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