If only Sir Mix-a-Lot rapped, "I like big books and I cannot lie," perhaps there would be a literacy craze that rivals his ode to booty. Summertime may have more people hitting the beach and exploring adventurous activities, but bringing a good book along for the ride makes the experience that much more eye-opening.

Some of your favorite rappers and singers have penned great page-turners that give you a more introspective look into their lives. There are also books that share secrets from your favorite hip-hop reality TV series as well as reads that reveal the darker side of singers' lives. And we can't forget the rising artists who document their journey, trying to make it in the business but can't seem to catch a break.

The Boombox gathered 10 titles that you can toss into backpack to eye through during a layover or read while working on your tan. From tell-all memoirs that take you inside the lives of an artist you've been dying to learn more about to the more educational page-turners, here are 10 Hip-Hop and R&B Books You Should Read This Summer.

More From TheBoombox