"The Big Payback" is a comprehensive book authored by journalist and cultural critic Dan Charnas, published in 2010. It chronicles the economic history of the hip-hop industry, exploring the genre's rise from an underground movement to a dominant force in global music and culture. The book meticulously traces key figures, pivotal moments, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled hip-hop's expansion, highlighting how artists, producers, and executives navigated the music business landscape. Through extensive research and interviews, Charnas offers an insightful narrative that underscores hip-hop's transformative impact on media and commerce. The work is regarded as a definitive resource for understanding the complex interplay of music, culture, and economics in the hip-hop world.