A Mere Reality
A Chicago Hip-Hop Story
Strickland, a B-Boy from the Southside of Chicago grew up in the 80’s and 90’s during the golden era of Hip-Hop; rhyming and battling on the Chi-Town streets prepared him to take over what would become a billion dollar industry. During the late 90’s America changed and Hip-Hop followed suit. There was an influx of money in Hip-Hop, but it came with a cost.
Hip-Hop became darker, and Strickland became darker with it. He had to make a decision to contribute to society or add to its demise. What happens when you speak the truth? What happens when you mention the elephant in the room? You suddenly realize that what you believed to be true is nothing more than A Mere Reality.
Paperback 9780-9970-0167-9
Hardcover 9780-9978-1160-5
LCCN 2016935708
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Hip-Hop History Volume 1
The Incorporation of Hip-Hop: Circa 1970-1989
I consider myself lucky to be born on the 29th of December in the year of 1970. On the other side of my Mother’s womb awaited Afro’s, bell bottoms, black power and soul music. However amidst the black love lay a dark cloud mixed with despair, poverty, racism, violent protest and civil unjust. Soul music was the one constant that seem to make it all go away if only for a few minutes. I can remember my parents spinning the 12 inch vinyl’s and 45’s of Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, James Brown and so many more in our living room. There was a dark blue couch that looked like it was made of fur with two white leather straps across the arms. Crystal vases held fresh Crown and black musk incents filled the air. Often my Aunts, Uncles and their friends would gather at our place on the weekends to dance, play spades, drink and party. That feeling of family, joy and togetherness still warms my heart every time I hear one of the soul classics from back then.
Paperback 9781-5323-5436-6
Hardcover 7476-0
LCCN 2017914506
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Hip-Hop History Volume 2
The Incorporation of Hip-Hop: Circa 1990-1999
Let’s take it back to the seventies
When Rap was born and made emcees.
But before they could even bless the Mic
It would be the DJ that rocked the night
From the Message that rained down from Sugar Hill
To the beat from chic that spun the wheel
When the Godfather & Ms. Summer ruled the dance floors
It would be a mighty Blow from Harlem to break down the doors
Similar to the Chuck Taylor’s that graced the league
Paperback 9781-5323-5437-3
Hardcover 7475-3
LCCN 2017914509
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Hip-Hop History Volume 3
The Incorporation of Hip-Hop: Circa 2000 -2010
Hip-Hop at it’s core is authentic and unapologetic without those two attributes, you ain’t Hip-Hop! If you feel like you’re disrespecting someone, when you say the word nigga, you’re definitely not Hip-Hop. So, don’t even put yourself in that space, especially if you feel you must hold your tongue when in the presence of Hip-Hop heads. The culture was created in the mist of poverty, police brutality, violence, racism, and a love for music. We stood on the shoulders of giants and road the waves of jazz, disco, r&b and rock & roll into the spotlight.
It’s now up to the new generation to carry the torch but respect your forefathers and recognize who’s shoulders you’re standing on. Study your Hip-Hop History so that you may continuously evolve the culture and keep the damn culture vultures at bay.
Paperback 9781-5323-6371-9
Hardcover 7474-6
LCCN 2018940121
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Jumpoff
Hip Hop’s Mistress Tells All!
Jara Everett; Hip Hop’s Mistress releases her first Tell all Auto Biography; taking you on a journey into the world of Hip Hop and Entertainment from Chicago, Miami, LA to Atlanta. You will experience laughter, disbelief and erotic pleasures as she shares her experiences with R. Kelly, Suge Knight, Tupac, Martin Lawrence, Young Jeezy, Shawty Redd, Jazze Pha, Too Short, Gary Busey and more in this epic tell all; adequately titled Jumpoff !
Paperback 9780-9886-4288-1
Hardcover 9780-9886-4287-4
LCCN 2015946910
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