If you follow my activity closely, then you know that a week ago I published my first ebook “I Love Hip Hop”
I’m aware that there may be people who are unsure or unaware of the concept I went for. So in this blog post I plan to summarise exactly what I Love Hip Hop is about and what it represents.
Summary
I Love Hip Hop is a fictional take on the Hip Hop and Music industry. It follows the lives of Rappers, Bloggers and Label Executives, and shows how their actions have an effect on the industry.
Synopsis
Troy Parker is known as Thrill Ride – the biggest Hip Hop artist in the world, for now. He has a protege that can’t leave the streets alone, a fiancee who is having an affair, and an up and coming rapper gunning for his spot.
On top of that his record label is millions of dollars in the hole and they are out to manipulate him. Troy must overcome the odds to secure his number one spot in Hip Hop.
Why this story?
I Love Hip Hop was one of the many concepts I wanted to explore in my writing. Not only is it a fictional story, but it’s also a statement. I’m very passionate about Hip Hop music, but more and more I feel like the art of rap (shout out to Ice T) is on a steady decline. The new skool of Hip Hop captivates me a lot less than the old skool did.
I Love Hip Hop follows characters that have a real passion for the art form as well as exploring the motives behind those who wish to capitalize from it.
There are many authors such as Sister Souljah, Nikki Turner, and Ashley & JaQuavis that I respect for capturing the essence of the Hip Hop community. But nobody is really writing about the Hip Hop culture in this way, by telling stories about artists and record labels themselves.
What issues does “I Love Hip Hop” address?
I Love Hip Hop explores the relationships an artist has with his record label, management, fiancee and protege’s. There are themes of drug addiction, lack of trust and public manipulation.
But you’re from England!
I get the feeling that one of my biggest criticisms will be something along the lines of “You’re English, you should write something that applies to you” – To anyone who thinks along those lines I just want to say this.
I’m an author, and for an author who is so passionate about a story, things like localization should not be an issue. It’s not like there hasn’t been a million other authors who have written stories based in a completely different environment to where they come from. I grew up loving Hip Hop and American culture, and it’s influenced who I am and the way I feel. The fact that I didn’t grow up in the environment I’m writing about means I am open minded and passionate.
Through my passion for the art of Hip Hop – I am connected to it.
Who will like this book?
Fans of Hip Hop or urban fiction will hopefully enjoy this book. Also if you’re a Hip Hop fan that appreciates artists like DMX, Common, 50 Cent, Nas, Jay-z, Mobb Deep and more; then you should identify with the nature of the story.
Is there a part 2?
This project is meant to be a two part series. If I Love Hip Hop gains enough interest I will begin work on part two right away. However if I feel that not enough people care, I may be inspired to try new things before finishing the second part. If you’re interested in what the book represents then please let me hear from you.
Props to Ramz Doodles for the cover art.
