e-ARC, 384 pages
Release Date: May 21, 2019Published by: Katherine Tegen
Read from: May 16-22, 2019Stand-aloneSource: Edelweiss (I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW: DeathFor fans of: Contemporary, Sparkly Covers, POC on the cover, POC MC, Own Voices, Tear-Jerker, Stand-alonesIn this standalone novel, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he is still alive.
Biggie Smalls was right. Things done changed. But that doesn’t mean that Quadir and Jarrell are okay letting their best friend Steph’s tracks lie forgotten in his bedroom after he’s killed—not when his beats could turn any Bed-Stuy corner into a celebration, not after years of having each other’s backs.
Enlisting the help of Steph’s younger sister, Jasmine, Quadir and Jarrell come up with a plan to promote Steph’s music under a new rap name: The Architect. Soon, everyone in Brooklyn is dancing to Steph’s voice. But then his mixtape catches the attention of a hotheaded music rep and—with just hours on the clock—the trio must race to prove Steph’s talent from beyond the grave.
Now, as the pressure—and danger—of keeping their secret grows, Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the truth about what happened to Steph. Only each has something to hide. And with everything riding on Steph’s fame, together they need to decide what they stand for before they lose everything they’ve worked so hard to hold on to—including each other.
*MY THOUGHTS*
When I saw Jackson had another book coming out I added it without a second thought. I was expecting another mystery with a huge plot twist like her others, but this was a nice change from her normal. It definitely shows her writing talent.
“…Lost a brother, but gained an angel. […] I don’t want an angel. I want my brother back. I rush out the room, in search of air that’s not mixed with perfume, pity, and fried chicken.“3%
Talent was taken too soon. Steph has the best rhymes in Brooklyn, but no one will ever know it. Or will they? Rell, Quadir, and Jasmine want to make sure Steph gets what he’s owed: a record deal. So they start putting out buzz to the streets with his mixtape. And then things spiral before any of them can catch up.
“Why can’t I rep for Bad Boy but fuck with an artist on Death Row? Good music is good music. Point, blank, period.“8%
Of course the number one thing about this one that I loved was the music aspect. I’ve been walking around singing “Juicy” since I started this book. I’t something simple, but it shows me how connected I was to this. I usually do like music books, but for it to include hip-hop was an added bonus. And the fact that this was set when hip-hop was legendary (I mean Big and Pac’s time) made it even better in my eyes. I made a playlist while I was reading this and I plan to share it soon. This took me back to my childhood and the music I loved while growing up. (I was 10 in 98!)
“A blue Toyota Camry rolls by, his chrome rimas gleaming in the sun blasting Tupac’s ‘How Do You Want It?’ All the girls love that song. Funny how over a year ago no one would be caught dead rocking to Tupac like that. During the East Coast vs West Coast beef, we rep hard for Biggie and the whole Bad Boy family heavy. But in the end, it ain’t make no sense. Tupac’s gone. Biggie’s gone. Now Steph’s gone.“7%
I also loved the 90’s setting. This was my time growing up and even though there are so many name drops (of clothing and rappers) they were all things I could recognize. It was interesting to see that portrayed in the book. (Also, does this count as historical fiction? Because if so, this is one of the first that I actually like.) And I can only imagine being in Brooklyn when Biggie was alive. This book took me to NY in the 90’s and I thought that was amazing.
“Pain… It can either make you or break you. And we trying to get made out here.“54%
The only thing about this I didn’t care for was the plot. I felt like the “game” they were playing dragged on too long and the “mystery” they were supposed to be solving wasn’t even a part of the story. And then when the plot twist finally came, it felt way too rushed. It wasn’t what I was expecting based on Jackson’s previous books.
“Cats be famous in the hood but not mainstream.“57%
This book is nothing like her others, but I think that’s why I liked it so much. It definitely showed her writing ability and her ability to do cross-overs. Pairing this with her love of Big and hip hop, this certified banger definitely won my heart. I hope this book will bring those who don’t know about this music and those that don’t like reading in and keep them reading. I would have loved to give this book to some of my friends at this age. It might have kept them out of trouble.
“There’s a difference between being rich and being wealthy. The rich get paid, but the wealthy…. They own the fucking bank.”61%
This was so different than I thought it would be and it worked so well. Tiffany Jackson is definitely an author to watch and I hope to find she’s written more books in this style in the future.
Overall, I give this
.