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Heru
Ptah
MTV/Pocket Books / Trade Paperback
ISBN: 0743483235
Written
by twenty-something, originally self-published author, Heru Ptah, A Hip Hop
Story is an eclectic novel written in a style that intertwines a collection
of rhymes and prose, thereby creating a rhythmic story about the seedy side
of the music business.
Flawless and his rival, Bull, are locked in a struggle over a record
contract. Much like the rap battles made public in the movie 8 Mile, the
two men rhyme it out over a record contract and when Flawless ultimately
wins the life-changing contest, his word of words with his rival only
escalates. Readers watch Flawless rise to fame and fortune while his rival
continues to sling drug and toil in his ghetto haven. Throughout the course
of the novel, the two men’s rivalry continues to grow until it reaches a
tragic conclusion.
Moreover, the book shows the perils of love and loyalty. When Erika,
Flawless’ sister and Bull’s friend, Micah, meet and fall in love, the pair
must keep their love and relationship a secret from their friends and
family. Unfortunately, when their forbidden romance is discovered, the two
must also deal with the deadly consequences of their union.
And, if all of that was not enough, what truly makes this story remarkable
is not only the words on the page, but Heru’s own story. For the reader who
is not familiar with Heru’s story, the vivid detail, which he uses to
describe scenery, locations and actions, may seem merely like and author's
attention to details, but rather it speaks to the author’s own struggles to
see after being diagnosed with a rare disorder which was robbing of his
sight.
Although not overtly obvious in the novel, many of the characters suffer
from blindness of sorts, as well. Flawless, Erika, Micah and Bull are all
blinded by their immediate need for happiness, which for each is described
in varying ways. What’s unfortunately is that at the conclusion of the
story, it is clear that each begins to see a way out, but it is too late.
A
Hip Hop Story speaks to a generation lost looking for a quick way out of
their downtrodden lives and miracle way out of a miserable life. The only
characters that truly discover this are Erika and Bull, who must live with
the aftermath of their actions.
By Mtamanika C. Beamon |
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