5 comments about The Pimp's Rap.

1. This book is better than it seems on the first read. Squares should like it. Low level pimps and prostitutes may not. In order to find the game in this book one should listen very closely to the words of the author's "teacher."



2. This book was a total joke. I've known a few pimps and many counter-culture members and this guy is neither, least in my experience. The whole book is filled with BS stories, too much cursing and calling people out and no knowledge whatsoever. You cannot be an excellent writer if you have no wisdom to impart. This guy is so boring, so fake sounding and the stories are so impersonal and unreal that I give this the big two thumbs down. I honestly didnt' get more than 1/3 through it before I had to stop with total disgust. I skimmed the rest and realized there was nothing in the latter half either so I left it on the curb for a bum to pick up. That's what it was worth to me. Heck, I'd feel bad if a bum wasted his time reading it. I'm sorry but this was the worst piece of literature I've seen in awhile. Go read Icerberg Slim books or Donald Goines, they both rock. From what I read of this one it seemed that some suburban kid wrote it as a joke just to see how many he could sell. He probably read Iceberg Slim's book and figured he could make up a story about Pimpin and call it a catchy and cheesy name like "Master Pimpin by Master Pimp". LOL.. what a joke. Only one book by him, what a surprise!



3. Let me tell everyone the secret to becoming a Pimp as this book puts it: Have another pimp just Give you a ho. That's it. Nothing about what to do, say, think, act. The rest of this book is filled with accounts of this n that, seems fictional but yet boring. Nothing educational, Pimps up Hoes Down has more knowledge than this waste. Save your money...



4. You don't realize until towards the end of this book how much of a joke it actually is. This kid tries to front like a Master Pimp but in fact he is a FairyTale square. Although he plays it like some sort of story of his life sans the realism ... making it an allegory teaching the ins and outs of the game, you start to realize in sheer horror towards the end of the book that the whole thing is a piece of Narcotics Anonymous propoganda masquerading as a booking on pimpin'.

   What a farcical piece of tripe.

   After reading Grandmaster Slim, K-Flex, or even A.S. Jackson, it's no wonder this dorkwit had to spend his own money to publish and distribute his book. Any real publisher would have told him that his game needs so much work that he needs to go back to the school of hard knocks and STAY THERE FOREVER.




5. This book may have broken every rule of the game baby, but the game is to be sold not to be told. If I'm not mistaking, the book must be purchased to obtain it's information. This book is worth every penny spent, just suprised it was not being sold for more because this book is the truth! From 1st page to the last. Pimp up Smooth! Rain79Gang!

1 comments about ‘Blues Boy’: The Life and Music of B. B. King (American Made Music Series).

1. B. B. King wrote his autobiography, Blues All Around Me in 1996, and if you're interested in the story of B. B. King that's the book to read. Charles Keil's book Urban Blues is also quite good. Mr. Danchin adds no new information to the B. B. King story and includes some misinformation and bad judgements that are misleading.

   It would be difficult to overstate the influence B. B. King had on Blues music in the 1950's. B. B. was impressed by T-Bone Walker's sound. T-Bone recorded blues songs with jazz musicians in his band. The sound was light and swinging and T-Bone's singing was smooth and sophisticated. T-Bone featured his own guitar playing, using single note guitar solos, which blues players hadn't done before.

   Compare T-Bone's approach to B. B. King's approach. B. B.'s band was made up of blues musicians instead of jazz musicians. The beat was heavier than T-Bone's. B. B.'s singing style was more emotionally intense and gospel flavored. His guitar phrases were shorter than T-Bone's.

   Many of the young blues stars of the late 1950's liked B. B. King's sound and used B. B. King as a model for their own styles of singing, bandleading and guitar playing. Think of Freddie King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy.

   Danchin is often dismissive of B. B. King's early records like "Three O'Clock Blues" which he calls "pretty unpolished" and "not a new song". Danchin summarizes B. B.'s early appeal as "the climax of his development as an interpreter; rather than the triumph of an originator." But Freddie King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy knew something that Danchin missed. Lowell Fulson's version of "Three O'Clock Blues" didn't sound like B. B. King's version. B. B. King had a new exciting sound that made other people want to play like B. B. King. B. B.'s success was absolutely 'the triumph of an originator.'

   Danchin makes an egregious error when he writes "the importance of Jules Bihari in building B. B. King's career has been insufficiently appreciated. It was Jules, rather than King, who usually decided on the arrangements and the musicians, and sometimes it was his ideas that decided the repertoire, as his brother Joe explained in a rare interview: 'On some songs, they had them in their head, but couldn't quite get it together, and there was help. . .You might notice the name of Jules Taub on some songs. That was a pseudonym for Jules Bihari, who worked with the artists."

   In the 1950's it was common practice among independent record label owners to collect songwriting royalties that should have been paid to the artist, by claiming phony songwriting credit. When questioned about this practice later the label owners often gave explanations like the one above. A writer familiar with industry practices of the time should have been suspicious, but Danchin isn't. B. B. King writes in his autobiography that the thing he liked best about recording for the Bihari Brothers was that they left him alone in the recording studio and allowed him to do whatever he wanted! Danchin makes B. B. sound like a puppet of Bihari, which the evidence of King's continued sucess after leaving Bihari's record label doesn't support.

   The good news is that Sebastian Danchin wrote a book about blues guitar player Earl Hooker, which is much better than this book. The Earl Hooker book is well worth reading if you think you might be even slightly interested in the subject.

5 comments about February 1965: The Final Speeches (Malcolm X speeches & writings).

1. Anyone with an interest in Black History should read this book. Talk about an eloquent speaker!



2. Today Malcolm X can be seen everywhere from t-shirts to U.S. postage stamps. Most people have an opinion about him. But not nearly as many have heard/read his actual words. This collection of speeches is an excellent way to rectify that. This book takes the reader virtually to Malcolm's last words spoken in public two days before his [...].
   The collection includes speeches, interviews, panel discussions, and gives the reader a rich and genuine undertanding of Malcolm X in his final days as a statesman and revolutionary leader.
   His internationalist view comes through in "Not just an American problem, but a world problem " He defines the Black Muslim movement, and the critical importance of education and critical thinking. This is a must read.



3. An outstanding collection of speeches from the important last year of Malcolm's life. This is a must read for any student of U.S. history from any point of view. It will be most helpful to to those looking to change the status quo.
   
   Well edited and indexed. Excellent photos. A well put together book.
   
   Raul Gonzalez



4. This is the best book of Malcolms speeches from that last period in his life when he was most evolved. A must have!!!!!!!!!!



5. This book is badly needed for people who are still stuck on the NOI days of malcolm. In 1964 on, he became a true sunni muslim and activist for the human rights of African Americans in the USA and the struggle for human rights abroad. This book surveys his last speeches and interviews in 1965. You will know who he evolved into and why we muslims call him the Shahid al Amrika the American Muslim Martyr.

4 comments about YellowBlack: The First Twenty-One Years of a Poet's Life.

1. This book has been a long time coming. Privately & prayerfully I have wished that Haki would write this... I have read most of his work over the years, and he often mentioned his family and his childhood pain... Being a relative (his mom was my father's niece)I had intimate knowledge of what he was writing about.
   
   Immediately upon reading "Yellow Black", I came back to Amazon.com and ordered 5 additional copies for family members... They were totally happy to read it, and we have had several conf call conversations about the book and my father's side of the family. It almost has a "family reunion" effect on us.
   
   I remember cousin Maxine as a very lovely and loving person. I lived with her and cousin Johnny Graves briefly in Chicago in the 50's, just prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force.
   
   This is great reading, even if you are not a relative (smile)...
   
   Also, it is great to know that I have relatives I have not met, and I will be making every effort to contact them...
   
   PS: There are some in the family who do not appreciate this work because it "exposes information about Maxine", but I say "Great Work by a Great Poet", and I wish cousin (Haki) nothing by continued success.
   
   In some small way I hope "Yellow Black" provided a cathartic effect for Haki... I feel great after reading it.
   
   Lastly, I rate this work 5 stars - not just because he is "cuz", but because he has become exactly what he set you to be: A great Writer / Poet... His work will stand the test of time...
   
   Albert Weekly-Jones
   Singapore / U K & Northern California



2. Mr. Madhubuti cleverly uses prose, poetry, and narrative vignettes to tell readers about his life. He describes in great detail how life experiences, artists, writers and other people of influence have shaped and molded his character and stirred his creative juices. I especially enjoyed the poetic tidbits. Mr. Madhubuti's memoir is truly an inspirational story that shows with hard work, vision and determination you can reach your goals and make a difference in the world.



3. I am a relative by marriage. I am the wife of Haki's sisters son. This book was an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of my in-laws. It gave me a deeper understanding of where they came from and who they are. When I look at the book cover, I see my daughter, her cousins and their grandmother. This is my childrens history. From humble beginnings.....



4. I found out about this book on someone's blog and was not disappointed. This is a very well written memoir that reads almost like poetry. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to others. He is real.

No comments about Up from History: The Life of Booker T. Washington.

2 comments about Great God A'Mighty! The Dixie Hummingbirds: Celebrating the Rise of Soul Gospel Music.

1. Full disclosure: I have known the author for many years.
   
   This is wonderful book. Even though I know and admire the author, I would not lie about the book. If I didn't like it, I just wouldn't say anything. This is a wonderful book.
   
   The book is solid scholarship, and it is readable. How often do you see that? It reads like a compelling narrative, which it is, but it also has the complete discography of the Dixie Hummingbirds, and chronicles the racist times the men lived in and overcame. It is equal parts reference for American Studies and a fun read.
   
   Highly recommended!



2. Jerry Zolten, co-author of 'Speaking to an Audience' and writer for Living Blues magazine, has devoted his interest into the lives and music of The Dixie Hummingbirds. What would gospel be like today if not for the influence of singers like The Hummingbirds, Fairfield Four, Skylarks, Kings of Harmony, Radio Four, the Selahs among others? They brought to us the reality that gospel was poulated by every type of people you can name. All that travels the gospel road those that succeeded were the Dixie Hummingbirds for their spiritual qualities and their unique a-capella style. It was thier backbone and their success that kept them together until now. Before there was Rock-n-Roll there they were. They sang through history from the Depression, the World Wars, Korea and Vietnam and through the decades of changing pop culture. Now that perseverance and dedication rewarded them, this will be their 75th anniversary. They have their place in the American Music Hall of Fame.
   

   
   This is their story that began in 1920s Greenville, S.C. to their 1974 Grammy winning song 'Love Me Like a Rock.' Others made popular during their long career are, 'Christian's Automobile,' 'Have a Little Talk With Jesus,' 'Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,' 'Two Little Fishes & Five Loaves of Bread,' 'Let's Go Out to The Programs,' 'Savior Don't Pass Me By,' 'Devil Can't Harm a Praying Man,' 'I've Been Born Again,' and 'Wonderful to Be Alive' among a long line of memorable songs. James Davis and his friends began singing in a rural church. Their next 10 years would be jaunting from town to town, working radio stations, schools and churches. By 1939, the a-capella songbirds recorded their 4-part harmony spirituals on Decca. By 1942, they moved to Philadelphia and then New York with the Lester Young band they brought down the house each night at the Café Society. For there they catapulted into nationwide tours, major revord contracts, collaborating with Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon. And they're still going stronger as ever. There are interviews of the artists who worked with the Hummingbirds. The book brings out the vivid life that shaped the gospel singers and gospel music. In the words of Ira Tucker, Sr. at the anniversary roast, he said, "There have been a lot of people that have turned their backs on us. But you know what? The man upstairs sits high and looks low. That's who we have our faith and trust in, is God Almighty. I'd like to say this to you. It wasn't the money that kept the Hummingbirds out there." In conclusion"....Don't think that we are finished. I'm glad not. AMEN. There are notes in the back of the book to further your search in Blues, Gospel, Jazz & Broadcasting with bibliography of books, articles, interviews, recordings & documentaries for more reading. n the subject of Blues, Gospel and those that influence the story of soul music, like Willie Dixon, Billie Holliday, Wynonie Harris, Mahalia Jackson and Josh White. Afterwards is a listing of the Hummingbirds recordings of their singles and albums, anthologies & collections, CD & Videos. Their collaborations with Marion Williams(Standing Here Wondering Which Way to Go), Melissa Manchester (Bright Eyes), Leon Redbone (Double Time), Harry Chapin (Living Room Suite), The Kennedys (Life is Large) and House of Blues-Music in the Air: The Dixie Hummingbirds 70th Anniversary Celebration and All-Star Tribute with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Patty LaBelle, Wynonna Judd, Shirley Caesar and Vickie Winans. With all this, isn't that why they're so successful!

No comments about The Other African Americans: Contemporary African and Caribbean Families in the United States.

5 comments about Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Experience.

1. The reason to read this book isn't that it gives you the closest thing to a day-by-day accounting of Hendrix life (which it does). The best reason to read this book is the diversity of perspectives that it gives you on Hendrix. You hear from people who loved him, who just randomly bumped into him, and even a couple who could have done without him. There's no author's bias that you have to tease out on your own. There are an assortment of takes on Hendrix. You can judge for yourself what is valid and what isn't, based on whether it is corroborated by other accounts of the same event. A truly fascinating way to look at the life of a legend.



2. Jimi Hendrix was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished and most talented guitarists ever to walk the planet. His life started out in the gutter: no mother, a father overseas, and nothing to rely on but himself. Soon however, he found his true calling, the guitar. One of his father's friends had an old Stratocaster and one night while he was drunk, he sold it to Jimi for hardly anything. From this point on, his life changed drastically; he took his guitar with him everywhere he went, even going as far as sleeping with it. His guitar took him all over the country, to England and back, and then back to London. On his last visit to London, he passed away. Jimi Hendrix was and will always be one of the best guitarists ever.



3. This book on legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix takes an unusual turn, gathering eyewitness recollections of his life through the words of his admirers, friends and close observers. From his childhood experiences through adulthood, this uses quotes from documentaries, books, newspapers, TV and Internet sites as well as new interviews to provide a well-rounded view of the man and his career.



4. This book opens the wounds of Jimi's death anew. The author pieces together, as best he can, with recollections from family, band mates, and contemporaries the crushing price fame held for Jimi Hendrix. One can feel the pain, and I actually felt rage against all who seemed out to destroy him. True, he had his own demons, but there seemed noone who was really there to care about the "person" Jimi, only what they could get out of him. Of all books out, this one seemed most objective, if that is possible.



5. This unique day-by-day account of Jimi Hendrix's life succeeds in driving home the relentless pressures of being a rock star. Drawn from a variety of sources, the book manages a feat rarer than a Hendrix guitar without teethmarks...a coherent recollection of the sixties music scene! An excellent read.

2 comments about Mishima's Sword: Travels in Search of a Samurai Legend.

1. I found this book by accident while waiting for someone, and I was enthralled by it. Ross uses the sensational circumstances of Mishima's very public and gruesome suicide to explore Japanese martial culture in general and tries to explain his own fascination with it along the way.
   While he keeps tracking Mishima's life and death as a guide to his narrative, it becomes clearer and clearer that Mishima is conceivably of no importance outside his role as a popular author of nationalist appeal, and that his very theatrical life and death actually stand for very little. His careful reconstruction of himself and his image is not so uncommon, and in the end there is just another guy coming to terms with the very big chips on his shoulder, although he does so in a spectacular way.
   But along this way Ross manages by description of his travels and interviews to highlight and clarify Japanese history and fascination with death in a highly insightful way.
   Sometimes this book is just about Christopher Ross: For instance there is a whole section, where he describes feeling unwell and having to interrupt his stay in Japan to return to the UK. One can't help wondering if his editor slept through that part, since it seems to have very little to do with the rest of the story.
   Fortunately these deviations are relatively brief, as is the whole book, and you have basically read past them before they really trouble you. The rest of the ride is wonderful for people who share Ross' fascination with the martial aspects of Japan.



2. Christopher Ross goes on a quest for the sword used to assist in the suicide of Yushio Mishima, one of Japan's most famous authors. Along the way, the reader is treated to a history of Japan, lessons on Kendo, and insight into Mishima himself, and icon (or iconoclast?) of Japanese literature. In essence, the quest for the physical sword takes secondary importance, behind Ross's quest to understand the man, the times, and the context of his suicide.
   
   For those that read Twigger's Angry White Pajamas, this book is a more serious, and more culturally detailed view of the same genre. Perhaps the connection comes as Christopher Ross was the uber-guru that Twigger wrote about...
   
   If there's one issue I have with the book, it's that the writer at times talks down to the reader. For example, most anyone reading this has experienced international travel - the audience is a cosmopolitan set. Explaining the details of an inflight entertainment system detracts from the overall story.
   
   That said, the book is still concise and well written, and worthy of a read from any afficianado of Japan. It certainly earns a prominent place on my bookshelf!

No comments about Liberation and the Cosmos: Conversations With the Elders.