Started writing a Hip Hop themed fictional book. new chapters 3-29-20!

bigrodthe1

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I'm done folks :blessed: just need to type up an epilogue and make some cosmetic changes. If anybody, well maybe 2 or 3 folks want to read the whole thing and give me a review then please let me know. Here are 3 more chapters
Chapter 7
Chapter 7

Mark woke up from what he remembered as a good dream. He was smashing an unknown bad chick strictly off game! As he groggily woke out of his stupor he realized that he had probably consumed way too much liquor the night before in his studio session. He gathered his thoughts and looked at his cell phone to see what time it was. He saw that it was 10:37. “Damn” he said aloud. “I should have been up.” He then noticed he had several missed calls. He unlocked the phone to see whom they were from. Strangely he had 3 calls from Cal and 3 more from unfamiliar numbers. He then noticed he had several unread text messages including a cryptic one from Cal saying to call him ASAP and he was heading over his way. That was unlike Cal as he rarely used the phone especially this early and he almost never sent text messages. The other messages were other street folks stating an urgency to speak with him. He ignored the other messages and dialed up Cal. Cal answered on what seemed like no rings.

“What up Doe” mark sated to his longtime friend.

“Get dressed dude. I’m 5 minutes from you. We got a serious problem that we can’t discuss on the phone. Also don’t return any calls right now. Let’s talk first.” He then hung up.

Mark was now totally perplexed. Cal never sounded this serious. What the fukk is going on? He wondered. He quickly got up and threw on some clothes. Cal arrived shortly after and entered the home. They quickly got to business.

“What’s going on?” Mark asked.

“Dog somebody hit the spot on the gate.”

“You bullshytting”

“Nah dog. I got a call early this morning. Shot it up.”

“Who got hit”

“Not sure yet. Police cleared the scene but folks did see them come out with 3 stretchers. Not sure if they were dead or alive. It’s even on the news but they ain’t saying either. We got to ride through there.”

Mark stood there in total shock. Then thought for the worst. He slowly asked without wanting to hear the answer.

“You called Lil Tim or Onion’s phones?”

“I had Maria call from her phone just in case my number was locked in.” he looked his partner in the eye and stated “no answers. Both phones went straight to voicemail.”

Mark fell back in his chair and placed his hands on his head.

“I should have known something was up when nobody called for a re-up. I knew I should have went over there.”

Cal gave Mark a look of concern then asked. “You heard from your girl?”

“Nah dog” Mark replied. “Dog she will never forgive me if something happens to her brother. Oh shyt man! Let’s go” Mark grabbed his glock and both hustlers quickly headed out to Cal’s truck and made their way up the block.
 

bigrodthe1

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Chapter 8

Mark and Cal barely spoke as the large truck navigated through the streets on it’s way to their destination. As Blade Icewood’s Ride on Me played at a low volume from the speakers Mark spoke

“Dog who in the fukk would have enough balls to hit our spot?”

“I don’t know Cuz but whoever it is…” he let the thought trail off.

“Yeah dude. Everybody know how we get down. We have NEVER stepped on anybody toes around this bytch!” Mark could feel his blood coming to a boil.

“Chill out for a minute cuz” Cal stated with his forever cooler demeanor compared to his hot headed friend. They were now approaching the block. They made a left turn and rode up Goldengate and immediately noticed the yellow tape around their once lucrative drug house. There was still plenty of police activity within the homes so the dope boys just continued riding up the block.

“Go up to Wessam’s store cuz.” Mark stated. “Time to see what the fukk is going on.”

Mark knew that the neighborhood store would offer someone with some info on what happened the night before. Hell these streets love to talk. Once at the store the friends exited the vehicle and immediately started bantering with the neighborhood regulars. As suspected, most already knew about what had happened but no one really had a clear idea of any perpetrators or at least so they said. The friends then walked into the store and began to speak to Wessam.

“What up Doe Big Money Mac and Killa Cal”

“What up ‘Sam”

“Not shyt homies. I heard what happened over at your place. Police been around asking questions”

“Oh yeah? What you heard”

“Looks like 3 shot. 2 dead 1 in critical”

“Damn did they say who?” Mark replied.

“They had pictures. It was your 2 boys Tim and Onion and the street chick named Mary. I didn’t know their real names but I told them I would try to find out.”

“Did they say who was in critical?”

“Nah. I don’t think they wanted it to be known. They also asked about who’s spot was it. “

“What you say?”

“Bro you know I tell them nothing”

“Ok bet. Good look ‘Sam. I’ll get back at you” they then exited the store and got back in the vehicle and pulled off. Shortly after leaving the parking lot they noticed an unmarked police car behind them.

“Yo you see what’s behind you right?” Mark spoke.

“Yeah I peeped ‘em. Everything where it’s suppose to be. We good.”

At that moment the unmarked police vehicle flashed it’s lights to pull them over.

“What the fukk!” Mark exclaimed. Cal reached to get his registration and license. When the officer reached the vehicle both men immediately recognized him as Officer Williams, longtime Officer whom used to work at Pershing and was now working homicide. He also use to work with their youth P.A.L. football team.

“Good afternoon gentlemen” Office Williams spoke

Mark did the talking for the friends. “What’s good Officer Williams. Longtime no see”

Well I guess that’s a good thing” he replied and they all gave an uncomfortable laugh.

“Well I might as well get to business” Williams continued. “I was hoping to speak to you all in regards to the situation last night on Goldengate. Before you reply, I already know your street code and I’m not trying to break it. I also know what your attachment is to that residence and the folks that were inside. I just want to let you all know as much as I can release right now to help you all get some closure and at the same time attempt to prevent a war in the hood. It’s already been enough lives lost around there as it is. So what y’all think? You know I go all the way back to P.A.L. with y’all. You know I’m not with the bullshyt. These white officers wouldn’t care if all you young brothers killed each other. Hell it makes their jobs easier but I come from the same streets y’all do and it’s time to make some changes. I also know y’all occupation is but I’ve never known for y’all to break code and step on anybody else toes. So I want to help y’all in this because whoever did this were monsters and need to be taken off the streets. You with me?”

Cal was motionless as per the norm then Mark spoke as Officer Williams knew he would be the one doing. “All right Officer Williams. I’m not sure what you expect us to tell you but we can chat with you for a few but you know we can’t do it around here. Meet us up by the Chinese shop by the Kroger’s on 9 mile and John R in 20 minutes”

“Ok Gentlemen. See you in 20.” He then proceeded back to his vehicle.
 

bigrodthe1

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Chapter 9

The 2 friends arrived at the meeting location first and went in and placed an order to make everything appear normal. Officer Williams arrived shortly after and parked his vehicle further away in the parking lot and proceeded to come over and enter the truck by the back seat. Upon sitting down he spoke.

“Good I’m in my civvies today”

“Come on Officer Williams. You probably haven’t worn an uniform since the last time you booked me for possession in ‘95” They all gave a laugh.

“Anyway gentlemen. Let’s get to business” Officer Williams proceeded to pull out a manila folder. He first pulled out pictures showing previous booking shots of Onion, Tim and Mary. He spoke.

“As I’m sure you have heard all 3 of these individuals were shot last night on goldengate.” Both friends nodded. Officer Williams then showed pictures taken at the home of Onion then Mary. He proceeded.

“As you can see both of them are dead.” Both men tried to hold their composure.

“Young Timothy took 2 shots to the upper torso and appears to have been pistol whipped while tied up. Miraculously he is still fighting for his life and is currently in surgery and has been placed in an induced coma”

Both friends appeared to show signs of relief the wise Officer noticed.

“Young Tim is actually lucky the perpetrators used such a large caliber weapon as the bullets didn’t travel within him and didn’t hit any major organs. He still isn’t out of the fire yet though.”

“Have you all notified the families yet?” Mark asked. He then looked down to his phone which he remember he had kept turned off as he attempted to sort things out.

“We not too long ago got fingerprint verification back for all parties and authorities are notifying the families as we speak.”

Mark choked up and sank further into his seat at that revelation. Williams then produced multiple pictures were taken inside the spot.

“Looks like the downstairs was thoroughly ransacked. We found no money, drugs, guns etc. By my notion that leads me to believe somebody told them where to find things and they shot them anyway.” Williams watched them for emotion. Cal showed little as always. Mark wore a grim expression.

“No fingerprints were found. How the perpetrators were able to so easily gain access to the household is a mystery as I’m sure they had been groomed on house tactics beforehand.”

Williams watched both men for emotion.

“Ok gentlemen. That’s about all I got for right now. I have been straight up with you. Would you all like to give me any feedback?”

Cal was quiet and emotionless as expected. Mark sat up in his seat and spoke.

“Officer Williams. Right now we really don’t know much of anything. We just found out. I spoke to Tim about 10 last night and all was good. I’m trying to gather facts myself. As soon as I find out something I will keep you in the loop”

Williams gave him a skeptical look.

“I’m serious Officer Williams. I know you have always been fair with me. Let me slide a few times when you knew you had me. We respect that as I know I can speak for Cal as well. But I can’t lie to you. This situation right here hits me VERY personally. This is way more personal than some money or drugs. Some of those folks are real close to me and the streets talk and as you know they have a code. I will keep you involved. That’s my word but past that…” he left the statement open.

Williams gave a deep sigh then he spoke.

“That’s fair enough. You got my word that I will be working on this so please keep the heat to a minimum. Can y’all give me your word on that?”

Both young men first glanced at each other appeared to give a silent approval. Then nodded their heads in the officer’s direction.

“Fair enough then. Well on that note I need to get back to work. We will speak later gentlemen.” He reached out his hand and they exchanged shakes. He then exited the vehicle. Once he was gone Mark spoke.

“Ok Cuz. It’s time to go do some more investigating on our own. I’m not turning on my phone just yet. Take me to see P then it’s time to give my Cousin a call.”

Cal gave his longtime friend and partner an agreeing head nod and then proceeded to pull the truck out of the parking lot.
 

CarbonBraddock

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everyone keep in mind that op had a bunch of rap album covers that looked like some shyt made from Mario Paint or maybe even Microsoft Word. :littlesister:
 

TL15

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Mark woke up from what he remembered as a good dream. He was smashing an unknown bad chick strictly off game! As he groggily woke out of his stupor he realized that he had probably consumed way too much liquor the night before in his studio session. He gathered his thoughts and looked at his cell phone to see what time it was. He saw that it was 10:37. “Damn” he said aloud. “I should have been up.” He then noticed he had several missed calls. He unlocked the phone to see whom they were from. Strangely he had 3 calls from Cal and 3 more from unfamiliar numbers. He then noticed he had several unread text messages including a cryptic one from Cal saying to call him ASAP and he was heading over his way. That was unlike Cal as he rarely used the phone especially this early and he almost never sent text messages. The other messages were other street folks stating an urgency to speak with him. He ignored the other messages and dialed up Cal. Cal answered on what seemed like no rings.

You really should work on your storytelling. I've said this in the past and I wish you well.

You have a narrator that is not consistent. Is your narration voice a colloquial speaker (one who speaks slang etc.) or is your narration voice an educated speaker (one who does not speak slang)

having both makes it incredibly weird.

Examples:

#1 Narrator using a colloquial voice "he was smashing an unknown bad chick strictly off game!"

vs

#2 Narrator using an educated voice: "As he groggily woke out of his stupor"



If you want your narrator to be consistent you can change sentence #2 to something like "as he woke up, drunk as fyck" to keep things consistent.

It sounds silly when the narrative voice switched tonally.

Good luck breh :salute: I know people don't like being criticized but that is what I would look to edit if I were you :yeshrug: If you plan on self publishing then you have no issue, you can do it on your own. If you plan on going to a publisher, this will stick out like a sore thumb and you'll look like a novice.
 

bigrodthe1

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everyone keep in mind that op had a bunch of rap album covers that looked like some shyt made from Mario Paint or maybe even Microsoft Word. :littlesister:
I'm sure everybody knows my history...not sure what your post has to do with anything up in here :martin: beat it clown :pacspit:
You really should work on your storytelling. I've said this in the past and I wish you well.

You have a narrator that is not consistent. Is your narration voice a colloquial speaker (one who speaks slang etc.) or is your narration voice an educated speaker (one who does not speak slang)

having both makes it incredibly weird.

Examples:

#1 Narrator using a colloquial voice "he was smashing an unknown bad chick strictly off game!"

vs

#2 Narrator using an educated voice: "As he groggily woke out of his stupor"



If you want your narrator to be consistent you can change sentence #2 to something like "as he woke up, drunk as fyck" to keep things consistent.

It sounds silly when the narrative voice switched tonally.

Good luck breh :salute: I know people don't like being criticized but that is what I would look to edit if I were you :yeshrug: If you plan on self publishing then you have no issue, you can do it on your own. If you plan on going to a publisher, this will stick out like a sore thumb and you'll look like a novice.
Noted. One thing to take in mind is that these early chapters were composed BEFORE I took a refresher's english course. I think the later chapters are MUCH better written.
 

ThaBronxBully

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Bout To Print These Chapters Out And Burn Em So I Can Finally Give You Props For Writing Something Hot

:banderas:
 

CarbonBraddock

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I'm sure everybody knows my history...not sure what your post has to do with anything up in here :martin: beat it clown :pacspit:

Noted. One thing to take in mind is that these early chapters were composed BEFORE I took a refresher's english course. I think the later chapters are MUCH better written.

you need to read more, like quite a bit more maybe. as someone else said, you tell too much, meaning too often and telling things that don't need to be said. this stuff you posted recently is missing commas and has typos and all the usual shyt, which you may or may not be aware of. i would work on narrative voice because it has not drawn me in as much as it should when i read what you posted. it seems 'stilted' in some way and doesn't flow like it should. don't know how exactly you would go about fixing that but that seems to be the biggest problem that i've seen. prose seems almost lifeless. if you'd like, you would be much better served putting this shyt up on goodreads as they have entire forums filled with people who will read and critique. however, a lot of these will be white people, which you may not want going over your stuff.
 

bigrodthe1

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you need to read more, like quite a bit more maybe. as someone else said, you tell too much, meaning too often and telling things that don't need to be said. this stuff you posted recently is missing commas and has typos and all the usual shyt, which you may or may not be aware of. i would work on narrative voice because it has not drawn me in as much as it should when i read what you posted. it seems 'stilted' in some way and doesn't flow like it should. don't know how exactly you would go about fixing that but that seems to be the biggest problem that i've seen. prose seems almost lifeless. if you'd like, you would be much better served putting this shyt up on goodreads as they have entire forums filled with people who will read and critique. however, a lot of these will be white people, which you may not want going over your stuff.
Appreciate the feedback. I'm actually about to check out goodreads. Thanks your providing that. Again in regards to the editing, these early chapters were written without me having any formal writing background. I have now had a refreshers english course and I know the later chapters are better written from a technical standpoint. I need to go back and proofread the older chapters but at the same time I'm sharing with this community because I didn't expect you all to pay that much attention to that aspect :mjgrin:
 

old_timer

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not to contradict other advice..
but i would waste ZERO time with generic writers' groups or writers' websites
i would only network with other people who are already/actively publishing on amazon (kindle)
I was asked what I meant by avoiding writers groups and websites..
And I guess op wouldn't mind a free bump, so..
basically I find most writers or aspiring writers to be full of shyt
And they should be avoided if not outright shunned

They spend time on "craft" to procrastinate
To avoid honestly finding out whether anyone wants to read them or not

I assert writing (as it appeals to the reader) is basically "voice" ..which can't be taught
I further assert that craft can be learned
You can take courses (free, like the open university series)
Learn about nuts and bolts
But that's secondary

voice is much more important than the craft
Think about it..
If we are trying out for for the track team.. can you run fast or not, motherfukker??
Don't waste time learning to come out the block or pass a baton
Until you KNOW you can run
Likewise,, assess the appeal of your voice
Does it draw people in??
Do they want to spend time in the world you are creating

Seriously.. find out before spending too much effort on craft

Flawed craft with good/distinct voice achieves more than great craft with weak/cookie-cutter voice
 

bigrodthe1

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I was asked what I meant by avoiding writers groups and websites..
And I guess op wouldn't mind a free bump, so..
basically I find most writers or aspiring writers to be full of shyt
And they should be avoided if not outright shunned

They spend time on "craft" to procrastinate
To avoid honestly finding out whether anyone wants to read them or not

I assert writing (as it appeals to the reader) is basically "voice" ..which can't be taught
I further assert that craft can be learned
You can take courses (free, like the open university series)
Learn about nuts and bolts
But that's secondary

voice is much more important than the craft
Think about it..
If we are trying out for for the track team.. can you run fast or not, motherfukker??
Don't waste time learning to come out the block or pass a baton
Until you KNOW you can run
Likewise,, assess the appeal of your voice
Does it draw people in??
Do they want to spend time in the world you are creating

Seriously.. find out before spending too much effort on craft

Flawed craft with good/distinct voice achieves more than great craft with weak/cookie-cutter voice
good shyt :salute:
 

bigrodthe1

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Chapter 10

P was a tall, gangly, brown complexion black male in his early 50’s. P had been in the northeast Detroit neighborhood nicknamed Beirut, it seemed since the first drops of concrete were laid. If something happened in the hood P knew about it. If someone was selling something in the hood P knew about it. If it barked or bled P knew about it. Early in life P developed an addiction to alcohol that still held him to this day. Once crack cocaine hit the scene in the Mid 80’s P was one of the first sellers and users. He eventually started using more than he sold. Today was pretty much a standard day for P as he had recently completed mowing lawns for one of the neighborhood businesses and was enjoying the fruits of his labor by drinking a 40 ounce Malt liquor beer and had just finished smoking a nice chunk out of his trusty stem. He glanced over at Angie, smoked out, asleep on the dingy couch in the abandoned flat that P now called home. He contemplated waking her up and offering her a hit in exchange for her hot mouth. He quickly nixed the idea with a low mutter of “fukk that bytch” He figured he would let her sleep for a couple of more minutes then make her get up and get out. P instinctively listened and thought he heard a car pull up in front of the home and the sound of a door close. He immediately got up to go investigate. Before he could look out the makeshift curtains there was a knock at the door and someone screamed out his name. He quickly opened the door and was greeted by his main man Mark and his silent but deadly partner Cal, both with serious expressions on their faces.

“What’s good Mac and Killa” P enthusiastically spoke. “You here to throw me the rest of that for them speakers?”

Mark gave him a cold glance.

“Ok then” P changed the subject. “So what’s good my nikkas?” Mark did a quick scan of the home and spotted Angie on the couch. He looked at P and spoke.

“She the only one here?” P nodded yes.

“Ok get her out of here. I got some serious business for you.”

P knew business with these 2 dope boys was normally pretty lucrative so he quickly got Angie up and out the door amidst her protests. He then turned back to Mark and muttered “What’s good?”

“I know you heard about what happened last night over on the gate?” P nodded in agreement.

“Well we need you to keep your ear to the street and find out as much info on who hit us as possible. “Mark reached into his pocket and handed P 3 crisp 20’s and a small sack containing several rocks. P’s eyes lit up.

“Money isn’t an issue as long as the info is good. Matter of fact we will bring you back a sack you can work cause as I’m sure you know we currently have a distribution problem.” P nodded eagerly in agreement. Mark continued “On that note we got to keep moving. You got my number. I expect to hear from you soon. I will stop back through soon enough”

Mark and Cal started to head for the door. P followed and spoke

“You know I’m on it Mac. Don’t worry” Mark turned and replied

“Oh I’m not” he then turned and along with Cal got in the truck and pulled off. Once P saw the truck exit the block he stepped off the broken down porch and screamed “Hey Angie!”
 
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