HICKSON

OHIO PLAYER Coming Of Age… When I was nine-years-old, I’d known early on in my heart that I was my own man. While most of my friends in Cleveland were running to the store for older guys in the projects, or holding their drugs and guns, I was out stealing and hustling to make ends meet. On several occasions, grown dudes had approached me in my hood with propositions or intimidation tactics, but every time I’d declined, assuring them that I WAS MY OWN MAN! It cost me a few war wounds, but I’d also earned my respect! At age twelve, I’d made a name for myself and influenced my peers to stand on their own. They’d stopped making the constant store runs and carrying contraband for older dudes: we were all equal then, a team. Rise And Fall… At sixteen, I’d become the “poster boy” for Longwood Projects. Things were going exceptionally well for me financially, but you know what they say, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems”. Not only had I’d begun facing trouble with the Law, I was having problems with girls, and everybody around me habitually looked for handouts. It’s like the more I’d extended myself to people, the more they’d expected me to. Most of my so-called friends became foes, and the real friends I’d had in my corner were in and out of prison. Haters were mad because my hustle was stronger than theirs, women had become upset that I wouldn’t commit to them (many of them), and the police were irate: what I made in a day on the streets was their monthly earnings. It wasn’t long before my world had turned upside down: I was arrested on drug conspiracy charges and sent to federal prison. The Reality Check… Not knowing what to expect, I’d begun serving my twelve-year prison bid, being surrounded by many men of different races, backgrounds and beliefs. I was always ahead of my time, so I chose to mix with the elder crowd, opting not to hang around guys my age with limited conversations of going back to the streets, and doing the same things that landed them in prison. The older men would teach me lots about life. They’d always painted pictures that made much sense, schooling me on the importance of being in my childrens’ lives—instilling how vital valuing freedom is: freedom at every level. That’s when I’d started revamping myself. I’d realized that I could change my life from whatever state it was to the life I’d desired it to be: by transforming my mindset and reference of myself. Where imagination leads you, reality will follow. Soon after, I’d begun reading great books, learning more about my history and putting my best foot forward towards change—taking necessary steps to continue my legacy here on Earth, positively. The results of my choice to stay focused in prison, panned out well. I did my time peacefully, and was able to obtain my GED and college credits. I’d then begun my journey into the literary world as a writer. With application, I’d written manuscripts, and eventually was noticed by one of the greatest publishers of all-time, HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT®. He signed me, giving me an opportunity to be more than just a street hustler—one known for doing wrong in the past. Your attitude towards failure, determines your aptitude for success…never stop growing. Life is a constant orchestration of growth: through adversity and challenge. Peace & GHETTOHEAT®! STUBBS is author of the upcoming memoir, BROTHERS BEHIND BARS, & hardcore street thriller, LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY! Follow him on all major social media networks: @PAYSTUBBS STUBBS@GHETTOHEAT.COM HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

KINGS AND QUEEN OF URBAN LIT By Reeshemah Brightley Harlem World Magazine, June 2006 Three writers, three conversations, one mission—just how tough is it to get your literary treasure from your head to the page to a publisher to the street to an audience. It might have been a crazy day when I talked to Queen Pen, author of “Blossom” over the phone, but the chaotic day didn’t cool her passion. She wasn’t the only one in passionate mode, author K’wan, whose latest book is called “Eve”, had much to contribute as did HICKSON whose company GHETTOHEAT® is fast making its own mark. All three capture the newest literary genre to grace our streets and one that causes fierce debate. Even its name is cause for controversy. Urban literature, street lit, ghetto fiction, K’wan, Queen Pen and HICKSON all have strong opinions about it. I sat, broke bread and listened attentively. Queen Pen had strong words of advice for those seeking to follow in her footsteps, and become literary leaders in a genre. “Self-Publish. When we write the story we put our blood & sweat into it. We put our heart and soul into developing the book. After doing all of that, why would you want to put your destiny in the hands of someone else? When you self-publish, it’s difficult. It’s important to stick with it, the key is YOU CONTROL it. You also get to know the publishing business. When it’s time to go to a major publishing house, no one can pull wool over your eyes. You will know what needs to get done. For me, the situations I came across before signing a 2-book deal with Simon & Schuster, enabled me to learn the publishing business.” At the same time she was able to build relationships will all the black-owned and independent booksellers across the state when she wrote “Situations.” For her, the focus is recycling the dollar within our community, not breaking into what major publishing companies call mainstream community. In order to keep the black-owned and independent, street vendors on 125th Street and in Brooklyn, we MUST support them. K’wan adds his thoughts, he feels you have to know where your strength lies and have a strong self-belief. “Some people are good writers, some are good storytellers, some are both. If you have a story to tell and you feel in your heart of hearts it is a story that needs to be told then go ahead and pursue it.” He also muses about the advice he wished he had been given. “I wish I was given the advice to pursue my dreams and be the best at what you do. To be perfectly honest negativity was my motivation.” HICKSON maintains keeping it real, remaining humble and learning as much as you can about the business of publishing is part of the key to success. His company GHETTOHEAT® came to life after a false arrest, life in the fashion industry and the legacy of 911 prompted his entrepreneurial streak to emerge. He says, “Authors come in blinded by not knowing the industry, not knowing their worth, not knowing the business, not knowing how much their product is worth. They think that all they have to do is get with a big company and the machine is going to work for them. But you still have to work. The company will set them up with a certain budget. Once the budget is over, you’re own your own.” The other major sticking point for all three is the fierce debate that surrounds the literary genre they feature in. K’wan is especially passionate about not classing what he writes as “ghetto literature”. “When they call me an urban writer, I’m not an urban writer, I’m a WRITER! I can write urban, fantasy and contemporary fiction. I feel like I have a passion for writing. You can’t put a classification on me.” Word from these three for all those whose passion is to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard and produce a literary treasure then is, master your craft, pursue your dreams, learn the industry and defy categorization. It’s also important to circulate the dollars within our community. That sounds like pretty sound advice. HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

FOLLOW @HICKSONHOTNESS ON TWITTER FOR ALL THE LATEST GHETTOHEAT® NEWS AND UPDATES ON HICKSON! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

DID YOU KNOW?... By Alina Oswald, A & U Magazine (America’s AIDS Magazine), August 2006 Alina Oswald Talks with Harlem-Based Publisher HICKSON About Getting the Word Out About HIV. Did you know...that HIV circulates in prison through unprotected sex? That condoms are not allowed in prison, in order to not advocate sex? That convicts often use potato chip bags or latex gloves as condoms? They also use Vaseline, which eats out the latex…. That HIV-positive convicts rarely receive treatment? Or when they do, medical professionals do not monitor it? Same goes for hormone therapies for transgenders. That transgenders are at high risk for getting infected with HIV, especially those who are forced to buy cheap, black market injectable hormones? Why should we care? “I get this [question] a lot at book signings,” HICKSON—who goes only by his family name—tells me during our phone interview. “The real issue is HIV/AIDS,” the founder and CEO of GHETTOHEAT® explains. Set in the heart of Harlem, his multimedia company publishes books that explore off-mainstream topics like the ones mentioned above. The newest GHETTOHEAT® production is CONVICT’S CANDY, a novel based on the true prison experiences of its co-authors—DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS and JASON POOLE. The story follows in the footsteps of Candy, a victimized transsexual who is arrested on credit card scam charges, only a week away from the surgery that would give “her” the body of the woman “she” really is. Locked up with the other male convicts, Candy learns about prison life through sexual harassment, violence, stigma, and HIV exposure. She learns that the prison rule: “what happens in prison, stays in prison”—does indeed have its own exception—HIV/AIDS. While the novel doesn’t leave anything out when exposing the reality of living behind bars, CONVICT’S CANDY offers a lesson on how not to get HIV—adding to the fight against the pandemic. “I was really impressed with CONVICT’S CANDY,” HICKSON comments, “not only because the authors were writing [it] from prison, [but because, while] not many convicts touch on HIV/AIDS issues, [they] are very passionate about the topic.” Because too many of his friends are battling the disease, HICKSON is also passionate about educating people, especially the younger generation (whose members he calls “rebels without a cause”) on how not to contract HIV. He believes that HIV infections will continue to rise and that the numbers will not go down soon for two reasons: people’s recklessness and the Internet. Also, when using alcohol, meth, or other drugs that impair their judgment, people engage in unprotected sex. And sometimes sex itself becomes a “feel good” medicine…a drug. But does the polar opposite of sex with multiple partners work? HICKSON believes that abstinence doesn’t work either, because everything today revolves around sex, starting with BET and MTV. “People on TV become local heroes [to youth],” he comments. “Values have changed,” he says talking about the fast tracks of our lives, as we focus more on work and less on spending quality time with our families. Parents are busy with work and often leave their children alone at home with too much time to watch TV. Internet dating also fuels HIV infections. People meet first on the Internet and then in person. An example would be, say, an HIV-positive flight attendant involved in Internet dating who can set up numerous meetings with people all over the globe…and lead to a “world disaster,” HICKSON theorizes. But is there a solution in sight? HICKSON is an advocate for safer sex, helping spread the word through his monthly GHETTOHEAT® newsletter. As for raising awareness about the dangers of HIV, HICKSON points out that someone well-known needs to come out and talk about today’s HIV/AIDS issues and have a similar effect over people’s understanding of AIDS as Rock Hudson did in the mid-eighties. For more information about GHETTOHEAT®, log on to WWW.GHETTOHEAT.COM. Alina Oswald is a freelance writer, whose works have appeared in national and international publications. CONVICT'S CANDY WRITTEN BY DAMON "AMIN" MEADOWS & JASON POOLE CONVICT'S CANDY EDITED BY HICKSON CONVICT'S CANDY A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION EBOOK & PAPERBACK: SOLD & DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY AT GHETTOHEAT®! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

Q & A WITH HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT® AND DC BOOKDIVA, July 2006 I sat down with HICKSON, CEO of GHETTOHEAT® to discuss the book CONVICT’S CANDY, and to get the 411 on his next projects! DC BOOKDIVA: HICKSON, you are the publisher of the newly released book, CONVICT’S CANDY, can you tell our readers a little about GHETTOHEAT® and the book? HICKSON: GHETTOHEAT® is my publishing company which I started on June 4th, 2003. It wasn’t my original plan to pursue, since I was working in the fashion industry at the time. I was working as NAOMI CAMPBELL’s personal wardrobe coordinator for five years, before working as a production coordinator for all of the big designers worldwide, before quitting the business the day before the 9/11 tragedy. It was then where I began writing as a form of expression and escapism. I was dealing with a lot at that time, in which the writing process was therapeutic for me. CONVICT’S CANDY is written by my two artists, DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS and JASON POOLE. The two contacted me in April 2005, telling me about the book. I was really impressed with DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS and JASON POOLE for wanting to write a book from federal prison that deals with HIV/AIDS awareness, as well as what really goes on behind the prison walls. I feel the two are doing a great justice for the urban community, especially to those who are still ignorant to the fact of transmissions of the deadly virus. DC BOOKDIVA: How did you come up with the title, or did the writers come up with it? HICKSON: “AMIN” came up with the title, CONVICT’S CANDY. “Candy” is the name of the pre-op transsexual in the story, one who gets arrested one week before the scheduled sex change operation. Without giving too much of the story, “Candy” looks exactly like a woman, being forced to be housed with male inmates within the facility. That alone should tell you what was going on in the prison. Keep in mind this is a true story. Things were changed around to protect the guilty parties. DC BOOKDIVA: What other works has your company published or is looking to publish? HICKSON: The first book that I published was my own, titled after my company, GHETTOHEAT®. It’s a collection of hardcore poetry that deals with many social issues within the inner city. The beauty about the book is that it’s sequential, so it actually seems though you’re reading a novel, with characters that meet up from time-to-time. I’m finishing up the last few touches on my first novel, SKATE ON!. The story takes place in Harlem in the 80s, based on three teenaged girls from the Polo Grounds Projects, learning life on the gritty streets, all while venturing to the most notorious roller-skating rink in the world—The Rooftop! SKATE ON! takes you back in time to a place when life was less chaotic. HARDER, written by SHA is being released this fall. The story is based on a young teenage girl named Kai from South Side, Jamaica, Queens, with ambitions of taking over the entire New York City drug trade on her own. The story is going to get the attention of a lot of people, as it deals with Kai growing up, and her struggle to survive against all odds. Soon after, SONZ OF DARKNESS, written by DRU NOBLE will be released. It’s an urban sci-fi tale about two brothers who were separated early on as children, but brought back together by conflict. The story is well written, and most refreshing, not your typical “ghetto” story. DC BOOKDIVA: What are your future plans for GHETTOHEAT®? HICKSON: To do everything in a major way. Stay tuned! DC BOOKDIVA: What books are you currently reading and what authors do you admire? HICKSON: Truthfully, I haven’t had time to read any new books, due to the fact that I’m constantly reading manuscripts. Authors that I admire—my own! (Smile). Log on to GHETTOHEAT.COM and check them out. DC BOOKDIVA: Tell me a little about HICKSON, and the things that interest you. HICKSON: HICKSON is a man who lives with integrity, marches to the beat of his own drum, one who is here to make a difference in life—with hopes that his legacy passes on. DC BOOKDIVA: Well, thank you, HICKSON, I appreciate your time, and will be looking out for more from you. HICKSON: Thank you. For information on DC BOOKDIVA, log on to DCBOOKDIVA.COM HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.co...tream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.co...tream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.co...tream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.co...tream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.co...tream/lightbox/ http://www.ghettoheat.com/shop.html http://www.amazon.co...20512683&sr=8-1 CONVICT'S CANDY CONQUERS... A & U: AMERICA'S AIDS MAGAZINE, MAY 2006 ESSENCE BESTSELLER, OCTOBER 2006 WENDY WILLIAMS' BOOK CLUB PICK, APRIL 2007 DON DIVA'S TOP 10 LIST, NOVEMBER 2007 HIP HOP WEEKLY MAGAZINE BOOK PICK, APRIL 2009 STREET ELEMENTS MAGAZINE, MAY 2009 BLEU MAGAZINE, APRIL 2010 CONVICT'S CANDY WRITTEN BY DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS & JASON POOLE CONVICT'S CANDY EDITED BY HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT'S CANDY IN STORES WORLDWIDE! CONVICT'S CANDY A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

Q & A WITH URBAN FICTION BOOK CLUB, & HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT! 5.29.09 After our reading of CONVICT’S CANDY, A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION by JASON POOLE and DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS, we were lucky enough to start a correspondence with HICKSON, the CEO of GHETTOHEAT®. KRISTINA D.: Some in the African American community support and encourage street lit while others disapprove of it. Why do you think some people are critical of street lit? Do you think their fears are founded in truth in any way? What would you say to make them understand your goals with THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT? HICKSON: There’s been a lot of controversy swarming around urban lit/street lit for various reasons, and for some time now. Within the industry you have some contemporary writers who frown upon urban lit/street lit, discrediting it, some even blatantly saying it isn’t real literature, due to the nature of the stories, in addition to putting some writers of urban lit/street lit down because most of the writers are self-taught and didn’t go to college for four years to study journalism, or even take creative writing classes. Some contemporary writers don’t feel that a person writing about their own experiences within the inner streets warrants them as a professional writer, which I totally disagree with. If you’re capable of crafting great works without having journalism as a level of concentration in college, does that mean you’re not able to create magnificent works? I think not. In my opinion, I think the negative lashing against urban street writers is due to the success of urban lit/street lit, its growth, the huge book sales behind it, as well as the attention many writers have gotten from this genre, some contemporary writers sharing less of the spotlight and profits than urban/street writers. Also, there’s a lot of truth within urban lit/street lit—truth that’s brutally honest at times, and unfortunately, the truth hurts. Yet, I personally don’t agree with all of urban lit/street lit, some of it is poorly written at times, have weak storylines as well as the writings can be extremely reckless at times. Yet, on a positive note, this genre is also getting many who weren’t normally reading books, interested. At GHETTOHEAT®, I make sure that all works produced serve a purpose, gives messages for the readers to draw upon, and produce great quality material that doesn’t glamorize street life. Even with it being urban lit/street lit, it deals with the real issues at hand. For instance, in HARDER, it deals with a young girl’s involvement within inner-city street trappings, yet it’s a cautionary tale, one that deters many from taking the wrong path. THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT is all about promoting literacy worldwide, getting many to read more. From a business and personal standpoint, my mission is to have a great writing team to execute many types of works from different genres that have jewels for many to take, ones that will help readers with their own personal journey in life. KRISTINA D.: What books influenced you in your personal life and as an author? HICKSON: My all-time favorite writer is Langston Hughes. Anything he produced I make sure to read. I love how he made something so complex appear to be so simple, which is very hard to do—a skill in itself. I love how he dealt with social commentary, bringing forth real issues of the people in poetry, as well as in his “Simple” scenarios. I’ve been compared to Langston Hughes as a writer, which I don’t feel worthy of because he was an absolute genius, yet in my poetry book, GHETTOHEAT®, I also deal with issues of race, violence, love, teen pregnancy, economic factors within the urban community, sexuality, HIV/AIDS awareness, etc, so I can understand the comparison, as well as we’re both Harlemites. Yet I’m highly motivated by Gordon Parks, he being the true Renaissance man, having many talents. I have different gifts and talents, some which are reflected in my productions at GHETTOHEAT®. I wear many hats here, doing everything from A to Z. I’m fully hands on with all executions at my company. But, it wasn’t until the success of Teri Woods’ “True To The Game” and Sister Souljah’s “The Coldest Winter Ever” that raised my eyebrow, which encouraged me to not only write GHETTOHEAT® after quitting the fashion industry, but to also start my own business and create, market, sell and distribute my own works, later signing other writers. To date I have fifteen authors signed to the company, many with multiple book deals here. I’m also an independent publisher with no intentions of partnering up with a major publishing house, yet producing on the same level as one. KRISTINA D.: What is your perception of the way homosexuality functions in the genre of urban fiction? Do you feel LGBT characters achieve visibility in many urban fiction books, or are they most often depicted as characters that are deeply flawed and tragic? HICKSON: Like television and film, homosexuality isn’t portrayed in a positive light in urban fiction, also. There are rarely any masculine, affluent, progressive, leading gay characters in urban fiction, most being overly flamboyant, reflected as a buffoon, or extremely promiscuous, many lacking stability. Which isn’t the real case. Yet, I fully understand why this has happened/happening. Hip-Hop and urban lit/street lit are synonymous, and being gay in Hip-Hop is taboo within the inner city and Hip-Hop community. It’s troublesome for many to view a strong, masculine gay man the same way as a heterosexual man. Yet, there’s no real difference, other than the sexual preference. In CONVICT’S CANDY, one of the characters “allegedly” is one of the biggest stars in Hip-Hop, having liaisons with a beautiful transgender while in prison, before making it big within the music industry. A very masculine man nonetheless, a hard pill for many to swallow, those who have figured out the character’s identity. Yet, it’s not a tell-all book. It’s an expose’ on what really goes on behind the prison walls, enlightening many on the daily environment of the prisons, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Even if you had no intentions of learning about the different ways of getting the deadly disease, it’s told in such a salacious way that keeps the reader intrigued and engrossed. CONVICT’S CANDY is my bestseller to date, many sending letters and e-mails on how the book is saving lives. Yet, until Hollywood changes how gay characters are depicted within the media, and the urban community is less informed about gay culture, there will continue to be a vicious cycle of gay characters lacking strength and power within the media. KRISTINA D.: Race is a touchy subject…when ‘suburban’ Caucasian people started listening to Hip-Hop and trying to buy Hip-Hop labels, many previously empowering rap lyrics turned violent. How do you feel about White people – many of whom have not experienced inner-city life – reading urban fiction? HICKSON: I absolutely love the fact that Hip-Hop has become a universal language, enjoyed by many of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and ones from different economic classes and structures. In Japan alone, many don’t speak English, yet will chant rap lyrics of platinum rap artists. I find this fascinating. I have no problem with people learning about other cultures—I have a problem with others stealing from one’s culture then claiming it as their own, which has been going on for years. Going back to the 50s, there were many Black singers who were robbed of fame and fortune, due to the music industry not wanting to market and promote Black artists on their own records, instead, opting to credit Black artists works with White singers. Yet, I promote diversity at GHETTOHEAT®. I would love to come across a writer coming other from a Black and Hispanic background who wrote with the same level of passion, intensity and creativity. So personally, I don’t discriminate, I embrace. Hip-Hop is highly appreciated by Caucasians: the rapper Eminem alone has clearly proved this. Most rap concerts are thick with a White audience. I think it’s great that Caucasians are becoming more intrigued with urban lit/street lit, giving them better understanding of our experiences within the urban community, as well as Black/Latin culture in the process. KRISTINA D.: What role should libraries/librarians play in empowering urban people? How is street lit related to this process? What could we be doing better? HICKSON: By stocking ® continue its mission to promote literacy, not just within the urban streets, but worldwide; this simply is done by e-mailing me at HICKSON@GHETTOHEAT.COM. more Black literature on your shelves, including urban lit/street fiction, so readers can get more understanding, as well provide an outlet for those who already relate to urban lit/street fiction, as it’s a great need for it. You can have more Black and Latino writers come in and do readings, Q & A’s, and book signings, so a connection can be made between the writers and readers, other than the reader reading the books. Create book clubs, one that’s even multicultural, and get the readers involved in Black literature. Of course also by logging on to GHETTOHEAT.COM—see what’s going on in our world, and inquire about aiding in helping GHETTOHEAT continue its mission to promote literacy, not just within the urban streets, but worldwide; this simply is done by e-mailing me at HICKSON@GHETTOHEAT.COM. KRISTINA D.: What do you want us to know about the GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT…is there anything that you think might surprise us? HICKSON: THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT is a growing network of everyday people who have joined forces with GHETTOHEAT® worldwide in the fight of eliminating illiteracy. People who enjoy great books about urban life and street culture, relationships, sexuality, women’s issues, politics, science fiction, poetry, erotica, as well as contemporary urban classics, that as I said before, serve a purpose, have relevance, and will educate, empower and enliven, all through entertainment. I’m very proud of this movement. Originally I started GHETTOHEAT® to become an entrepreneur and to make a living, after my decision of leaving the fashion industry. In the midst, I discovered that by starting the company, I was also giving opportunities to other writers who would not normally be signed at major publishing houses, due to discrimination. Yet in all of this, I also realized that I’ve given voices to the voiceless, a platform for many worldwide who need not only to be heard, recognized and respected, but also appreciated. That’s what’s happening at GHETTOHEAT®. I’ve created a creative outlet, a platform for many to delve into the experience, not just urban, but the entire GHETTOHEAT® experience, one that has become bigger than me, my original idea, as well as the company—THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT. CONVICT'S CANDY WRITTEN BY DAMON "AMIN" MEADOWS & JASON POOLE CONVICT'S CANDY EDITED BY HICKSON CONVICT'S CANDY A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION EBOOK & PAPERBACK: SOLD & DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY AT GHETTOHEAT®! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

EVERYONE, CHECK OUT THE GHETTOHEAT® CLIPS ON YOUTUBE.COM AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE GHETTOHEAT® PAGE. CLICK ON THE LINK: HTTP://YOUTUBE.COM/GHETTOHEATCOM PEACE & GHETTOHEAT®! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

THE ‘H’ MAN BRINGS THE HEAT By Alina Oswald, Beyond Race Magazine 7/06 H is for Heat. H is for Harlem. H is for HICKSON, a native of Harlem with an ear for the heated stories of the inner city and with a few tales of his own. “Harlem is where the heart is,” 36-year-old HICKSON says, willing to talk just about everything but his first name (which, at least for now, remains a mystery). He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1998, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. While attending college on a full-time basis, HICKSON also worked as a freelance fashion stylist, a job that led to a wardrobe coordinator position with Audrey Smaltz and the Ground Crew, a recognized backstage management team. It was here that he was put in charge of coordinating catwalk queen Naomi Campbell’s outfits. Five years into his work, on September 10, 2001, HICKSON decided to leave the industry, unaware of the tragic events about to happen the following day. “After 9/11, I was living off my savings,” HICKSON recalls. He also started to put his life experiences into words at that time. Soon, writing became a creative outlet for HICKSON. He was writing poetry in between job interviews. At the advice of his friends, HICKSON published his poems in GHETTOHEAT®, a collection of verse portraying the experiences, energy, and vibe of urban inner city life. HICKSON says life on the streets of Harlem includes “the good, the bad and [definitely] the ugly, [but also] the beauty of it, too. It is not all tragic, it’s love as well,” he says. “I love my people and my native place, even if, sometimes it [can] get chaotic.” To self-publish his poetry book, HICKSON founded his own multimedia company, GHETTOHEAT®. It all happened in 1996 in the Village during Veteran’s Day weekend. HICKSON was wrongly accused of not using a token for his train trip. He was handcuffed and locked in a men’s bathroom in the train platform…without being allowed to use the bathroom. It took the police four hours to release him, because they were waiting for the shift change to collect overtime. Taken to Central Bookings, ten officers were involved in an enforced illegal strip search of HICKSON, violating his rights. This led to a class action suit, which HICKSON won in 2000. Three years later, HICKSON received his check. Two days later, on June 4th, 2003, he started his company, GHETTOHEAT®, “What exists before, during and after the fire,” as defined on its website, WWW.GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®’s mission is to educate and empower everyone through entertainment by creating awareness, be it for safer sex, HIV/AIDS, or street-life awareness, in its products. While starting with only one author (HICKSON) GHETTOHEAT® now publishes six authors and is seeking other new and original voices. GHETTOHEAT® authors come from all paths of life and from everywhere across the country. Two of them, JASON POOLE and DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS, are co-authors of CONVICT’S CANDY, a novel inspired by actual events and the authors’ personal experiences. It exposes the reality behind bars and issues like HIV/AIDS and sexual harassment among convicts through the story of a transgender woman locked together with male inmates. While the two authors are awaiting their soon-to-come release, HICKSON is promoting CONVICT’S CANDY through book events around the nation. After all, HICKSON believes in the powerful message in CONVICT’S CANDY. That’s why he decided to make it a GHETTOHEAT® production. But GHETTOHEAT® is much more than a multimedia company. It is a movement against illiteracy within inner cities, providing a creative outlet for youth to express themselves freely through the art of writing. GHETTOHEAT® has established a college scholarship fund intended for young adults pursuing careers in journalism and or creative arts. Funding for the scholarship comes partly from the sales of GHETTOHEAT® products. THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT is also about everyday people across the world united in their efforts to promote the importance of reading. As defined on HICKSON’s web site, the movement’s mission is “to find a solution for the serious, ongoing problem of illiteracy within urban communities.” HICKSON has been dedicating his life’s work to improving the lives of others through fighting illiteracy and bringing into the open real issues of life on the street. He hopes that soon it will be possible to make GHETTOHEAT® books into movies and, therefore as to the ways in which GHETTOHEAT® can help. After all, HICKSON concludes, “[GHETTOHEAT®] is all about making a difference.” HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | HTTP://GHETTOHEAT.COM/ | HICKSON@GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

http://www.amazon.co...27531548&sr=1-7 http://www.ghettoheat.com/shop.html DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS: URBAN LIT WITH A TWIST By Seth “Soul Man” Ferranti, Urban Book Source, 10.1.07 Violence, sex, and drugs are usually at the core of street lit, but DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS flipped the script with CONVICT’S CANDY, his venture into the book game, which he co-wrote with JASON POOLE. The two authors wrote the book at FCI Manchester, a federal prison in Kentucky, and while JASON was released in January 2007, AMIN is still incarcerated, now doing time at FCI Loretto in Pennsylvania. His book, CONVICT’S CANDY, which is based on a true story, is a unique entry into the street lit genre as it deals with sexual identity, prostitution, and homosexuality within the prison system. The story follows Candy Sweets, a teenaged, pre-op transsexual, who gets locked up in the Feds one week before his scheduled sex change. Candy soon finds himself caught in several love affairs with men who have families, girlfriends, and wives at home waiting for them to be released. Candy learns about prison life through sexual harassment, violence, stigma, and HIV exposure. But Candy doesn’t kiss and tell; “she” understands the code of silence: what happens in prison stays in prison. Yet with CONVICT’S CANDY, AMIN was courageous enough to break that code, exposing the world to the reality of men on the down low while in jail. The book takes a serious look at a serious matter and explains how the HIV virus spreads rampantly through the prison system. It also reveals how the dangerous and deadly disease is transmitted back out to society to unsuspecting women in the community, when infected inmates are released and return to their homes and loved ones bringing their diseases with them. “Being incarcerated for over 14 years, I’ve seen a lot of these so-called men in here fall weak to homosexual activities,” AMIN says. “And some of these transgender they have sex with are HIV positive.” But don’t get it twisted, ain’t nothing homo about AMIN.” DAMON “AMIN” MEADOWS is an African-American Muslim who grew up in the hard, fast streets of South Philly. This brother keeps it thorough, and lets the world know about some of his fellow prisoners in CONVICT’S CANDY, the homo-thug segment that is. “These so-called men go home or go on visits with their wives or girlfriends as if they’re still heterosexual,” Amin says. “Kissing and hugging all over their women on the visits, or having sex with their women when they go home knowing they were just kissing, hugging, and having sex with other men. Those women could be my daughters one day or other women in my family so I feel I have an obligation to make these realities known.” And with CONVICT’S CANDY, AMIN has. The book has made waves in the outside world, shocking and disgusting in equal manner. Wendy Williams, the radio personality and Queen of Drama, choose the controversial title as the book club’s pick for the month of March, saying “The real deal about jail life. If you have a man doing a bid, you must read CONVICT’S CANDY.” Don Diva put the book on its Top 15 Urban Book List. Even hip-hop superstar Lil’ Kim read the book saying, “I really loved CONVICT’S CANDY, the book is ill.” And for real, AMIN and JASON got a little ill writing the book, as in sick ill, concerning the subject matter. “The characters are definitely true characters,” AMIN says. “JASON and I conducted interviews with transsexuals, but living in this controlled environment, we’re forced to see lewd acts even if we don’t want to. The very sad part is that it’s so common that people are becoming desensitized to it.” Of the endeavor JASON said, “AMIN had the idea and he sat down with me and asked me to help him with it. I sat down and listened to his idea and thought it was something we really needed to do. It was very hard to stomach some of the things that went on, but the information needed to be out there.” The book is urban fiction but with a twist, and in his attempt to raise AIDS awareness, AMIN has crafted a riveting story that reads fluidly from start to finish. “I started writing novels because I knew I could tell a hell of a story, and I’ve never been scared to go against the grain,” AMIN says. “I’m taking the title of controversial author. Urban authors have to step out of the box they put themselves in, because there is so much more to write about than drugs, killing, and getting money.” But still, AMIN supports his fellow prison writers. “I love the fact that the brothers and sisters are doing something positive,” he says. And AMIN has traveled a long road himself, starting his federal case in 1993. “I was the youngest person hit with a conspiracy indictment,” he says. “Eight of the fourteen testified against me, which caused me to get a life sentence without the possibility of parole. But I kept my faith in Allah and kept fighting. I’ve been successful with two of my several appeals and now have an up and coming release date. All praise to Allah.” And AMIN’s success has brought many fans. “I’m getting feedback from fans and supporters,” he says. “One 17-page letter I got made me name the writer DT for Detective Tee because she has literally spent 8 months finding out who each of the main characters were in real life and she’s 85% correct. But one of the most meaningful letters I’ve gotten thus far was from a muslimah (a female Muslim) who told me that my book moved her so much after reading it, that she got tested for HIV and found out she was positive. She thanked me because she found out in the early stages and with today’s medicines, she’ll be able to stay healthier longer, if Allah wills.” And AMIN has more plans too. “The most important thing I’m learning is true Islam, because there are so many misconceptions about what people think Islam is,” AMIN says. “I am taking full advantage of my incarceration to better myself mentally, spiritually and physically, which will in turn prepare me to become an efficient citizen in society.” So check out CONVICT’S CANDY, available on Amazon.com and everywhere books are sold. Seth Ferranti is a contributing writer for The Urban Book Source and accomplished journalist having written articles for Don Diva, Slam, King, Feds and many more. HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

PEACE, CYNIQUE. THE ONLY COMPETITION HICKSON HAS: IS HICKSON.... GOD BLESS YOU.

H I C K S O N EXPERIENCE 1/00 – 9/01 Bureau Betak Production Coordinator • Executed fashion shows and special events • Provided backstage management at venues • Organized models and talent during run-of-show • Liaison with designers, stylists, models, hair and make-up teams • Participated in castings, meetings and rehearsals • Coordinated preparation of fashion shows and special events 10/94 – 10/99 The Ground Crew Collection Coordinator • Supervised 30 staff members • Conducted staff meeting preparation and assistance • Liaison with show producers, designers’ production staff, models and talent • Arranged and coordinated models and talent wardrobe PRODUCTIONS 2000 • KATAYONE ADELI Fall 2001 – Production Coordinator • MICHAEL KORS Fall 2001 – Production Coordinator • DONNA KARAN Fall 2001 – Production Coordinator • CELINE Spring 2001 – Production Coordinator • TSE NEW YORK Spring 2001 – Production Coordinator • DKNY Spring 2001 – Production Coordinator • MICHAEL KORS Spring 2001 – Production Coordinator • DONNA KARAN Spring 2001 – Production Coordinator • VICTORIA’S SECRET CANNES 2000 CINEMA AGAINST AIDS – Production Coordinator • TSE NEW YORK Fall 2000 – Production Coordinator • JOHN BARTLETT Fall 2000 – Production Coordinator • DONNA KARAN Fall 2000 – Production Coordinator 1998 • MTV FASHIONABLY LOUD – Collection Coordinator for Jean-Paul Gaultier, Tristan Webber and Julian McDonald • VIBE STYLES – Collection Coordinator for Naughty Gear, Kangol, Tommy Hilfiger, Lugz and Walker Wear 1997 • MTV FASHIONABLY LOUD – Collection Coordinator for Antonio Berardi, John Bartlett and Todd Oldham • VIBE STYLES – Collection Coordinator for The North Face, Lugz, Avirex, Bear & Polo •EPPERSON Fall 1997 – Fashion Show Director 1996 • MTV FASHIONABLY LOUD – Collection Coordinator for Gianni Versace, Todd Oldham, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana and Anna Molinari • VH1 FASHION AWARDS – Collection Coordinator for John Galliano, Gucci, Halston, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang & Chanel 1995 • VH1 FASHION AWARDS – Collection Coordinator for Thierry Mugler’s 20th Anniversary • FRENCH MENSWEAR FEDERATION SPRING 1996 – Collection Coordinator for Jose Levy, Dominique Marlotti, John Rocha & Kenzo EDUCATION 5/98 Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Advertising & Marketing Communications SHOW CREDITS Adrienne Vitadini Alixandre Furs Alvin Bell Anna Molinari Badgley Mischka Basco BCBG Betsey Johnson Bill Blass Brooks Brothers Carmen Marc Valvo Carolina Herrera Celine Chado-Ralph Rucci Cornishe Furs Cynthia Steffe D for DKNY Dennis Basso Diane Von Furstenberg DKNY Emanuel Ungaro Enrico Coveri Enyce Episode Ev & El Express Gene Meyer Genny Geoffrey Beene Ghost Gieffeffe Halston Helmut Lang Herve Leger Hugo Boss ICB Janet Howard Jhane Barnes Jill Stuart Joan Vass John Bartlett John Scher Joop Joseph Abboud Julien McDonald Koos & Dewilde Lane Bryant Lerners Liza Bruce Marithe & Francois Girbaud Mark Eisen Mary McFadden Maurice Malone Michael Kors Miu Miu Mohl Furs Moschino Nautica Nicole Miller Nike Oscar dela Renta Pamela Dennis Patrick Robinson Peter Cohen Phat Farm Philip Treacy Randolph Duke Rebecca Moses Rifat Ozbek Robert Comstock Robert Freda Roberto Cavali Russell Bennett Searle Stephen Digeronimo Steve Fabrikant Structure Susan Lazar Timberland Tommy Hilfiger Troa Tse Valentino Vera Wang Victor Alfaro Vivienne Tam Westcott Wilke Rodriguez Yashiyuki Kionishi Yeohlee Yohji Yamamoto Zang Toi http://www.ghettoheat.com/artists.html HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

HELLO XEON, THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. YES, IT'S VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT OTHERS ARE NOT FOLLOWING SUITE AND ARE CHEAPENING THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY, BRANDS, AUTHORS, GENRES AND WORKS BY DRASTICALLY LOWERING PRICES AND GIVING AWAY WORKS FOR FREE, NOW EVEN WITH EBOOKS, BUT I'VE CHOSEN FROM DAY ONE NOT TO. I'M CHALLENGED DAILY BY MANY IN THIS ARENA...AND HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS, BUT I BOW DOWN TO NO ONE.... I WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT: THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS. GHETTOHEAT® HAS ALWAYS TAKEN A STAND FOR WHAT'S RIGHT, AND GOD WILLING, WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. BE BLESSED, XEON.

THANKS TROY! I APPRECIATE THE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. WILL CONTACT YOU SOON.

GHETTOHEAT® CONTINUES TO WORK WITHIN REAL INDUSTRY STANDARDS, & HAS DONE SO SINCE ITS CREATION ON JUNE 4TH 2003. NO PRICES HAVE EVER BEEN REDUCED, NO PRICES WILL EVER BE REDUCED: NOT EVEN DURING RECESSIONS. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN PRODUCING WONDERFUL WORKS AND QUALITY GOODS, & WILL NOT DEVALUE MY COMPANY, AUTHORS, MERCHANDISE & PRODUCTIONS, NOR WILL I ALLOW CHAOTIC ECONOMIC CLIMATES OR UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES BY SOME WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, DICTATE OPERATIONS AT GHETTOHEAT® , OR COMPROMISE MY INTEGRITY. I LOVE WHAT I DO & DO WHAT I LOVE, & WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO, RIGHTEOUSLY.... IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING, YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING: GHETTOHEAT® REMAINS TOP SHELF. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.... HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF HOTNESS AT GHETTOHEAT® IN CONJUNCTION WITH BLACK MUSIC MONTH, I SAY THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN AND BEING DOWN WITH THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT, AS I PUMP AND BUMP THIS BLAZIN’ GHETTOHEAT® HOTNESS STREET MIX, PRODUCED BY DJ SLICE, YOU KNOW: THE OFFICIAL DJ FOR MIKE JONES! AIN’T-NO-PARTY-LIKE-A-GHETTOHEAT®-PARTY, SO IT WOULDN'T BE ANY FUN IF YOU COULDN'T ROCK WITH ME, ALSO. DOWNLOAD THE MP3 BY CLICKING ON THE LINK http://bit.ly/SCK0lcl AS I PROUDLY DO THE TWO-STEP AND SHOUT: "GHETTOHEAT®! GHETTOHEAT.COM®! GHETTOHEAT® HOTNESS! GHETTOHEAT® IS RISIN’! GHETTOHEAT®, WRITTEN BY HICKSON! A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION! HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT®! THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT! GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!" PEACE & GHETTOHEAT®! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, DIRRRTY, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, THICKNESS, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

GOD IS GOOD! GOD IS LOVE! GOD IS EVERYTHING! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, THICKNESS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM | @GHETTOHEAT | @HICKSONHOTNESS GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

6.4.09: THE GHETTOHEAT MOVEMENT Courageously creating my independent publishing company, GHETTOHEAT® on June 4, 2003, my main objective was to solely become an entrepreneur, self-publish my poetry/prose book (proudly titled after the company), and control the marketing, sales and distribution of my works; with hopes of obtaining other talented authors in time. That initial concept quickly changed during the second week of my first book tour in September 2003. Being a new writer who was beyond ecstatic to present GHETTOHEAT® to any and all readers, I met this teenaged girl in Philadelphia during my book signing at Borders Express; inside the Gallery Mall. I was immediately drawn to her big, beautiful brown eyes: they narrated a sad, short story of pain, trouble, confusion and despair. An intriguing story I read within seconds. Understanding the young lady’s personal saga and nervous energy, noticing her being reluctant and awkward with meeting me, I quickly struck up a warm, friendly conversation about the process of how I’d penned my poems, before introducing the girl to my work. As she slowly thumbed through the pages of prose, she inquisitively raised an eyebrow while reading a selection, gave me a once over look from head-to-toe; then took a fresh copy off from my table to the register to purchase, before allowing me to autograph a book for her. I sloppily scribed an inspirational message of empowerment to the teenager. A few days later, I surprisingly received an e-mail from this same young lady, thanking me immensely for saving her life. Instantly, I became quite perplexed…. As I continued to read on, she boldly confessed to me that, minutes before our meeting, terrible thoughts of committing suicide had entered her mind, and that the positive conversation we’d had, diverted the initial plan of total self-destruction. Further into the body of the note, the teenaged girl also revealed that, after reading the many messages within GHETTOHEAT®, she’d no longer felt alone within her personal struggle; she now realized that someone else had shared a similar plight. Revelations of a newly discovered inner-strength emerged, one that she didn’t know existed prior; and caused this young lady to view life, its challenges, and situations that were placed before her, differently. This brave, new soul also assured me that, I too, wouldn’t be alone in my journey. She vowed to follow me continuously on ghettoheat.com, and read the new works to come, admitting that she totally identified with me, the vibe of my company, and the new, positive “movement” that I’d created. It wasn’t until after reading that e-mail that I fully understood the power of words—my words…. From that day forth, I’ve felt an urgent need to be responsible when producing my works, as well as to teach people through my messages. I now realize the major impact and influence I may have on readers, when they absorb my words. Looking back, I honestly can say that, I absolutely had no clue as to what movement the big, beautiful, brown-eyed girl had made reference to. That changed one day when I received my first international letter in the mail, from a new reader and supporter from South Africa, full of enthusiasm and asking: “How can I be apart of the GHETTOHEAT® movement?” I then thought to myself, w-o-w…you already are! People strongly relate to the thought-provoking works of GHETTOHEAT®, especially within my urban fiction and hardcore street-lit categories (I also publish poetry, contemporary, sci-fi, politics, self-help/relationship books, as well as bilingual works), because of the gritty social commentary thoroughly addressed throughout the books. Many contact me worldwide, showing appreciation of the realness of the works, and how at times, they see themselves within the storylines, totally identifying with scenarios, and often, becoming as one with the characters. Whether the topics touch on education, race relations, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS awareness, or other socio-economic factors that ultimately affects family and community, GHETTOHEAT® brings forth these issues. I purposely do so to stimulate intense dialogue regarding these important matters while finding solutions to problems at hand, with great hopes of bringing about social change. Six years later, seven books produced, and twelve authors now signed to my company, I’ve personally been on a crusade promoting literacy: THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT. Whether at literary events, through letter writing, or by connecting with individuals worldwide via Internet, I constantly encourage readers to read more; and show the importance of educating, empowering, enlivening, and elevating through entertainment. The beauty of the movement is connecting with all types of people from various backgrounds. Race, sex, color, creed, income status and sexual orientation don’t matter. What really matters is our universal commonality: a profound love for books, a true love for literacy, and our great love for GHETTOHEAT®! Occasionally, I think back to the young lady who sent me the enlightening e-mail, thinking how our paths crossed, how literature literally saved our lives, and how her story-telling eyes, actually forced me to restructure my business, and fully realize my sense of purpose in the process. I thank her for that! Today, I thank you for allowing me to share one of the many stories of my journey—THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT continues…. HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

GHETTOHEAT® LOVES THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR! SO MUCH THAT, GHETTOHEAT® WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR 2011--GHETTOHEAT® BLAZING THERE CONSISTENTLY, RAIN OR SHINE SINCE 2003. HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT® WILL MEET AND GREET EVERYONE AT SECTION R8 WHILE SIGNING COPIES OF CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS & TANTRUM. THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR 2011 WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JULY 23RD FROM 11AM TO 6PM, ON 135TH STREET BETWEEN ADAM CLAYTON POWELL & MALCOLM X BOULEVARD (7TH & LENOX AVENUE IN NEW YORK CITY). GHETTOHEAT® LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AT THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR 2011--PEACE & GHETTOHEAT®! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, THICKNESS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM | @GHETTOHEAT | @HICKSONHOTNESS GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

#GHETTOHEAT Are you fully secure within your loving relationship, to give your significant other permission to sleep with another? THICKNESS—A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION. THICKNESS, a sexy, steamy, sensual love story written by ANPU—the newest member of GHETTOHEAT®. A dramatic tale, THICKNESS opens at “Explicit”—an upscale gentleman’s club in Texas where main characters, Angel: a beautiful, driven exotic dancer, and Knowledge: a sharp, charismatic businessman with many dealings, intimately cross paths. They deeply connect while encountering interesting and scandalous characters, where the storyline’s plots and subplots lead into a whirlwind of events traveling through Texas, Atlanta, Mexico and Jamaica. THICKNESS, filled with sex, suspense and substance is a wonderful, well-written read you’ll soon enjoy. Wise, intelligent, soulful, and a native from Kingston, Jamaica, ANPU is a gifted, talented writer who’s a vital factor of THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT. Contact him at ANPU@GHETTOHEAT.COM HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE!

GHETTOHEAT® reviewed by Simone Carlene Porter, The Flow Magazine, 6/05 Chillin’ on the front stoop on a hot summer day with a glass of “Red” Kool-Aid, watching the people; watching the events unfold. It’s amazing just how much you would see. HICKSON’s GHETTOHEAT® is just that. GHETTOHEAT®. The topics of his raw, unpolished poetry are of the ghetto and its people. The heat, is clearly his unique way of placing the words together in different rhythms and style. HICKSON’s poetry sheds light on subjects that would never come up during a conversation at the dinner table. His collection is not something that has been diluted and edited to appeal to a wider range of readers. He keeps it “gully”, as we at The Flow Magazine would say. With his words, we’re packing our bags and heading to the realness of the neighborhood. GHETTOHEAT® is a one-way ticket to wake up and smell the coffee, forcing you to come down from whatever pedestal you’ve built for yourself and be confronted with real-life situations, epidemics, and states of mind. In the beginning, the reader is given just a sample of what is to come. As you read on, the temperature is sure to rise and you might even need to go inside and flip the switch on the air conditioner, just to get through the rest of the book. The characters we meet along the storyline and the struggles they must endure prove to be “too real” for some. Simply stated, if you can’t handle the heat, then get out the damn kitchen. HICKSON is an amazing writer; a true poet. Many have a way with words, but HICKSON has the ability to use his dynamic style of writing to bring forth what people try to cover up and ignore. This book can definitely be used to drop knowledge on those who think they know, but in fact have no idea. Pick it up and be prepared for a ride through the ghetto you’ll never forget. Remember your sunscreen ‘cause it’s hot. Real recognizes real. The Flow recognizes HICKSON. HICKSON: BRINGIN’ THE HEAT! by Tionne, The Flow Magazine 6/05 There’s always difference...and change comes in an amount we’re not always able to get with. However, when it rains it pours...and when HICKSON decided to pursue his outlet, he created an ingenious way to write and be heard. With GHETTOHEAT®, he’s intended to do what many writers strive for...keep it alive. June 4th 2003, HICKSON became a published writer…and coming next spring, HICKSON will release his sophomore effort, SKATE ON! to continue this vision with much success and further welcoming. With a real voice and a real way of producing what is - he’s here...he’s strong...and he’s bringin’ the HEAT! ASSED OUT My money’s tight - shit ain’t right Don’t know if I’m gonna make it tonight... Stomach growlin’ - fridge empty - landlord’s howlin’: “NIGGA AIN’T GOTS THE RENT!” ‘Bout to be homeless - livin’ in a tent YO, I’M BENT! Light and gas cut - fucked up in a rut Shit gots to get better Son, I need some cheddar! Can’t get no job Doors slammed in my face “Sorry, I can’t help you,” says “MISTER CRACKER” Mind cluttered and sketchy Thoughts all over the fuckin’ place Do I gots to rob and steal to pay these bills? Get a lil’ meal? DAMN! What’s the deal? Clothes mad dingy Lookin’ crazy, shabby and poor Gonna rob and steal tonight CAN’T TAKE THIS BULLSHIT NO MORE! Nigga gots no clout Feelin’ trapped up in this heat SON, I WANTS OUT! Ready to scream - ‘bout to shout: “SOMEBODY TELL A MUTHAFUCKA WHAT THIS SHIT’S ABOUT!” Now a nigga evicted from home Gots no place to go Out on Eighth Ave. I roam Sleepin’ on the street Pocket full of nuthin’ Still no grub to eat Shiverin’ in the cold Prayin’ for shelter A meal - SHIT, SOME HEAT! “CAN I LIVE, SON? CAN A MUTHAFUCKA JUST BREATHE?” Mmmph, mmmph, mmmph... The agony of defeat Tionne: So HICKSON...what is your definition of poetry? HICKSON: To me, poetry is a creative expression that consists of wordplay, rhythm, emotion and messages, personal and non-personal, which interpreted and delivered properly, others can gain valuable knowledge from. There are many poets who discuss matters such as politics and war, love and other issues that may affect us globally—and that’s great. Personally, I like to discuss what’s going on in my own world, right here in the streets of the ghetto. I write about my life as well as people and their experiences, good and bad within my own community—mainly everyday life situations that pertain to me, and people who are indigenous to me, living in Ghetto-America. Tionne: In YOUR words, what sets you apart from Hallmark but can league you with Langston? HICKSON: For one, my language is hardcore at times, being extremely raw, real and riveting. It’s not the typical material about the stars, moon and the universe in which you would normally find when reading a “Hallmark” card. I talk about life—the good, the bad and the ugly! Although I’ve been recently compared to Langston Hughes by a book reviewer, which I feel was an honor and a great compliment, the thought of me being put in that same category as Langston, doesn’t sit well with me, as I feel that he was a genius! Langston is my all-time favorite poet. He was an excellent writer, writing plays, essays, novels, short stories and poetry, the most beautiful, creative and complicated of works; yet he made then all seem so simple—which is very hard to do. It takes a lot of work to make a complex piece seem easy to compose—in which Langston was the master of this technique. Yet, I can see the similarities between us two. We’re both from Harlem, New York—Langston being apart of the old Harlem Renaissance and me being apart of the new. The social issues that Langston wrote about back then, I’ve also written about today in GHETTOHEAT®—meaning that the matters addressed in the past are still relevant and sadly to say, ongoing; even in modern-day time. We love to write about the beauty of everyday people, our struggles, joys, pains and love for one another—real issues. Tionne: Trials & tribulations, what was growing up like? And how would you describe bein’ grown? HICKSON: I come from parents who were teenagers when they had me. My mother was pregnant at 14 and my father was 15 at the time, so you can imagine how scary life was for them in the ‘70’s—“babies having babies”. Although I lived with my mother and visited my father, it was my grandfather who practically raised me, being that my parents were so young. My mother was too young to work, my father was still a kid himself, unemployed, probably unsure of life and who he was going to become back then, therefore, outside of my grandfather’s assistance, I was born a “welfare baby”; in which my mother relied on Social Services to survive. Although I was considered poor, I can always remember being showered by love from my family. My grandfather, knowing early on that my parents couldn’t afford certain things, made it his business for me to want for nothing! He spoiled me very early, giving me the best of everything. He loved me dearly. I was even told that it was he who carried me out the hospital, shortly after my mother was discharged from giving birth to me. Music was always apart of my life. Real music, not this synthesized, processed garbage that hits the charts these days. I’m talking about real instrumentation, singers who performed live with bands. Legends like Aretha, Marvin, Blue Magic, Miles, Smokey, The Delfonics and many others, played throughout my apartment. This is one of the reasons why music plays a great part within my writing. So, to answer your question, yes, there were many adversities, struggles and hardships, yet I experienced a lot of love as well. As for being grown, it’s when you think as a man/woman, do as a man/woman. It’s when one fully takes care of their responsibilities and handles real business. It’s when one totally knows who they are, are comfortable in their own skin and truly accepts the person that they’ve become—that’s a big part of being grown, in my opinion. Tionne: With GHETTOHEAT® up and rising, it was 9/11 that inspired you to create the publishing company, how would you describe those times? HICKSON: A few months prior to the tragedy of 9/11, my grandfather, who I truly loved, respected and considered “my rock”, had passed away. His death had left me terribly depressed and in a state of devastation. Back then I was dealing with a lot of personal issues. Between running back-and-forth to the hospital, visiting my grandfather as he was fading away on his death bed, right before my eyes, dealing with shady relatives whose disposition changed drastically towards me when they’d discovered the inheritance my grandfather left me, one which I never received…being in a co-dependent relationship with a person who didn’t love himself, whose concept of monogamy was much, much different from mine, and working in the fashion industry as a young Black man where racism is prevalent, feeling that no matter how hard I’d worked, they would never allow me to be equal to them, all of this made me become physically, mentally and spiritually drained. By the time 9/11 came about, I became extremely dark, my state of depression took the best of me, and I literally gave up on myself, wanting not to continue on…. Yet, I fought my demons and did a lot of soul-searching; I dug deep within and found inner strength. In the midst of sending out 473 resumes and only getting one callback, only to find that I was overqualified for the job, I found myself one day, picking up a notepad and beginning to write. “Assed Out” was the first poem I wrote. It was based on my experience of living during this bad time, dwindling my savings, not being able to find a job, becoming homeless, angry and frustrated with life. I would write something new every day out of frustration, whether it was something I was going through, had experienced, witnessed, etc. Basically, frustration was the main root of my motivation. Six months later, I realized that I’d written 84 poems, some being three to six pages long at times, in which I decide to put into book form. Wanting to become an entrepreneur, I decided to self-publish, rather than trying to get signed to a big publishing house or getting rejected by them in the process. I self-published GHETTOHEAT® with the money I received from a settlement I had against the NYPD, when I was falsely arrested by the cops in November of ‘96. Tionne: Although everyone gets to see the outcome, after you were motivated to publish, what is the process of starting from scratch and getting out there? HICKSON: It first starts with the writing process, which can be intense. It became exhausting for me to tackle so many of the issues within my book and deal with the complex characters and racy subject matter, because I actually become “possessed” when I write. I actually become each character, in which they can be exhausting and haunting—being hard to shake them. For example, I have a poem titled, “Hustleman”, which deals with a male prostitute. Of course I’m not one and never had been, but I wanted to write about how it would be being an urban, gay male whore—so I had to become one, mentally. I had to take on the mindset of a male prostitute in order to write about such a character in its truest form. From there, one must do research—tons of it. Whether it’s research for the work or for the creation of your product. Seeking quotes from printers, filing your manuscript and obtaining the copyright for your work from the Library of Congress. Getting barcodes and ISBN numbers. Creating a well-designed website that would be informative and customer-friendly. Marketing and promoting yourself, and your product, which for me wasn’t easy—poetry being a limited market. Although with the rise of poetry events, venues and the success of Russell Simmons’, “Def Poetry Jam”, poetry is not flying off the shelves in stores—it’s the novels! Most readers want a continuous story. Yet, the way I edited GHETTOHEAT®, it actually reads like a novel, which takes you on a mind-boggling journey. Each scenario links together as if you were reading a novel—sort of like R. Kelly’s, “Trapped in the Closet” song. Each series connect together to create a story. I didn’t plan it that way, yet that’s how it worked out. Tionne: How would you like to respond to the feedback from your work? HICKSON: Most of the feedback has been positive. Others have been negative. Some folks don’t like to, or just can’t deal with the truth. I write about real people—real scenarios. I get a lot of slack from religious groups who don’t appreciate profanity, or from others who hate slang/ebonics. I have to write about things in its truest form. At times, in the urban streets, people curse, people use slang—I’m guilty of this myself, yet I’ve also found a way to cleverly create scenarios in which people also find themselves within my works, making them ponder about their own actions and hopefully, making them want to change their ways. Recently I had a married woman who expressed her anger towards me in an e-mail, for writing the poem, “Maskerade”, which deals with a gay man living a double life; having a beautiful family at home, yet a secret gay lover on the side. She was irate by my words, wanting to know why would I write about such a thing. Later within the e-mail, she then told me that she’d recently discovered that her own husband was gay and didn’t want to admit it. Reading that poem from my book, I guess was the salt added to the wound. She then apologized to me and thanked me for helping her deal with her issue. The truth hurts, but it will also set you free…. MASKERADE Secrets and lies about the company I keep Double life I live Truth mustn’t seep Meander in dark shadows Head held down low Never to be caught No one will know SugahDaddy’s sweet candy A treat so fine and dandy Arm-n-arm wit’ trophy-wife, Sandy For public’s eye comes in handy A three-story house Filled wit’ much love Family portrait of wife and kids Proudly mounted above Still…I tango wit’ he Intense passion I can’t shake Yet I meringue wit’ she For goodness sake Dancin’ wit’ both A risk I take One for the other A choice I won’t make Masculine Big and strong A reputation to uphold To act as a FAGGOT Not quite that bold Men-on-men: an evil, disgustin’ taboo I was once told Once false move leads me out to the cold Didn’t ask to be this way… Why was I born gay? To be honest about my sexuality Will there ever be a day? The mask I wear A price I must pay Tionne: Many of us are rejected for not “fitting in” to what mainstream publishing companies see fit as “publishable work”. For poets and other writers of prose today, what would you bring to the table that would inspire them to keep writin’? HICKSON: I don’t cross over to the mainstream, I let the mainstream crossover to me! There was no way I could’ve written my book with it being watered down. This was one of the main reasons why I self-published, opposed to going to a big publishing company. By doing so, I was able to control the content, marketing and distribution of GHETTOHEAT®. I had total freedom to do what I wanted. I wasn’t, and I’m still not interested in fitting in with the masses. It’s great to be appreciated by everyone, but my work isn’t for everyone. Real recognize real—period! As for the book reviewers, they didn’t have to give me great reviews for me to be satisfied with my work, it’s the critique from everyday people who I value immensely. They’re the ones who are going to be honest with you, as well as help you become successful in the long run anyway. Does it matter if I get on the “bestsellers’ lists”? It helps, but what’s really important is the everyday people and how they view my works. For the record, I’m not interested in a joint venture or getting a big deal from a mainstream publishing house. I’m more interested in ownership. Tionne: What writer(s) or people have inspired you to do what you, and why? HICKSON: Well, as I mentioned, I love Langston for his realness, beauty and honesty in his work. As a marketer, I’m impressed with Michael Baisden and Omar Tyree for their hustle—those brothers really know how to promote themselves and their products very well. Yet, I was really impressed with the works and success of Teri Woods’, “True to the Game”, and Sister Souljah’s, “The Coldest Winter Ever”. Those two really wrote groundbreaking, powerful and real stories about people I know, see and relate to everyday. When I saw how successful they were with their projects, it definitely made me think about doing my own. Yet, 9/11 was what really forced me in the direction of publishing. GHETTOHEAT® S-S-S-S-S-S-S! Can you feel it? Scaldin’ breath of frisky spirits Surroundin’ you in the streets The intensity: S-S-S-S-S-S-S! That’s GHETTOHEAT®! The energy - electric sparks Better watch ya back after dark! Dogs bark - cats hiss Rank smells of trash and piss! Internalize - realize No surprise - naughty spirits frolic in disguise S-S-S-S-S-S-S! INTENSITY: CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’! GHETTOHEAT®: RISIN’-RISIN’-RISIN’! Streets is watchin’ Hoes talkin’ - thugs stalkin’ POW-POW-POW! Start speed-walkin’! Heggies down - rob these clowns Snatch the stash - jet downtown El Barrio: Spanish Harlem “MIRA, NO! WE DON’T WANNO PROBLEM!” Bullets graze - I’m not amazed GHETTOHEAT®! Niggas-start-blazin’ Air’s scathin’ - gangs blood-bathin’ Five-O’s misbehavin’ - wifey’s rantin’-n-ravin’! My left: THE BLOODS - my right: THE CRIPS Niggas start prayin’ - murk-out in ya whip! Internalize - realize No surprise - naughty spirits frolic in disguise S-S-S-S-S-S-S! INTENSITY: CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’! GHETTOHEAT®: RISIN’-RISIN’-RISIN’! Mean hoodlums - plottin’ schemes A swoop-down - seems like a bad dream Thugs around - it’s goin’ down ‘BOUT TO BE SOME SHIT! But I’m ghetto - know how to spit Gully mentality - thinkin’ of reality of planned-out casualty I fake wit’ trickery: “ASSALAAMU-ALAIKUM” “STICK ‘EM UP!” “YO, DON’T FUCK WIT’ HIM: HE’S MUSLIM!” Flipped script wit’ quickness Changed demeanor: the swiftness Not dimwitted - felt fierce flames of evil spirits! Hid chain in shirt - I don’t catch pain - don’t get hurt No desire gettin’ burnt by the fire Thermometer soars, yo, higher and higher! In the PROJECTS: fight—protect ya neck Gotta earn respect - defend ya rep Or BEAT-DOWNS you’ll collect! The furor - the fever: my gun - my cleaver! Bitches brewin’ - slits a-stewin’ Sheets roastin’ - champagne toastin’ - gangstas boastin’: “The ghetto: nuthin’s mellow The ghetto: cries in falsetto The ghetto: a dream bordello The ghetto: hotter than Soweto!” Internalize - realize No surprise - naughty spirits frolic in disguise S-S-S-S-S-S-S! INTENSITY: CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’! GHETTOHEAT®: RISIN’!-RISIN’-RISIN’! Red-hot hustlers broilin’ at the spot Boilin’ water roars: the lucky crackpot Streets a-scorchin’ - crackheads torchin’ Stems ignited - junkies delighted Money’s flowin’ - Pusherman’s excited The first and fifteenth: “BLOCK-HUGGERS’ JUNETEENTH!” Comin’ ya way - take ya benefits today Intoxication - air’s dense - self-medication Ghetto-suffocation Volcanic maniacs attackin’ Cash stackin’ - niggas packin’ - Daddy Rock’s mackin’: “The ghetto: nuthin’s mellow The ghetto: cries in falsetto The ghetto: a dream bordello The ghetto: hotter than Soweto!” BedStuy - do or die: BUCK-BUCK-BUCK-BUCK! They don’t give a FUCK! The Bronx - you’ll fry - tossin’ lye: “WATCH YA E-Y-E-S!” Walk straight - tunnel vision False move - bad decision So hot - starts to drizzle - steamy sidewalks begin to sizzle HOT-TO-DEF: intense GHETTOHEAT®! “DO-YOU-FEEL-IT? DO-YOU-FEEL-IT?” “THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™” So hot—got ya mase? Too hot: PEPPER-SPRAYIN’-IN-A-NIGGA’S-FACE! The madness - sadness Don’t you know the flare of street-glow? OH! Meltingly - swelteringly: S-S-S-S-S-S-S! HOOD IN-FER-NO! Internalize - realize No surprise - naughty spirits frolic in disguise S-S-S-S-S-S-S! INTENSITY: CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’! GHETTOHEAT®: RISIN’-RISIN’-RISIN’! INTENSITY: CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’-CLIMBIN’! GHETTOHEAT®: RISIN’-RISIN’-RISIN’! S-S-S-S-S-S-S! Tionne: Where do you see GHETTOHEAT® and yourself in the next 5 years? Do you want GHETTOHEAT® to grow as a publishing company and add additional poets/writers to its roster? HICKSON: Funny that you asked. I’ve just signed two authors last month. Damon “Amin” Meadows and Jason Poole are the newest artists at GHETTOHEAT®. They collaborated on a book while being incarcerated together in federal prison titled, CONVICT’S CANDY. It’s about a young, beautiful, pre-op transsexual named, Candy who gets arrested for credit card fraud. Because of the technicality of still having a penis, Candy is forcefully housed with men in the prison. While there, Candy maintains romantic relationships with hardcore men, ones who have girlfriends and wives at home…. CONVICT’S CANDY is based on a true story, which will be out this winter. GHETTOHEAT® started out as a publishing company, yet has progressed into a multimedia company, in which I plan to produce CDs and DVDs, also. I’ll also be working towards turning my novels into movies, as well as producing plays. I’m in the process of producing GHETTOHEAT® on stage, so I’ll be looking forward to that, also. I’m always seeking new, innovative and risk-taking writers, in which I encourage them all to contact me at GHETTOHEAT.COM. Look forward to seeing GHETTOHEAT® change the game! Tionne: What piece of your own do you think exudes your passion? HICKSON: That would be the poem, “Ev’ryday Is A Struggle”, because that’s what I do everyday, struggle. Even on a good day, there’s always a struggle. As a Black man, one will always be faced with adversities. No matter how rich, wealthy and successful one may become, in the eyes of “them”, most will never respect you—one will still, and always be considered, a NIGGER…. POCKETBOOK CROOK No need to worry, dear “I’M NOT GONNA ROB YOU!” “MS. WHITE WOMAN” in fear She persists to rudely stare Lookin’ at me funny wit’ shifty eyes “I DON’T WANNA STEAL YA MONEY!” Just ‘cause I like hip-hop Wear hoodies, boots and baggy jeans Doesn’t equate to bein’ violent and mean She continues to clutch her pearls Like I’m gonna snag her bag Embarassin’ me in front of my gurrrl So busy to size me up She didn’t bother to use discretion Of the well-dressed WHITE MAN Nor question or flinch When he snatched her bag out her hand It was easy—a cinch! “HEY, YOU STUPID BITCH, TAKE A GOOD LOOK… …NOW WHO’S THE REAL POCKETBOOK CROOK?” Tionne: What motivated you to write it? HICKSON: Hunger, passion, 9/11, wanting to be heard. Tionne: Now, forthcoming is your second unpublished work, SKATE ON!. Coming from the man himself, what will you project this time? Tell us about it. HICKSON: As you know I’ve written a novel called, SKATE ON!. SKATE ON! is a coming-of-age tale of three teenage girls from the Polo Grounds projects in Harlem, New York, learning life in the streets while going to The Rooftop Roller-skating Rink. Although the skating rink is used as a backdrop for the story, it’s really about life in the 80s and how the three girls grow up and interact with each other. I’m actually releasing SKATE ON! shortly after the launching of CONVICT’S CANDY. Tionne: What have you learned in the industry that some may not have thought to be? HICKSON: That it’s not easy selling books! It’s hard work, especially for a new author and most definitely for a poet. As I said, poets don’t get a lot of love in the stores, in reference to sales. If you’re an unknown/up-and-coming poet, you have to literally be in the stores to sell your work. I suggest being very personal at book signings. I also suggest that you do whatever it takes righteously to promote yourself, because you will get lost. Bigger authors, no matter what, will always gain attention, and at times, overshadow a new author’s project. So promotion is key. Persistence helps, also. I learned not to take or accept “no” as an option, when being turned down. Stay in the people faces—eventually you will wear them down. Also, that there isn’t always unity amongst other Black writers, mainstream and urban. Due to competition, tension comes into play. First you have writers who compete against each other, period. Then, you have some contemporary writers who dislike urban writers, due to them not respecting the material being produced by urban writers, as well as with being jealous of the large amounts of money urban writers make from the same material, not being respected by some contemporary writers. At one time it was a wave of contemporary writers who ruled in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. Writers like Terry McMillan, Walter Mosley, and Alice Walker, whose works dominated the shelves. Now, you have writers such as myself, and others who are really changing the game, and have shifted the focus a little. Personally, I don’t consider myself as an urban writer—I just write, but due to my subjects, I’m often pegged as so. Yet, there will always be a time when the trend will change, perhaps the focus will shift back towards contemporary writers. Either way, I’m ready! I intend to stand amongst them all. Tionne: So as a writer...what is the goal of your lyrical voice? HICKSON: The writing process is still very new to me as I’m self-taught, and have never gone to school for journalism, or have taken any creative writing courses. My goal is to always be honest, no matter how great or ugly the truth may be. To convey messages that one would gain insight from and to hopefully, empower a person. I don’t write to necessarily please people—I just write. I document what’s going on in my world or what’s happening within my community—I discuss real social issues. Whether it’s teen pregnancy, AIDS awareness, domestic violence, homosexuality within hip-hop, love, drug abusive, obesity or sexual addictions—I write about it. A person may not always agree with the subject matter that I bring forth, yet he or she will gain lots of insight from my words. The only way to write is to just write! He’s made moves, he’s becoming known up & down the East Coast and is recognized nationally. HICKSON is proof of dreams & innovation. The Flow Magazine thanks HICKSON for allowing us to shine light on his journey, and we support him in his endeavors to bring the heat to the literary world. HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

"HOW YOU D-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-I-N'?" HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT® WILL BE KICKING OF GAY PRIDE 2011, AS HE ATTENDS PHILADELPHIA BLACK GAY PRIDE 2011. HICKSON WILL BE SIGNING COPIES OF CONVICT'S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS & TANTRUM AT THE CELEBRATION SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 FROM 5PM TO 10PM, AT THE GERSHMAN Y, LOCATED AT 401 SOUTH BROAD STREET. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011, FROM 6PM TO 9PM THE FUN CONTINUES, AS HICKSON DOES IT AGAIN AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL, LOCATED AT 237 SOUTH BROAD STREET--ANOTHER AUTOGRAPHING EVENT. SEE YOU THERE! HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, THICKNESS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM | @GHETTOHEAT | @HICKSONHOTNESS GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

HICKSON WAS SENT TO RIKERS ISLAND... HE WAS RECENTLY COMMISSIONED TO PROMOTE LITERACY TO CONVICTS DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2011. THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT CONTINUES... HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, THICKNESS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM | @GHETTOHEAT | @HICKSONHOTNESS GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™

GLOBALIZATION: GHETTOHEAT® Q & A WITH KRISTINA GRAAFF & HICKSON: CEO OF GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV, JULY 2010 KRISTINA GRAAFF: What were the reasons for naming your company GHETTOHEAT®? HICKSON: I named my independent company GHETTOHEAT® for identification purposes. It was important for myself to be recognized by readers, writers and everyday people from the inner-city streets as a publishing house that created great quality works, material they could relate to, by one of their own—a Black man from their urban world. There’s always been a negative connotation of the word “ghetto”, yet I’ve put a spin on it, showing everyone that greatness can come from such an “unexpected” place. The ghetto is a location as well as a state-of-mind, but me being a product of it doesn’t mean I’m limited in any capacity. My range is broad, and it reflects in my works and operations—GHETTOHEAT® producing material on the level as the major publishing houses, if not better. GHETTOHEAT® is intensified energy from the urban streets spreading rapidly worldwide. It’s ambition, creativity, desire, excitement, force, hotness, love, lust, passion, power, strength, and at times, trouble; all wrapped into one. It’s extreme, unexpected, and rises at any given moment without warning—existing before, during and after the fire. But, at all times, GHETTOHEAT® is what remains. KRISTINA GRAAFF: What would you say are the major differences between your company and others that are currently publishing Urban Fiction/Street Lit? HICKSON: For one, GHETTOHEAT® isn’t an urban publishing company, it’s a publishing house that creates works of different genres: poetry, urban fiction and street lit, contemporary, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tales, science fiction, politics, relationship issues, and books on spirituality and wellness, to name a few. Many have tried to sum me up, because of the name chosen for my company, not realizing it’s much more than what they’d assumed—like judging a book by its cover. Although I’m happy that other independent publishers are producing urban fiction and street lit, genres that have grown phenomenally since Donald Goines, Chester Himes and Iceberg Slim works in the 70’s, I’m not thrilled about the lack of quality in content and packaging, the explicit imagery, and poor editing at times. I feel that a lot of the stories have become redundant, and some publishers have become complacent and extremely irresponsible, opting solely to produce books for capital gain. I have a greater role and responsibility at GHETTOHEAT®. It’s not just about making profits, it’s about dealing with the issue at hand, finding solutions, and relaying important messages to the masses, in hopes that the messages will help people deal with certain life situations. KRISTINA GRAAFF: Do you want to see your company as part of the Urban Fiction/Street Lit movement? HICKSON: GHETTOHEAT® is a movement! It’s about educating, empowering enlivening, and elevating everyone through entertainment. At GHETTOHEAT®, it’s beyond great storytelling, it’s about reality, social awareness and a search for a better outcome and quality of life. KRISTINA GRAAFF: You point out your former career in the fashion industry. To what extent are these experiences necessary to/helpful for GHETTOHEAT®? HICKSON: My indicating working in fashion prior to publishing was basically showing the transition I made from one arena to the next. It wasn’t a goal I’d always dreamed about—situations forced the career move. I’d become unhappy with certain elements and “politics” within the fashion world, and had quit the day before 9/11, being booked for 89 shows stemming from London, Milan, Paris and New York. Of course the tragedy wasn’t foreseen, yet, it led me to a different path in life, to become a business owner, one who’s now a publisher of a great publishing company. I went into publishing blindly, having no real knowledge of it. I mainly learned by doing research and through trial and error, but I’d learned the basics quickly—the rest is history. One thing that has definitely traveled over from me being in fashion to publishing is being highly recognized for individualism—I never follow the cattle. Ever. KRISTINA GRAAFF: You mention that you are fighting illiteracy worldwide, what are the countries that the program covers? HICKSON: My online marketing and promotion allows me to reach many across the globe, as well as the use of various social networks. I always encourage all everywhere to read more, and do my best to get others excited about reading GHETTOHEAT® books in general. Due to having worldwide distribution, my books are placed in stores internationally, which is another way of being part of the solution to fighting illiteracy. KRISTINA GRAAFF: How do you select your authors? What are the criteria? HICKSON: I handpick all of my artists. I have a reader who reviews the manuscripts I receive, they tell me which ones are great and those who have potential, and I review and make the final decision. They must all produce works that are fully relevant, intriguing and purposeful, ones in time, will become classics. They must also write them as if their lives depend upon them, if not, the material isn’t accepted at GHETTOHEAT®. If my writers don’t believe in the work, I won’t believe in it, nor will the world whom I introduce it to. So producing well-written works is key with me. As I said before, it’s about having vital messages—I’ve turned away tons of thousands of dollars, due to not printing typical, mediocre material, which in turn cheapens the name of GHETTOHEAT®. Yet, you have to also have drive, personality, a great sense of business, a need to be better than the day before, and wanting to make a difference in life—yours and with others. Again, it’s not about being a revolving door-structured company—many of my artists have lifetime contracts, the writers wanting to be housed here, permanently. If they don’t identify with me or with the philosophy of GHETTOHEAT®, then potential writers can’t be signed here. Simple. If I solely sign writers just to make profits, then I’m no different than the others who do. KRISTINA GRAAFF: What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with incarcerated authors (in terms of production, marketing etc.)? HICKSON: Most of my clientele come from state and federal correctional facilities, and in my opinion, they’re the most brilliant and dedicated of writers. I think it’s due to their focus, routine, and desire to achieve while being incarcerated. I work closely with all writers, so the process is easy for me—I get to know them all on a personal and professional level. I edit all the works in addition, so I always know all artists’ writing styles, characters and storylines. One disadvantage is when an incarcerated artist can’t tour, due to their situation. But, I’ve toured for all of my authors whether imprisoned, or civilians who aren’t able to tour for whatever reason. I’m fully involved in every aspect of my company, so nothing is foreign to me. KRISTINA GRAAFF: What are your particular distribution/marketing practices that are related to the streets and prison? (which areas do you cover? how do the daily practices vary from commercial publishers and book distribution firms?) HICKSON: There aren’t any marketing practices that differ from any other I normally use, just because some of my writers are incarcerated. I push books—period! Whether doing street marketing, handing out flyers to people one at a time, posting posters, e-mail blasting, sending out my newsletter via postal mail or online, or using social media networks to spread the word. It’s all the same approach. Yet, I have a huge base and following throughout the male and female prison system: state, federal as well as correctional camps. I keep in touch with my “CONNECT” (convicts) regularly. We hand write each other often, in addition to them receiving my newsletters and announcements. Weekly, I receive approximately 50 to 100 letters, depending on where we’re at in life with each other, which stems beyond business. Having worldwide distribution, also allows my products to reach places that I, nor my writers wouldn’t normally, whether being incarcerated or a civilian. KRISTINA GRAAFF: I saw that one of the vendors on 125th Street carries a GHETTOHEAT® banner. Is that the street representation of GHETTOHEAT®? How is the cooperation with street vendors in general? HICKSON: Yes, that’s one aspect of street representation of GHETTOHEAT®. Another form is myself being on the streets. If you’re not actively advertising, marketing and promoting yourself or your product, than how do you exist on the streets or within the industry as a whole? You don’t! So, yes, I remain visible on different levels. I have great relationships with different street vendors, due to my professionalism, and them knowing how much business I draw. They understand my work ethic, and normally allow me to do street signings and marketing as I wish. I’m at a point in life and business where I pick and choose whom I’m doing business with, oppose to being forced to deal with certain individuals. So I only deal with those who are reputable and upstanding—all aren’t, including certain independent storeowners, also. KRISTINA GRAAFF: You use the term ‘Hip-Hopreneur’, how would you define it? What are the differences to other entrepreneurs? What is ‘Hip-Hop’ about it? HICKSON: Joe Connelly, Stephen King, David Balducci and Patricia Cromwell wouldn’t market their products the same way I would at GHETTOHEAT®. I don’t just do book signings at traditional bookstores and settings, I go where the people are, many of them being from the urban streets, but not limited to, also. “Hip-Hopreneur”—me being hip-hop and an entrepreneur simultaneously. Hip-Hop isn’t just music: it’s life, a way of life, a culture; mainly starting from the pure essence of the hardcore, gritty streets. Hip-Hop is my life, I am Hip-Hop, and GHETTOHEAT® is my world. Kristina Graaff is a Doctoral Fellow at the Transatlantic Graduate Research Program Berlin – New York at the Center for Metropolitan Studies in Berlin. She is writing her PhD Thesis on Street Literature. HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT® CONVICT’S CANDY HARDER AND GOD CREATED WOMAN LONDON REIGN SONZ OF DARKNESS TANTRUM HICKSONBELIKE... LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY THICKNESS GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS BANJEE CUNT ULTRAFABNABULOUS BROTHERS BEHIND BARS SO SEXY TOUGH MR. GHETTOHEAT® SKATE ON! GHETTOHEAT® EATS TURF GHETTOHEAT® MAGAZINE! GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™ #GHETTOHEAT #THEHOTNESSINTHESTREETS #HICKSON #CEOOFGHETTOHEAT #TEAMGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONHOTNESS #PEACEANDGHETTOHEAT #HICKSONBELIKE #GHETTOHEATBOOKS #GHETTOHEATMAGAZINE #GHETTOHEATTV #GHETTOHEATMOVEMENT #INSTAHICKSON #MAMAGHETTOHEAT #HOUSEOFGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATSALUTE #PAZYGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATHOTNESS #IAMGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATPRODUCTION #MOVIMIENTODEGHETTOHEAT #BABYGHETTOHEAT #INSTAGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATWORLDWIDE #SALUDODEGHETTOHEAT #MRGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATGLOBALGROUPHUG #LACASADEGHETTOHEAT #GHETTOHEATEATS #GHETTOHEATCOM

"IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR! IT'S TIME FOR THE PERCOLATOR!" GHETTOHEAT® HOTNESS TOUR 2011 PERCOLATES FEBRUARY 5TH THROUGH DECEMBER 24TH WITH HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT®, AS HE SIGNS COPIES OF GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS & TANTRUM. GHETTOHEAT® HOTNESS TOUR 2011 12.24.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 12.23.11 @ 9AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 12.22.11 @ 9AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 12.18.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 12.17.10 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 12.16.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 12.11.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 12.10.10 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 12.9.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 12.4.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 12.3.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 12.2.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 11.27.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 11.26.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 11.25.11 @ 10AM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 11.23.11 @ 9AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 11.20.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 11.19.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 11.18.10 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 11.12.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 11.11.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 11.6.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Springfield Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1200 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 11.5.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 11.4.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 10.22.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 10.21.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 10.15.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 10.8.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Springfield Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1200 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 10.1.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 9.30.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 9.24.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 9.23.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 9.17.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 7.23.11 @ 11AM - 7PM Harlem Book Fair 2011, Booth R8 THE GHETTOHEAT® MOVEMENT Book Signing West 135th Street, New York, NY 6.25.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 6.18.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 6.11.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 6.4.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 6.4.11 GHETTOHEAT® Celebrates 8 Years of HOTNESS 5.21.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 5.14.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 5.13.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, John F. Kennedy International Airport HICKSON’s Book Signing John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, NY 5.7.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 5.6.11 @ 11AM - 4PM Borders, Laguardia Airport, Central Terminal, Terminal B HICKSON’s Book Signing Space CSAR 1-3, Flushing, NY 4.30.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY 4.23.11 @ 1PM - 6PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 4.16.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 4.9.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 3.26.11 @ 11AM - 6PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 3.19.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 3.12.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 3.5.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 2.26.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Forest Village Park Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3383 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 2.19.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Waldenbooks, Dover Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1365 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 2.12.11 @ 1PM - 7PM The Literary Joint, Prince George’s Plaza Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 3500 East West Highway (Route 410), Hyattsville, MD 2.5.11 @ 1PM - 7PM Borders Express, Green Acres Mall HICKSON’s Book Signing 1061 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® Publisher of GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, LOVE DON'T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, THICKNESS, DIRRRTY, TATTOOED TEARS, UGLY/BEAUTIFUL: ME, CLUB AVENUE, SKATE ON!, SOME SEXY, & TOUGH. GHETTOHEAT® | P.O. BOX 2746 | NEW YORK, NY 10027 | GHETTOHEAT.COM | @GHETTOHEAT | @HICKSONHOTNESS GHETTOHEAT®: THE HOTNESS IN THE STREETS!!!™