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Posts posted by Nah'Sun
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Even authors you and I know are now saying please "check me out on AMAZON" and providing a link -- skipping there own websites the website of their publisher...
Not this author...LOL
You have to either get my books through me or don't get them at all
I make it a point to direct readers to my website...it's sad because some of them aren't comfortable with buying books directly from me...they'll rather get them through Amazon
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@ Troy
Yep, Teri Woods eventually signed with the Warners...not mad at her either
I just don't think that a lot of Black folks were trippin' about writing books until they became profitable around 2003
It went from slangin' crack and Avon to writing books
Hahahahahahaha
Speaking of Teri Woods...
Check out this controversial Teri Woods interview with Mack Mama
It's off the hook!!!...LOL
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mackmama/2012/05/15/interview-legendary-author-teri-woods-nys-finest
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@ Troy
You said it yourself how Omar Tyree's hustle back then fails in comparison to today's authors
Don't make me go archive diggin'...LOL
Tyree, McMillian, and Harris aren't notorious for their guerilla hustling...they got popular AFTER the major deal
If those said authors made millions independently, they wouldn't have to sign to a major
That's my logic as far as that situation
There are people who don't know about Toni Morrison but knows Terry McMillian, and Morrison is more revered in the industry
So that point about people not knowing Teri in comparison to Omar is moot
I think the urban/street lit popularity is waning as far as new authors looking for a quick buck
The veterans are good as long as they satisfy their readers
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@ Troy
Once again...
I'm not arguing who done what first
I'm saying that Teri influenced authors to make it on their own moreso than Terry McMillian and E Lynn Harris
You cannot sit up here and tell me that authors were thinking about putting books out on their own on a mass scale until Teri Woods sold millions independently with True 2 The Game and B-More Careful
She showed the industry that you can sell Urban Fiction/Street Lit without the help of the major
And also changed the game by dictating a market that was dead for almost 30 years
This is evident considering you have authors who used to write "chick-lit" and "sista-girl" novels crossing over to write edgier books with pen names
If that's not influence, then I don't know what is
And yes, I've heard of Omar Tyree
In fact, my publishing consultant had worked with him for his first novel which was a street lit joint
Tyree, McMillian, and Harris didn't make millions independently like Teri
Point blank
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@ Admin
Re-read my post
I said Teri trail-blazed after the initial spark
The mass flooding of Black self published authors and independent publishing houses didn’t kick off until Teri SHOWED them that you can make tons of money on the street level
Lynn and Terry aren’t known for their guerrilla marketing whereas Teri had showed others what you can do on your own
You STILL had to go through the majors even when Terry and Lynn did their numbers
Teri changed that reality
This shouldn’t be a debate
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@ Troy
The explosion of self-published authors didn’t start until Teri Woods hit the scene
I’m not talking about who pioneered that movement. I’m talking about the person who trail-blazed after the initial spark
Writing books wasn’t thought of as profitable until Teri made millions publishing True 2 The Game and B-More Careful with Shannon
Teri reflected those who looked liked her...they wanted to emulate her success whereas Terry and Lynn carried more of a middle-class appeal to them
It was inspiring to see a woman selling her books on 125th street in Harlem making a grip of money
A lot of people don’t know about Lynn E Harris’s and Terry McMillian’s self-pubbing grind like they do Teri’s...they're more known for their work with major houses
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Sure their reasoning makes sense, until they realize no one wants to pay that much for a book by an unknown author. It is not a pleasing thing to see dejected authors at an event unable to unload their $19.99 paperback books.
$19.99 is TOO much money for a paperback...even for a well-known author
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What's funny is that before 1999, writing books wasn't even thought of
Teri Woods had pretty much broken the mold when she independently released True 2 The Game
Authors drop out the rat race when they experience the harsh reality that making money writing books isn't an overnight thing
They leave as quickly as they arrived
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@ Hickson
I REALLY wanna read what you have to type, but the CAPS are killin me
Gawd-damn...LOL
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Good stuff
It seems like nowadays you see the reverse where people are writing books for the sole purpose to make money
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@ Troy
I’m not saying whether eBooks are good or bad for authors and the industry
I merely drew a comparison between the two mediums
I don’t think people are gonna stop reading paperbacks and hardcovers because you still have traditionalists such as yours truly who holds a disdain toward eBooks
I prefer turning pages.
What's funny is that most of my book sales come from my personal website...I hardly ever throw book signings anymore...LOL
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eBooks are the new MP3s...simple as that
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@ Carey
I was on vacation...which means I have something that Cynique needs…A LIFE
Other than that, you’re absolutely right…I got bored with the discussion…time to move on
@ Cynique
*translates Cynique's post by the way of Charlie Brown's teacher*
Wha wha wha WHA wha WHA wha wha WHA wha WHA
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Your getting uptight about me sterotyping hip-hoppers says a lot about you and your beloved "culture", Nah'Suh. If I can take you at your word, under close scrutiny, there is no such thing as a typical hip-hopper. They are not only "this", they can also be "that". They might be one way or - they may be another. This being the case, what makes them unique??? Presumably, the only way hip-hoppers can be identified is if they place this label on themselves. Apparently, they are a loose-knit segment of the black populace who have one thing in common: They are fans of Rap music and are tolerant of street lit. Whatever.
Your impression that I said "bad" things about your "cult" was a subjective reaction. In my post giving my version of hip-hop, I did not criticize. When I said that "keeping it real" was the hip-hop credo then, to me, this excused a multitude of sins, especially since I'm not a Polly-Anna. I'm not appalled by gangsta rap because I consider the source. I'm detached about fashion choices because folks are entitled to do their own thing. Booze and drugs? Whatever floats your boat. Booty calls? Enjoy. Anti-establishment? Count me in. In the twilight of my years, I've learned to live and let live. But I'm also a cynic and have concluded that some people live a little more sensibly than others.
#Stereotypes
#Generalizations
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Have I really said anything bad about hip-hop, Nah'Suh???
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@ Carey Carey
Thanks for the love, fam
I know what the hell I’m talking about…LOL
I speak on things I know…and look, listen and observe on subjects I know nothing about
Troy and Cynique are too stuck on the age factor to take heed of what I know considering I’ve LIVED the Hip-Hop culture
@ Cynique
Side A
Why not question me about the positive aspects of Hip-Hop?
Why negativity ALWAYS has to be synonymous with Hip-Hop in general and rap music specifically?
There are rappers and rap producers who are currently teachers and professors like 9th Wonder and NY Oil
Why not talk about that???
If someone in the Hip-Hop community does something righteous, the masses turn a blind eye
But let a rapper shoot someone or engages in criminality and you'll see that get full blown coverage
It seems like the only people who have lopsided views about Hip-Hop are those who are least knowledgeable about the culture such as yourself
Side B
You say you have a limited understanding about Hip-Hop, and yet you STILL find ways to stereotype Hip-Hop as a whole which is recklessness within itself
You negated the fact that every region and city has their own style
If you go to LA, you might see dudes wearing Khakis, Cortez Nikes, and Chuck Taylors instead of Timberlands and Hoodies
Of course rap music can be negative…America created that Frankenstein considering the conditions that a good number of the artists have come from
Rap music is American as apple pie
Point blank period
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Nevertheless, in my limited understanding, this is what I have observed and deduced from my little senior citizen perch in a suburb of Chicago. Hip-hop is a mystique whose credo is about "keeping it real" as exemplified by an appreciation for authentic rap which is the music of the street, - an art form that incorporates the spoken word when expressing the violence, vulgarity and disillusionment of the hood. I'd guess hip-hop attire leans toward casual chic or sports gear, and for guys, a pair of Timberland boots and high-priced designer gym shoes a requisite. I'd assume an awareness of Afro American roots is a given, including a passing knowledge of cool jazz and an appreciation of R&B. Natural hair-dos would be the preference of hip-hoppers, ala afros, corn-rows, twists or the dread-locked extensions that can be defined as "affectations". Drug of choice: weed. Expensive booze a priority. Booty calls a plus. Marriage optional...bibliography: gritty street lit from the past and present, along with works of radical intellectualism...idiom bi-lingual, alternating between Ebonics and standard English. Demeanor: swagger. Politics: anti-establishment.
Correct me and explain what is it that makes the smug disciples of this ho-hum counter-culture consider it so special???
A few rappers advocated voting (remember Rock the Vote?)
David Banner loaded buses of food and water and was one of the FIRST to help out victims of Hurricane Katrina when Prez Bush was slow with his response
But nobody wants to bring that up, right?
LOL
The groups below (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love and The Jungle Brothers) are considered "real" Hip-Hop, and they don't fit your description of what Hip-Hop is about
In fact, they denounced the materialism and those same vulgarities you claim that's Hip-Hop in their albums
Rap music isn't monolithic
There are rappers who are vegetarian and rap about the dangers of eating red meat and the consumption of liquor (see Dead Prez "Healthy")
But nobody wants to bring that up, right?
The stereotype of Hip-Hop is hiliarious when it comes from Black people, those who are a victim of those same stereotypes...LOL
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@ Writer Girl
Side A
For one, I already said rap music isn't perfect
And two, why not talk about the rap music that brings forth intellectual and consciousness to the masses???
It's funny how people who LEAST listen to rap music have MORE to say about it
The majority of rap music buyers are women
Why not ask THEM that question???
Rap music is the reflection of society...if you wanna so-called clean up rap, then clean up the mentality of the people
Rap didn't create the public...the public created rap
Side B
Country music is your preference...I don't knock anyone for their choice of music
If that's your cup of henny, more power to you
You act like all rap is demeaning to women when you have songs like "Brown Skin Lady" by Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli) and "Beautiful Skin" from Goodie Mobb that big up women
There are countless other songs that promote women in a positive light, but it seems like either you're only exposed to the so-called negative or you don't listen to a lot of rap to see the variety
That's like saying all Black men are criminals and dead beat dads based on shows like COPS and Maury
You need to stop
@ Troy
Once again...
You being there doesn't mean anything when you weren't an active participant
Because if you were an active participant in the 80s, you'll know Hip-Hop is a culture
Looking outside your window and watching from afar doesn't mean you know Hip-Hop
It ain't where you from, it's where you at - Rakim
You don't even know where I'm from...LOL
You a funny dude
And for someone who champions Street Lit, which has it's own share of misogny, you have the nerve to see how I response to those two posters
Okay, let me ask you these questions:
How do you feel about misogny in Street Fiction?
What do you know about Hip-Hop?
And don't Google either...LOL
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@ Troy
Side A
Cut it out, Troy
Just because you were there in the beginning doesn’t mean you have a full understanding of the Hip-Hop culture
There are people who are older than you who STILL don’t get it
You have negroes who lived in the 60s and STILL don’t know much about the Black Panther Party
I’m not interested in learning about Hip-Hop from you because your knowledge of Hip-Hop is limited
Simple as that
You don’t view Hip-Hop as a culture like its forefathers do
So why would I learn anything from you about Hip-Hop besides surface information that I can get from someone who REALLY lived the culture?
That’s like asking a tiger how it’s like to live as an elephant
You remind me of that elder who claim they know everything about the Civil Rights Movement but never participated in marches, sit-ins, riots, etc
Side B
I take that back…I’m NOT open minded
I won’t smoke crack to try out its effects…so I guess I am closed minded
Side C
The age thing is dead…leave it alone
You don’t know how old I am…so that issue is moot
It’s funny how you switched from the topic of Hip-Hop to the issue of age to cover up your lack of knowledge about the subject we’re on now]
Classic example of diversion
I see you
LOL
Side D
I’m not religious…so I don’t know what it’s like to be dogmatic
*shrugs*
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@ Cynique
Here you go with the classic Cynique baiting
I'll take the bait to entertain myself for the moment
I'm not whining about "old" people taking down to me...I think it's funny in the grand scheme of things
Especially since no one in this thread knows how old I am
And yes, I still own a record player...Gemini to be exact...vinyl in great shape as well
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@ Cynique
I said, and I quote on 26 September 2012 - 04:07 PM
I’m considered an old soul (whatever that means)…so my perception is supposedly different from those in my age bracket
Ya'll playing games now
LMAO
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@ Troy
Side A
As a person who learns from different School of Thoughts, I’m far from closed minded
Now you're attacking my character...I'll let that one slide and take that comment as tongue and cheek
I admitted to not knowing much about the book publishing industry...so how the hell admitting my ignorance about certain things a mark of closed mindedness or immaturity?
You're reaching for the moon hoping to grab Mercury
Side B
I didn’t say rap music is the be-all-end-all of American music
I’m saying it’s the last American art form in music because nothing has come out AFTER it
Side C
The reason why the age thing irks me is because older people think that a numerical value based on the Gregorian calendar gives them validity to know everything or have a larger range of knowledge, wisdom and understanding when that’s a farce
My ego is not massive to not learn from those who are younger than me
You NEVER stop learning, like you stated…I don’t give a damn if you’re 200 years old…you’re ignorant of something that someone can give you knowledge about even if a youth brings something new to your attention
The elders not learning from the youth and vice versa is one of the major reasons why a generation gap is present
It’s funny how older folk place their ego on age as if that’s the only thing they have worth living for…LOL
Side D
Culture - the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.
By definition, Hip-Hop IS a culture with its own way of talking, fashion, literature, arts, music, dancing, etc.
The Zulu Nation can tell you that…LOL
They study Hip-Hop in colleges and universities
Hip-Hop was thought of as a culture years before money came into play
We have two different views about Hip-Hop (which means Higher Infinite Power Healing Our People)
And I got that definition from Professor Griff and the Black Dot
As far as Michael Eric Dyson…I agree that he’s robotic when it comes to rap and tries way too hard…but hey, at least he’s trying…LOL
Oh yeah...Kevin Powell used to write for Vibe Magazine...he's been writing about Hip-Hop before he stepped into the political arena
Side E
As far as Cynique…I studied her posting style as a lurker…therefore, I won’t bother replying to her in this particular subject since she admitted to having no knowledge to back her so-called debate
I never said rap and Hip-Hop are perfect, but don't act like other forms of music don't have their share of criticism
As far as yourself…
I don’t think you’re an enemy of Hip-Hop…you just don’t know much about the culture to engage in an argument with someone who does
You saying Hip-Hop is not a culture gives validity to my thought
Point blank
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@ Troy
Side A
Around my parts, we say SUN…not son
Whassup, sun?
That’s how we rock n roll
Not even boy or dog because we aren’t children or animals
Side B
I don’t have a problem with your stance or your views on rap and Hip-Hop per se
It just irks the hell outta me when my elders and those a few years older than me wanna use age as a measurement of knowing history
Your views on Hip-Hop as a whole isn’t complete in my opinion
Just like how mines aren’t complete on book publishing
Most likely I wouldn’t spar with you about book publishing because I don’t know too much about the game in its totality
I’m still learning
I know my lane
Side C
Of course commercialized rap music is trash
On the flip side, commercialized rap music never represented the genre as a whole
You always had to go to the streets to get that raw, uncut style of rap
The only time I listen to today’s rap is when I hit the clubs…mainly because I don’t have a choice
Like I told you before…I stick with the 80s and 90s style of rap
Side D
I beg to differ about outgrowing Hip-Hop because as rap gets older, the people along with it get older as well
You can’t deny the classics…no matter how old you get
Remember...I'm not a casual listener...I view Hip-Hop as a CULTURE
The young MCs are getting older…Jay, Nas, and Eminem are top selling rappers that are either in their 40s or teetering on that milestone
There are many ways to celebrate Hip-Hop besides the music
Michael Eric Dyson speaks on Hip-Hop…even Kevin Powell drops editorials on Hip-Hop…KRS One, Professor Griff, Chuck D, Black Dot and others speak at colleges and universities on the subject of rap and Hip-Hop
What about your man Anthony Whyte…he’s an older cat who claims I am Hip Hop Lit
Hip-Hop is not about the music all the time…it’s multi-faceted
As an MC and author, rap has played a major part in my style of writing when I pen novels...so Hip-Hop is with me til the Omega
Should Writers be Paid to Write?
in Black Literature
Posted
@ Troy
Great idea (about the sig)...thanks for the heads up
A lot of our people got the massa's ice is colder mentality...I'll have more book sales if I'd put my books on Amazon...I refuse to waver at this point
I don't have a problem with selling my books through this website...I'm all for networking