By Felicia Pride, TheBackList.netSinger Akon has signed a book deal with rapper C-Murder's book publishing company, TRU Publishing. Akon's book, Thug Politics, is reportedly slated for an April or May release. (source)
There's no further information about what the book is about, but I'm guessing it's about thugs and the lives they lead. Yawn.
The only thing that worries me when a cat like Akon releases a book is that it sends the message that anyone and his/her momma can write a book. While that may be true, here's the catch: everyone can't write a good book. Folks need to respect the craft. Let's hope Akon takes writing seriously. Writing books ain't just a side hustle.TRU Publishing's first release was entitled Grown and Gangsta by rapper Jacki-O. It's obvious that C-Murder is trying to capitalize on the success of street lit. But apparently, along with Akon and Jacki-O, TRU is also launching a campaign to promote teen literacy and its books. Lawd knows our country can use more literacy campaigns.
Quick question though: Is Thug Politics or Grown and Gangsta appropriate reading material for the kids? Hmm. I can't call it since I haven't read them.
C-Murder also became an author with the release of his novel, Death Around the Corner. About making the transition into books, he wrote on his website:
People always ask me what made me want to become an author. First of all I was behind bars facing a life sentence so I didn't know what the future held. But I knew one thing: I had to get on my grind. I had to get my hustle on. Plus I like to express myself and put my words out there. Since I couldn't do it in music, I said let me do it with a book. I had been doing a lot of studying and reading a lot of books. A lot of people don't know I was an honor student in school. I read about 500 books since I've been locked up. So I felt like it was time for me to get started, to become an author.
Honor student, huh? That should be the name of his next book. I would love to see some teens reading a book with that title.
Comments: (19)
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By: Relentless Aaron on 4/02/2008 12:02AM
I say let 'em all write books. Exactly; everyone can't write a "good" book. Therefore, once a consumer gets "had" they will become more conscious next time. The cream will rise to the top on every occasion, and you, me & she (as athors) wil get ours whether it's today, tomorrow or next year.
Case and point; anyone can pick up a bowling ball; child, teenager, stay-at-home mom, aspiring president. But out of those choices, who is most likely to throw a "gutter ball?"
The moral to the story? Stay in your lane!
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By: Mr.Carl W. Whitmore on 4/02/2008 11:20AM
With crime on the rise like it is they need books like this to help reduce the crime. Go to my site and keyword prison.http://www.carlwhitmore.com/carlwhitmores
In a way these books do help the police which are so out numbered and over worked and under paid.
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By: Harry on 4/02/2008 11:31AM
Akon write your heart out you handsome, reformed guy money-maker. Great voice and lyrics on your ballads for sure. Let ém know criminality is for fools. Keep the music industry in aw too, Son. If money permits I will certainly buy your book. Till tomorrow young one, I'll write my homespun ballads and dance beats. Listen to my songs sometime, okay? Foremost though Akon leave the kids not only laughter and pain but all joys of hope and love one life can gain. Thanks for listening, a proud Black American named Harry
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By: ben on 4/02/2008 3:15PM
was this the guy who at a concert some teenager threw something and he picked him and threw him like a sack of potatoes on the innocent patrons who came to see him, after seeing that how he acted he need to read a whole lot of books on self control first. before he can write a book read some !
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By: Lil Half Wit on 4/02/2008 5:51PM
You mean Akon knows how to write?
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By: Richard Hall on 4/04/2008 5:27PM
Stop demeaning young people, like Akon and C-Murder, who are really trying to make a difference because you can't step out of your paradigms. Good Luck Young Brothers.
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By: Carol on 4/02/2008 11:22PM
Well, writing is a beautiful experience if that's what you decide to do. Not everyone can write a
book, i feel that everyone deserves a change to express themselves.
(Hey people remember at one time we weren't allowed to read)
I promote self-published author on&off-line.
C&B Books Distribution
Carol
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By: Carol on 4/02/2008 11:21PM
Well, writing is a beautiful experience if thats what you decide to do. Not everyone can write a
book,i feel that everyone deserves a change to express themselves
(remember at one time we werent allowed to read)
I promote self-published author on&off-line.
C&B Books Distribution
Carol
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By: C. A. Webb on 4/02/2008 11:53PM
I am glad that this story is getting attention. The work that Corey "C-Murder" Miller is doing in the community to help young people is commendable---and should be something that more of us imulate. As someone who has read his book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER three times I can say after reading it that it is a literary masterpiece that many from various backgrounds have applauded for its gritty yet real message of choices and the consequences that follow. Our book club--which includes a minister--went to New Orleans to join in a discussion of the book with C-Murder, and it was a blessing to see him expound upon the issues that the book addresses.
For those who haven't read it or Jacki-O's Grown & Gangsta, I would suggest you do so because you are definitely missing out.
For those who think that rappers should stay in their lane, however, I think it bears mentioning that some of those same people have written under imprints started by other hiphop recording artists--and with success.
As long as people are reading and discussing issues that matter to our community, to me that should be our ultimate concern.
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By: Abdur-Rahim Khalil on 4/03/2008 8:10AM
Write on, Brother!!
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