Publication Date: May 21 2019
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Source: The Book Drop
Synopsis:
In this standalone novel, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he is still alive.
Biggie Smalls was right. Things done changed. But that doesn’t mean that Quadir and Jarrell are okay letting their best friend Steph’s tracks lie forgotten in his bedroom after he’s killed—not when his beats could turn any Bed-Stuy corner into a celebration, not after years of having each other’s backs.
Enlisting the help of Steph’s younger sister, Jasmine, Quadir and Jarrell come up with a plan to promote Steph’s music under a new rap name: The Architect. Soon, everyone in Brooklyn is dancing to Steph’s voice. But then his mixtape catches the attention of a hotheaded music rep and—with just hours on the clock—the trio must race to prove Steph’s talent from beyond the grave.
Now, as the pressure—and danger—of keeping their secret grows, Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the truth about what happened to Steph. Only each has something to hide. And with everything riding on Steph’s fame, together they need to decide what they stand for before they lose everything they’ve worked so hard to hold on to—including each other.
If you were born in the 90s then this book is going to speak to you! Jackson did a fantastic job creating a story that is relevant and relatable to this day and age, but has the influence and references from the 90s. This book is heavily layered with 90s hip hop references and the brings a sense of nostalgia to being a kid growing up in this decade.
Jackson jumps right into the middle of a mystery of who killed Steph. In coping with the loss of their best friend and brother, Jasmine, Quadir and Jarrell decide to show the rest of Brooklyn what Steph would have been capable of had he not died. This book really focuses on how to move on after a death of someone close to you, how to go after your dreams and bettering your life.
” You shouldn’t have to be famous first for brothas and sistas to recognize your shine”
In addition to Jackson’s hip hop reference of Biggie, Puff Daddy, Tupac etc, I loved her writing style and her approach at telling the story. There were many different storylines interwoven with the use of multiple POV and the flashback chapters. Each character had their own secrets and as the secrets came to light you start to unravel the story of what actually happened to Steph. The characters each had their own growth and development as well as faced challenges and struggles together.
I enjoyed the humor and music that made up a lot of this book. I loved that Jackson had new lyrics written by Maalik “Malik 16” Sharif. Its my favorite when authors take the time to put in touches and details like that instead of just referencing the fact that Steph wrote music and rapped. The lyrics sprinkled throughout the story let you see into who Steph was and what he was trying to do before he was killed.
I felt like Jackson covered many different things and did all of them justice. She brought to light the topic of those boys/people that lose their life too soon, especially when there is no real reason behind it. She highlighted the notion of being different and appreciating and accepting those differences.
Overall I thought this book was full of nostalgia from the 90s with a great focus on the world of hip hop. It brought to light the struggles that black families face as well as all of the injustices that come from places like the hood. It had dynamic characters that were so personable and had you wanting to know more and feeling like they were your friends. There was so much heart in this book as well as some great friendships.
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