The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

Description: The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles chronicles one of the most treacherous periods in New York City's history. As told by a man The New York Times once described as, "The biggest drug lord in Harlem since Nicky Barnes," Chiles lays bare the harrowing exploits of the narcotics trade Uptown during the late '80s and early '90s -- a world where the lust for freebase cocaine set off a veritable gold rush that turned ghetto boys into young millionaires almost overnight."Baseheads" wreaked havoc on the black community. What's worse, upper Manhattan became the epicenter of murder and mayhem as drug-related killings pushed the city's annual death toll well into the thousands. A teenager at the time, Kevin earned a rep' as a boss among bosses and, along with a handful of hustlers from his 'hood, he would directly influence the very music and fashion that ushered in the golden age of hip hop.The crack epidemic parlayed money, power, and respect for Kev but it also took his freedom as well as the lives of close friends and family. Now, this candid memoir exposes liars, dispels urban myths, and sheds light on an otherwise dark epoch that has bittersweet implications for many today. Having seen and survived it all, one of America's most iconic street figures recounts a bygone era of fast cash and high stakes hustling in Harlem. Editorial ReviewsReview"80s drug kingpin and Don Diva publisher Kevin Chiles pens a book of vivid reenactments of his life as a up and coming Bronx street hustler to the millennial visionary he is today... From court cases to robberies by former friends to father/son fistfights, The Crack Era offers a unprecedented peek into the carnage of a drug war on American soil and the results of the aftershocks that many of the war's vets still carry to this day." - The Source"Chiles paints a clear picture of life as a notorious drug dealer, of prison, and ultimately of how he got the idea and went about launching Don Diva Magazine...One of the best parts of The Crack Era is how Chiles pays attention to how his actions affect those around him." - Allhiphop.com"This book is a BESTSELLER! It is more than just a cautionary Bronx tale, the "Crack Era" is a gold mine of teachable moments and an insightful historical treatise on a period of time (in the 80's) that many would agree, was almost as impactful on our society as the Civil Rights era. Kevin Chiles gives us the rare perspective of a transformational leader baptized by the fire of his own personal experiences within the confines of the "Game". In my opinion, this book would be well received in the realm of academia/education." - Carl Hall This book is a straight-talking first-hand account of the inner development and movement of the CRACK ERA. For those that lived through it, this book serves as a throwback to a different time... A view from the inside out. for those who did not live it first hand.... this book serves as an account of how it all played out. Either way... GREAT READ. - Bisi Ruckett From the Author: It is often said that in cases of accidents or grave danger, one's life flashes before their eyes. I have been in life-threatening situations before (unfortunately more times than should be counted). While I understand and agree with the sentiment, nothing compares to the levels of introspection on that first night of incarceration, especially when faced with the possibility of never returning home again.⠀⠀I had never been previously incarcerated for more than a night or two, but knowing many who had, I often heard what that first night behind bars entailed. Every sight and sound is magnified. Most importantly, that initial clanking of the bars combined with declarations of "Lights out" leads to introspection. ⠀⠀I came to prominence in what is known as the Crack Era in the United States. Part of what made the time so fascinating (beyond pure nostalgia) was the larger-than-life characters that embodied Harlem, New York, and the entire country. My story is my own. However, it would not be complete or as interesting without the cast of characters that influenced my life and the culture of the era.⠀⠀So here, I share my story-- an eventful life with several chapters still to be written. Do not let the sometimes-colorful commentary blind you from the cautionary lessons to be learned. Product detailsSeries: The Crack Era (Book 1)Hardcover: 384 pagesPublisher: Kevin Chiles (November 1, 2019)Language: EnglishProduct Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inchesShipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

Price: 22.5 USD

Location: Hamburg, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-09-15T16:11:49.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.43 USD