Backstage: Stories

Krista Johns' contribution to this collection, "I'm Good," centers on Yummie, a female rapper that's as hard core as any dude in the game. When she finds herself in jail, will she stand true to her lyrics? Is she real, or is she a snake? Harold L. Turley II brings professional basketball to the table in "Chasing the Ring." Trey Winfield and his team can see the gold at the end of the rainbow as they have killed the b-ball court and are so close to the championship. Childhood friend Slim challenges their friendship as he asks Trey to do the unthinkable and Susan dares him to do the right thing. Will he do the right thing, or will he have a choice? Allah Adams introduces JJ, who was a college student with a promising future. His best friend Dee is gonna ride with him for whatever and the last link, the weakest link, Trapp. JJ is so talented, but before he can follow his heart, he's incarcerated and Trapp ends up with JJ's notebook of rhymes. While JJ is trying to figure out if he'll ever see daylight again, Trapp ascends into super stardom. But will his fame last, or his treachery be revealed? Can he rise above his backstabbing ways, or will he get what he's really due? Lana Ave's Sakia Sands is a go getter. Whatever she wants, she plans and schemes to get it. And nothing nor anyone is above her manipulative ways. Her sidekick, Kessy is a beautiful, sexy white nymphomaniac that has no problems assisting Sakia in her various plots. Will Sakia's cold, calculating personality take her to the realms of success she dreams of, or will she find her life spiraling out of control? Nikki Turner sets it off with "Gun Music" as she chronicles the life of Crook and Larceny. This duo lives a hard knock life as they rob, steal, and kill to get that dough. Crook is vicious on the mic and sets his sights on being discovered. Their motto becomes, "You listen and live, you deny and die." Will the philosophy of these two villains rectify or crucify them as well as others that get in the line of fire as Crook spits some hellafied lyrics? Street Chronicles: Backstage has really surprised me with the gangsta stories that are detailed within the 241 pages of this read. All of the tales are filled with true grit and grime, yet it enthralls you with each new storyline. Fascinating characters, appealing plots, as well as the jealousy, treachery, murder, mayhem and even love evolves plentifully. Fresh voices captivate Backstage with original creativity. I commend all the authors that contributed to make this a worthwhile anthology. Major Kudos! Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews