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

Chiles, Kevin; Ray, Esq Richard

ISBN 10: 0979171059 / ISBN 13: 9780979171055

Published by Kevin Chiles, 2019

About this Item

Book is in NEW condition. 1.37. Seller Inventory # 0979171059-2-1

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and ...

Publisher: Kevin Chiles

Publication Date: 2019

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis:

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.

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.