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.
A New York City native, Chiles showed his first display of industry foresight in 1987 when he opened Boss Emporium, making him the youngest entrepreneur on historic 125th Street in Harlem, NY. Adjacent to the legendary Apollo theater, Boss was the first hip-hop fashion store of its kind in the United States that catered to fashion trendsetters and celebrities, such as LL Cool J, Mike Tyson, Tupac, Teddy Riley, and Puff Daddy. ⠀
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In 1994, Kevin had an unfortunate brush with the law. While incarcerated, he recognized there was a void in the media industry. In 1999, Kevin and his wife, Tiffany Chiles, created and printed the first issue of Don Diva Magazine. Their mission was to provide a raw and uncut look into the phenomenon that has become known as "street culture." Covering topics from fashion, music, entertainment, relationships, and, more importantly, legal and social issues that affect today's urbanite.⠀
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Don Diva has accomplished its mission and so much more, evolving into a credible and respected multimedia enterprise. Don Diva Magazine delivers valuable content that enriches the culture and is relevant to the lifestyle of its readers. Kevin was able to use the Don Diva brand as a platform to support causes that he sincerely believes in, including educating his peers and the youth on the detrimental effects of incarceration, and comprehensive legal education for the public.⠀
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Chiles also champions entrepreneurship and is involved in mentoring and assisting business owners, as well as providing outlets for upcoming talented artists and performers who are working to get established.
