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Mogul
From the Essence bestselling author of Hiding in Hip Hop and an entertainment insider—a juicy debut novel about the “down-low” life of one of New York’s most beloved Hip Hop producers.
After the sudden death of his father, a renowned jazz musician, Aaron “Big A.T.” Tremble clings to music as an escape. Making hip hop beats becomes his life. His love for music lands him at the estate of Larry “Pop” Singleton, a retired and respected Hip Hop music mogul who sees something special in Big A.T., and he also knows the truth about his sexuality. With Pop’s blessings and nurturing, Big A.T. is on the path to becoming the next great Hip Hop producer in New York.
With the help of Pop and “the family,” a network of secretly gay men in the Hip Hop world, Big A.T. finds success and starts his own music label. He’s signed and worked with some of the biggest Hip Hop artists in the country. One of them is Brooklyn native lyricist, “Tickman.” Together they are making sweet music together. Tickman and Big A.T.’s relationship goes beyond producer and rapper – they become secret lovers.
Nothing can stop Big A.T. All of the radio stations play his music. He has money, fame, and Jasmine, his girlfriend who doesn’t know about his secret love for men. However, at the pinnacle of his career, compromising photos of Big A.T. land on the desk of a national news program—and in the hands of his girlfriend. Big A.T., for the first time is at a crossroad in his career: come out publicly with his secret or watch his music empire crumble.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2011
12 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Terrance Dean
8 books11 followersFull of startling anecdotes and incredible true stories, Hiding in Hip Hop is not a traditional tell-all. "
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 3, 2012
Mogul starts off with a controversial paragraph on the very first page… “I have a record label, clothing line, real estate properties, and television and film deals. And oh yeah, I just signed a licensing agreement with a liquor company to use my name and image.” From that description alone, I was pulled into the world of Aaron Tremble AKA Big A.T., the CEO of Change Up Records.
Big A.T. introduces us to an underworld of myriad gay men in the entertainment industry known as “The Family”, who use their power and influence to help each other make upwardly mobile business moves. Under the guidance of Larry “Pop” Singleton, Mogul takes us on a journey as Big A.T. rises from being one of the hottest new producers in hip hop to building his own multi-million dollar conglomerate.
In keeping with appearances, Big A.T. carries on a very public relationship with his girlfriend, Jasmine, while engaging in a very private affair with his male rap artist, “Tickman”. However, when compromising pictures of Big A.T. with another man are sent to Jasmine as well as a prominent news anchorman, Big A.T. must make the ultimate decision—come out of the closet publicly, or do whatever it takes to keep his sexuality hidden and protect his empire.
Terrance Dean does a great job of weaving reality into this fiction novel. While reading through the pages, you can’t help but try and guess whom he is referring to when the descriptions and references are so revealing. Mogul is an entertaining read that isn’t too over the top. The sex scenes are steamy, the plot is enjoyable and the characters are realistic. Though some fates were left up in the air, it is still an enjoyable page-turner that doesn’t disappoint.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviewer
Big A.T. introduces us to an underworld of myriad gay men in the entertainment industry known as “The Family”, who use their power and influence to help each other make upwardly mobile business moves. Under the guidance of Larry “Pop” Singleton, Mogul takes us on a journey as Big A.T. rises from being one of the hottest new producers in hip hop to building his own multi-million dollar conglomerate.
In keeping with appearances, Big A.T. carries on a very public relationship with his girlfriend, Jasmine, while engaging in a very private affair with his male rap artist, “Tickman”. However, when compromising pictures of Big A.T. with another man are sent to Jasmine as well as a prominent news anchorman, Big A.T. must make the ultimate decision—come out of the closet publicly, or do whatever it takes to keep his sexuality hidden and protect his empire.
Terrance Dean does a great job of weaving reality into this fiction novel. While reading through the pages, you can’t help but try and guess whom he is referring to when the descriptions and references are so revealing. Mogul is an entertaining read that isn’t too over the top. The sex scenes are steamy, the plot is enjoyable and the characters are realistic. Though some fates were left up in the air, it is still an enjoyable page-turner that doesn’t disappoint.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviewer
October 21, 2025
Great book but the ending kinda failed. Was reading and all of a sudden I’m on the acknowledgment page. Like what the hell. That’s it? Anyway, book gives me juicy details about the messy side of hip hop, I mean homophobia and what people will do (or not do) to be famous. Would have loved the ending to be a bit different but anyhoo…….
May 17, 2011
Entertainment industry insider and author of the Essence bestselling Memoir, HIDING IN HIP HOP, returns with a highly-anticipated novel that explores the secret gay life of a hip-hop’s impresario
MOGUL: A Novel
By Terrance Dean
With the publication of Hiding in Hip-Hop, the controversial Essence bestselling expose that set the entertainment industry on its ear, Terrance Dean, who has worked in television and film for well over a decade, became the voice of African American men in Hollywood and in Hip-Hop who conduct clandestine same-sex relationships. Through revealing yet discreet anecdotes about his liaisons with the rich and famous who were also on the “DL,” Dean’s provocative and candid account brought to light a hidden gay subculture that insiders have been well aware of for years.
Now, with his debut novel, MOGUL (Atria Books Paperback Original; On-sale date: June 14, 2011; ISBN: 9781451611922; $15.00), Dean once again returns to this subject matter as he entices readers to play the guessing game about the real-life celebrities who serve as inspiration for his larger-than-life characters. In a literary style that’s E. Lynn Harris meets Zane, Dean presents a fictional page-turner about a beloved music industry genius who’s launched the careers of the hottest stars in hip-hop but also harbors a secret that could destroy his life and empire.
Aaron “Big A.T.” Tremble, an athletically gifted teenager from Brooklyn, discovers he is attracted to George, one of the most popular basketball stars at his school and soon, the two become embroiled in a secret romance as they juggle studies, gym practice and girlfriends. A year later during their senior year, George announces he is moving to California for college. While Big A.T. is heartbroken, he pours himself into his music to forget George and begins producing for local rappers in his neighborhood. After a chance meeting with the retired kingpin of hip-hop, Larry “Pop” Singleton, Big A.T.’s life is forever changed as he becomes Pop’s protégé and a member of the “family”—a network of secretly gay men in the industry who will eventually become instrumental in helping him launch his own music label. Attracting the biggest names in the industry, Big A.T. has the Midas touch with millions of dollars in the bank, real estate holdings, luxury cars, and countless fans. He’s built a bona fide empire but along the way, Big A.T. falls hard for one of his artists, the sexy Tickman. They love each other but know they must keep their relationship a secret and to keep any press speculation about their sexuality at bay, each becomes involved in relationships with high-profile women. However, unbeknownst to Big A.T., a journalist seeking revenge against hip-hop power brokers and looking for his 15 minutes of fame obtains compromising photographs that threaten to expose the truth about Big A. T. Will his life crumble in the wake of a huge scandal or will Big A.T. survive—and out of the closet forever?
Terrance Dean has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years with heavy hitters such as Spike Lee, Rob Reiner, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Anjelica Houston. He has worked with television and film production companies such as BET, Savoy Television, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Sony Pictures. Most recently, Dean worked with MTV Networks for over six years helping to produce live award shows and events including MTV Video Music Awards, Movie Awards, Hip Hop Honors, Rock Honors, Sports & Music Festival, and Choose or Lose. Dean is also the founder/creator of Men’s Empowerment, Inc. and co-creator of The Gathering of Men with Adeyemi Bandele. He attended Fisk University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Dean is a 2005 John Seigenthaler Journalism Fellow from Vanderbilt University and served as a writer-in-residence with the Detroit Public School system. He is a contributor to the anthologies Souls of My Brothers and Gone Too Soon and his writings have appeared in publications such as Vibe, Essence, Juicy, The Advocate and Fatherhood Today.
MOGUL: A Novel
By Terrance Dean
With the publication of Hiding in Hip-Hop, the controversial Essence bestselling expose that set the entertainment industry on its ear, Terrance Dean, who has worked in television and film for well over a decade, became the voice of African American men in Hollywood and in Hip-Hop who conduct clandestine same-sex relationships. Through revealing yet discreet anecdotes about his liaisons with the rich and famous who were also on the “DL,” Dean’s provocative and candid account brought to light a hidden gay subculture that insiders have been well aware of for years.
Now, with his debut novel, MOGUL (Atria Books Paperback Original; On-sale date: June 14, 2011; ISBN: 9781451611922; $15.00), Dean once again returns to this subject matter as he entices readers to play the guessing game about the real-life celebrities who serve as inspiration for his larger-than-life characters. In a literary style that’s E. Lynn Harris meets Zane, Dean presents a fictional page-turner about a beloved music industry genius who’s launched the careers of the hottest stars in hip-hop but also harbors a secret that could destroy his life and empire.
Aaron “Big A.T.” Tremble, an athletically gifted teenager from Brooklyn, discovers he is attracted to George, one of the most popular basketball stars at his school and soon, the two become embroiled in a secret romance as they juggle studies, gym practice and girlfriends. A year later during their senior year, George announces he is moving to California for college. While Big A.T. is heartbroken, he pours himself into his music to forget George and begins producing for local rappers in his neighborhood. After a chance meeting with the retired kingpin of hip-hop, Larry “Pop” Singleton, Big A.T.’s life is forever changed as he becomes Pop’s protégé and a member of the “family”—a network of secretly gay men in the industry who will eventually become instrumental in helping him launch his own music label. Attracting the biggest names in the industry, Big A.T. has the Midas touch with millions of dollars in the bank, real estate holdings, luxury cars, and countless fans. He’s built a bona fide empire but along the way, Big A.T. falls hard for one of his artists, the sexy Tickman. They love each other but know they must keep their relationship a secret and to keep any press speculation about their sexuality at bay, each becomes involved in relationships with high-profile women. However, unbeknownst to Big A.T., a journalist seeking revenge against hip-hop power brokers and looking for his 15 minutes of fame obtains compromising photographs that threaten to expose the truth about Big A. T. Will his life crumble in the wake of a huge scandal or will Big A.T. survive—and out of the closet forever?
Terrance Dean has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years with heavy hitters such as Spike Lee, Rob Reiner, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Anjelica Houston. He has worked with television and film production companies such as BET, Savoy Television, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Sony Pictures. Most recently, Dean worked with MTV Networks for over six years helping to produce live award shows and events including MTV Video Music Awards, Movie Awards, Hip Hop Honors, Rock Honors, Sports & Music Festival, and Choose or Lose. Dean is also the founder/creator of Men’s Empowerment, Inc. and co-creator of The Gathering of Men with Adeyemi Bandele. He attended Fisk University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Dean is a 2005 John Seigenthaler Journalism Fellow from Vanderbilt University and served as a writer-in-residence with the Detroit Public School system. He is a contributor to the anthologies Souls of My Brothers and Gone Too Soon and his writings have appeared in publications such as Vibe, Essence, Juicy, The Advocate and Fatherhood Today.
September 26, 2021
Terrible... I mean just absolutely cringe-worthy. Sex scenes were kinda hot, but this novel is otherwise terrible in so many ways. FYI: when you write a novel from the first person POV, don't have your characters describing how beautiful and perfect he or she is, how well endowed he is, or when the POV shifts to the female protagonist, have her carrying on about beat to death she is with her perky nipples, ample breasts, and swollen clitoris. Your characters sound like narcissistic douchebags, much like one does in real life. I would suggest the third-person POV, which provides some narrative distance, but I don't think that would help this novel in the slightest. Just terrible...smh
August 27, 2024
Would make a good TV show in the vain of empire.
March 24, 2017
This deserves a two rating, because I expected more from this author. He is talented with his advice on his blog, but it stops there for me. I am not a fan of this author's books, only his blog. Honestly, I wasn't surprised at the get down, but I did like from page 220 (CRAIG) forward (& that's 100 pages to the end!). I will NOT be reading anymore of this author's books. *
October 15, 2011
Title: Mogul
Author: Terrance Dean
Rating: 5
Headline: Hard to Put Down!
Every so often I pick up a book that actually provides insight to a particular part of our society, and Mogul by Terrance Dean does exactly that for the entertainment industry. Even though it is written as a piece of fiction by the end, you will be trying to figure out who each character mirrors in real life. Although it may be a little sensationalized it does not reach the point of unbelievable.
Big A.T. is the main character of this story and he is a newcomer to the world of hip-hop. After going to a few industry parties, he is welcomed into “The Family” which is a group of down-low homosexual men who are amongst the most influential people in the fields of music, media, and business. Once Big A.T. is a part of “The Family” his career begins skyrocket and the drama becomes nonstop.
Mogul is a page-turner and a quick read. Dean through this and his previous piece of work hints at “outing” some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry by leaving quite obvious clues throughout his books. Mogul definitely leaves room for a sequel and if Terrance Dean decides to write one, I will definitely pick it up.
Author: Terrance Dean
Rating: 5
Headline: Hard to Put Down!
Every so often I pick up a book that actually provides insight to a particular part of our society, and Mogul by Terrance Dean does exactly that for the entertainment industry. Even though it is written as a piece of fiction by the end, you will be trying to figure out who each character mirrors in real life. Although it may be a little sensationalized it does not reach the point of unbelievable.
Big A.T. is the main character of this story and he is a newcomer to the world of hip-hop. After going to a few industry parties, he is welcomed into “The Family” which is a group of down-low homosexual men who are amongst the most influential people in the fields of music, media, and business. Once Big A.T. is a part of “The Family” his career begins skyrocket and the drama becomes nonstop.
Mogul is a page-turner and a quick read. Dean through this and his previous piece of work hints at “outing” some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry by leaving quite obvious clues throughout his books. Mogul definitely leaves room for a sequel and if Terrance Dean decides to write one, I will definitely pick it up.
February 13, 2017
Wow, I would have never guess this could be going on in the Hip Hop industry. So with that being said, who cares about the music mogul being gay? what I do however have a problem with men who are down-low brothers risking others life without a care in the world. I love me regardless of anyone else loving me, don't put my life in jeopardy. Woman need to be careful with whom they are sleeping with and be sure that you know who your partner(s) are. Most of all PROTECT yourselves.
January 10, 2012
Well.... I was super excited to read this book but I ended up with mixed feelings. I kept waiting for a big, big twist and it just didn't happen. The sex scenes were VERY graphic and I agree with another reader who said the book just got boggled down with the industry "name -dropping". I did have fun at first trying to figure out if Mr. Dean was trying to hint at specific people in the industry ..but things got vague quickly. I would be much more interested in a spin-off book about the baby-mama Jasmine and what happens to her and the daughter. Hopefully he will explore that because after laying all this groundwork with her character it would be a smart move. It was not the worst book Ive read but the storyline does not measure up to the work of the late great Mr. E-Lynn Harris at all. I wanted to rate it a 2 1/2 but you can't give half stars.. so its a solid 3......NEXT!!! lol
December 5, 2014
A great novel about a gay hip-hop producer's decision to come out and find out whether his colleagues and fans will abandon or accept him. Having established what is happening now, the story goes back to when Big A.T. is a newcomer on the music scene in New York and taken under the wing of successful producer, Pop, introduced to the Family, various gay men in positions of power in hip-hop, and his own subsequent successes. Things get complicated when he is encouraged to keep his love life on the down low, and get a girlfriend to make him appear straight.
Terrance Dean has a stylish way with words, and the novel feels very real - he has a personal history in the music business, and the novel is based in part on real people. The plot is pacey and exciting, and makes for quite addictive reading. I look forward to reading more by him.
Terrance Dean has a stylish way with words, and the novel feels very real - he has a personal history in the music business, and the novel is based in part on real people. The plot is pacey and exciting, and makes for quite addictive reading. I look forward to reading more by him.
October 7, 2013
Mogul was a very enjoyable, eye-opening glimpse into the other side of Hip-Hop. Why is that, though? Homosexuality is everywhere, from professional athletes to religious folk. Why not Hip-Hop?
My incredulity stemmed from the steps the main character had to take to keep it hidden. I thought that was sad. And although his style is a bit graphic (but then again, the Hip-Hop genre isn't exactly subtle), Terrance Dean was able to portray the sensitive side of his characters.
Although the backstory of A.T.'s boyhood wasn't that exciting to me, the rest of it made up for that in spades. There were times when my mouth dropped open because I couldn't believe what had just happened. The ending was a bit abrupt but all-in-all, I give kudos to Mr. Dean.
My incredulity stemmed from the steps the main character had to take to keep it hidden. I thought that was sad. And although his style is a bit graphic (but then again, the Hip-Hop genre isn't exactly subtle), Terrance Dean was able to portray the sensitive side of his characters.
Although the backstory of A.T.'s boyhood wasn't that exciting to me, the rest of it made up for that in spades. There were times when my mouth dropped open because I couldn't believe what had just happened. The ending was a bit abrupt but all-in-all, I give kudos to Mr. Dean.
Want to read
October 7, 2011I can't wait to read this one. The info below is taken from his FB post.
Today 6/14/2011 he kicks off a book-signing tour in NYC, then Philly, Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Baltimore, and Boston. Let's go people! Spread the word. Some cities I'll be at Barnes & Noble. The hottest book of the summer is here!
Here's the link: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.c...
Today 6/14/2011 he kicks off a book-signing tour in NYC, then Philly, Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Baltimore, and Boston. Let's go people! Spread the word. Some cities I'll be at Barnes & Noble. The hottest book of the summer is here!
Here's the link: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.c...
July 18, 2014
This was a solid book, overall well written with a tabu subject to peak and keep your interest. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more books from Terrace Dean. I just feel that the ending fell flat and was a little odd. It left me with questions and unresolved character plots. What happened with Craig and the pictures? Will there be a sequel focusing on Jasmine?
June 9, 2011
See my convo with Terrance Dean about Mogul for the Ms. Magazine Blog: http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2011/... and read my review on Truthdig: http://www.truthdig.com/arts_culture/...
August 25, 2011
Unbelievable how this story unfolds. Dean writes with such depth and detail that you will get caught up in the story and forget your reality. I'm adding this to my top shelf recommendations for 2011.
July 4, 2014
Great book! Boy didn't I expect the twist and turns of homo...the book was a great page turner regarding the music industry and down low!! In all it kept me wanting more. This was my first read from the author and I must say he did an amazing job!
June 1, 2016
4.5 stars. Yeah, I smell a sequel coming.
September 10, 2012
...Its a page turner
August 6, 2011
Terrence Dean is the nicest man.
September 14, 2011
ending #fail
March 18, 2012
Good Read!
September 29, 2013
Quick read. Though you think, "I can't read this. " You really won't be able to put it down. The ending was horrible. I was disappointed.
November 14, 2013
This story is so good, just made me want more, but really I give it 4 stars because the ending is not what I expected, but still it's a great
Read
August 23, 2014Very good book.
Read
October 10, 2015interestingly true so it was uncomforatbale.
August 17, 2011
If you miss E. Lynn Harris, check out this book. You'll feel right at home.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews