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Antebellum
A thought-provoking novel about African-American culture seen through the eyes of a famous rapper who is transported to the days of slavery and forced to experience it firsthand. When Da Nigga is sent back in time, he finds himself a slave forced to live the life of his ancestors. A rapper in current time, Da Nigga must confront the reality of the African-American experience as slavery challenges everything he holds dear from his fellow rappers and their lyrics, to the executives and their motives.
Antebellum is the hard-hitting, gritty story of Da Nigga. From rap superstar to broken slave and back, Antebellum will have readers on the edge of their seats and keep them talking long after they put it down.
Antebellum is the hard-hitting, gritty story of Da Nigga. From rap superstar to broken slave and back, Antebellum will have readers on the edge of their seats and keep them talking long after they put it down.
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2012
8 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2013
Here's a book about a rapper who goes back in time and becomes a slave. Really. What more do you need to know?
It doesn't matter that there are lines like, "Then, without warning, she put my hand under her skirt. It felt like an undercooked cinnamon roll with too much icing." (I am assuming it wasn't the skirt that felt like an undercooked cinnamon roll with too much icing.) It doesn't matter that in response to a compliment from his manager, the main character thinks, "Her words raped me. I couldn't have been more penetrated than in a jailhouse shower." It doesn't matter than any stretch of time has to be noted -- two hours later, four hours later, several hours later, another twenty-four hours, the next four days -- but the time frame of when our rapper hero goes back in time is never stated.
Big deal. All we need to know is that it took place in slavery time. And it's a book about a rapper named Moses Jenkins (aka Da Nigga) who goes back in time and becomes a slave! That other stuff? Irrelevant.
So what if there's more than a hundred pages describing the torture Moses endures at the hands of the slaveowners. It makes The Passion of the Christ look like a children's story. Being whipped, raped with a bayonet, having his arms and legs broken, and kept in a cage for weeks on end without medical attention doesn't do in Moses. Nope. He's nursed back to health by a fellow slave who is very good with roots and herbs. Doesn't matter that he'd be dead in three days from these treatments. Even Bruce Wayne healing his back by hanging from a rope tied to the ceiling in The Dark Knight Rises thinks all this is ridiculous. But so what, Moses is a rapper who went back in time and became a slave, dammit!
Then there's the way Moses travels through time. See, he gets shot in the chest in the present, and wakes up on a plantation. Then he gets shot in the back in the past, and wakes up back in the present after a six-month coma. Shot forward, fall back; shot back, fall forward. Got it. Of course, all his friends in family in the future think he's just been in a coma for six months, but nooooooooooooooooooooo. He shows them all the whip marks on his back that no one noticed all the time he was in a coma. Later, he finds more proof that he actually went back in time when he sees pictures of the slaves he met in family portraits at his mother's house. Turns out one of the slaves was his great-great-great aunt or something. It's just like every Twilight Zone episode ever.
Speaking of comas, there's not one but two people who magically awake from comas and spring out of bed. And Moses is such a great rapper that he makes millions while in his six-month coma. Being in a coma is good for business. In fact, Moses is such a great rapper that he is more popular than if Michael Jordan joined The Beatles and announced they were touring with a reincarnated Elvis Presley. He can't go anywhere without a group of reporters thrusting microphones in his face (though none of them are from TMZ) or fans chanting his name. Every TV station he turns on runs reports about his life. He needs a mercenary squad of eight men to protect him from his adoring public.
You shouldn't think any of this is silly, though, since this is a book about a rapper who goes back in time and becomes a slave.
Don't confuse it with the 1991 movie Brother Future, which is about a street rapper named T.J. (not aka Da Nigga) who goes back in time and becomes a slave, even though in both of them the rapper leads a slave revolt and gets transported back to the future after being shot. Though I have never seen Brother Future, I'm sure it is nothing at all like Antebellum.
And if reading this novel about a rapper who goes back in time and becomes a slave wasn't enough for you, don't worry. A prequel called "The Seven Days" is due in April. It's about slaves who come to the present and possess people's bodies for, you guessed it, seven days at at a time. A couple of them are people from this book. As Bart Scott says, "Can't wait!"
It doesn't matter that there are lines like, "Then, without warning, she put my hand under her skirt. It felt like an undercooked cinnamon roll with too much icing." (I am assuming it wasn't the skirt that felt like an undercooked cinnamon roll with too much icing.) It doesn't matter that in response to a compliment from his manager, the main character thinks, "Her words raped me. I couldn't have been more penetrated than in a jailhouse shower." It doesn't matter than any stretch of time has to be noted -- two hours later, four hours later, several hours later, another twenty-four hours, the next four days -- but the time frame of when our rapper hero goes back in time is never stated.
Big deal. All we need to know is that it took place in slavery time. And it's a book about a rapper named Moses Jenkins (aka Da Nigga) who goes back in time and becomes a slave! That other stuff? Irrelevant.
So what if there's more than a hundred pages describing the torture Moses endures at the hands of the slaveowners. It makes The Passion of the Christ look like a children's story. Being whipped, raped with a bayonet, having his arms and legs broken, and kept in a cage for weeks on end without medical attention doesn't do in Moses. Nope. He's nursed back to health by a fellow slave who is very good with roots and herbs. Doesn't matter that he'd be dead in three days from these treatments. Even Bruce Wayne healing his back by hanging from a rope tied to the ceiling in The Dark Knight Rises thinks all this is ridiculous. But so what, Moses is a rapper who went back in time and became a slave, dammit!
Then there's the way Moses travels through time. See, he gets shot in the chest in the present, and wakes up on a plantation. Then he gets shot in the back in the past, and wakes up back in the present after a six-month coma. Shot forward, fall back; shot back, fall forward. Got it. Of course, all his friends in family in the future think he's just been in a coma for six months, but nooooooooooooooooooooo. He shows them all the whip marks on his back that no one noticed all the time he was in a coma. Later, he finds more proof that he actually went back in time when he sees pictures of the slaves he met in family portraits at his mother's house. Turns out one of the slaves was his great-great-great aunt or something. It's just like every Twilight Zone episode ever.
Speaking of comas, there's not one but two people who magically awake from comas and spring out of bed. And Moses is such a great rapper that he makes millions while in his six-month coma. Being in a coma is good for business. In fact, Moses is such a great rapper that he is more popular than if Michael Jordan joined The Beatles and announced they were touring with a reincarnated Elvis Presley. He can't go anywhere without a group of reporters thrusting microphones in his face (though none of them are from TMZ) or fans chanting his name. Every TV station he turns on runs reports about his life. He needs a mercenary squad of eight men to protect him from his adoring public.
You shouldn't think any of this is silly, though, since this is a book about a rapper who goes back in time and becomes a slave.
Don't confuse it with the 1991 movie Brother Future, which is about a street rapper named T.J. (not aka Da Nigga) who goes back in time and becomes a slave, even though in both of them the rapper leads a slave revolt and gets transported back to the future after being shot. Though I have never seen Brother Future, I'm sure it is nothing at all like Antebellum.
And if reading this novel about a rapper who goes back in time and becomes a slave wasn't enough for you, don't worry. A prequel called "The Seven Days" is due in April. It's about slaves who come to the present and possess people's bodies for, you guessed it, seven days at at a time. A couple of them are people from this book. As Bart Scott says, "Can't wait!"
September 28, 2012
I get what he's going for, and it is ambitious and timely. I think it was a very interesting idea... I just couldn't relate to the main character and didn't care much for the writing. I went in with an open mind, but then when he described a woman's vulva as an undercooked cinnamon roll with way too much icing, I threw up a little in my soul.
June 29, 2012
I am a huge fan of books about slavery, so when I first read the description of this book, I knew that I needed to read it. R. Kayeen Thomas does a great job combining urban fiction with historical fiction in this novel.
Moses, the main character, who's also known for his very controversial name, is a popular rapper who lives life for music, women, drugs, drinking etc. The fast life is leading him down a very rocky road. He gets shot by a rival rapper's crew and during his coma he gets transported back into slavery.
I cannot even describe the torture and pain Moses had to endure as a slave. It is so heartbreaking to know these horrible things happened in our history and how some of these brave souls survived. Life on the plantation was well described and very real feeling. I also loved how the past and present time were tied together. Overall, I thought this book was phenomenal and I cannot wait to read the sequel. The author did a great job!
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
Moses, the main character, who's also known for his very controversial name, is a popular rapper who lives life for music, women, drugs, drinking etc. The fast life is leading him down a very rocky road. He gets shot by a rival rapper's crew and during his coma he gets transported back into slavery.
I cannot even describe the torture and pain Moses had to endure as a slave. It is so heartbreaking to know these horrible things happened in our history and how some of these brave souls survived. Life on the plantation was well described and very real feeling. I also loved how the past and present time were tied together. Overall, I thought this book was phenomenal and I cannot wait to read the sequel. The author did a great job!
http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...
April 7, 2014
This is a nail-biting, jaw-dropping story, that will entertain and shock your consciousness... and provoke you to re-think life! R. Kayeen has penned a literary masterpiece, that could change the way today's youth view this world, and themselves. It will challenge you to consider, that change can occur, if only we would teach our babies, who they are, and where they come from!
As an avid reader, and conscious and spiritual citizen of this world, I feel this novel should be a necessary, required reading not only for black people, but for other races who fear us. It captures the essence of modern day thinking, mostly disfunctional, among the black youth and young adults in society, with an explanation of why, AND a solution to fixing the problem! Additionally, it shows people of other cultures, why THEY think the way that they do about us, whether they believe themselves to be racist, or not!
Candace Yvette Dula
Rastafemme!
As an avid reader, and conscious and spiritual citizen of this world, I feel this novel should be a necessary, required reading not only for black people, but for other races who fear us. It captures the essence of modern day thinking, mostly disfunctional, among the black youth and young adults in society, with an explanation of why, AND a solution to fixing the problem! Additionally, it shows people of other cultures, why THEY think the way that they do about us, whether they believe themselves to be racist, or not!
Candace Yvette Dula
Rastafemme!
May 29, 2018
This book was so deep, gave me a new out look on the my culture. R. Kayeen Thomas, you have a new fan, I’m hooked!
March 28, 2020
I honestly have mixed feelings about this book. To me, this book was a rapper's take on Octavia Butler's Kindred. It consists of 3 parts. Part I is about the rapper, Da Nigga, living the hood dream. He makes it big in the rap world and becomes a walking stereotype. He has moments when he remembers why he started to rap and the type of deep rhymes about real people that influenced him. But, for the most part, he is a walking disappointment. He knows he falls short of all he is meant to be but can't stop playing his part, even when he starts to feel ashamed of himself. Part II is him, a modern black man, thrust into the hell that was slavery in the United States south. His experience is told in excruciating detail. I couldn't take it for too long and had to skim, to protect my own sanity. He is, in effect, BROKEN. He cannot move past this until he learns who he really is. Is he Moses Jenkins or just Da Nigga.
I don't want to ruin the rest of the story. I had some issues with the language and imagery used throughout the book. I did not like certain tropes that were used (ie, the long suffering and seemingly celibate love interest that watches the man have nonstop sex with other women). I did appreciate the role of mentors, both male and female, throughout Moses' life.
I don't want to ruin the rest of the story. I had some issues with the language and imagery used throughout the book. I did not like certain tropes that were used (ie, the long suffering and seemingly celibate love interest that watches the man have nonstop sex with other women). I did appreciate the role of mentors, both male and female, throughout Moses' life.
March 8, 2019
I got the gist of it within 200 pages. I don't personally want to keep reading this torture fest, but I do believe it has a decent lesson to learn. It's just not a lesson I need to learn.
I already know and appreciate the struggles - past and present - of African Americans.
This book would be of value to someone who doesn't.
The writing is pretty good, I just lost interest in the story.
I already know and appreciate the struggles - past and present - of African Americans.
This book would be of value to someone who doesn't.
The writing is pretty good, I just lost interest in the story.
August 6, 2020
I enjoyed this so much im picking up the next story about freeman and xavier
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2015
O..kay so it took me about four or five days to finish this one and I didn't expect that at all..this book has some depth and substance entwined in a street literature rap novel but in some ways it works and in others it was hard to read--To preface my review I have to say that this book repeatedly uses a word I have banished from my vocabulary in college and cringe at its use ever since...sometime circa 1998 as a college freshman I witnessed a white professor I truly respected shake his head in disgust when he heard some guys using the word around campus and his eloquent words telling them that they are demeaning themselves made me wake up and eliminate that word from my vocabulary. I abhor the n*&^! word, I never use it, and physically cringe when I do (I stay on my husband too LOL) so reading it made me a little perturbed but I stuck through it for the lesson..now the plot, so a multi-platinum rapper, famous for blatant sexism and violence and the use of the n-word, I mean his name is actually Da N--word, so his ignorance was apparent early on for me but if more reinforcement was needed and why that word should be abolished from everyone's mouths he is shot at by some beefing rappers and wakes up in slavery, real life 1800s when persons of color were completely less than and that name was used to demean us daily and continuously..His arguments of the n-word with an 'a' to mean cool and the n-word with an 'er' which is offensive was so ridiculous I loved to hear him be called out on it, truthfully I welcomed his entire transformation period however it wasn't done descriptively for me..I didn't feel it LOL I felt I was told about things and not shown and for that I took away a star, for the ending another star was lost as I really didn't like the way it went down with his revelation and the way he tried to redo his lyrics spewing the same hate back on all white people I mean where does it end .., I took away another star for the clichés--Of course there is an elderly black woman with roots fixing everything, of course there is a martyred father(after the addiction and foolishness of course) and a strong single woman household, of course there is a love that was there all along until someone opened their eyes, and of course there is excessive mention of wealth, designer clothes, diamonds and skanky girls but I expected all that LOL-- what increased this book's star rating was the underlying message of respect for self and knowledge of where you came from and the dense complex storyline it sets you up for..I don't know if I'd recommend this but I will read more from this author to see if his writing style changes and this convoluted flashback thing works for him because his ideas are there...Okay next book :)
July 25, 2012
“Antebellum” introduces the rap artist, Da Nigga, who is living in the new era of hip-hop artistry to give his fans what they want as his executives, managers, and producers are living off his talent—which is another form of slavery in essence. Da Nigga showcases an “N-word mentality” that sells records, fans reciting his lyrics, and builds his rapport from his street instincts. He has the opportunity to climb the heights and an offer to become rich nearly overnight just to make a “diss record” not realizing that this can affect his reputation, leading to death threats, and fluke rappers produced a diss record to gain credibility and sell records in the rap game. He agrees to the offer, not knowing, what things can take place from such an offer-hard-to-refuse while being used.
R. Kayeen Thomas writes a meaningful, colorful storyline where you are able to reflect from the past (slavery) to current slavery as a rap artist. Da Nigga admits “…I’m just a slave (page 88, Advance Reader Copy).” Pop artist Prince once had a symbol on his cheek and word “slave” written of which symbolized that he was a slave for the record label: Warner Brothers. If you enjoy reading urban fiction and historical events transpiring in a novel, this book captures both mixes of genres.
What I admired about the book is the lifestyle of a hip-hop artist, even the talk show scene grasped the reality of the influence of songs that can have on the audience. Therefore, as artists even authors, we have to be mindful not only who our audience is but what message we are sending! We are responsible activists and in some cases, role models for our youth and peers. Another valuable lesson (dream moment) shared in the novel is the importance of names, even if it is a nickname or stage name—defines our image, character, and/or personality. Knowledge is power, including the power within—this book makes you focus on them both. There are a couple indications and similarities to “The Matrix” and also Moses (biblical character) who lead the slaves out of bondage to their freedom. Reality of being a slave, makes one wonder if things has really changed today? Some of us are still in chains mentally, emotionally, and/or physiologically. What a wake-up call!
I enjoyed reading “Kindred” by Octavia Butler, which “Antebellum” has its similarities…living in the present day but going back in time during slavery era.
(I hope to see a movie or TV series of this like Roots)!
Adrienna Turner
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "the Day Begins with Christ"
R. Kayeen Thomas writes a meaningful, colorful storyline where you are able to reflect from the past (slavery) to current slavery as a rap artist. Da Nigga admits “…I’m just a slave (page 88, Advance Reader Copy).” Pop artist Prince once had a symbol on his cheek and word “slave” written of which symbolized that he was a slave for the record label: Warner Brothers. If you enjoy reading urban fiction and historical events transpiring in a novel, this book captures both mixes of genres.
What I admired about the book is the lifestyle of a hip-hop artist, even the talk show scene grasped the reality of the influence of songs that can have on the audience. Therefore, as artists even authors, we have to be mindful not only who our audience is but what message we are sending! We are responsible activists and in some cases, role models for our youth and peers. Another valuable lesson (dream moment) shared in the novel is the importance of names, even if it is a nickname or stage name—defines our image, character, and/or personality. Knowledge is power, including the power within—this book makes you focus on them both. There are a couple indications and similarities to “The Matrix” and also Moses (biblical character) who lead the slaves out of bondage to their freedom. Reality of being a slave, makes one wonder if things has really changed today? Some of us are still in chains mentally, emotionally, and/or physiologically. What a wake-up call!
I enjoyed reading “Kindred” by Octavia Butler, which “Antebellum” has its similarities…living in the present day but going back in time during slavery era.
(I hope to see a movie or TV series of this like Roots)!
Adrienna Turner
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "the Day Begins with Christ"
October 10, 2012
No matter how many novels I read about slavery, the creative cruelty that goes into torturing people never fails to amaze and disgust me. This happened in this country, and it makes me appreciate being free. Unfortunately, there are many African Americans that still live with that slave mentality today and this book does an excellent job of illustrating that. The degree and intensity of change the main character goes through and the way the author brings the reader through all of that is convincing and impressive. This is the kind of book that all people (Blacks ESPECIALLY) should read, and when they are done, REALLY think about it and the lessons that can be learned from it. After this book was done, I could not stop thinking about it and what the author was trying to say.
I almost did not read this book. First, it was presented by Zane and I thought by association, it would be smut filled urban lit. Second, I wasn't too impressed with the main character's, a rapper, stage name. I passed over it at my local library twice, but every time I left, I kept thinking about it. So glad I checked it out and read it. I definitely recommend as it is a true good read.
I almost did not read this book. First, it was presented by Zane and I thought by association, it would be smut filled urban lit. Second, I wasn't too impressed with the main character's, a rapper, stage name. I passed over it at my local library twice, but every time I left, I kept thinking about it. So glad I checked it out and read it. I definitely recommend as it is a true good read.
May 14, 2014
It started slow, but when it got to him going into slavery, stuff got real. No, I'm not into a lot of rap, but I like the book. why? because I feel that we as a people have lost our way. When this young man called himself Da Nigga, even his grandmother had to question him on the name. when he kept to it, and got convinced by his label to do a diss song for an emerging rival group, it just opened the door for what happened to him. a lot of folk may feel that this was lame, etc etc, but to me it's relevant because we're losing plenty folks to this nonsense,and have no clue as to why we're here. in this book, the rapper had to go back to move forward, perhaps educating ourselves as to why we're here is key.
June 28, 2012
It's been a very long time since I was so enthralled in a book that I read it straight through, nonstop. Antebellum draws you in with such excellent storytelling and actually pulls you through several emotional experiences as you journey with the protagonist. R. Kayeen Thomas brings to reality a pop culture movement's ties to a time period, that although long gone, have effects that continue to be felt this day and age. Reading Antebellum took me through a range of emotions and I could not put it down until I was finished, and now I look forward to more from this talented author.
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September 7, 2012This book is so INTENSE. From the 1st page, you are absorbed into the story. As I read, I imagined ROKA being played by Michael Clark Duncan... this was the week before he passed. He would have loved this story!!!! This should be made into a screenplay. I am a new scriptwriter. I would LOVE the opportunity. hit me @ cdrivers2011@hotmail.com
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June 1, 2014This book will take you on a compelling journey just like it says.Da Nigga was a slave to the music industry, all he could he is the money and fame....until one day he gets shot and find out what being a slave is all about....it's so much I can say about this novel.....and I would say its a must read...can't wait to read the next book :The Seven Days
September 11, 2012
Definitly one of the best books I have ever read. I can't stop thinking about it. Very well written. I think it should be a required reading in some schools. So sad and inspiring. I couldn't read it fast enough and will definitly read again someday.
October 17, 2012
this book was nonstop excellence! official from beginning to end. this book touched on the reality of a modern day slave and a the actual slaves from back in the day. and he connected the two through this work of art. its a must read and one of the best books i read thus far.
August 15, 2016
This is a great and a must read book. I will make you laugh, cry and also think. It well give you insight about your past for a better future; also change the way we talk to and/or greet other people.
February 12, 2013
Could be a great story - a black rapper goes back in time to experience slavery - but this book is so vulgar and everything is so extreme that it is hard to grasp the real issue it is trying to address of racism. Also has spelling and grammatical errors - c'mon!!
July 22, 2012
From page 1, this book had me fully immersed. It made me think which is always a plus for a book. Very captivating story and one everyone should read.
August 20, 2012
Very good book
July 6, 2016
It was a pretty quick read. I think this book should be a required reading for high schoolers. Great perspective!
August 19, 2013
very emotional book. makes you appreciate where you are in life right now and also allows you to question your own identity.
August 17, 2013
Thought provoking and well written...a must read!
December 15, 2013
The originality of this story is my primary reason for the 4 stars. This novel held my interest and I would recoomend this book to others.
January 26, 2015
A MUST (REQUIRED) READ!!!!!!!!!
August 22, 2015
A very well written book for the younger generations. It should be a required book for high school students. Very well written. Great job Mr. Thomas
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews