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80's Baby: When Crack Made Kings
By the beginning of the 1980's, the Bronx had become a godforsaken slum, making it the ideal location for an epidemic. That epidemic arrived in the form of crack cocaine, which hit the streets with a savage force setting off an explosion of violent crime unlike anything ever seen before. The birth of crack brought with it more money, more guns and more gangs. The faces of which were younger, hungrier and more vicious than their predecessors. In 1986, Hassan, a student of the streets put those lessons to work, ascending above all other ghetto dons and planting his flag at the top of the drug game. After successfully merging the North and Southside, Hassan ceases control of the largest projects in The Bronx, The Edenwald Houses. With maximum power and unlimited resources he and his crew reign supreme over the crack trade. But what crack giveth, crack taketh away as jealousy, rival crews and the federal government began chipping away at his once mighty empire. Enter Rhae, a beautiful, around the way girl, raised in the same unforgiven streets. After falling in love with Hassan, she tries convincing him to leave the game behind. But old habits die hard and the allure is stronger than either of them could imagine proving to be easier said than done.
215 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
40 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Ty Marshall
12 books117 followersTy Marshall is a refreshing voice in crime fiction. The author of the crime family saga, Keys to the Kingdom. His previous titles include the novels 80’s Baby, Gold Blooded and Love Seldom Trust Never. His writing has been called “powerful, gritty and no holds barred” and has received acclaim from critics and readers alike. Ty is also an accomplished screenwriter. A native of Peekskill, NY. He now resides in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 27, 2021
Drug dealing, gangsta stuff, with a splash of love (maybe love) all rolled up with a great storyline. Ty Marshall is the King of plot twists and I loved it. Just when you think you have this story figured out... boom.... he changes the game on you. Great read!
April 21, 2019
Hassan is an up and coming hustler, who is reigning the streets of New York...thanks to a new drug name Crack. And we know that every King, deserves to have a Queen by his side, and this Queen’s name is Rhea. His right-hand man Papo comes home from a state vacation and becomes the muscle of the operation, but at what cost?
As with many organizations, no one can be trusted and,someone is always coming for the top spot.
This book reminded me of the movie New Jack City until...the first twist! When I thought I had seen it all, the author dropped another twist to the plot!
I enjoyed reading this 💎💎💎💎book by @the_tymarshall_era and I highly recommend it. There were some minor errors, which didn’t take away from the story AT ALL! Kudos to you Mr. Marshall, on a job well done!
As with many organizations, no one can be trusted and,someone is always coming for the top spot.
This book reminded me of the movie New Jack City until...the first twist! When I thought I had seen it all, the author dropped another twist to the plot!
I enjoyed reading this 💎💎💎💎book by @the_tymarshall_era and I highly recommend it. There were some minor errors, which didn’t take away from the story AT ALL! Kudos to you Mr. Marshall, on a job well done!
May 13, 2020
Wow, beyond WOW. This is one of the best I've read
Man, so many emotions running through me. It was UNBELIEVABLE read. Ty Marshall is one of the best and most known. The upcomers like me and others should take heed of how to kill your darlings. OOOOOOWEEEEEEEEE, wow just wow.
Man, so many emotions running through me. It was UNBELIEVABLE read. Ty Marshall is one of the best and most known. The upcomers like me and others should take heed of how to kill your darlings. OOOOOOWEEEEEEEEE, wow just wow.
July 6, 2017
80's Baby
This was a book full of greed, temptation, and deceit. There was a few surprises in this book that I was not expecting. It was a really good read.
This was a book full of greed, temptation, and deceit. There was a few surprises in this book that I was not expecting. It was a really good read.
July 30, 2020
Twist after twist after is all I can say. You won't be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2015
The end need more!!!!
I really enjoyed this book the twists and turns this is my first time reading this author but I must say you did the thing with this book this is a must read to all who haven't read it trust me you will not be disappointed!!! Really enjoyed this book!!!
I really enjoyed this book the twists and turns this is my first time reading this author but I must say you did the thing with this book this is a must read to all who haven't read it trust me you will not be disappointed!!! Really enjoyed this book!!!
October 21, 2018
When I say this book was a page turner from beginning to end. Be careful of your friends and who you love everything isn't always what it seems Popo jealousy and betrayal wanting to be Hassan and Charlene jealousy of Rhea she got exactly what she deserved. Need a part 2.
September 25, 2017
This book was good from beginning to end! This author knows how to suck you into a character only to make you dislike them in the end! I was so excited to see a character from his new book (I read out of order) definitely recommend this book
December 19, 2020
This was my first read, or rather listen, by this author. I think the story moved well with a solid plot and developed characters. I enjoyed watching Rhae wrestle with her occupation and her budding love for Hassan. It was easy to become invested in both of the characters. With more than one plot at work, the author did a good job of bringing them together in the end. While I could tell how the ending would play out, the author did a good job of presenting it to the reader by adding in a surprising little "bundle". As far as the audio production, it was clean, professional and the narrator did a good job of bringing the characters to life.
September 19, 2017
Wow what can I say this book was truly amazing. I really enjoyed this book to the fullest. I love Rhrae you just had to understand where she was coming from. I knew Hassan was going to her dirty. If he would have paid attention to the signs instead of being so crazy in the mind he would have seen that she really cared for him. The ending completely blew me away. I want to know more about Rheason. I hope it's a part 2 to this book. I would definitely recommend this book for you to read it's a page turner for real. Great job Ty Marshall looking to read more of your work.
July 5, 2020
This was a quick and fast paced read. The plot centered around 2 friends, Hassan and Papo. Both had dreams and plans of owning the streets but only one of them succeeded. Success breeds jealousy and jealousy births betrayal. However, some betrayals we never saw coming. That ending...wow...I need an update like ASAP.
August 28, 2018
The game
This book started out really good but somewhere in the middle-to-end it started to drag for me. I usually like books by this author but for some reason this one just did not excite me like I was anticipating.
This book started out really good but somewhere in the middle-to-end it started to drag for me. I usually like books by this author but for some reason this one just did not excite me like I was anticipating.
April 15, 2020
A must read
Ty Marshall has done it again. This book was amazing!!! It took me back to when reading urban fiction was worth it. The ending was not my favorite but it was a must. Little to none grammatical errors
Ty Marshall has done it again. This book was amazing!!! It took me back to when reading urban fiction was worth it. The ending was not my favorite but it was a must. Little to none grammatical errors
August 27, 2017
Awesome!!!
This book was everything!!! I loved all the characters knowing that Papo would be a problem from the start..would love a part2 😍😍❤️
This book was everything!!! I loved all the characters knowing that Papo would be a problem from the start..would love a part2 😍😍❤️
December 4, 2018
🔥🔥🔥
This was my first time reading a book by him. Safe to say I'm hooked already starting keys to success series
This was my first time reading a book by him. Safe to say I'm hooked already starting keys to success series
August 10, 2021
Loved it
This was a very good read I enjoyed it it had betrayal. The one thing this book taught Me was watch your frenemies. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
This was a very good read I enjoyed it it had betrayal. The one thing this book taught Me was watch your frenemies. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
October 12, 2021
Love it great read
December 16, 2023
Great read. Ty delivers again!
March 4, 2017
What kind of ending was that?, March 3, 2017
By
Pamela Johnston Ward
This review is from: 80's Baby: When Crack Made Kings (Kindle Edition)
This was a pretty good read. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, there was no stopping until the end. I can't believe that it ended that way. Really Hassan? You didn't have to do Rhae like that. The storyline depicted the effects of crack. It definitely can turn your so called friends into enemies. This book is a must read.
By
Pamela Johnston Ward
This review is from: 80's Baby: When Crack Made Kings (Kindle Edition)
This was a pretty good read. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, there was no stopping until the end. I can't believe that it ended that way. Really Hassan? You didn't have to do Rhae like that. The storyline depicted the effects of crack. It definitely can turn your so called friends into enemies. This book is a must read.
March 30, 2015
Crack most definitely made a king
Yesss Ty!!! You surely didn't disappoint! I must say I loved Hassan's character. He was the true definition of a boss who thought things through and had a strategy to come up. From the beginning I never liked Papo because he was too reckless and thought he was entitled to anything he wanted. Rhae was cool at first but once learning about her occupation I was shocked nonetheless. I felt like she should've kept it real once her feelings got involved. Charlene was one stupid chick. I don't see how she thought a washed up bum would be a come up. And just like always, Papo succeeds at messing things up. Dude just needed to off himself and help those around him. Man I felt so bad for Hassan. He trusted the wrong people and things began getting out of control. Aww!!! I was happy at the end but that little surprise left me saying damn! Hopefully there's more and I can't wait! As always, great job!
Yesss Ty!!! You surely didn't disappoint! I must say I loved Hassan's character. He was the true definition of a boss who thought things through and had a strategy to come up. From the beginning I never liked Papo because he was too reckless and thought he was entitled to anything he wanted. Rhae was cool at first but once learning about her occupation I was shocked nonetheless. I felt like she should've kept it real once her feelings got involved. Charlene was one stupid chick. I don't see how she thought a washed up bum would be a come up. And just like always, Papo succeeds at messing things up. Dude just needed to off himself and help those around him. Man I felt so bad for Hassan. He trusted the wrong people and things began getting out of control. Aww!!! I was happy at the end but that little surprise left me saying damn! Hopefully there's more and I can't wait! As always, great job!
October 16, 2015
All Hail to the 80's Baby
Oh my. This was a page turner. First book I've read by this author and I must he is destined to go far. He has a undeniable talent and a obvious passion for writing. I loved Hassan he was my boo in the book. I was so shocked and mad to find out Rhea was working for the feds. Just wish she had told him maybe the outcome would've been different. I'm glad Papo got what he deserved can't stand his junkie tail. I felt sorry for Charlene between the crack and Papo getting in her head she took a turn for the worst and lost her life in the process. I'm hoping a part 2 is in the shadows. I would love know what happens with Hassan and his son. Smh I so wished things to be different for Rhae once I found out Hassan was still alive. I had a glimpse of hope for a moment smh.
Oh my. This was a page turner. First book I've read by this author and I must he is destined to go far. He has a undeniable talent and a obvious passion for writing. I loved Hassan he was my boo in the book. I was so shocked and mad to find out Rhea was working for the feds. Just wish she had told him maybe the outcome would've been different. I'm glad Papo got what he deserved can't stand his junkie tail. I felt sorry for Charlene between the crack and Papo getting in her head she took a turn for the worst and lost her life in the process. I'm hoping a part 2 is in the shadows. I would love know what happens with Hassan and his son. Smh I so wished things to be different for Rhae once I found out Hassan was still alive. I had a glimpse of hope for a moment smh.
October 18, 2015
This was a good read. I was surprised to find that i enjoyed it seeing as how it has s similar story line to many other urban books. I took off one star because there were a few editing/grammatical errors but they did not take away from the story. This is the story of two childhood friends Hasaan and Papo. Hasaan was the smarter and level headed of the two. He grew up to be a hood legend while Papo was a hot head who's actions landed him in juvie until he turned 18. Once Papo is released the story continues with him and Hassan together again running their hood. I am always pleasantly surprised when the author shocks me with events i didnt see coming. There were a few things i did not see coming, especially the ending. The author hints that there may be a part 2 but in my opinion this book should be a stand alone.
March 28, 2015
this can't be the end
I wasn't sure of what kinda ride I was going to be In for at first .. But as the story went on ty popped a twist in their I didn't see coming I was kinda applauded cause .. He gave no clue to what was gonna happen .. And I love a author that can trick me . Papo just had to go from the first page I knew that for sure .. I wish Hassan and rhae could have had a good chance at love . With that ending I need more and I would most certainly recommend this book
I wasn't sure of what kinda ride I was going to be In for at first .. But as the story went on ty popped a twist in their I didn't see coming I was kinda applauded cause .. He gave no clue to what was gonna happen .. And I love a author that can trick me . Papo just had to go from the first page I knew that for sure .. I wish Hassan and rhae could have had a good chance at love . With that ending I need more and I would most certainly recommend this book
January 12, 2018
Really good book. I'm starting to really like Ty Marshall's books the more I read from him. He has a very different writing style from other urban lit authors. His books have more of an edge. A fast paced, thriller type of story. Not the typical bad boy dope dealer meets not-so-squeaky clean good girl, he cheats, she forgives him & they live happily ever after type of book. So happy for the change. Cuz most books now after reading the prologue you can kinda put 2&2 together and figure out where the book is going. Very good book. A few grammatical errors but nothing major.
March 21, 2015
Treacherous
This story is about two friends. Hassan has it all. Papo is jealous. Crack is the backdrop to their story. Love enters Hassan's life with Rhae. You can't help but root for the two lovebirds. I especially like a good plot twist in a book. This book has it. You can definitely see the growth of this Author from his first book to this one. Keep entertaining us, Ty Marshall, and we will keep reading. I am recommending this book to everyone I know.
This story is about two friends. Hassan has it all. Papo is jealous. Crack is the backdrop to their story. Love enters Hassan's life with Rhae. You can't help but root for the two lovebirds. I especially like a good plot twist in a book. This book has it. You can definitely see the growth of this Author from his first book to this one. Keep entertaining us, Ty Marshall, and we will keep reading. I am recommending this book to everyone I know.
March 19, 2015
Whew!!
What a way to end a book! This is the second book I read by this Author and I swear it's not going to be the last. The book started out good, was a little slow up to 65%, but after that the twists was too much for me. I would recommend this book to others. Ty Marshall keep up the great work.
What a way to end a book! This is the second book I read by this Author and I swear it's not going to be the last. The book started out good, was a little slow up to 65%, but after that the twists was too much for me. I would recommend this book to others. Ty Marshall keep up the great work.
March 26, 2015
What and adrenaline Rush!!!!
From the Prologue you know this story will take you on the best rollercoaster ride EVER!!!! Chapter after chapter scenes after scenes you are hyped and needing to learn and know what happens next. Ty gives you Everything you need action, loyalty, love, betrayal, and good ole street knowledge. This is and was an awesome book.
From the Prologue you know this story will take you on the best rollercoaster ride EVER!!!! Chapter after chapter scenes after scenes you are hyped and needing to learn and know what happens next. Ty gives you Everything you need action, loyalty, love, betrayal, and good ole street knowledge. This is and was an awesome book.
April 16, 2015
This book was GREAT!! AMAZING! An awesome read ! I read this book non-stop! Ty Marshall does a great job telling tales of friendship, love and the ultimate betrayal. Friends no longer share the same bonds as jealousy creeps in and drugs take over!
I highly recommend this book to every reader out there. Just as I was giving up hope here comes Ty Marshall!! Patiently waiting for the next book!
I highly recommend this book to every reader out there. Just as I was giving up hope here comes Ty Marshall!! Patiently waiting for the next book!
October 19, 2015
Wow
Great read! It's true how we call some many people "friends" and not never knowing what their true intentions are. They say the ones closest to use will be the first to knock us down. Definitely a riveting story of love lost and deceit. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing that stopped the flow of the story.
Great read! It's true how we call some many people "friends" and not never knowing what their true intentions are. They say the ones closest to use will be the first to knock us down. Definitely a riveting story of love lost and deceit. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing that stopped the flow of the story.
May 27, 2016
ty Marshall is another author that a lot of readers sleep on his work the book started of kinda slow for me but picked up around middle ways of the book the characters were were well developed and the story line was great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews