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Unsigned Hype
Tory Tyson may only be in high school, but he knows what he wants out of life--a successful music career. And he's not going to learn about all that at school. So when school lets out next month he's not going back. He's finally ready to stop spinning old records at parties and start laying down his own beats--and the Unsigned Hype music contest is the perfect place to launch his career. But will he be able to handle the fame and fortune he seeks?
Grounded in the world of today's urban youth, Unsigned Hype will draw readers in with its fresh voice and true-to-life rendering of the hip-hop world. Booker T. Mattison delivers a story with attitude in the vernacular of the urban teen.
Grounded in the world of today's urban youth, Unsigned Hype will draw readers in with its fresh voice and true-to-life rendering of the hip-hop world. Booker T. Mattison delivers a story with attitude in the vernacular of the urban teen.
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 5, 2020
I'll be honest. When I agreed to review this book I didn't expect to like it. I mean, what do I have in common with an urban hip-hop artist? A teenage boy, at that! But... the storyline intrigued me so I gave it a try. And I was pleasantly surprised! It was very well-written, great plot, and I loved the adult role models throughout the book that Tory learned from. I highly recommend it!
June 6, 2009
My review:
Unsigned Hype pulled me into the head of a young man who attends an inner city school and is quickly getting recognition for his musical talent. For me the sign of a truly great novel is when the story transports you to a world different than your own. This story does just that. I didn't want to do anything except read this book. And not because it was full of junk, but because it felt real to me. Obviously "keeping it real" doesn't need to include a bunch of trash because a lot can be said without being said. If you are street smart you know what the author means. I think that is the main reason that Unsigned Hype will appeal to urban youth. It doesn't hurt that the author has credibility from his own experiences in life either.
This story clearly shows the slippery slope that one must travel when fame and recognition comes your way. The more naive you are, the harder it is to stay clean. Mr. Mattison did an excellent job showing how teens can still keep their heart right in the midst of temptation and how even the best kids can get hit with the worst knocks if they're in the wrong place at the wrong time or hook up with the wrong people. I loved the young girl in the story, Precious Lord. Yeah, that was her name. Cute, eh? She was great for Tory and so was her father. The strength of family and love from people who have integrity and good character shines brightly throughout this novel. I found it very inspiring when contrasted with the emptiness of what the world pushes at young people. For that Mr. Mattison gets high marks from me! I hope to read the next book in his series. If it's half as good as this one I'm in for a treat!
Unsigned Hype was published by Revell and released in June 2009.
Unsigned Hype pulled me into the head of a young man who attends an inner city school and is quickly getting recognition for his musical talent. For me the sign of a truly great novel is when the story transports you to a world different than your own. This story does just that. I didn't want to do anything except read this book. And not because it was full of junk, but because it felt real to me. Obviously "keeping it real" doesn't need to include a bunch of trash because a lot can be said without being said. If you are street smart you know what the author means. I think that is the main reason that Unsigned Hype will appeal to urban youth. It doesn't hurt that the author has credibility from his own experiences in life either.
This story clearly shows the slippery slope that one must travel when fame and recognition comes your way. The more naive you are, the harder it is to stay clean. Mr. Mattison did an excellent job showing how teens can still keep their heart right in the midst of temptation and how even the best kids can get hit with the worst knocks if they're in the wrong place at the wrong time or hook up with the wrong people. I loved the young girl in the story, Precious Lord. Yeah, that was her name. Cute, eh? She was great for Tory and so was her father. The strength of family and love from people who have integrity and good character shines brightly throughout this novel. I found it very inspiring when contrasted with the emptiness of what the world pushes at young people. For that Mr. Mattison gets high marks from me! I hope to read the next book in his series. If it's half as good as this one I'm in for a treat!
Unsigned Hype was published by Revell and released in June 2009.
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October 3, 2019Unsigned Hype, the first novel of Booker T. Mattison, provides an insight into the hip hop music world through the talents and dreams of fifteen year old Tory Tyson.
Tory, like many urban youths, dreams of fame and fortune. Tory’s music producing ability gets him a spot on Power 97’s Unsigned Hype contest, and the fame and fortune comes to him. Unfortunately, the sudden attention and money also brings problems to Tory’s life. Although Tory grows up without benefit of a father, his mother provides a strong, faith-based upbringing. Conflict occurs when Tory desires to get on with his life in music and decides to drop out of school. Through his journey of utilizing his music talents, Tory meets several people, including the intelligent and pretty Precious, who begin to change his goals. Precious introduces Tory to Christian hip hop style, which opens up a world and thoughts he had not considered.
Filled with street slang surrounding the hip hop music world, the plot of an urban youth who fulfills the dreams of many young man by becoming the next music sensation is appealing and the novel is filled with realism. There is the harshness of broken friendships, the influence of drugs on talent and reputation, and the consequences of going against family values. There is also a large portion of idealism, in that Tory not only lives a life mostly untainted by drugs and gangs, he rises quickly in the music world without too much adversity. It is surprising Tory’s mother allows him to be so actively involved in hip hop style, considering how polar the lyrics and general lifestyle are to a faith-based lifestyle. Tory’s introduction to Christianity through the friendship of Precious and her parents points him in the direction he finds himself drawn towards. The contemporary language and music culture should be appealing to teen readers, and the author’s background in the music industry comes through quite well.
Tory, like many urban youths, dreams of fame and fortune. Tory’s music producing ability gets him a spot on Power 97’s Unsigned Hype contest, and the fame and fortune comes to him. Unfortunately, the sudden attention and money also brings problems to Tory’s life. Although Tory grows up without benefit of a father, his mother provides a strong, faith-based upbringing. Conflict occurs when Tory desires to get on with his life in music and decides to drop out of school. Through his journey of utilizing his music talents, Tory meets several people, including the intelligent and pretty Precious, who begin to change his goals. Precious introduces Tory to Christian hip hop style, which opens up a world and thoughts he had not considered.
Filled with street slang surrounding the hip hop music world, the plot of an urban youth who fulfills the dreams of many young man by becoming the next music sensation is appealing and the novel is filled with realism. There is the harshness of broken friendships, the influence of drugs on talent and reputation, and the consequences of going against family values. There is also a large portion of idealism, in that Tory not only lives a life mostly untainted by drugs and gangs, he rises quickly in the music world without too much adversity. It is surprising Tory’s mother allows him to be so actively involved in hip hop style, considering how polar the lyrics and general lifestyle are to a faith-based lifestyle. Tory’s introduction to Christianity through the friendship of Precious and her parents points him in the direction he finds himself drawn towards. The contemporary language and music culture should be appealing to teen readers, and the author’s background in the music industry comes through quite well.
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June 5, 2014Booker T. Mattison come from his own perspective as a young child who became known for his music. Recently last year he wrote this book "Unsigned Hype" to teach thos who are young like me what they are to look forward to if they become like the protagonist of the story, Terror Torry. He is about the same age as me when he became famous in his neighborhood and school, after he had entered a contest with his friend Fat Mike. His friend had lost the competition but the judge was so impressed that he had invited Torry into his label. This now created trouble for him because ever since he was signed it has been nothing, but trouble as he faced groupies, gangsta, and even people that were so close to him he would have never known their true identities. towards the end of the book he is now on the internet about bein arrested for doing drugs and being the youngest DJ ever to be arrested. It was all a scam though because earlier in the book he had witnessed a drug deal by the same guys who gave him his chance to shine on the street, also his best friend since kindergarten. Torry then got the chance to headline a JAmfest where his name was recognized by every rapper and singer we know today. Troubles turns up as he is in the middle of his performance as he is shot by his best friend since kindergarten because Torry told the truth about the drug deal. Reluctantly, Torry was saved because as he was being shot he held a record up and didnt even notice. The record stopped the bullet from actually go inside Torry but he was still hurt b the glass shards. Torry now continues the music buisness, but with more behind him such as: his mother, father's bestfriend, his future wife, and his partner.
November 21, 2014
I was impressed by how balanced this book is. The underlying pro-Christian message is subtle enough that I didn't feel preached at, although some of the sessions between the protagonist, Tory, and his father-figure mentor were a little sermon-y. Still, it would be hard to convey a message without being somewhat overt. At the same time, it seemed (based on my very limited knowledge) like an accurate depiction of the hip hop recording industry and of Tory's creative process as he puts together samples of different sounds. So that's two worlds I'm not involved in that I didn't have to be an insider to appreciate.
I'm curious what teens will think. If they're into hip hop but not religion will Tory seem too goody-two-shoes? I hope not because the character really struck me as someone who's figuring things out, who has some good ideas but is making new discoveries all the time, and that seems like a good thing to be. Is it too unbelievable that he'd become such a huge success at such a young age? I don't think so--he's not the first and you need to have this level of success to really explore the downsides that come with it. His friends from the hood think he thinks he's better than they are and another rising star is an example of all he doesn't want to become (groupies, drugs, etc.). My biggest complaint is that I would have liked to see the relationship with his erstwhile best friend developed more--he's fairly peripheral and best guy friends seem to be key players in your life at this age.
There's a related website where users can comment and ask questions and get advice from the author.
I'm curious what teens will think. If they're into hip hop but not religion will Tory seem too goody-two-shoes? I hope not because the character really struck me as someone who's figuring things out, who has some good ideas but is making new discoveries all the time, and that seems like a good thing to be. Is it too unbelievable that he'd become such a huge success at such a young age? I don't think so--he's not the first and you need to have this level of success to really explore the downsides that come with it. His friends from the hood think he thinks he's better than they are and another rising star is an example of all he doesn't want to become (groupies, drugs, etc.). My biggest complaint is that I would have liked to see the relationship with his erstwhile best friend developed more--he's fairly peripheral and best guy friends seem to be key players in your life at this age.
There's a related website where users can comment and ask questions and get advice from the author.
September 4, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Booker T. Mattison in person and his charm shines through his writing. Unsigned Hype was one of the most hilarious, family orientated, and realist novels I have read this year and that’s speaking from a lot of books I have read. Mattison wrote with such ease to me and the dialogue seemed the most natural out of any other writer I have read. I felt as if the characters were real people and I was reading a letter written directly to me. The story line consists of a teen boy named Tory who has the musical talents that is rare among those in the industry today. He has the talent to develop great music and he was also a talented DJ. His journey to success in producing music was not a fairy tale and in this book you witness the realism of success. What glitters ain’t always gold. This book comes from a Christian stand point but I honestly didn’t realize that I was getting a biblical lesson; it’s just not that obvious. Which is a good thing because I dislike books that are preachy. Mattison wrote this book in such a way it was so entertaining, real, and came from the streets that you have no idea that it will teach you some life lessons.
This book is for all ages and it will be one I will keep in my collection and never forget.
Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Reviewer
This book is for all ages and it will be one I will keep in my collection and never forget.
Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Reviewer
October 14, 2013
This Young Adult street novel by Booker T. Mattison grips you from the first page until the very end. He does an excellent job describing urban life in Mount Vernon and the surrounding boroughs in NYC. With characters such as Terror Tory, Bang up Black and Boo Boo you feel like this story is from your own back yard if you grew up in an urban environment. The story is told through the voice of 15 year old Tory, who has been fatherless since he was a small boy. His dad was murdered while coming home from tutoring a student. His mom has done her best to raise her 3 sons with good moral values and manners. Tory inherited his dad's love of music and of being a DJ.
I recommend this book to readers of all genres and ages so you can see through the eyes of a teen what it can be like growing up and the challenges as well as obstacles that have to be faced. Making the right decision is hard, especially when you are unsure of your purpose in life - like with main character.
Mom fears that Tory, screen name Terror Tory, will lose his footing and she enlists the help of Mr. Lord who taught with her husband and attends the same church she does. Tory has a crush on Mr. Lord's daughter, Precious. Yes, Precious Lord is her name :
Mattison does an Excellent job of making the story engaging about life's choices and the subsequent ramifications.
I recommend this book to readers of all genres and ages so you can see through the eyes of a teen what it can be like growing up and the challenges as well as obstacles that have to be faced. Making the right decision is hard, especially when you are unsure of your purpose in life - like with main character.
Mom fears that Tory, screen name Terror Tory, will lose his footing and she enlists the help of Mr. Lord who taught with her husband and attends the same church she does. Tory has a crush on Mr. Lord's daughter, Precious. Yes, Precious Lord is her name :
Mattison does an Excellent job of making the story engaging about life's choices and the subsequent ramifications.
November 20, 2014
The book Unsigned Hype starts off with a high school student name Tory and knows he wants a successful career in music. He thinks school will not teach him that so he wants to drop out. So the school year is almost over and he wont return. Tory spins at local block parties and get togethers. All he wants is to get a record deal as a rap music producer. He then gets a chance to be on magic mikes show and play beats. Everybody is showing him all this attention some bad and good. But, his family and his friend precious only treated him the same. Soon he gets real big and his old friend boo boo shoots him because he was jealous of how big Tory got. After Tory will return to school so he can make his mother proud.
The book was very appealing to me because how the whole conclusion of the story cam out. The plot was very interesting it made me keep wanting to read more and more. The word selection was a little off but at times descriptive words was on point. That characters felt more real to many then any other book.
Overall Unsigned Hype was great and engaging. I would recommend this book to teens because teenagers would get more of a sense of their self's in the book. Its a very impressive book.
The book was very appealing to me because how the whole conclusion of the story cam out. The plot was very interesting it made me keep wanting to read more and more. The word selection was a little off but at times descriptive words was on point. That characters felt more real to many then any other book.
Overall Unsigned Hype was great and engaging. I would recommend this book to teens because teenagers would get more of a sense of their self's in the book. Its a very impressive book.
July 29, 2009
I started this book not sure what I was getting myself into. I'm not into hip-hop; the vernacular was unfamiliar, and the city life described was totally different than anything I've experienced.
Pretty soon I was hooked, though. And I would highly recommend it for Christian teens, but even more for any teens who might need convincing that God is real.
There is much to like. First, the educational factor - I feel like I've learned a whole new vocabulary and music genre.
And the book is engaging. It keeps moving and grabbing the reader's attention.
There is play on names. Terror Tory's name, for starters, gets used in all kinds of creative ways. And the main girl of the story was named Precious Lord. (Reminds me not only of the song, but also of Precious, a Zimbabwean lady who worked for us in Mozambique...)
It is down to earth. It doesn't create some idyllic view of Christians having all the answers.
It may be a little idealistic in that most kids reading this will never be famous artists by the age of 15. But the storyline clearly shows that even achieving our dreams will leave us still searching if God is not a part of our lives.
Pretty soon I was hooked, though. And I would highly recommend it for Christian teens, but even more for any teens who might need convincing that God is real.
There is much to like. First, the educational factor - I feel like I've learned a whole new vocabulary and music genre.
And the book is engaging. It keeps moving and grabbing the reader's attention.
There is play on names. Terror Tory's name, for starters, gets used in all kinds of creative ways. And the main girl of the story was named Precious Lord. (Reminds me not only of the song, but also of Precious, a Zimbabwean lady who worked for us in Mozambique...)
It is down to earth. It doesn't create some idyllic view of Christians having all the answers.
It may be a little idealistic in that most kids reading this will never be famous artists by the age of 15. But the storyline clearly shows that even achieving our dreams will leave us still searching if God is not a part of our lives.
April 3, 2011
A Language Arts teacher at my school recommended this title. She is awesome about recommending titles, especially urban lit titles appropriate for our middle school library. I enjoyed this book. The main character is 15 year old Terror Tory who mixes amazing hip hop beats in Mount Vernon and wins a radio contest. Along with the excitement of gaining fame through the radio contest, Tory has to learn how to deal with everything else that comes along with it. I really like how Tory is encouraged to think about integrity, character, absolute trait and has discussions about religion. The author Booker T. Mattison met with the same Language Arts teacher that recommended this title and a small group of her students on Skype last week. He was very nice and provided the students with detailed answers about his book & writings. He said the plans are for this title to be part of a trilogy. I look forward to recommending this title to students.
August 14, 2009
This book would be enjoyed more by a middle schooler than by a retired educator, like me. Knowing nothing about hip-hop and not being Christian did not deter me from finding the book compelling and its protagonist, 15-year-old "Terror Tory" a sympathetic character. The author attempts not to preach, but his message of good values are communicated loud and clear in the form of family, God and integrity. I wish the author had not been so ambitious in taking the bible literally. In the end, the don't know if kids will be able, as Tory is "to rap with the big guy." If they have read the book carefully, they should to able to think critically about their own values. I'm sending the book over to an English teacher in middle school who is trying to build his library. Marrison's book should be a welcomed addition.
November 4, 2015
The book was pretty graphic, in terms of character's goals. The four stars are justified in the fact that the setting and viewpoints for the author is inspirational, yet not perfect. The author caused me to realize that having a goal and acting on it is a big step, which may not be the right step. The main character's family and friends, in the peek of Troy's fame is a real situation that many people experience today.
The main character, Tory Tyson, is the overall "real-life" musical student who wants to reach a goal of a music deal. He helped shape the story as a moral of "go for it, but be careful." He has a horrible turning point at the peek of his fame and temporarily changes his plans for a musical career.
The main character, Tory Tyson, is the overall "real-life" musical student who wants to reach a goal of a music deal. He helped shape the story as a moral of "go for it, but be careful." He has a horrible turning point at the peek of his fame and temporarily changes his plans for a musical career.
July 21, 2009
I really enjoyed Booker T. Mattison's debut novel, Unsigned Hype. The story follows Tory Tyson, an up and coming teenage music producer making his way in the rap game. Throughout the story, Tory is faced with many moral and ethical decisions that revolve upon his new found fame. Mattison does a nice job of subtly weaving Christian elements into a very well written and interesting coming of age story.
I would most definitely recommend this book to any young man or woman who is interested in the hip hop industry and is looking for a little spiritual enlightenment. It is an easy read that is both fast-paced and interesting.
I would most definitely recommend this book to any young man or woman who is interested in the hip hop industry and is looking for a little spiritual enlightenment. It is an easy read that is both fast-paced and interesting.
July 12, 2009
Meet Tory Tyson, mix-master, and really good at age 15. Tory has a summer filled with wonderful opportunities and dangerous incidents. This Christian-based story is written very well without preachiness. You are really rooting for Tory and hope that things come out good for him, as well as wanting him to learn some very life-changing lessons.
Well written and keeps you very involved. Would definitely recommend this, especially to young people who have their heads in the stars.
Well written and keeps you very involved. Would definitely recommend this, especially to young people who have their heads in the stars.
March 16, 2012
Recommended by an English teacher, this book made me think...what is my worldview, what is absolute truth? Oddly enough those same things were brought up at a 'talk' by Ravi Zacharias. The beginning was a little stereotypical, but as I read on it made me think. A good read for teenagers to get them thinking, and adults to understand teenagers.
February 2, 2013
This is a nice coming-of-age story. I like the values and morals (and ironies) Booker T. Mattison weaves through his stories. He doesn't discount the tough realities faced by his characters and thus his "message" doesn't seem preachy.
January 9, 2010
Loved this look at an inner city boys journey to find his dream, and he got more than he bargined for. Loved the tone of his jargon.
April 28, 2011
Too much technical jargon about mixing sounds, etc. for me. I found this story disjointed and really did not want to read it!
January 8, 2012
Very surprised. Love the positive, Christian message in a book about an up and coming hip hop star. Definitely will include in my school library's collection. No profanity!
July 10, 2012
Wow. Mattison blended hip hop, "street" culture, Christianity, and character into a relatively short novel. It is a SC Young Adult Book Award nominee for 20111-2012.
January 28, 2014
predictable rap wannabee on the mean streets trying to make it.
May 8, 2013
Booker T. Mattison is a great author and this book is AWESOME!
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