The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

$24.50

 

 

Author: Kevin Chiles and Richard Ray, Esq.

 

The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles chronicles one of the most treacherous periods in New York City’s history.  As told by a man The New York Times once described as, “The biggest drug lord in Harlem since Nicky Barnes,” Chiles lays bare the harrowing exploits of the narcotics trade Uptown during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s — a world where the lust for freebase cocaine set off a veritable gold rush that turned ghetto boys into young millionaires almost overnight. ⁣⁣

“Baseheads” wreaked havoc on the black community.  What’s worse, upper Manhattan became the epicenter of murder and mayhem as drug-related killings pushed the city’s annual death toll well into the thousands.  A teenager at the time, Kevin earned a rep’ as a boss among bosses and, along with a handful of hustlers from his ‘hood, he would directly influence the very music and fashion that ushered in the golden age of hip hop. ⁣⁣
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The crack epidemic parlayed money, power, and respect for Kev but it also took his freedom as well as the lives of close friends and family.  Now, this candid memoir exposes liars, dispels urban myths, and sheds light on an otherwise dark epoch that has bittersweet implications for many today.  Having seen and survived it all, one of America’s most iconic street figures recounts a bygone era of fast cash and high stakes hustling in Harlem.

 

 

Customer Reviews

Based on 426 reviews
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George Washington III (Washington, US)

The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

E
Erick Noblecilla (Brooklyn, US)
Amazing

I’m not from New York and this book took me back in the time and show me how NYC was struggling

W
Willie Coffman (Houston, US)
Great

I like it

R
Rich Jackson (Port Huron, US)
Crack era

Chi-out to KC and the DD movement. Heard your authentic story from there I had to support the movement🩸

T
Tracy Jamison (Jersey City, US)

The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

S
Sherry Franklin (Fountain Inn, US)

I enjoyed the read totally....!!

D
Darrell Nelson (Meriden, US)

Good read

D
David Greene (Philadelphia, US)

The Crack Era: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Kevin Chiles

S
Shirlynn C (Queens, US)

Great and informal book

K
KEITH JONES (Newburgh, US)

Book was very interesting and educational with strong emphasis on life experiences. The mind of a young hustler's journey thru the CRACK ERA. Ups and downs that Kevin had to experience. Lives lost, shattered, and redeemed. Lessons learned about the game itself. A clear message for those who glamour this life style but don't understand the mental, physical, and emotional toll endured as a young blackman. All I can say is read and keep in mind all the lessons learned, good/bad. Especially Kevin's REDEMPTION!

Professor Keith Jones Borough Manhattan Community College