Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Three teenagers in 1998 Brooklyn discover their murdered friend Steph was secretly recording hip-hop tracks before his death. The group - Steph's sister Jasmine, his best friend Quadir, and their friend Jarrell - develop a plan to share his music with the world while keeping his death hidden. They create a fake identity and backstory for Steph as an enigmatic new rapper, working to promote his tracks through underground channels and local radio. As the music gains attention, the three friends must navigate complex challenges to maintain the illusion while searching for answers about Steph's murder. Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn's late-90s hip-hop scene, the story follows the trio's efforts to honor their friend's legacy while confronting grief, deception, and danger. The narrative moves between past and present, revealing the relationships and events that shaped their lives before and after Steph's death. The novel examines themes of loyalty, truth, and the power of art to transcend death. Through its exploration of music, friendship, and justice, the story raises questions about how far someone might go to protect both the living and the dead.

Readers highlight the authentic portrayal of 1990s Brooklyn and hip-hop culture, with many noting the detailed musical references and slang that transport them to that era. The friendship dynamic between the three main characters resonates with readers, who praise their distinct personalities and motivations. Positives: - Strong character development and dialogue - Historical accuracy of the time period - Integration of music lyrics and hip-hop references - Pacing and plot twists Negatives: - Some readers found the mystery aspect predictable - A few mentioned difficulty following the multiple timelines - Several noted the slang and cultural references could be challenging for readers unfamiliar with 90s hip-hop Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (230+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (40+ ratings) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "The way Jackson weaves music throughout the story makes it feel like a soundtrack is playing in your head as you read."

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🎵 Author Tiffany D. Jackson worked as a TV executive before becoming a writer, including time at Nickelodeon and TVOne. 📀 The book's 1990s Brooklyn hip-hop setting was inspired by Jackson's own experiences growing up in the borough during that era. 🎤 The novel includes original rap lyrics written by Malik "Malik-16" Sharif, who collaborated with Jackson to create authentic musical content for the story. 🏆 The book was named one of Paste Magazine's "Best Young Adult Novels of 2019" and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. 💿 The story pays homage to real 1990s hip-hop artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and incorporates actual historical events from Brooklyn's music scene of that period.