Customer Reviews

Riding Rhythm

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An EXCELLENT READ! There was never a slow moment in reading this book -- from start to finish. The story line was one you could believe and imagine all the characters in real life. In my vision, its already a movie with Queen Latifah staring as Rhythm. A Mo' Better View book club selection that we rate A+. The author is a very charming and personable young man.

Jihad surprisd me with this one. Having read STREET LIFE before picking up RIDING RHYTHM, you almost think you know what to expect from him. I was wrong. Using the skills of a seasoned storyteller, Jihad is able to weave together a tale that will capture the attention of his loyal followers as well as draft a few new ones along the way. This book has it all: an unescapable love story, intrigue and the twists that you have come to look forward to. It's true what they say: when you're hot, your hot. And Jihad is quickly riding to the top of the heap.

Rhythm Azure, a young freedom-fighting law student at Howard University, gets caught up in the fight of Moses King, a young activist from Chicago.

From early childhood, Moses marched to the beat of a different drummer; he was always aware of and in tuned to the injustices that plagued people of color. When in his teens he founded The Disciples, one of the largest gangs in Chicago, to help educate underprivileged youth. But as Moses gained recognition, he gained power and he had to be stopped. Bogus murder and rape charges sealed his destiny.

Rhythm first learns of Moses' plight through her college roommate. She started a correspondence with Moses to fight for his freedom, and found in him a kindred spirit. With Rhythm on the outside fighting, and a fellow inmate on the inside educating him, Moses began to rewrite his destiny. As he and Rhythm move towards a committment beyong physical, they encounter corruption and conspiracy involving government officials that threaten to destroy the city. The closer Rhythm gets to the truth the more endangered their lives become. Rhythm seeks help from Chicago's two largest rival street gangs.

RIDING RHYTHM goes beyond street fiction, it is a suspenseful story set in the 70s and 80s. A time when African-Americans were hungry for better communities and Black pride was a commodity. The characters are fierce, but real as they engulf the gamut of human emotions. The writing is refreshing, the pace is fast, and the ending is justifiably climatic. JiHAD takes the reader on an internal roller-coaster ride with a story that will jar the awareness and reinforce the fact that we are not THERE yet. RIDING RHYTHM captivated me.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Jihad has did the two step again with a bunch of fancy word play! Summation = Outstanding! He introduces new characters that are indeed strong leaders with biblical names to further empower their credibility. Meet Moses and Solomon King! Two brothers that are both fueled with the desire to better their people and their community, but have two different ideas of how to do it. As their path separates them, they both become renowned figures in the public eye, but again in different realms. Moses becomes a target of a system that wants to make an example out of him, and in his persecution meets the love of his life, Rhythm Azure. They form a bond of true love that is so refreshing, yet so strong, that the physical can't contain it! This couple gives the old adage 'fight for your love' a new dimension!

Join Jihad as he journeys through the corrupt political system, both local and nationwide while re-introducing you to truths you've heard about, but never really taken the time to consider the what's, why's, how's.... If you want to be challenged and entertained intelluctually, this is the joint for you! Enjoy!

Jihad, my brother, amazing, simply amazing! Major kudo's to you! Thank for taking the time to 'take us there' and not leaving us hanging! Although, personally, I'd like to see you complete the story of Azure and her sister in "Baby Girl"!

Intriguiing, captivating, suspenseful, love story, eye-opener. Jihad has skillfully captured the political and street warfare of the 70s and 80s as black power rises and judicial power suppresses and destroys the black communities. This story reveals that the people have to have faith, be steadfast to withhold what the government throws and plants in the way of progression. Moses King is a King and for the people, but he is caught in the midst of political warfare and has to be de-throwned. His Disciples are strong and when the vision is distorted and split, it divides those close to him. Rhythm being in college is intrigued with Moses and offers to help him get justice. Picasso is true to the form as a brother and friend to Moses, moreso than Solomon who has not contacted his own blood since being back from war and spreading the Word of God. When Moses meets the LAW, he is enlightened to the judicial system and the change of events for his street gang "The Disciples." As the story unfolds, you find that what seems one way is really another and you have to be clever and knowledgeable, have the unshattering faith, be trustworthy and patient so you will be able to move mountains. In war you always have some casualties, but you must believe in the cause if you are willing to die for the cause. Jihad has encircled a life of black people trying to be suppressed, with the skillful power of street smarts, along with book smarts, and of course the Undeniable Faith in the ONly GoD and dreams become reality and visions are clear. You will not be able to figure out the outcome of this tale, you will not be able to know what is on the next page until you get to it. Very well structed and captured true essence of out government and our people. Much Love to Jihad for covering ground that people have forgotten,the corrupt government and the ignorance of people. You will fall for all the characters and be shouting "One free" and talking back as if you are in the book. Solomon, Picasso, Moses, Rhythm, T-Hunt, Momma King, Law... you will feel like part of the family when it concludes, understanding the drug ring, the streets, the government, aw man I forgot another character that is enlightening "Juicy". Go get this book and then tell me what you think. I dare you to read it and write a review.

Riding Rhythm is an intriguingly suspenseful story of the 70s and 80s. It takes you back to a time when African Americans were more Black Power conscious and into bettering the community as a whole--a time when "we" came before "I" or "me"! All of the characters exude this mentality. Rhythm changed her major in college to help a stranger and alter his life path. Moses started a gang and created programs to make a positive impact in his community, all of which the state or government should have started. Solomon in his effort to do the "right" thing built a "mega" church and a massive following long before it was popular to do so. Picasso started a gang and became a drug king out of necessity, knowing that if someone was going to get rich, why not let it be a brother already in the hood. Law was one of the few intellectual brothers, who acquired a "special" knowledge from having time on his hand and books at his reach, while incarcerated and he went on to change the lives and names of many. Richard James was the "typical white" Chicago political figure, who looked clean on the outside, but was dirty to the core. All of these characters intertwined with love, drugs, gangs, prison, law, politics, freedom, injustice, incarceration, guns, knives, races, racism and God made one realistic novel. In Riding Rhythm, Jihad takes the reader on one hell of a ride--fast, furious and full of unexpected turns!