Customer Reviews

Thug Politics

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dutch's latest novel finds Maurice Sebastian at the crux of doing what no hustler has done before. As mayor of Newark, New Jersey, he has the power to make and break the rules.

THUG POLITICS will have readers burning through page after page. Riveting, bold and gritty, Dutch does it again. This book was a real treat. I have nothing but respect for his pen game.

Also by Dutch (Kwame Teague)
Dutch: The First of a Trilogy (Dutch Trilogy)
Dutch II: Angel's Revenge (Dutch Trilogy)
Dutch: The Finale (Dutch Trilogy
The Adventures of Ghetto Sam and the Glory of My Demise

THUG POLITICS IS DEFINITELY A MUST READ. DUTCH HAD DONE THE UNTHINKABLE AGAIN...CREATED A HOT HOT STORY! MONEY (MO) SEBASTIAN STARTING FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, EDUCATING HIMSELF WITH BOTH BOOK AND STREET KNOWLEDGE, RUNS FOR MAYOR OF NEWARK WITH THE STREETS BACKING HIM AND WINS! TEAMED UP WITH THE STREET KING HIMSELF, MEL KWAN AND HIS COUSIN BRUISER DUTCH CAPTURES A STORY THAT DEALS WITH STREET THUG LIFE AND POLITICS AND TOGETHER GIVES THE PEOPLE OF NEWARK WHAT THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN LOOKING FOR...A SAFE CITY! THIS IS DEFINITELY A PAGE TURNER THAT YOU CAN'T STOP UNTIL YOU'RE AT THE VERY END. DUTCH HAS A GIFT AS A WRITER LIKE UNSPOKEN WORDS. THIS ESSENCE BEST SELLING AUTHOR IS SURELY ON HIS WAY AGAIN FOR ONE MORE!!!!!!

What do you get when you mix murder, sex, corrupt politics , betrayal & mayhem?

THUG POLITICS!

Dutch has done it again with another banger! Dutch pulls you in from begining to end. The pages damn near burned my fingers because the book is just that hot! If you want to read "the truth" then I suggest that you cop Thug Politics.

Dutch has done it AGAIN!!!!! A storyline like no other. The character traits are so realistic. The only predictable thing about this novel is you know, because of the author, it will be a page turner. Congradulations Kwame! Keep'em coming.

Imagine a little boy from Bermuda traumatized by the murder of both his parents and in the same night being sent to live with his family in the states, having to learn that the same diplomacy wasn't exactly welcomed in the mean, gritty streets of Newark. Imagine that same little boy, always finding a way to be prosperous through education, determination and his street affiliations to help inspire and encourage his run for mayor. Newark, New Jersey being ran like the streets, who would've thought it? Instead of inciting riots, mayhem and ruckus, enemies uniting while keeping crime low, making it safe for everyone and raising morale. Nope, that can't be happening, can it?

Immigrant Maurice "Mo" Sebastian not only dreamed about it, but he made it happen. While every other hustler contemplates being the man, changing the game and winning against all odds, Mo, Mel Kwon and Bruiser did it. But what happens when everyone's shine isn't as recognizable? Greed breeds hate and envy. Will love, power and money prove to be the crucial ruin to this thug utopia?

`Thug Politics' written by Dutch is a rag to riches story told in Machiavellian proportions. Even when you know that it's wrong, you're still thrilled by the righteous deeds. Book number two by Tru Publishing is truly giving the people what they want! Looking forward to what's next.

4.5 stars

Dutch never disappoints, Essence best seller for a reason! I finished the book in under a week, it was a great read and I just couldn't put it down! I enjoy all of Kwame's work and look forward to reading whatever it is that he has coming next...Thug Politics was definitely a page turner and very realistic! You could see the characters in your mind as you're reading...I would definitely recommend.

"We can get money longer than Pippens' arms" is what Maurice Sebastian a.k.a. Money Mo tried to explain to Mel Kwon and his closest and only living relative Bruiser a.k.a. Larry when he presented them with his plan to become Mayor of Newark, NJ. "If we just stick together like Jordan and the Bulls did, we won't end up like Shaq and Kobe did with the Lakers."

Maurice realized he had to either swim or drown in the mean streets of Newark NJ. He is sent there as a young boy to live with his aunt and cousin after witnessing his parent's assassination. He keeps his father's voice in his mind and heart and uses that determination to make him into the best man he knows how to be.

Larry a.k.a. Bruiser has been in and out of prison all his life. However, once his skinny timid cousin with the funny accent moved in with him and his mom, he knew he had to protect him by any means necessary. With Bruiser going to jail for 5 years. Maurice was left with his new found enemy-turned-friend Mel Kwon to survive without Bruiser. Maurice comes up with a plan for Mel Kwon to loan him the money to start promoting parties. Once their business takes off, Maurice invests in stocks, continues to go to college and ultimately decides that he wants to be mayor of Newark. "If we all just play our parts we can't lose." Maurice has a chance meeting with Queen Diva, the hottest female rapper in the game and is instantly drawn to her. He uses her rap status as a ladder to get his name out there and generate a following. Maurice falls for the Queen and doesn't realize how their relationship can ruin the best team he has ever played for.

With the whole city of Newark backing him, there is no way the "thug mayor" can lose. Maurice promises more jobs, safer streets, a better school system and a police force you can trust. He delivers all of this and more to the community; but unbeknownst to all, Maurice is not the straight up mayor they think he is. With skill and determination, he makes it work for awhile. But it all unravels right before their eyes, and there's nothing they can seem to do it about. With male pride in the way, it's too late to save the game. The buzzer is on zero, and...Sorry...you have to read the book to find out who missed the winning shot.

I must say I was very pleased with the story Dutch has delivered. After reading and being disappointed with Dutch 3, I was a bit skeptical of Thug Politics. I must say that it was a quick and enjoyable read. Regardless of what wrong that Maurice was doing, his personality outweighed it all. People love to judge a person by what they think is going on. Maurice didn't let anything negative that anyone said affect him. He continued to try his best at taking care of the community...no matter how wrong it was. To him, the means justified the end.

Reviewed by Angie
for Urban Reviews

Maurice "Mo" Sebastian learned the treacherous side of politics at an early age in his homeland of Bermuda. The lesson would never be lost and it would be used to motivate him as a teenager growing up in Newark, New Jersey. Intelligent enough to maneuver through the streets and the classrooms Maurice managed to put himself through college while becoming a party promoter. Although it afforded him a luxurious lifestyle it was just a platform to help him attain his real goal of becoming mayor of Newark.

The media scoffed him, he was labeled the Thug Politician for his ties to the drug dealers and the Hip-Hop Hopeful for his relationship with the rap community. But underestimating "Money Mo" left the politicians unprepared for his take over, and take over he did! Brick City became a gangsta's paradise with the streets finally getting it's due. Everybody knows that politics are a dirty game but with Mo's street ties and newly gained political power he was able to turn naughty Newark into a city that everyone would come to emulate. But how long could the streets and city hall co-exist?

Dutch aka Kwame Teague has penned an urban classic with Thug Politics, taking a hood tale in a totally new direction. Thug Politics manages to maintain it's griminess and a political plot-line. A plot-line that not only contains murder and mayhem but showcases Mr. Teague's literary prowess that readers that missed out on his first novel The Adventures of Ghetto Sam and the Glory of My Demise might need to become acquainted with!!!

Dutch takes us to Bermuda for the history lesson of Maurice "Money Mo" Sebastian. His father was a strong black man who fought for the rights of blacks. His mother was originally from Camden, New Jersey. On one tragic day, Maurice witnesses the death of both of parents to a traitor for the cause. The traitor made it his business to make sure Maurice was safe and smuggled him into Newark, New Jersey to be with an Aunt. After moving with his aunt and cousin Bruiser the games begin. After getting the crew together Maurice's side hustle was promoting parties where he gets the nick-name Money Mo, Bruiser is the muscle and Mel Kwon the nickel and dime drug dealer. Even though Mel Kwon is from a different hood by H.S. they are thick as thieves.

When Maurice grows up he will reflect back on some of the lesson his father taught him. Remembering quotes like"When a man is right, there is nothing to fear","this country was built on the on the backs of our people. Every Brick", "Every man should control his own destiny and the black man is no different". When he decides to run for Mayor of Newark, the media takes him as a joke and names him Thug mayor and the name sticks. Still keeping his connection; with his childhood friends brings up many accusations, see how he handles himself when the tough questions are ask. This is where the story gets real interesting. Maurice is a hustler, smooth operator, flashy, no nonsense type of guy and quite the ladies man.

Author Dutch takes us to the bricks where a book smart, hood hustler, friend to some of the most notorious hood gangster around can achieve the dream of being the head N*gger in charge. Dutch puts his pen game down and us a story that is told in a way had me question is this a true story? Dutch aka Kwame Teague keep up the great work. Tru publishing is putting out quality work that us readers can appreciate.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4.5 star rating

The promise of potential for a gangster's paradise. Maurice Sebastian was born in Bermuda, but raised via the way of the bricks also known as Newark, NJ. Maurice lost his father and his mother at a young age. After his parents' death, Maurice comes upon a new life in Newark. Maurice does not have the heart of the battle that they have in Newark, but he knows one thing and that is he wants to be a self made man, a man he knew his father would be proud of.
Bruiser is Maurice's cousin and their relationship will grow into a brotherhood that can't be broken, or can it? Mel Kwon is the hustler of the group. He was born into a family of hustlers . Keisha aka Queen Diva will eventually come face to face with Mr. Sebastian.
Maurice comes to grips that he wants to be the mayor of the bricks. He figures that running for mayor is no different from throwing a party. In the world of politics they have their parties too and they are called delegates, incumbents, etc. Maurice just wants to take over the streets of Newark as mayor. As far as Maurice is concerned, fear and respect will run the streets while his love ran the city. Maurice's goal is to revitalize a city that comes from a conservative policy. Newark is clamoring for change and Maurice wants to be the man that can bring it. Maurice isn't about war, he is about peace. In the end you will be asking yourself the following question, who really is more gangsta, the street nigguhs or the politicians? Is it all about the battle of exterior vs. interior?
The reality of the story is the following: we can no longer tell the difference from the police to the criminals. Maurice will create the game, determine the game, and end it when it's all said and done. Thug Politics written by Dutch was a great read. It had drama, comedy, and action. The setup for Thug Politics is different because he doesn't break the book up chapter by chapter. He walks you through every step of Maurice's life. He starts with the history where it all begins for Maurice and takes you on a journey in the book where the end justifies the means. Dutch will have you caught up in the street game of Thug Politics where nobody wins. On a rating from 1 to 5, I give Dutch a 5 because the book kept my attention. I learned last night after reading Thug Politics that Wu Tang said it best "Cash Rules Everything Around Me" even in the world of Thug Politics.