UPRISING: Crips and Bloods Tell the Story of America's Youth In The Crossfire [Hardcover]

Yusuf Jah (Author), Sister Shah'keyah (Author), Ice-t (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 1995

Fourteen gang members from Los Angeles, members of rival gangs the Crips and the Bloods, discuss such subjects as the bonds among gang members, ""gangsta"" rap music, and the possibility of an end to gang violence. 25,000 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Somewhere within this turgid set of street-lingo interviews with L.A. gang members are some interesting anecdotes and words of wisdom: about the importance of decolonizing black minds, of getting out of the "circle" that contains even the likes of Bill Cosby; about using excellence to combat racism; about the importance of black self-help; about how alcohol may be more dangerous than other drugs; about the love and camaraderie that balances more negative gang experiences. But the authors, a husband-and-wife team of independent rap producers, seem to have turned on the tape recorder without providing sufficient context for their tales (e.g., we're not given enough information on the oft-mentioned L.A. gang truce). Nor do they challenge their subjects to explain their often loopy Afrocentrism ("I'm an African that has been kidnapped, living in America," says one). The 14 interviewees, all men, have transcended their pasts to work now for peace; would that their efforts were dignified by journalism, not stenography. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

There's been a truce among black gangs in L.A. since the riots, and a change of heart among certain key individuals, 14 of whom speak their minds in this forceful and arrestingly positive collection of interviews. Jah and Sister Shah'Keyah ask good questions and get solid, well-reasoned, and productive answers from former gang bangers committed to helping channel the energy wasted in gang activities into endeavors that can enrich and empower African American communities laid low by black-on-black violence, drugs, and a virtual cessation of education. Many of these men have survived two decades of destructive gang life, and all have, as Playmate says, "done a 360." Playmate, Red, and all the other articulate spokesmen gathered here explain the magnetism of gangs, deplore the escalation of violence and drug abuse, and describe the revelations that turned them into peace-seeking activists. By emphasizing worthwhile values inherent in gang life--love, loyalty, leadership, and, yes, entrepreneurship--instead of sensationalizing the bloodshed and machismo, Jah, Shah'Keyah, and their courageous interviewees offer hope and viable paths toward change. May they be heard. Donna Seaman

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (November 3, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684804603
• ISBN-13: 978-0684804606
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opening book that informs and inspires., October 14, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: UPRISING: Crips and Bloods Tell the Story of America's Youth In The Crossfire (Hardcover)

This book taught me more about the inner workings of gangs than any newspaper article or magazine piece I have ever read. Finally I have begun to grasp what is truly going on in the hearts and minds of gang members. It is a mind opening book and I encourage all people to read it especially educators.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Uprising..., February 16, 2006

By 

T. Jenkins "Serious" (West of Medical Center, South of Highland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: UPRISING: Crips and Bloods Tell the Story of America's Youth In The Crossfire (Hardcover)

This book promises much and delivers so little. The stories told by some very notable names are all to often filled with fabrication aimed at building up their street legend or neighborhood. Most prominently the account of the crips as told by Jimel Barnes falls into this category. Big Jimel weaves a tale which is so transparently false that it left me wondering if the man was suffering from signs of dementia. In retrospect I suspect it is merely an advanced case of meglomania.

The remainder of the book brings little to the table in terms of substance and meaningful anserws to the problems facing the mutltitude of young men engaged in senseless acts of violence against their own. If you are a thrill seeker or gang groupy looking for alittle direction how real L.A. gang members act and dress then this one is for you. For those seeking true depth and anserws, unfortunately you won't find them here.