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Unsigned Hype: A Novel Paperback – Bargain Price, June 1, 2009

by Booker T. Mattison (Author)

4.8 23 ratings

Tory Tyson may only be in high school, but he knows what he wants out of life--a successful music career. And he's not going to learn about all that at school. So when school lets out next month he's not going back. He's finally ready to stop spinning old records at parties and start laying down his own beats--and the Unsigned Hype music contest is the perfect place to launch his career. But will he be able to handle the fame and fortune he seeks? Grounded in the world of today's urban youth, Unsigned Hype will draw readers in with its fresh voice and true-to-life rendering of the hip-hop world. Booker T. Mattison delivers a story with attitude in the vernacular of the urban teen.

Length

207
Pages
Language

EN
English
Publisher

Revell
Publication date

2009
June 1
Dimensions

8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8
inches
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You are about to enter uncharted Terror Tory . . . I'm Tory Tyson, but you can call me Terror Tory because I bring terror to all producers and DJs. I'm from the hood side of Mount Vernon, which is right next to the Bronx. I'm fifteen and I already met my future wife. I just have to get her to see it that way. Did I mention that my beats and turntable skills are sick? This summer I'll be spinning at a block party in my neighborhood on Friday nights. You should come through. It's going to be hot (pun intended). Me and my partner Fat Mike are going to enter the Unsigned Hype demo contest on New York's Power 97, "the nation's number one station." If we win, my whole life will change. But there's always somebody hatin'. I'm trying to stay focused, but every day it's different drama. Man, I just want to make it . . . "A great story. . . . [Tory's] life, music, and personal situations were stepping-stones to becoming someone great in hip-hop music. That's a beautiful thing."--Pete Rock, legendary hip-hop producer and DJ "This story is long overdue. It shows that even bad neighborhoods can produce good things. Tory keeps it real, but he also keeps it right."--Robert Teitel, producer, Soul Food, Men of Honor, the Barbershop series, Roll Bounce, and Notorious "A story that anyone growing up in the urban landscape can relate to . . . A fresh account . . . of the heart of a young teen wrestling with what it takes to become a man."--DJ Essence, hip-hop producer, DJ, and CEO of Lamp Mode Recordings ". . . flashes strong street cred . . . . Firmly rooted in hip-hop lore, it will have huge appeal for urban teens."--Library Journal Booker T. Mattison is a writer and filmmaker whose films and music videos have aired on Showtime, BET, MTV Europe, the Gospel Music Channel, and TBN. Mattison lives in New York. This is his first novel.

About the Author

Booker T. Mattison is an author and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's The Gilded Six Bits, which aired on Showtime. His films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, the Directors Guild of America, and Harvard University. He has written and directed music videos that have aired on BET, MTV Europe, and the Gospel Music Channel. Mattison's first novel, Unsigned Hype, was published by Baker Publishing Group in June 2009 and is already in its second printing. He is now working on an adult novel. Mattison has taught literary criticism at the College of New Rochelle and film production at Brooklyn College. He received his master of fine arts in film from New York University and his bachelor of science in mass communication from Norfolk State University. He lives in New York with his wife and four children.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003E7EXTU
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (June 1, 2009)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 207 pages
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.8 23 ratings

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Booker T. Mattison

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Booker T. Mattison is an author and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's classic story "The Gilded Six Bits," which aired on Showtime. It starred Chad Coleman ("The Wire," "I Hate My Teenage Daughter"), T'keyah Keymah ("That's So Raven," "Cosby," "In Living Color"), Wendell Pierce ("Treme","The Wire," "Ray") and Novella Nelson ("The Antwone Fisher Story"). The Hollywood Reporter said of the film that, "Mattison's direction and feel for her characters match up to Hurston's sterling piece of fiction. The short is full of atmosphere and strongly developed characters."

Mattison's novel Snitch was published May 1, 2011. Publishers Weekly said that, "Author and filmmaker Mattison's sophomore outing reads like its ready for screen adaptation... Mattison has a superb ear and his skills keep on growing." His debut novel Unsigned Hype was published in June 2009 and is in its third printing. Producer Stephanie Allain Bray ("Hustle and Flow," "Black Snake Moan" and the forthcoming "We the Peeples") is attached to produce the film adaptation of both books.

Mattison received his Master of Fine Arts in film from New York University and his Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Norfolk State University.

Mattison has taught Literary Criticism at the College of New Rochelle in New York, film production at Brooklyn College and Advanced Directing, Screenwritng and Directing Actors at Regent University in Virginia.

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S. E. Brumfield

Outstanding story telling.....

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2009

Verified Purchase

Though "Unsigned Hype" by Booker T. Mattison is considered fiction, any person inside or outside of Hip Hop will be able to relate to this achievement in literature. Terror Tory's journey to success contains many nuggets of wisdom along the way. Excellent examples of the psyche and mindsets of the various ways people view the concept of religion and even the stereo types associated with Christianity are dealt with within the book. But don't get it twisted, this is not a religious book, but rather a work of art that is story telling at it's finest. The inner workings of the Hip Hop culture is covered well (I grew up in the culture). But that's not all, anyone desiring to enter into the marketplace and spread their musical talents would learn quite a few lessons on, "what it takes" to make it and at the same time how to stay grounded. The value of family and excellent "home-training" is also presented STRONG throughout the book. Terror Tory's mom is a testament to the oustanding "Moms" of all races but especially to the mothers within the urban community. I would even venture enough to say, to filmakers like Tyler Perry and Spike Lee who look to bring moral stories from the urban streets to the screen, I wouldn't sleep on this...Booker T Mattison, is here and is bound to provide a wealth of excellent material for years to come.

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SircleMemphis

Thoughtful, Eloquent, Powerful

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2015

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This is my first Booker T. Mattison book and it will not be my last. Mr. Mattison's voice and storytelling capability is unique and powerful. What makes Unsigned Hype so compelling is the ease with which the author is able to convincingly weave hip hop culture and Christianity into a narrative that is eloquent, thoughtful, provocative and most importantly, cool. We all too often lament the state of contemporary American culture and its effect on our youth, and focus on what it is not or how it is lacking. Not only must we offer solutions but they must also be cool. It is imperative and it is that and the ease with which Mr. Mattison writes and conveys his message that make this such an eye-catching read. Looking forward to hearing much, much more from him.

One person found this helpful

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Money Making Mount Vernon

Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2009

Unsigned Hype by Booker T. Mattison is a street novel that grips you from the first page until the very end. With cool, relatable characters such as Terror Tory, Bang Up Black and Boo Boo you feel like this is a tale from your back yard. Growing up in Mount Vernon, Tory lives with his mom and two older brothers and he has inherited his deceased dads' ear for music. From blasting tunes and playing the piano, you name it this brother is spinning the 1s and 2s. Interested in becoming a music producer, Tory helps his friend, Fat Mike, create a demo that lands them a spot in the Unsigned Hype competition.

While Tory is living a dream, Fat Mike is basking in the mini glow this competition has thrown their way. However, when they don't win Mike becomes sour and agitated that Tory, now known as Terror Tory, gets a hook up to make beats and produces some of the local talent. Unsigned Hype is a great read for all, especially today's youth who do not exactly live in the best neighborhoods but still have a dream. Mr. Mattison incorporates religion, morals and caring parents in this urban novel; where everyone feels right at home. This is a feel-good story about our youth and helping them to help themselves.

I recommend this book to readers of all genres and ages and will be passing this one on to my daughter. Unsigned Hype gave me a warm feeling as the story unfolded and walked me through the life of a teen growing up and the challenges as well as obstacles he had to face. Making the right decision is hard especially when you are unsure of your purpose in life. Pick up a copy.

Reviewed by: Cheryl Hayes
APOOO BookClub

One person found this helpful

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Malaika S. Durbin

The Reader

Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2012

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This book was awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed reading how a kid can use his thinking ability for the better and not the worse. It was very well written and the writer takes you into the world of hip hop in your minds eye. Good job Mr. Mattison! Looking forward to many more.

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

Wonderful read, I have wanted it for my library collection.

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2014

good to read

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2015

Nice!

This book deserves some HYPE

Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2011

I loved everything about this book by Booker T. Mattison, award-winning film writer and maker, award-winning novelist, professor and family man.

The story is told through the voice of fifteen-year-old Tory, who has been fatherless since he was a small boy. His dad was murdered while coming home from tutoring a student. Moms had done her best to rear her three sons with good moral values and manners.

Tory inherited his dad's love of music and of being a DJ. He has his dad's old record collection of over 800 discs. When Tory mixes the music for a friend of his who has hopes of being a rapper, they enter a contest and win. However, a big producer picks up Tory but leaves his friend behind.
Tory catapults to instant star status and is surrounded by people with no scruples: sexually promiscuous, drug dealers and users, and those involved in other dangerous activities. It's easy to get taken in when the big money starts coming in and thousands of people are shouting your name.

Moms fears that Tory, screen name Terror Tory, will lose his footing and she enlists the help of Mr. Lord who taught with her husband and attends the same church she does.

Tory is be-smitten by Mr. Lord's daughter, Precious.
"Precious Lord is really her name? You've got to be kidding me."

With Moms' love, the attention and influence from Precious, and the fatherly advice from Mr. Lord, Tory learns the true meaning of integrity and truth.

I wish every teen would read this book ... and their parents too.

Find out more about Tory at [...]

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