Cam'ron and Raheem hail from the notorious Brick City in Newark New Jersey. The two friends grew up eating noodles off of the same fork, now they are primed to eat off the drug game. From the Bricks to the ATL nigga's must bow down or get laid down.
Cam'ron epitomizes the grimy streets of Newark, he's a supreme hustler with a vicious murder game. Cam'ron loves four things: his money, family, his homie, and his boo. Touch either one and you get served, Cam'ron warns the streets. Of course Newark niggas are the grimiest so they don't take heed to Cam'ron's threat, they touch all of the above. Tamika who is Cam'ron's boo makes shit hotter when she sets out to show him that he's not the only hustler checkin for her and she does not have to condone his womanizing. When Tamika gets with a hustler who refuses to let her go back to Cam'ron the consequences get catastrophic for somebody.
Meanwhile, Raheem who is the polar opposite from his man, is quietly putting his G down in the Dirty South. When ATL thugs test Raheem's gun they find out that a quiet storm is the deadliest. Raheem is as gentle with his woman as he is proficient with his murder game. Kayundra, Raheem's shorty has fallen into drug addiction and it has her in a vice grip. Raheem's love for Kayundra never wavers. He helps her beat her addiction and soon she's refocused on her dream of becoming a R&B diva. With Raheem's help Kayundra lands a recording deal and almost overnight she becomes a star. But success comes at a price that threatens to shatter their love. Raheem and Cam'ron go hard for what they want, and they attain it, leaving a lot of bodies along the way. They make many mothers bury their sons and shed tears, but on the road to hood fame and riches they learn that sometimes the enemy strikes back and its your turn to cry.
When the blood and tears stop falling will what Cam'ron and Raheem gained be worth what they both lose?
‘I’m down here dying, begging, crying, somebody oughta pray for me…’
Best friends Cam’Ron and Raheem both grew up in the housing projects, Little Bricks in Newark, New Jersey. Both have hard life tales but despite their situation they have dreams. Raheem seeks a higher education but isn’t above doing what he has to in order to afford a certain lifestyle, with some standards. Cam’Ron, CJ, on the other hand is in it to win it…no holds barred, no one exempt. CJ has wifed up Raheem’s ex, Tamika, with Rah’s blessing and these two are looking to be Bonnie and Clyde, she’s his queen and he’s her king. Their way of living has a way of haunting them in even the simplest transaction as they are constantly having to decide who’s friend and who’s foe.
Thug’s Cry seemed like the average d-boy read but I have to honestly say that CA$H’s suave skills took this to another level of captivation. Charismatic characters intertwined with emotional scenes woo you in hook, line and sinker as you become hypnotized with their truths and consequences. Love, loyalty, honor, family, friendship, and financial motivation are the key factors in this fascinating novel with dynamic personalities. I’ve read other work by CA$H, but this is my favorite. The editing needs work, and the cliffhanging ending are the only vices I can note. Other than that…MAN, you rocked the jello pudding outta this joint! Kudo’s! Magnificente!!!! 4.38****
This book is so different from my other reads. I mean it drew me in from jump. Cj is just so cold hearted now since he came up. I cried for what happened to sparkle. Mika I feel sorry for what happen to her but she shouldn't have played nard like that. Her mama tried to warn her. This was a great book. I recommend you read it!
First and foremost my faith that great authors exist among us is no longer an urban legend. Cash did his thing with this street life tale. Nothing about this read was cookie cutter. As Young Jeezy and Jay Z says, "Its as real as it gets!"
This book is about life as some if not most live in the hood.
There was your intelligent thug Raheem who although was gangsta he was also elevated with a higher calling. He was essentially a good black man. Educated in streets and books and as far as being a devotional lover? Yes to that.
Cj was street official and Rah's best friend. Their loyalty to one another was nothing short of amazing. The way he handled home may have been shady but for the Tamikas of the world. A person can only do what you allow. The way he handled his affairs on the set was the way a boss should. He didn't sleep when it came to handling business. He was cocky in a lot of ways and triffling when it came down to his kids but that's another sad aspect of life.
Sparkle was a beautiful woman with a monkey on her back. Raheem saw that. I pulled for her every step of the way.
I can rant and rave on how much this book has pleasured me but I won't. My only displeasure is that I didn't stumble upon this book when part two was completed. Well I'm waiting on it.
Disclaimer... This is not a read for someone who prefers to view life through rose colored glasses. This is life in rarest form in the city of Newark,NJ.
I have a GET or SH*T list. THIS BOOK IS A GET!! Part II is in the making.
Cash. Your book has just been blazed!!! It is on fiyah!
What started off as your typical "ghetto fabolous" hood story, turned into a solid read for me when the story focused on Rah and Kayundra.
Raheem and Kayundra were childhood sweethearts who were torned apart when Rah was sent to a juvenile home. Kayundra held out hope that upon his release, they would be reunited. But, even the best laid plans sometimes doesn't work out. Instead, upon his release, Rah starts kicking it with Tamika, who later becomes Rah's best friend wifey. After losing Rah to Tamika and later to college in Atlanta, Kayundra turns to an older man who ultimately gets her hooked on cocaine. Kayundra realizes she has hit rock bottom when she propositions Rah for an indescent proposal to cop some drugs. An unfortunate event pulls Rah and Kayundra back together.
With her soulmate back into her life, Kayundra focuses on another one of her dreams-singing. With Rah's help, Kayundra transforms into Sparkle. The demands and pressure of stardom proves too much for Sparkle. Can love conquer all for this couple?
That part of the book had my attention. The other half, yawn! Same hood story. CJ becomes a drug lord almost overnight with the help of a bad cop. He and his crew have the projects and surrounding area on lock. The bigger he gets, the more women he beds and the more people he kill. He neglects Tamika, who is playing her role of wifey well in all of her designer clothes and fly whips. Eventually, Tamika has had enough and leaves. She gets involved with another dude which may leave her dead.
Solid read. I will check out some of Cash's other novels.
Some individuals get the idea that you have to follow their rules, but they do whatever, or whomever they choose, and that was C.J. He started off at the bottom, but he slowly made his way, with the help of some dirty cops, and the closest ones to him. The streets ruled out any type of loyalty and love that he had for his lady. C.J let the money and the women get the best of him, and he thought that love would maybe everything better, but it didn't. He kept putting Tamika in neglectful situations, and whether he knew it or not, he did more damage, than good.
Tamika loved C.J with all her heart, and he knew it. The streets were his weakness, and her weakness was him, and the material things. She was a good woman, however, she lost herself along the way. The loyalty, and love that she gave C.J just wasn't enough, because he wasn't ready. Tamika's only mistake was using men as pawns, when C.J abandoned her. The one mistake that she made, may have cost her her life.
Sparkle, or Keyundrah, needed to love herself, before she loved anyone else, but she didn't. Raheem was her air, her life, her everything, and drugs were her way of dealing with the pain. Just when things were going well for her, the guilt that she carried, made her relapsed, and once again, she lost everything. Now, she felt that she didn't have anyone to live for, so she lost her will to fight, or to survive.
Raheem was everything that C.J wasn't. He wasn't just a street thug, but one with so much potential, with intellect, sensitivity, and drive. He wanted a degree, and he was different from the rest. He didn't use women as toys, or take advantage of them, and his word was bond. He tried to warn C.J, but he didn't preach to him. Raheem loved Keyundrah, he loved her for her, and he loved that she loved him, however, he tried to make her a better woman. He didn't want her to be lost, and he reminded her of what she could be, what she should live for, but he couldn't do the work for her.
This novel reminds you not to mistreat people, and to not take anyone's love for granted. It's a novel that anyone can relate to.
This was a good read! I loved Rah's & Cam Bro-lationship...they reflect what true friendship is. There was never a question of loyalty, even when Cam started creepin with Rah's ex girl Tamika. Rah saw no violation there, plus his love was with Kayundra...Rah was a hustler but he was also book smart, so that lead him to leave "Da Bricks" and take his hustle to college in Atlanta. Where he was making his own way.
Cam on the other hand laid down the law in Jersey and climbed his way to "made" status; all the long Tamika was by his side. With being a made man, the money, hoes, power, and respect came...but so did the disrespect...so when niggas start disrespected, Cam had to show them why he is boss! Boss status doesn't mean everything is golden because he started to forget his humble beginnings, especially the woman whose been there from day 1...
When Tamika finds herself in the arms of a young hustler named Nard, ish goes bad real quick!!!
Get ready for your black dresses and tears, because there will be a whole lot of unsuspected casualties!!
While the story is based on the usual, drug dealing, turf wars, the handsome drug dealer with the pretty girlfriend who likes to shop and get her hair done. This story adds a few more plots and this is why I think the story held my interest more than normal.
Rah and CJ grew up together but their lives go in two different directions. While Rah still dabbles in the street and will still kill if necessary, he goes off to college and CJ stays and continues to run the streets.
Kayundra and Tamika are the same, nothing alike but they have one thing in common they are the loves of Rah and CJ's (respectively) life.
Street lit can become monotonous if the author can't find some way to hold your attention besides selling drugs, sex and murder. Thugs Cry gives you more, dealing with love ones and addictions as well as the usual drama filled issues of outside kids and clashing egos. Cash did a good job of giving me what I want when I read and that is to be entertained and have the story tap into my emotions.
I was completely surprised that this was a full length novel. It kept my attention from page one and I couldn't put the book down! I liked how every character had a story to tell and it was easy to follow. I was really cheering for Cj and Tamika, crying over Rah and Kayundra, and shaking my head at Ma Dukes. Along the way the main characters meet and befriend some interesting people. In the end some of those people just shouldn't have been let in their inner circle! I'm still tripping over the how this book ended! Everything up to that point was gritty, raw truth and believable but eewww I could barely finish reading it! Did Mama have to go like that? I noticed that there's a part two and I'll definitely read it to find out what happens next! Thugs Cry was a good read that kept me on the edge and I can only imagine that when Cj comes home and opens that door not only will thugs cry, but the streets will bleed as his tears fall!
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be my last. I read it bc a member of my bookclub said it was a banger and she was absolutely right. This book was vivid, raw, suspenseful and I felt like I was there through every experience. The relationship btw Rah and "sparkle " had me filled with so many emotions and it was still on my mind after I was done reading. Being from the Newark area I know that every event in this book was realistic and it proved that the street life isn't one to be glorified. I can't wait for part 2
Great read. The characters in this book as are real as they get. CJ & Rah are friends to the end. After Rah gives Sparkle the love she desires from him, she begins the journey of her lifelong dream. While CJ continues to flourish, Rah's life is put on hold for a little while. Tamika & Cj part ways & a new man enters her life. Many deaths occur and life for the thugs will never be the same. Part 2
Thugs Cry is such a great read. I love the story-line and the characters. I loved Raheem and CJ's relationship, it was such a tight bond, it was nothing but loyalty. I love sparkle and how she really wanted to better herself and how Rah was there to support and was not judgmental at all.Tamika loved her some CJ even through all the mess. This book was definitely a page turner and I couldn't wait to read part 2.
This book was Lit! From the beginning to end, this book had me locked in. I'm not a big book series type of reader but this series is one I will definitely binge on. This story flows like watching a movie. You get attached to the characters in such away real emotions start to invade your heart. Definitely want to read more about NardCan't wait to read pt. 2. Awesome read. I will definitely recommend this read.
Thugs Cry is a great read. I love the storyline and the characters. Raheem and CJ's relationship was such a tight bond, it was nothing but loyalty. I love Sparkle and how she really wanted to better herself and how Rah was there to support and was not judgmental. This book was definitely a page turner.
This was my first book to read by Cash and I must say he has a new reader. This book just grabbed you and made you feel like you were right in the middle of it all. So real. If you have never been close to or know anything about THAT life then this book right here showed you it all. Real deep and I'm hooked.
I was hesitant to read this book but I'm glad I did. The flow is smooth and easy to follow. Cash takes you on a wonderful ride in his storytelling. The characters are memorable and you will either cheer them on or dislike them. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This so unexpected of me to miss out a good book. And I'm tell you I was slipping not reading this book. CJ and Rah best friend from Newark Jersey born and raise. The character are alive wire for real had me laughing at times. Mika is crazy over her man CJ. Rah and Kay is a cute couple she coming a long way from drugs but she make it for her him.
This book was definitely a page turner. CJ wanted his cake and eat it to. He got bigheaded and did way too much for Tamika to go bk. Raheem was the good dude but you definitely didn't wanna cross him. I felt so bad for Kayundra only if she was stronger. Nard has lost his everlasting mind. Im about to dive into book 2. I have questions needing answers. Great Job
I discover Cash's books years ago when I first read " Trust No Man" and I've been a fan every since. He can't write fast enough for me, and I hope someday he's free to enjoy and meet his fans.
THIS BOOK WAS A GOOD REAL I HAVE READ A FEW BOOKS BY THIS WRITER AND HIS WRITING IS OFF THE HOOK.THIS BOOK HAVE A LOT OF LIFE LESSONS IN IT I WAS ROOTING FOR SPARKLE@RAH NOW GETTIN READY TO READ PART 2
Okay the in tore me up,, my tears are running like crazy. This book just made me stop showing my people tough love because of her bad drug problem, an help her beat that monster and stay away from that monster. It took me to read a book from Cash to understand the battles of a person on drugs......
This book was off the chain. OMG... I had trouble putting this book down at night. I did not expect that ending. This is an absolute MUST READ. Ca$h never disappoints. Okay, starting Thugs Cry 2...
Loved this. I just started part two, so I'm waiting to see what happens. Ladies I will say it's important to have love & happiness for ourselves so when things in life,relationships,& men don't go right we can survive.
Man this was a very good book! Can't wait for the next book! Definitely a page turner and sitting on the edge of your seat! Loved it! I recommend good read!
Loyalty? Can most claim that they are loyal until the end? I think not. Ca$h blazes the pages of this book with betrayal, lies, rage & anger. He never disappoints. Thanks Ca$h for sharing your gift.