Bling

by Erica Kennedy

One of the hottest, sexiest, and most talked-about novels of 2004 -- now in paperback. Bling is an uninhibited, unputdownable novel about a small-town girl and the music mogul determined to make her a megastar. Taking us inside the glittering world of New York’s hip-hop scene with an unforgettable cast of characters, smart dialogue, and a whole lot of attitude, Erica Kennedy grabs the microphone and makes it clear that she is a major new voice in the popular new genre of urban fiction.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Hip Hop, African American, Music, Romance, Contemporary

449 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Erica Kennedy was an African-American author, blogger, news correspondent, fashion journalist, and singer. Her 2004 novel Bling became a New York Times bestseller. In 2010, she was named to the list of 100 most influential African-Americans, as published by Ebony Magazine and known as the "Ebony Power 100".

Her father died when she was 17 years old. Her mother, Mary Mobley Johnson, was an interior designer. She was raised in Bayside, Queens, with her brother, Kirk Johnson. Kennedy attended Sarah Lawrence College and Oxford University, earning her Bachelors degree in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence in 1992.

Following her college graduation, Kennedy started her career working as a publicist with various top fashion designers including Tommy Hilfiger and Sean Combs. She worked as a special news correspondent for the New York Daily News before writing on fashion and entertainment for Vibe, InStyle, Paper, and Elle UK. She also wrote a popular blog for the Huffington Post.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bingo A Thon: Diverse Rep

I read this book years ago when it was first published. I loved it and I would always recommend it to others. A couple weeks ago I recommended it a friend and she asked me what it was about and I realized I didn't remember anything about it. So I decided to reread it to see if I still loved.

Bling is about a Mimi Jean who is 20 years old and dreams of becoming a singer. Enter Lamont Jackson a music industry heavy weight. He signs her to his label and turns her into a "ghetto fabulous" super star.

But at what cost?

Bling as you can tell from the title was published in 2005 and it shows. The pop culture references and the language was definitely of its time. The word "fag" is used a lot, but this wasnt shocking because that word was very common in Hip Hop of that era. Bling is like a time capsule, it took me back to my high school days. Back when I would listen to my Cash Money and No Limit cd's. I would come home and watch TRL and 106 and Park. It was a different time, there was no Facebook or Twitter. MySpace was all the rage. I remember wanting a BlackBerry so bad but my parents refused to buy me one.

It was good times.

After rereading Bling I still enjoyed it a lot but did I love it?

No.

Do I plan to still recommend it to others?

Yes! But this book is not for everyone.

Bling is fun and fast paced read. The blurb on the back calls it a Hip Hop fairy tale and I agree. Bling is a scandalous, tantalizing and sexy urban contemporary. I'm glad I reread it.

[Che · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read. In whole, the story is about a young woman named Mimi who was discovered by a hip-hop mogul. She quickly becomes his hip-hop princess. (Think of a Mary J. Blige type being discovered by Diddy.) While her life rockets from mediocre to mega-rich, she launches an album and falls in love with the mogul, Lamont. They have a seemingly fairy-book romance. The rest of the book is a mix of characters that weave themselves in and out of their lives and in and out of the music business.

While nothing about the story was profound, it did entertain me. I couldn't honestly recommend this book to anyone. Mainly because it did not leave any reside with me when I finished read it. I didn't care enough about the characters to wonder about their lives when the story was over. I honestly finished this book because I started it, not because it was intriguing. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it, it's just not a story I would ever return to a second time.

[Lulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This did absolutely nothing for me. It was ok...but to be honest I was quite bored from beginning to end.

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun to try to identify who the characters in this book are in the real world of hip hop. Great read, full of the dishy, glam side of the hip hop music industry.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book in order to get away from the history/murder-thriller genres I tend to gravitate to and was presently surprised to find this book was in no way predictable or boring--cliched and silly yes but in a delightful way..We follow a singer as she is forced to choose between her own fame and her childhood friend singing group and her impromptu and eventful relationship with her manager. There are obvious parallels to many R&B divas in the industry, and alot of present day name droppings that make this book read like the Source magazine but really a refreshing story with touches of humor that is easy to read, quick to finish and intriguing enough to make you be glad that you did. Recommended for those who want a fast read with life, laughs and lots of stereotypically lovable media cariactures.

[JACQ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was 16 (2006), and it was amazing. It's an inside look of the music industry, Hip-Hop moguls & NYC, which is basically the mecca of all my dreams. After hearing of Erica Kennedy's untimely death, I decided to pick it back up and now at almost 10-years later: I hated it. The hype that initially lured me to the storyline is now the exact reason it turned me completely off. The clichés, the flat characters, the predictability and unbelievable plots. I finished it with the pace of a slug, and now all I wanna do is nap.

Regardless, I sincerely wish Erica Kennedy was still alive. Even though I'm not feeling the novel this time around, there was no denying she was a talented writer who deserved to shine.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting look at the hip hop lifestyle. Knowing that the author worked for Russell Simmons and Kimora made me suspect different characters and situations were based on real people/real life. Mostly, though, I thought it was inspired by Mariah Carey, with obvious differences. I thought the ending wrapped up a little too neatly, and I got tired of the sex and language. Not that I'm opposed to sex and bad words in books, but they seemed to get really crass in this book. But then, rap songs are crass about sex and this was a book about rappers and rap producers, so I don't know why I should expect something different.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast, fun, pulpy read inspired by the turn-of-the-millennia ghetto fab, ‘bling-bling’ era of hip-hop. Lots of entertainment to be had trying to figure out which executives, artists and other industry figure inspired the characters. The late Kennedy knew her stuff in terms of being able to accurately and authentically chronicle the sometimes over-the-top world of the hip-hop industry but this is, ultimately, fast food: it tastes ok going down but doesn’t provide any real nourishment.

[Tonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like trashy books or the world of hip hop them this book is for you.It read like a Jackie Collins novel,tons of sex suspense and the yummy epilogue!

[Danita Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good eventually.

[Icovington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t remember where I heard about this book; but I remember it being right around the time that the video footage of what happened between Cassie and Diddy was released a few months ago. I put it on hold not really knowing what to expect but in part thinking that it was going to be fun trying to guess who the story’s main characters (Lamont and Mimi) really were.

I borrowed the book from the library as an audio book-it took months to get it. While I didn’t necessarily always enjoy the voice of the narrator (he wasn’t always realistic sounding to me and in one scene he mispronounced a character’s name (Fatima) wrong—it irritated me but that’s a small thing) the story was okay—cute and entertaining though not life changing. It featured a narcissistic, controlling male character and a young naive female character; however, there were a lot of characters to keep track of and sometimes it got a little tricky to keep up. The author did a great job of giving you the back story on each of these people but sometimes it felt like a lot to hold on to as they weren’t main characters per se.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I was entertained; but I didn’t feel any real attachment to any of the characters. I wanted to finish it and move on—I usually grow attached to characters, not wanting the story to end; but in this case, I didn’t mind being done and moving on. Especially since, I don’t believe that there is a sequel unless the author wrote one before she passed.

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really quite sure what I just read. It says it's supposed to be your romance but I didn't see anything that was romantic about this whole situation.
The best part of this book was trying to guess which celebrity she was talking about.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and entertaining. A good escape from the self-help and philosophy books that I typically read. A good time capsule of early 00s hip-hop. Left me feeling a bit nostalgic.

[The Book Jawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not even worth the new hype around it. It was all over the place and I still am not sure exactly what the storyline was.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I was switching back from reading the horrid corniness that is this "Cinderella remix" and blinking my eyes because I would end up reading at least fifty pages in one sitting, I saw that in the very short author bio that Erica Kennedy does have some knowledge about the entertainment media, as she has written for a few magazines that are mentioned in this book. So I Googled her and found out that she died of an unknown cause. That made her interesting enough for me to read up on an interview, where she has stated that it's a "raunchy hip-hop satire".

I'd like to believe that this is a satire: the over-the-top racist names for the characters, the exhausting name-dropping of celebrities, the logical fact that Lamont Jackson no matter how big of a mogul he is in the book could afford everything that was bought in the book, and the weird dialogue exchanged. There is no depth behind her words, and if she was making fun of the hip-hop culture in media, then why did I get a happy ending instead of a punch line?

[Emi Yoshida · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of the rise and rise of singer Mimi Castiglione from obscurity to the ranks of pop music Gliterati. It's like A Star is Born but without drama, character growth, and compelling story arc. Escapism is one thing, but I found this to be cringe- and guilt-inducing. When the multimillionaire father of Mimi's friend Lena, who disparages the hip hop genre "for glorifying criminality, degrading women and broadcasting negative image of African-Americans to the world," he is ignored, disrespected and eye-rolled. In parts offensive to gays and Muslims, Bling features objectification of women and particularly inappropriate treatment of young girls throughout. I just didn't see an upside to reading it.

[Monkeyface · Rating 1 out of 5]

Listened to Bling by Erica Kennedy
One of the hottest, sexiest, and most talked-about novels of 2004 -- now in paperback.Bling is an uninhibited, unputdownable novel about a small-town girl and the music mogul determined to make her a megastar. Taking us inside the glittering world of New York's hip-hop scene with an unforgettable cast of characters, smart dialogue, and a whole lot of attitude, Erica Kennedy grabs the microphone and makes it clear that she is a major new voice in the popular new genre of urban fiction. I give this book 1 star and a one. I didn't like it at all.

[Kennedy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, just when you thought literature could not be any worse than "Iceberg Slim" (only not as well written) here she comes out with this ghetto mess... what a fiasco, she must have been down in the dumps when she wrote this. Who would have thought someone that is so cute as Erica Kennedy would write such trash... I mean trash with a captial "T", what a waste of mine time, I recommend this be put on everyones "DNR"list--- "do not read" girl this has got to go!
For real.

[Amber J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this when it came out like 8 years ago. At the time I thought it was cool because the characters were based on real stars and players in the music industry. But now that I think about it, the story itself wasn't so great.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as ghetto-fab as I expected it to be. I was actually surprised at how interested I was in it and how quickly I read it.

[Roxanne Grantham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find myself rereading this every few years and still no idea why. It's fun candy for the mind at times.

[Carey Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

... on the inside flap at the back of the book, is a picture of the author, smiling, as if she has just realized a dream come true. And was excited to share it. I'm not positive her dream was to write the 2004 New York Times bestseller, Bling, but her smile lets you know she could do anything she wanted. And succeed.

Erica Kennedy is no longer with us; felled in June 2012, her cause of death still a mystery to the public almost 8 years later. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence and attended Oxford. She was the maid of honor at her best friend, Kimora Lee's wedding to Russell Simmons, and wrote for Us Weekly, Vibe, and InStyle (the latter which she cites often in Bling).

For more on the tenor of the book, one need look no further than the last sentence of her "Shout Outs" (Acknowledgments) where Kennedy, after giving thanks to her supporters, heartily proclaims, "And to all da haters, I still got love for ya! (Just kidding - I don't)."

Bling is the story of Lamont and Mimi; at least a portion of their lives, and if you're familiar with Tommy Mottola and Mariah Carey, you have a great foundation for what occurs between Lamont and Mimi: controlling impressario, beautiful, yet naive young singer on her way to being crushed by expectations.

Although predictable, it was difficult to put this over 500 page novel down. Sprinkled with characters (leeches, hangers on, publicists, stylists, rappers, producers, greedy friends and family), fresh from the Source or XXL magazine, it read like a fluff piece - glamorous, exciting and devoid of any substance - empty.

But that's exactly what fluff is ...

Yet somehow Kennedy wields it into a glossy page turner for the grown and sexy fan of hip hop, floss, and Bling.

[Dominique McAlister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean John clad, Lamont, a music mogul from the Marcy Projects, chose Mimi Castiglione, with her wheat colored hair, to be the R&B princess of Triple Large Entertainment. After dropping her group mates, getting a makeover and doing everything she is told, Mimi is catapulted into stardom. She happens to fall in love with Lamont along the way, but it’s like the 21 year old, fatherless love for a man who has made all your dreams come true kind of love.

I am a lamb. You hear me? So, I was overjoyed picturing Mariah Carey as Mimi, with her bedazzled name on the butt of her juicy couture pants, trying to figure out if Lamont (played by Diddy in my head) is the one for her. I wanted Kennedy to give some behind the scenes tea from the “Honey,” music video. Nostalgia aside, I enjoyed playing detective, trying to figure out which characters were modeled after which celebrities. I also liked the different roles and careers each character had, even though they all catered to Lamont.

I thought by the end of the book, I’d have a better idea of who was who, but Lamont could literally be anybody. Tommy Matola, Irv Gotti, Russell Simmons… ANYBODY. But I suspect that was Kennedy’s point, the music industry is filled with manipulative, power hungry, sex crazed men surrounded by yes men and enablers. Also, the story was just kind of over. If Lamont was evil and heartbroken, wouldn’t he try to win Mimi back or stick it to her. She just kinda said nah & that was that.

I only half listened to the epilogue, but i don’t remember her getting with Rashawn or Gemini, or even her former group mates. I’m not sure if she was broke, or not, but her career remaining intact just validated by belief that Kennedy just wanted us to know the music industry comes with a lot of bs.

[Rosalyn Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel offers a breezy escape into the glitzy world of the music industry, but it does have its shortcomings.

"Bling" dedicates a significant portion of its narrative to idolizing a character modeled after Sean "Puffy" Combs. Given Puffy's now tarnished brand and image, this choice feels a bit off-key and dated. The protagonist, a rising mogul in the music scene, becomes embroiled with one of his artists, plotting to control her career and life. This storyline could have been just as effective without leaning so heavily on a real-life figure, especially one whose reputation has since soured.

The plot is fairly predictable, culminating in what can be described as a happy ending. While it doesn't offer any groundbreaking twists or deep introspection, it serves its purpose as an entertaining, no-thought-required read.

If you're in need of a break from heavier literary fare and looking for a light, quick read, "Bling" could be a decent choice. Just don't expect too much depth or originality.

[Ozma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply curious to read this novel, which I had heard exposed Diddy's private life. With Diddy being arrested and eventually put on trial for all sort of naughty and criminal behavior. I thought this book might shed some light and juicy details. It was nearly impossible to find this book. The novelist has passed away (under mysterious circumstances according to some). Used copies can be purchased for $100+ when they are available. I didn't want to spend that much. I thought I found a PDF online, which I was going to read, but, then, a friend of mine was able to ship me a copy that she had found at her library. The novel did have good details and gossip of a hip hop music mogul's life. But it wasn't an expose on Diddy. I do think the main character was probably partially or wholly based on Diddy, but the character does nothing too untoward (certainly not on the level the real Diddy has). But still a fun read and some insight into maybe Diddy, if the character was indeed based on him.

[LaShawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m no quitter, that’s why I finished this book. I don’t like not finishing books. I came across this book via lots of conversation surrounding Diddy. The videos I saw described this book as being loosely based on him and containing things he may not want people to know.

FALSE. It’s just a book exactly as described in the synopsis. By 70% Mimi still hadn’t put out her album. There were a lot of characters to keep track of. So it’s not even that much about music as it is a story without a bunch of excitement. No scandals, no weird sex, no plot whatsoever. This book is just a slow series of events in the lives of a few people with no real plot. It was not worth the hunt for this book or the 15 hour listen 😬

[Kudzai Mhangwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book screams of Sparkle the movie and Lee Daniel's star. A basic rags to riches story centred on a talented bi-racial singer from Ohio. I am a sucker for books which revolve around the music business and Bling was very entertaining. The characters are a bit under-developed and I had difficulty with the language because Kennedy makes use of the thick New York dialect. I also found it a bit too long and the pace rather inconsistent (it started to sped up towards the end). Despite that it was a very entertaining and remember able read.

[Allegedly Yours · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was super hard to come by as it’s not commonly available to purchase online thru consumer websites. i luckily found it on the internet archive to borrow by the hour. i spent three days borrowing and binge reading this book and i didn’t regret a minute.

it was a quick read but only because of how captivated i was from the first chapter. erica was a great writer who gave good depictions of each character and knew how to weave a story to keep you intrigued and gagged by the mess going on in this fictional world. loved it.

[Najay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok. This book is hard to come by. Not available on Amazon or Thirftybooks. I did listen to it on Hoopla (audiobook only).
I read this because the author was friends of the late Kim Porter & Kimora Lee Simmons and supposedly this book revealed fictional stories that we could relate to P Diddy and his recent allegations brought by Cassie. I definitely find it to be a stretch. This book was on more of the mild side of drama.

[Anissa Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mimi is from a small town but she has big dreams. Her & two friends wind up in NY trying to get a recording contract. Their "manager" really has no idea what he's doing & a record label executive finesses Mimi away from him & the other two girls to sweep her to fame. Mimi gets caught up in a lifestyle thanks to the executive. He has her changing her hair & whole image, but she gets used to it.
The story is entertaining thanks to MiMi & a whole slew of supporting characters.