How to Hustle and Win: A Survival Guide for the Ghetto

How to Hustle and Win #1

by Supreme Understanding

Likened to a 48 Laws of Power for young Black men, this book presents Black biographies, history, and current events in a language that the Hip-Hop generation will understand and relate to. Each story or essay is framed within the context of a life lesson, each one being of vital importance to the survival, redemption, and ultimate success of our dying Black generation. Both the positive and negative sides of the Black experience are explored in detail, from the lives of infamous drug dealers and pimps to the exploits of Black revolutionaries and activists. In addition, several How To sections outline simple strategies for self-development. Packed with useful information, from the best way to handle confrontations with police, to the continuing relevance of the 1919 race riots, this book has been compared to an urban Encyclopedia Africana. Others have called it a Blueprint for Black Power for a generation struggling with materialism and short attention spans. This book is guaranteed to change the world by changing the way millions of people think and live. In How to Hustle and Win, author Supreme Understanding tells, in often graphic detail, stories like that of the infamous Philadelphia Black Mafia, Harlem's heroin kingpin Frank Lucas, and former gang leader Stanley "Tookie" Williams. In between and throughout these tales, he weaves life lessons and guidance, turning sordid stories of crime and urban despair into an educational experience. Whereas Robert Greene's bestselling 48 Laws of Power used iconic figures from classical history to illustrate the guidelines for personal success, How to Hustle and Win is filled with the exploits of rappers, gangsters, radicals, and revolutionaries. This is a new kind of Black history book, and its intent is the motivation and achievement of a new kind of reader. Although today's literary market has seen an influx of self-help books attending to a variety of issues, few books have attempted to address the concerns of young Black men, struggling to find direction. It is this group that author Supreme Understanding names as one of most troubled demographics in American society today. On the book's website, the author "Unfortunately, few authors actively target this audience, and those who do are either not speaking their language, or not interested in pushing for change. This is why How to Hustle and Win was written. This book will change the minds of millions of young men of color, and by doing this, it will ultimately change the world." Revolutionary aspirations aside, How to Hustle and Win's groundbreaking concept results in a truly appealing work. Its essays are delivered in short bursts, none of them over four pages long, making it ideal for struggling readers and those with shorter attention spans. At the same time, the book is filled with a wealth of information that would enlighten educated readers equally. In fact, the author juxtaposes his own personal tales of early delinquency and misdirection with his later years of professional success, including obtaining a doctorate in education at the age of 26.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Reference, Philosophy, Inspirational, Entrepreneurship

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2008

Reviews

[Arnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I ever read. It opened my eyes of my personal character and development. It's not for everybody but it tells the truth of the way the majority of our world looks at things from a world point of view. Just to keep it simple. If you are from the streets or you claim you are from the streets. This is a good book for you. It will make you consciously aware of whats happening around you. We are in a constant cycle of oppresion that we cannot recognize. You have to look from outside the box and see what Supreme Understanding is telling you. This book is like a crash course of history and current events within the Hip Hop community. Don't get angry if you see alot of yourself in this book because Supreme Understanding is not going to sugar coat it for you, but if you can take constructive criticism, it may change you or at least make you consciously aware of whats happening.

[Zharriay · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. Can relate to , gained knowledge about self, learned tactics to help my community. This is a book you must past down to everyone in your circle. This is a book of knowledge that all must know. This is important to have in your bookshelf.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons in the Game

What makes Supreme Understanding qualified to write a book entitled "How to Hustle and Win"? He has robbed people, bought, sold and used drugs, been arrested and gone to jail. He's been a rapper, a spoken word artist, owned a million dollars worth of real estate by age 24. He graduated from college with honors and got his doctorate by age 26. These are just a few things that make him qualified; he knows first hand "the streets" and he only bettered himself to get away from them.

"How to Hustle and Win" touches upon everything and anything. The key to reading this book is that you can read it in any order. It has so much information, from famous people, to movies to see, to quizzes, to cleaning up dirty money, to legit hustles and hustling skills and so much more. Supreme Understanding will have you laughing at times with his bluntness and realism and on the next page will have you really thinking about things. "If you're looking for answers - to almost any question - you will find them here. The mind is the world's most powerful weapon - and this is all the ammunition you need."

In reading this book, it does seem a little intimidating with how much the author touches upon. If you just pick up the book and look at the table of contents, you will see how much information is given in this book. Just pick a spot and start reading, I guarantee you will be pulled in by the knowledge and words that come off the pages. This is a very informative read that everyone should read. You can tell that the author did his research and sharing of his personal experiences.

Reviewed by: LeonaR

[Amil Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supreme Understanding published a number of powerful books directly speaking to the experiences of young African American and Latino men and women living in urban environments. How to Hustle and Win is designed to educate, awaken and provide 'real' advice about the issues affecting our lives. The greatest thing about Supreme Understanding's work is that it is unapologetic and highly practical. Supreme Understanding writes the book using not only the language of the intellectual but also the language of the streets. He utilizes his own story of growing up in the streets and his past life to connect with readers. His books have been well received from the streets and jails to the college dorm rooms. Supreme Understanding is not trying to win the respect of academia but he is producing some of the most innovative and effective solutions to the problems young urban men and women are experiencing. He is leading a whole generation away from the pitfalls of the streets and teaching them how to How to Hustle and Win.

[Sable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book right here is THE book for anybody who grew up in urban areas and to anybody who feels like they have no chance at making it out of the hood. It’s easy to understand and is balanced between history and today’s reality. Nothing in this book was sugar coated and Supreme Understanding held no punches when talking about the ins and outs on hustling, gangs and the cycles of life. I found myself pausing and being in a deep thought on topics he discussed in the section of “habits and addiction” and how it has effected my personal life. This world we live in really is just one huge game. The system is meant for you to feel like you can’t rise above from the bullshit that we are faced against but Supreme is here to tell you otherwise. This book WILL offend you and have you questioning your motives and your purpose in life. So if you aren’t willing to face reality about yourself and your actions then this book is not for you. I will definitely read this book again and I ordered part two already.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of come across this book by accident. Can't say how I found it, but I'm glad I did. I ordered it on Friday and received it today, and so far so good. If you ever wish that in life while in the hood, there was a guide to help you through the grind,then this book would be it. Although I cannot give an honest assessment, I can honestly say that brother breaks it down in simple language so that anyone can get it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for those trying to survive, those trying to understand, and those wanting better.

[Dujuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT READ!!!

This is it!...The ULTIMATE handbook for getting over in "the hood". The author, Supreme Understanding will have you totally re-thinking the way the game is played out here...

As a young man, I was once told by an older guy to "Always consider THE SOURCE", and Supreme goes directly to the CORE of the issues, and delivers REAL LIFE solutions to them...

I highly recommend this book to EVERY BLACK MAN IN AMERICA, young and old!

A MUST READ!...

[Julia Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not written for me in mind, so take what I say with a grain of salt. He puts a LOT of good information in there as well as applicable content for how to apply his information, I just struggled with the misogyny and homophobia throughout the book. It was written for Black men in different situations than mine so I know he was writing it to speak to them which is likely where those traits come from, however he could have made his points without talking down about the LGBTQ+ community and women.

[J Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

You can sense that Supreme has seen life on countless levels. The thing I love about this book is that it written FOR black men BY a black man. Nonetheless, I would also suggest non-African American people give this book a chance. I also love how this book challenges you mentally to elevate yourself. The only thing I hate about this book is that I didn’t find out about it earlier in my life. It’s never too late to get the knowledge you need to turn things around in your favor.

[Extreme Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned much information from this book!! I never knew things about the world or history that they never taught when I went to school. I honestly thought this book wouldn't be for me, but it was! It made me learn about myself and made me realize that I have things to work on and do to ensure my future. There was good information, and I admit I feel a little overwhelmed; however I'm glad! Anyone out there that would want to know how to really make it in this world and learn about black lives, please read this book!! You won't regret it!!

[Queonna White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't what I thought it would be. The title is meant to attract you which is very clever. I thank Supreme Understanding for clarifying that there were going to be typos...lol. Very insightful read! As I was reading it I already had someone in mind to pass it to. 👌🏾

[Janet Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very revealing book

While I already had some knowledge about the various subjects of this book, it still managed to enlightening me to the point to what I can only describe as: an electrical shock to my system. Powerful words.

[A.M Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rented this book from my local library and highlighted a few chapters before I realized this wasn’t my book 🤣🤣 awesome read and one of the only books I was able to get certain family members to read

[Suzy Diavua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very educational. It was recommended to me by a friend who is very wise and reading this book and a black young female trying to better for my own life, it just shows me that I’m not alone in the struggle, as there was a lot I could relate to

[Black Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful...

[Gmbkarai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book man I read this book while I was locked up and it really opend my mind id love a copy to spread out the knowledge

[Zyrainna Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is good it’s teaching me a lot of things that I didn’t know about the ghetto

[Que]

nice

[Edmero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

If this masterpiece reaches the masses, we'll rise! Don't forget to share the knowledge you get from this book with your people! ✊🏾

[Clement Zulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mind is open thanks to this 📖📖📖📖

[Reginald Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book will change your mindset on life and many more things.

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is somewhat hard to take a book seriously that has a cover featuring Kenneth Lay holding up money. The book itself is disorganized, random, funny, and an odd mix of wisdom and stupidity. Supreme Understanding gets most of his facts and figures right, but his work is permeated with homophobia, misogyny, and a hatred of white people. I would rate the book lower, but there is never a dull moment here.

[Bradford Hogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for inner city youth.

I've been searching for a book that gives a clear survival guide to obstacles that confront inner city youth. How to Hustle and Win is that book. The author builds his message from the ground up. The foundation of his message is rooted in his personal experiences which enriches the entire reading endeavour.
There are a few errata throughout the text. However, nothing that diminishes the gravity of the message.
All in all good read highly recommended!

[Jason Wicky Ong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tons of strategies but author did not really elaborate much on what else needs to be done.

Author also assumes ghettos are bad and we need to get out of them. He taught us certain fundamentally good values: to be loyal and not betray people, to be alert etc. This book basically teaches you how to live your life meaningfully but do not expect this book to be spiritual or all 'out to win' book but rather, it's more about being loyal and having friends. It's written for novices so don't expect any deep theories but expect lots of short stories and strategies.

[Chuck Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well presented, thought provoking book.

[Charles]

Excellent book!!!! Everyone should own one if they like reading realistic facts and truth!..for the most part.

[Mrdonya Mrlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Jamel Burts]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Supa Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!