“Antebellum” introduces the rap artist, Da Nigga, who is living in the new era of hip-hop artistry to give his fans what they want as his executives, managers, and producers are living off his talent—which is another form of slavery in essence. Da Nigga showcases an “N-word mentality” that sells records, fans reciting his lyrics, and builds his rapport from his street instincts. He has the opportunity to climb the heights and offer to become rich nearly overnight just to make a “diss record” not realizing that this can affect his reputation, leading to death threats, and fluke rappers produced a diss record to gain credibility and sell records in the rap game. Da Nigga agrees to the offer, not knowing, what things can take place from such an offer-hard-to-refuse while being used.

R. Kayeen Thomas writes a meaningful, colorful storyline where you are able to reflect from the past (slavery) to current slavery as a rap artist. Da Nigga admits “…I’m just a slave (page 88, Advance Reader Copy).” Pop artist Prince once had a symbol on his cheek and word “slave” written of which symbolized that he was a slave for the record label: Warner Brothers. If you enjoy reading urban fiction and historical events transpiring in a novel, this book captures both mixes of genres.

What I admired about the book is the lifestyle of a hip-hop artist, even the talk show scene grasped the reality of the influence of songs that can have on the audience. Therefore, as artists even authors, we have to be mindful not only who our audience is but what message we are sending! We are responsible activists and in some cases, role models for our youth and peers. Another valuable lesson (dream moment) shared in the novel is the importance of names, even if it is a nickname or stage name—defines our image, character, and/or personality. Knowledge is power, including the power within—this book makes you focus on them both. There are a couple indications and similarities to “The Matrix” and also Moses (biblical character) who lead the slaves out of bondage to their freedom. Reality of being a slave, makes one wonder if things has really changed today? Some of us are still in chains mentally, emotionally, and/or physiologically.

I enjoyed reading “Kindred” by Octavia Butler, which “Antebellum” has its similarities…living in the present day but going back in time during slavery era.


Adrienna Turner
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "the Day Begins with Christ" ( )