This book is a work of fiction. Resemblence to any names, characters or individuals is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Hard 2 da Kore Publications
Elizabeth N.J. 07202
Copyright 2003, 2016 by Mike Middleton and
K. Williams.
AUTHOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
K. Williams Wishes to Thank:
First and foremost I would like to thank God. In the process of putting this book together I realized how true this gift of writing is for me. You give me the power to believe in my passion and pursue my dreams. I could never have done this without the faith I have in you, the Almighty.
To my mother the late Joyce R Staten: For the first time in 44 years, I am speechless! I can barely find the words to express all the wisdom, love and support you've given me. You were always my number 1 fan, and for that I am eternally grateful. If I am blessed to live long enough, I hope I will be as good a mother to my sons as you have been to me. I Love You Mommy.
Look Daddy (James H. Williams) I finally DID IT!!!! Surprise!! I wrote a book, I hope you like it!
To my sons, Wade, Jared, Derrick and Drew “Q”, you guys are the best thing that I have ever done in my life! You welcomed me into motherhood and I am so grateful for you. You gave me something to work for. A better life for you than I had is all I want. Mommy loves you all more than you will ever know.
To my Partner, Mike Middleton: What can I say? You are one of the main reasons for this, H2daK! I am so thankful that I had you in my corner pushing me when I was ready to give up. All of the good that may come from this book I look forward to sharing with you! You are my buddy, and Hero! Thanks for not just believing, but knowing that I could do this! I Love You Always & Forever!
I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who saw me through this book; to all those who provided support, talked things over, read, wrote, offered comments, allowed me to quote their remarks and assisted in the editing, proofreading and design. A al Special thanks to Ms. Tracy R. Jones for being my backbone.
I’d like to send a supa big extra shoutout to my Williams family, Gantt, Collins families, my home Chilltown J.C., the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and the love of my life KDP.
Last and not least: I beg forgiveness of all those who have been with me over the course of the years and whose names I have failed to mention.
Mike Middleton Wishes To Thank:
First I have to give praises to my Creator for bringing everything and everyone into existence that have come across my path, and has been an influence towards the creation of this book. I want to thank my parents and my entire family, all of y’all for just being y’all, and giving me the continuous love, support and foundation that has given me the personal strength to finish this book and future books to come if God be willing.
Rest in peace shoutout prayers to my brother Willie Edward Middleton Jr., (Bubby) my sister Debroah (Debbie) Ann Middleton and my mother Margaret Ann Middleton, all those who had gone home. May you all continue to watch over us and live in us all while we’re still here on this Earth, we love and miss you all dearly. I would also like to thank all those who I have crossed path with and has been an inspiration to me, and also all of my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tagged social media families. Thank you all.
I want to give my personal thanks to my city of Jersey City, and my hood “CWP” a.k.a. Curries Woods Projects family and other surrounding areas for providing me with the good and bad memories that became the source of my inspiration, which made it possible for me to write this novel. Many thanks to my co author K. Williams for your decision to collaborate with me on this. Your creative input, output and creativity on this novel made it all possible. Throughout all of our ups, downs, disagreements, arguments, (to the point of not even speaking at times), we finally got it done. I’m looking forward to collaborating on future projects as well. I love you my soul sister, and yes, we did it Missy!
I want to give a special personal shout out to my daughter Amarie. Daddy loves you more than you can ever know. You are the source of my motivation for everything that I do, and my truest blessing in plain sight.
Thanks to some of those people who have been, and still to this day play a major part in my life: Brian “BK” Coleman, Brisko Brisk, Anrdew “Mutt” Wright, (RIP), Reco Youmans, Calvin Hart, Dennis Porter, Wahida Clark and my Prodigal Sons & Daughters family, Rex “Raheem” Jones and without a doubt, my 200 Plus family. Love my dudes! My list of contributors is endless, so if by chance I forgot to mention anyone, I ask that you forgive me, and I will catch you on the next 200 plus pages.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate all of my time, space and energy that I put into this book to my mother Margaret Ann Middleton who passed away on July 9th 2014 while in the midst of finishing this book. Without you there could be no me mommy. I love you dearly and miss you extremely, rest well.
This book is dedicated to music, and Hip Hop culture and all the artists who have participated in self expression and paved the way for us all. Creating extraordinary sounds of music and inspiring a world to learn, grow, share and dance.
THE INTRODUCTION TO:
HARD 2 DA KORE
By Mike Middleton & K. Williams
1
SWEET DREAMS
(Korey)
The stretched black Hummer turned slowly onto the busy two way street, rolling past the crowds of people rapidly growing on the line to enter the club. The driver pulled up to the front of the club, got out and opened one of the rear doors. The six young ladies who were chatting and smiling gazed upon the crowd. “Will there be anything else that I can do for you ladies?” the driver asked before extending his hand to help them out of the vehicle.
“Yes you can. Can you promise us that we won’t be disappointed for coming out to this club tonight?” One from the bunch said. “This is my last night as a single woman and I want to remember this night for the rest of my life,” Said another of the women.
“Now, you ladies do know that you’re about to enter one the hottest clubs in New York City don’t you? The only thing you all should be disappointed about is the fact that I’m not going to be joining y’all up in there tonight. I can guarantee you ladies that y’all are gonna have the time of your lives up in there. Now go on ahead and have a good time. Just give me a holla when yall ready to leave and I’ll be there faster than a heartbeat.” He stated, then reentered the stretched Hummer and pulled off.
Droves of people were heading towards the club, which line was nearly a block long. The mens line was longer than the women because the bouncers were letting three times as many women into the club than the men. Tonight was the night where players and playettes could wear whatever they wanted since there was no strict dress code. Both men and women were styling and profiling as if they were in a fashion show and the club’s red carpet was their runway for the evening.
Saturday night, the sounds of car horns honking and loud music filled the atmosphere and spilled onto the crowded streets. Some drove cautiously to get a glimpse of the crowd that was growing in front of the club’s entrance. The noise of the crowded, busy streets mixed with the crisp night air only seemed to add to the excitement that was in motion. “You know the routine people, please empty all contents from your pockets into the tray!” yelled one bouncer as the partiers stepped into the club’s entrance. Next came the physical pat down by another bouncer, followed a by full body scanning wi
th a hand held metal detector. The women handed over their handbags to be searched, but were not subjected to any further searching. The tall and muscular team of bouncers kept close watch of everything and everyone entering the club to ensure the safety of all partiers as they enjoyed themselves throughout the night.
After paying the fee, the patrons then entered the club’s main floor. The music grew louder and the bass thumped heavier as the red, green, blue and yellow spinning track lights flashed all over the dimly lit club’s interior. The crowd partied to hip-hop and R&B tunes while they waited anxiously for a show to start. Suddenly, the music stopped and the stage curtains slowly began rising, revealing a dark stage. A spotlight suddenly appeared and shined down upon a dark figure holding a microphone in their hand. Everyone on the dance floor moved closer to the stage as the bouncers positioned themselves in front of the stage to keep the crowd from getting too close. The person on stage slowly began to look over the crowd, and then carefully eased the microphone to their mouth to speak.
“Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to welcome you all to the Fabulous Funnel! I’m your host Lone star and I hope that you’re all enjoying yourselves tonight! We got a really good line up for y’all tonight so!”…
Cheers from the crowd could be heard through all of the commotion taking place backstage. Someone slowly began walking down the dimly lit passageway that led towards the front of the stage. The cheers became louder and Lone Star’s voice became clearer as the dark dressed individual slowly walked towards the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, ballers and shot callers! I bring to you at this time one of the hardest spitting rappers from East to West coast! Now I know that y’all all probably heard this brother on the radio, or maybe saw his videos somewhere! So now! Without further delay, let’s give a big Hard 2 da Kore welcome tooo! …Da Maaannnn!”
Lone Star’s voice echoed through the speakers. The music started to play as the mysterious guy from backstage made his way into the spot light. The crowd cheered loudly as the announcer handed the microphone to Da Mann.
Wake Up!!!!
The alarm clock’s buzzing woke me out of my sleep. My dream I just had was the first thing I thought about as I slowly rose up slightly on my bed. I glanced over at the clock on the nightstand next to my bed and reached over and shut off the buzz. I lay back down and stared up at the spinning ceiling fan.
Damn, that was a crazyass dream. “I’m Da Maaaannn…aaaahhh!" I whispered lowly, imitating the crowd’s cheer, waving my hands in the air, but not too crazily though because I don’t want to wake up her. Oh, this silhouette shifting and moaning beneath these sheets? That’s my girl Sinnimin. We moved in together about a year ago, but we’ve known each other since damn near forever. We got together in our senior year of high school. First time we met we clicked instantly, next thing you know we was gettin it on, and spending lots of time together. The next thing I know, she was my girl and I was her dude, and the rest is history.
Back then we was inseparable, that crazy in love type love, but not too crazy. We’ve had our problems through the years but we stuck it out. No babies yet, but we workin on it. Even though my girl might get a little crazy sometimes, I wouldn’t step out on her for another chick. No matter how bangin’ her body was. Not me, not on my Sinnimin. I looked over at the clock, it read 7:17 a.m. then I looked over at my girl. “Wake up Sinni.” I reached over, giving her a gentle shove. “You betta wake up before you be late for that job interview.” I repeated as I sat up on the side of the bed, placing my feet on the floor. She responded with a soft moan from beneath the sheets.
“You see, that’s what you get for tryina hang out drinkin all night, and what kinda company be havin job interviews on Saturdays? That gotta be some under the table payin type spot for real.” I said, but got no response. I reached over and grabbed my robe from the foot of the bed and put it on. Just a few hours ago we had a big argument after she came home after 4a.m. drunk as hell and throwin up all over the place. I was heated because I knew she knew that she had to get up early this mornin’, but I was mostly mad because I had to clean all that shit up.
“What time you leavin?” I asked. “Korey, can you get me some aspirin please? My head is killing me.” She whimpered softly from beneath the sheets. “Oh, so that hangover startin to kick in now huh? I hope you know you threw up everywhere, and I had to clean that shit up.” I complained. “I’m sorry bae, please not now. Can you bring some aspirins and water?” She asked softly. I went into the bathroom and got 2 asprin capsules, then into the kitchen and got a glass of water. I brought them in the bedroom and placed them on the nightstand next to her, then back into the bathroom to take a piss.
I turned on the shower and adjusted the knob until I got that lukewarm temperature I liked. Right now was the perfect time for some music. So I rushed into the living room and turned on the stereo system. My ears immediately became consumed by the groove of 50 Cent’s song, 21 questions. "Now that’s more like it," I nodded as I rushed back into the bathroom and climbed into the shower’s spraying water. It felt good. I grabbed the soap and began to wash while singing along with the music. I had to put a quick pause on it because I heard the phone ringing.
“Sinni, get the phone!” I yelled, but got no response. I got out of the shower and rushed into the bedroom to answer it. “Damn, you that messed up you can’t even get up to answer the phone?” I said rushing over to answer it. “Hello?” It was my cousin Jay. “What’s good Korey Manning, aka Da Mann Jackson?” said Jay jokingly. “What’s up Jayson, big head Tucker? I smirked back. “What took you so long to answer the phone? Must’ve had one of those long, hot and steamy nights wit’ yo girl huh cuz?” He added playfully.
“Yo nigga, it’s 7:30 in the mornin and here yo early birdass go askin me questions and what not. Ha ha, I was in the shower Jay.” I joked back. “Well, you know how we early birdasses always get the early worms too my nikka. What you gettin into today?” He asked. “I’m gettin’ into gettin’ ready for work right now. So I can get into gettin this money, know what I’m sayin?” I replied. “Damn Mann, you workin again? What’s up with this you gotta work every Saturday shit? I thought weekends were your days off? I called you to tell you that me, D-Nice and Ivan and us was playin some of your hommies from Da Woodz in some hoodball today.” Jay said. I looked over at the clock, knowing that I had to hurry up or I was gonna be late for work. “I don’t think I’m gonna be able to play with y’all today Jay. I can try, but I think we got a lot of work comin in today. What time y’all playin?” I asked him.
“Round 12:30 1 O’ clock.” He answered. “I don’t know, I gotta see. Check it, if I finish early Ima try to make it down there to play.” I said. “Aight then, see if you can make it. And oh yea, if you do, make sure you get all that grease and oil ‘n shit off your hands from fuckin‘ with those dirty ass cars too. We don’t need you to be fumblin the damn ball like last game.” Jay said jokingly. “Whaaat? Grease, baby oil, butter or whatever nigga, I still play way betta than yo’ fake quarter backin’ ass.” I joked back at him.
“Yeah whatever, just don’t forget. Twelve thirty on the Turnpike. He said. “I heard cuzo.” I chuckled then hung up the phone. I looked over at the nightstand and noticed that my girl didn’t touch the aspirin or water, so I climbed onto the bed, rolled her on her back and sat her up onto a few pillows. I got the aspirin and water and tried to feed them to her. She resisted, but stopped after she peeked up at me, figuring out what I was trying to do.
“Here take this,” I said, slowly feeding her the pills and water. “Huh? Ouch. What time is it baby?” She asked grabbing her head gently. I looked back over at the clock. “About 7:30. I gotta be at work in a little while bae.” I whispered to her softly. “Go ahead then. I’m getting up in a little while.” She said softly. “I’m alright now, you can go, I’ma be ok.” She said, gently shoving me away. I looked deep into her beautiful half open, sleepy looking eyes and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
>
“I’ll see you later on after work. I just don’t like seein’ you all messed up like this and…” “Babe, you must wanna be late for work, go ahead, we can talk later.” She interrupted then closed her eyes, rolled over and snuggled beneath the sheets. “Alright,” I whispered, then climbed my naked ass off the bed and hurried back into the bathroom to finish my shower. I can feel it already. It’s gonna’ be a long day.
2
TIME 2 MAKE THE DOUGHNUTS
(Korey)
The sign posted outside of the shop read: "FRANKIE’S AUTO REPAIR SHOP…" I’ve been working here for about two years. I pulled into the shop’s parking lot in my late 80's Oldsmobile Delta 88 and parked it next to one of the cars that needed to be repaired. I had on my dirty, blue, oil stained work jumper. I walked past the shop and down the block to the Dunkin Donuts' for a few donuts and some coffee. I walked into the shop and waited to be served. The attendants tended to a few of the customers who were already waiting in line. One of the attendant’s names was Ahmad. I like to crack jokes on him sometimes, to see if I could make him mad. He was from one of those Middle Eastern or Indian countries, maybe Pakistan or India. I get a good trip off of the way he talks.
Ahmad seemed like one of those guys that really didn’t want no problems with nobody. I couldn’t blame him either, because he’s skinnier than a quart of skim milk without the 1% lowfat. I stepped up to the counter. “Gud mornin’ ser, and wat well yu be havin tudae?" He asked smiling. I looked at him like I didn’t understand a word he just said. “C’mon man, you gonna have to tighten up on that English a little homey, now what are you sayin’?” I asked, acting like I still couldn’t understand him while fighting hard as hell not to laugh.
Introduction To Hard 2 Da Kore (Hard2daKore Book 1) Page 1