As Hip-Hop first exploded throughout New York City's boroughs and surrounding towns, a new generation was emerging--the first to be raised on the genre. At the center of it all was a collective known as the Juice Crew, led by the charismatic radio personality Mr. Magic, whose Rap Attack was the first program of its kind on a commercial station. His DJ/engineer Marley Marl pioneered production techniques that defined the golden era of Hip-Hop and formed the basis of Cold Chillin' Records, which was founded in 1986 by Len Fichtelberg and Tyrone Williams. Goin' Off chronicles the rise and fall of Cold Chillin' and its partnership with Warner Bros. Records. It follows the careers of the label's recording artists through first-hand accounts of industry players, producers, MCs, and DJs: Roxanne Shanté was a fourteen-year-old battle rapper who spawned the diss record; MC Shan engaged in a legendary cross-borough feud with KRS-One; Kool G Rap was a foundational participant in what the media dubbed "gangsta rap"; Big Daddy Kane's quick-witted lyricism changed the way people rhyme; the collegiate Masta Ace sought to uplift his community during the height of the crack epidemic; The Genius (aka GZA) co-founded the rap dynasty Wu- Tang Clan; and the enigmatic Biz Markie had the world singing along to his hit anthem "Just a Friend." Plagued by corporate censorship and a landmark sample-related lawsuit in the 1990s, Cold Chillin' folded, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in controversy and a catalog that influenced multiple generations of rap artists.

The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. Now with photos and new material. Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans. John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same. Marley grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, and stole women's undergarments. Obedience school did no good -- Marley was expelled. But just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley remained a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms. Marley & Me is John Grogan's funny, unforgettable tribute to this wonderful, wildly neurotic Lab and the meaning he brought to their lives.

The second book from critically acclaimed author Leslie C. Youngblood, about family, identity, and learning to stand up for what's right -- now in paperback! Georgie has no idea what to expect when she, Mama, and Peaches are plopped down in the middle of small town USA--aka Bogalusa, Louisiana--where Mama grew up and Great Aunt Vie needs constant care. Georgie wants to help out at the once famous family diner that served celebrities like the Jackson 5 and the Supremes, but everyone is too busy to show her the ropes and Mama is treating her like a baby, not letting her leave her sight. When she finally gets permission to leave on her own, Georgie makes friends with Markie--a foster kid who'd been under Aunt Elvie's care--who has a limb difference and a huge attitude. Then Markie asks Georgie to help her find her mom, and suddenly summer has a real purpose. But as Georgie and Markie's histories begin to entwine, Georgie becomes more desperate to find the truth. But words spoken cannot be taken back and once Georgie knows the truth, she may even find a way to right past wrongs and help Aunt Vie and Markie out after all.

Journalist Soren Baker’sThe History of Gangster Rap takes a deep dive into this fascinating music subgenre. Foreword by Xzibit Sixteen detailed chapters, organized chronologically, examine the evolution of gangster rap, its main players, and the culture that created this revolutionary music. From still-swirling conspiracy theories about the murders of Biggie and Tupac to the release of the film Straight Outta Compton, the era of gangster rap is one that fascinates music junkies and remains at the forefront of pop culture. Filled with interviews with key players such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, and dozens more, as well as sidebars, breakout bios of notorious characters, lists, charts, and beyond, The History of Gangster Rap is the be-all-end-all book that contextualizes the importance of gangster rap as a cultural phenomenon. “History has so often been written by the victors, that you very rarely ever get the real story behind anything. So it’s really important to hear from the people that were there, which is exactly what Soren Baker shares in this book. He writes about it and he’s honest about it.” —The D.O.C.

From beloved English author D.E. Stevenson who has sold more than 7 million books worldwide! The next heart-warming installment in the life of charmingly nosy writer, Miss Buncle, who won't slow down for things as simple as marriage or a sudden move to a new town. In this light-hearted follow-up to Miss Buncle's Book, Miss Barbara Buncle had just gotten everything sorted out. She married her publisher, became Mrs. Abbott, and set aside the distracting business of writing. But proper domestic bliss demands a change of scenery. The Abbots move to a new town filled with fascinating folks...who might just inspire her bestselling book, whether she meant to write it or not. Miss Buncle thought she wanted to settle down, but she's already discovered that married life can't do a thing to prevent her from getting into humorous mix-ups and hilarious hijinks. With the wit and charm of a Jane Austen novel and the gossipy, small-town delight of the Flavia de Luce series, D.E. Stevenson delivers a cozy, hilarious escape into the English countryside.

"Once you complete this journey your eyes will be open FOREVER!" - MIA CALABRESE "The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary, and even humble individual" -M.Scott Peck.... Nino Jones, an elderly homeless man from New York City, agrees to join a group of Heavenly mercenaries who are risking their eternities to pull off one of the most heroic challenges of all time. The target is Satan himself, and the future of the entire civilized world hangs in the balance. Follow Nino as he tours the magnificant Kingdom of Forever, the devastation of the Outerdarkness, and the absolute horrors of Hell. Listen as he learns about the origins of the cosmos and the meaning of human existence from such characters as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Pontius Pilate, King Solomon, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Malcolm X, Virgin Mary, and many others. Flee with Nino through the streets of Manhattan as he is pursued by demons who are trying to prevent him from delivering his holy message, the truth about who we are, where we come from, and why we must RETURN TO FOREVER!

There’s a chill in the air. Winter’s on the way. Soon there will be no food. THE BOOMERANG GANG: The Feathered Adventures of Harold and Friends is a spirited, high-flying tale about Harold, a young mallard duck, and his first migration. With his best buddy, Markie, encouraging him to be brave, Harold says goodbye to his woodland friends as he prepares to leave Havenwood Cove, the only home he has ever known. Along the way, there’s so much to see and new friends to meet but the long-haul flights prove gruelling and full of danger. With action, humour and determination, the little flock of thirteen feathered warriors faces all kinds of trouble. Are you ready for an adventure?

In Mexico, Hurricane Bertha flattened tobacco crops and coffee bean fields and demolished entire villages. Then suddenly she turned northward a surprising act that had not been foreseen by meteorologists. After twelve hours, the winds that had reached 180 miles per hour would slow, and the storm would die. But before that, Bertha would terrorize the unsuspecting residents of a South Texas hospital and the bank robbers holding them hostage. It is a toss-up whether nurse Sidney Shelton is more afraid of the thugs or the hurricane. For hours the captors threaten and brutalize the hostages. Sidney wonders whether they will be dead or alive when the robbers leave. What can she do to protect her six-year-old son and friends from harm? God sends her unexpected help from a Mexican cop and a soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder. This novel is recommended for book clubs that enjoy a good thriller and individuals who seek theological reflection. Discussion questions are at the end of the novel.

This book addresses the battle Christians have in making decisions about dating, marriage, and relationships. See how the course of a family's life is altered by a loved one's decision in selecting a mate.