Summation of Short Side Blues
sketch by B.I.G. Fridge
The book cover for the book isn’t complete. However, this is the rough I submitted to my graphic designer. It’s fitting. Yes, the work itself stinks like all my roughs, but one thing I like about fleshing out my work is that its almost exactly what I want except less professional. The rough depicts three faceless brothers. The reason they are without faces is because every black man that has ever read this book can identify themselves as one of these characters. For example: Roland (Roll-o) Scoot is a sociopath. Crazy as all get out and ruthless, but if you get on his good side, God help your enemies. Roland is the middle brother. Damen Scott is the oldest brother. He was once a hoodlum and after the brothers federal stint he squared up and opened a business. A strip club. Now Damen has the task of making his failing marriage and thriving business co-exist for his newborn daughter’s sake. Then there is Brian Scott, the youngest brother. He almost has as much time in prison as he does on the street and that present a problem. He is mature for his age, but still looks up to his brother Roland because of the respect he enjoys with being a nutcase. Brian has an I.Q of 140 and common sense, his flaw is his temper. He’s deadly because he holds things in an when he explodes it’s havoc.
The thing about the Scotts is that they would be alright if it weren’t for outside elements attempting to bring them down, elements mostly from the past weighing them down. Snitches speaking from the grave, ex-flames, new flames burning too bright. The most deadly of them all being a copy with a vendetta. The Short Side Blues is a real testament to life after the game for many of us, hopefully this message will resonate: Just because you’re done with the streets don’t mean the streets are done with you.
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