With this author’s roots firmly planted in the urban sprawl of New York City, the historical borough of Brooklyn specifically, he looks toward the phenomenal and endeared culture of Hip Hop as a means of telling a unique story. A story that looks to provide a suitable alternative to the young adult literary market while charging it with the task of addressing the stark literacy problems that face the nation’s teen demographic.
Enter D.D. Turner and his extremely unique, articulate, and formidable literary series entitled, The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend.
I have had the very distinct pleasure of knowing D.D. for quite some time; our paths crossed at an unlikely location aboard the famed New York City “A” train almost 10 years ago. My recollection of this day remains vivid. I clearly remember him appearing fully immersed in W.E.B. Dubois’, The Souls of Black Folk; sitting diligently with an outliner and a pen as he toggled between the instruments in an effort to make note of the poignant parts of the reading. It was during this chance meeting, amidst the ever present train car sways and reverberating rail scraping noises, that I had the opportunity to hear about this wonderful and riveting idea that would come to be known as, The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend, or, simply C.O.H.H. D.D. had a very distinct and simple vision for his concept; to create a Hip Hop influenced entertainment piece that would prove to be worthwhile and inspiring for teens throughout this great nation and subsequently, across the globe.
But the road to this well explained plan would prove to be no easy task. In a world where the culture of Hip Hop is largely viewed through the clouded lens of negativity and not often praised for its success with race relations, education, and opportunity, D.D. struggled to sway the hardened perceptions of his beloved culture, even with the solid and positive position that C.O.H.H. found itself perched upon. But without regret, or regard for the naysayer, he pressed on, blazing through adversity and obstacles much like a determined halfback pushing through a defensive line towards the endzone.
Fast forward to present day, D.D. Turner finds himself on the other side of adversity’s fence, where the days of disregard for his genius are now behind him and all that remains in front of him is the success that he and his beloved series, The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend, fully deserve.
Stay tuned for his climb towards the never ending ceiling of optimal greatness. His upward progression atop the rungs of success are sure to be exciting and inspiring.
The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend (TCOHHL) 