Street Legends

Legends of the Streets:
Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti goes in depth of the rise and fall of six gangsters, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, Wayne "Silk" Perry, Anthony Jones, Aaron Jones, Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack, George "Boy George" Rivera. Getting the almighty dollar by any means necessary was there way of life. Nothing is guaranteed in this game but death or prison. Was it worth it? If they could have a chance to do it all over again, would they? Take a ride with Soul Man as he gathers knowledge from interviews, testimonials of how and why did these young men became the epitome of their city. This book profiles each legend during the crack epidemic and how each one is on one accord with the "no snitching" movement during there reign in the streets. This is my first novel by Mr. Ferranti, and I commend him for doing such a wonderful job with book. He uses accurate points of view on each street legend. This is a must read, especially for our young generation out there in the streets. Simply thought provoking. Tangerine Reader's Paradise Book Club

The Game is Now For Sale:
Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, Wayne "Silk" Perry, Anthony Jones, Aaron Jones, Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack, and George "Boy George" Rivera all have one thing in common in Seth Ferranti's Street Legends; honor thy code of the streets. From the hoods of New York to Southeast Asia, and places in between, the six men noted above were gangsters in every sense of the word. Each was able to build an empire that was comprised of racketeering, murder, fear, and love. Yes, these men were loved. Loved by the legions of men that followed them, by drug addicts whom they supplied with their fix, loved by the community they gave back to, revered in rap songs, and in some instances, loved by law enforcement officials. Ironically, it was these same group of individuals who feared them, breathing life into Niccolo Machiavelli's question; is it better to be loved or feared? But the legend's stories exemplified how it was possible to be both, simultaneously. The volume also allowed for the examination of crime life and asked one basic question of all involved; was it worth it? With varying degrees of responses to this question, Street Legends provided an opportunity for readers to determine their own perspective by providing first-hand testimony from all of the crowned legends, friends, acquaintances, snitches, and legal documents. Understand that these legends were not given that title because of the plethora of drugs, murders, and money they obtained. Something much deeper, morally as a matter of fact, was the determining factor. I applaud Seth Ferranti for his dedication to putting together a well-rounded view of the men he is paying homage to. The depths of the testimonies are what pulled me in and kept me reading. The lack of proper editing made it a slow read though. Street Legends would be a good guide for individuals who want to know the real meaning of `keepin' it gangsta.' Urban fiction fans and people who indulge in crime reads will also enjoy it. Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier APOOO BookClub

Street Legends:
This book was absolutely fascinating. The book was a page turner - sex, violence, and the drug world from the inside / out. I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait for part #2.

Honor among thieves:
The early lives of these men were noteworthy particularly the bridges that carried them into legendary status. Some were charismatic rather than ruthless and showed a maneuvering savvy that belied the lives that they led. Particularly, Kenneth McGriff, a gentlemanly statesman, whose larger than life escapades and accomplishments belie his physical stature and background. Had the legalese been cited, the actual factuals could have been researched by those desiring to do so. Reliving the court decisions for each subject and circumstance was distracting and tedious. I appreciated the thoroughness of its inclusion, although it gave the affair a technical feel, reminiscent of a documentary rather than homage. Firm and authoritative, this literature gives the average reader an authentic glimpse into a world they could only imagine. Powerful testimonials, particularly from some hip hop heavyweights, and `matter-of-fact' grit, drive this book. Amid the crime and calculated misdeeds, these were tales of integrity: there is honor amid the bloodshed, drugs, and money.......even among thieves.

(RAW Rating: 3.5) The Gangster Chronicles:
Have you ever watched American Gangster on BET? Author Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti brings American Gangster from BET to the books in "Street Legends". He chronicles the six most feared and respected gangsters who live by the creed "death before dishonor". STREET LEGENDS profiles Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, the infamous drug lord of Queens, NY. Wayne "Silk" Perry, most feared because of his murder game, Anthony "AJ" Jones, who prosecutors described as a "killing machine" and Aaron Jones, the founder and leader of the Junior Black Mafia, who ran a multi-million dollar drug organization. Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack from the "Sex, Money and Murder" gang are also included. Last, but not least is George "Boy George" Rivera, a drug multi-millionaire at the young age of 21. In reading this novel, I found myself asking if everything these men did was worth the money, cars and material possessions, just to end up a hood legend? Reviewed by Leona Romich for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers