Books published by VIP Ink Publishing Group, Inc. / Printhouse Books

I ventured into the insurance industry by accident. I can remember the exact moment it happened. It was 2012 and I recently closed my night club after 12 long years of dealing with everything that came with the nightlife. Bar fights, alcohol liabilities, competition, law enforcement, etc. The money was awesome, but it did come with a price. My days often begun at 3:00 pm and ended at 6:00 am. I loved dealing with people on an everyday basis, but the life had taken its toll on me. I needed a change.I befriended a club DJ who was from Brooklyn, New York. Ironically, our stories were kind of similar he had just left the housing industry as an inspector and was Deejaying part time until he could get back into a successful trade industry. He mentioned a P&C insurance class he had signed up for and suggested I give it a try as well.My first response was. “Insurance, man I can’t stand insurance, that stuff is boring and what is P&C?” He went on to say that he knew of a few insurance agents that were making six figure incomes and a P&C Insurance license was all that was required to start writing business and P&C stood for property & casualty. That sparked my interest so I agreed to sign up for the class, what could it hurt.Four 10-hour days of P & C insurance information was overwhelming to say the lease. How could someone learn all of this in this small amount of time, study for the test, take the state exam and expect to pass; it seemed IMPOSSIBLE.Until I turned it into a 7-million-dollar business in just 4 years.

In 1991 Jerome avenue in the Bronx belonged to Antonio Pintero and his Foo Crew. They were the talk of the neighborhood, going from peddling nickel and dime bags to pushing cocaine and money across town in packed book bags for a drug baroness by the name of Gabriella Braga. Suddenly, the need to make more money was something Antonio couldn't ignore. Once the idea is hashed to take out a rival group of pushers in the neighborhood, things begin to spiral out of control. Antonio instantly feels the pressure of the true drug game, especially coming from his step father Rolando who kicks him out of the apartment, cops in hot pursuit, and possible trust issues amongst his own group. With nothing left, Antonio ultimately decides he wants out. But will the path he choose be one destined for something better, or one leading to an abandoned road?

Hip-Hop at it's core is authentic and unapologetic without those two attributes, you ain't Hip-Hop! If you feel like you're disrespecting someone, when you say the word nigga, you're definitely not Hip-Hop. So, don't even put yourself in that space, especially if you feel you must hold your tongue when in the presence of Hip-Hop heads. The culture was created in the mist of poverty, police brutality, violence, racism, and a love for music. We stood on the shoulders of giants and road the waves of jazz, disco, r&b and rock & roll into the spotlight. It's now up to the new generation to carry the torch but respect your forefathers and recognize who's shoulders you're standing on. Study your Hip-Hop History so that you may continuously evolve the culture and keep the damn culture vultures at bay. -ANTWAN BANK$

Let’s take it back to the seventiesWhen Rap was born and made emcees. But before they could even bless the MicIt would be the DJ that rocked the night From the Message that rained down from Sugar HillTo the beat from chic that spun the wheel When the Godfather & Ms. Summer ruled the dance floorsIt would be a mighty Blow from Harlem to break down the doors Similar to the Chuck Taylor’s that graced the leagueThose fresh adidas, name belts, cazels & Lees would RUN our emcees Puma windbreakers, box tops and boom boxesBroke windmills, head spins and pop lockers Paper Thin emcees got ripped like nickel bagsLooking up into the Lyte, defeated; Cramming to Understand B-Boys gathered for blocks & blocksBreakdancin’ and freestylin’ as My Radio jammed the boom box Too many got laid down in the WestToo many hot bullets pierced too many black hearts Yet one bold young brother, kept on screamin’Life is Too Short! The Government, C. Delores Tucker, the President and Bob DoleSet out to censor the rap game & claim their own fame. But they got the Gas FaceFools this is Our Thing! -ANTWAN 'ANT' BANK$

Let’s take it back to the seventiesWhen Rap was born and made emcees. But before they could even bless the MicIt would be the DJ that rocked the night From the Message that rained down from Sugar HillTo the beat from chic that spun the wheel When the Godfather & Ms. Summer ruled the dance floorsIt would be a mighty Blow from Harlem to break down the doors Similar to the Chuck Taylor’s that graced the leagueThose fresh adidas, name belts, cazels & Lees would RUN our emcees Puma windbreakers, box tops and boom boxesBroke windmills, head spins and pop lockers Paper Thin emcees got ripped like nickel bagsLooking up into the Lyte, defeated; Cramming to Understand B-Boys gathered for blocks & blocksBreakdancin’ and freestylin’ as My Radio jammed the boom box Too many got laid down in the WestToo many hot bullets pierced too many black hearts Yet one bold young brother, kept on screamin’Life is Too Short! The Government, C. Delores Tucker, the President and Bob DoleSet out to censor the rap game & claim their own fame. But they got the Gas FaceFools this is Our Thing! -ANTWAN 'ANT' BANK$

Hip-Hop at it’s core is authentic and unapologetic without those two attributes, you ain’t Hip-Hop! If you feel like you’re disrespecting someone, when you say the word nigga, you’re definitely not Hip-Hop. So, don’t even put yourself in that space, especially if you feel you must hold your tongue when in the presence of Hip-Hop heads. The culture was created in the mist of poverty, police brutality, violence, racism, and a love for music. We stood on the shoulders of giants and road the waves of jazz, disco, r&b and rock & roll into the spotlight. It’s now up to the new generation to carry the torch but respect your forefathers and recognize who’s shoulders you’re standing on. Study your Hip-Hop History so that you may continuously evolve the culture and keep the damn culture vultures at bay.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -ANTWAN BANK$

When every student reaches high school age and the quest for higher learning is imminent, there is an old saying that will become a staple in the decision making process about college life. "College will be the best four years of your life," they say. "You will meet lifelong friends and forge bonds with people that will last forever." That may not be true for everyone. Super Senior takes you on journey from graduation night through the collegiate career of Andre Marshall (Hidden Agendas.) College life is a different animal considering the peer pressure, sex, parties and constant road trips. Many students lose focus on why they are actually there. Through it all, Andre forges through the wilds of two colleges, death, indecisiveness between women, the hardship of putting himself through school and trying to maintain sanity as he attempts to live a normal college life. Nestled on the outskirts of Florence, South Carolina stands Franklin Memorial University (commonly referred to as FMU.) From the outside looking in, FMU stands as one of the state's premier facilities of higher education. Once you're enrolled and are within the bounds of the yard...anything goes. On your own for the first time, you get a first-hand experience of the things that no college pamphlet or campus visit will ever reveal.

The growth of "Mega churches" has risen considerably in the 21st century as compared to the past. Miami Urban Chronicles Volume I: Risen, seeks to set forth a fictional biopic of the rise of spiritual leader Yahweh Ben Yahweh of the Liberty City based movement the Nation of Yahweh, "Ben Yahweh's." Chauncey Miller, the main character in the story is determined to be a success. He uses his natural skills of cultivating relationships and influence to draw his followers. Despite his meager rural southern background he dreams big and takes risks head-on in realization of his goals. It is significant in modern 21st century times that individuals take control of their life's path. The urban youth particularly need to realize by making deliberate decisions concerning their life they can live their dreams. Chauncey meets a mentor whom cultivates his ideology and sharpens his mediation skills in working with people. He harnesses his skills by working with the youth ministry of a local church. As he attends college he learns the basics of economics and administration in his courses. He understands education is just one tool that can help him along his path. Individuals must utilize opportunities as they present themselves along life's path. The main character seizes upon this truth and follows it down the rabbit hole in a manner of speaking. In most communities the Church is a place of worship, fellowship, family, communal meetings and refuge. Individuals seek comfort in its walls and the main character leverages this in amassing followers. Modern successful pastors have PhD's and fancy seminary school training. The main character can be viewed as the progenitor to the modern "Mega church" system. He is of the conviction that god must call a person to preach which is a spiritual mission. The main character takes this mission on as any other profession and is determined to be a success as a spiritual leader, messenger of god, as well as a successful business entrepreneur. The main character goes from city to city while growing his followership and refining his professional talents. In addition his studies have led to him evolving his religious convictions. The story enthralls with the turmoil of power, beliefs, sex, control, and all the human pitfalls that too often affect successful professionals. In desiring success and wealth upon any career path it is important to maintain composure. Chauncey, although a spiritual leader, is in realization of this truth. In paralleling the lifestyles of the larger community many individuals become disillusioned and pigeonhole themselves. Only in selflessness can individuals walk a blemish-less path. Particularly urban youth must learn the lesson in traversing modern life goal paths in reaching their dreams. This chronicle wraps with Chauncey answering to the communal guidelines of this prescribed society. All must answer to the allegations of their fellow community members and none is an exception to this rule. In acquisition of success and goal setting humility can be a lifesaver.

As a kid I loved school. Most times the classes were easy and the tests they gave were even easier due to a high IQ, but like every other kid in the ghetto, that didn't protect me from an abusive home--so I picked up a few vices to keep from going insane. These vices became my world, never realizing the time would eventually come when they would prove to be invaluable and change my life forever. I loved watching the martial artist, "Bruce Lee". His movies were awesome! I often imitated his moves especially when I got into neighborhood scraps. It's crazy when I think back on those times when I fought stronger and much older kids, how I would either win or barely lose by throwing fewer punches than my opponent. I guess this helped me learn the art of close quarter hand to hand combat during my military career as I tried to escape my abusive and unfortunate past as a juvenile delinquent. Looking back, I guess I would've made a few other choices in those days, but I had some of the best experiences of my life regardless! That is, until my first run-in with the law. Jail was also a whole new world. It was a reality check for me. My popularity had to be proven there. Fights were different. Most of the time weapons were used and someone was definitely going to get hurt or killed. It's crazy when you think about it; prison was the catalyst to the events leading up to my life of crime working undercover for the CIA.

The one problem with love is that it has no boundaries. Once we as humans decide to go for it all and put our hearts on the line for L-O-V-E, we really are taking one of the biggest chances ever in life. Deep down inside we all know that there's always a chance that this journey we choose to share with another soul could all go south! In fact, that's the very thing that hinders some of us from finding love even now. We're just damn scared of it all going wrong! I can't even tell you how many relationships I've gone into half-ass just because of that fear. This new series Pulsations of a Heartbeat tells the story from our point of view and by our, I mean the man's. My good friend, Antwan and I have both experienced the wrath of good-for-nothing women in our life times and we've decided to write a series focusing on what happens to us as men when we do. It truly changes us, most of the time not for the better and the next women in our lives often suffer because of this hurt.

The one problem with love is that it has no boundaries. Once we as humans decide to go for it all and put our hearts on the line for L-O-V-E, we really are taking one of the biggest chances ever in life. Deep down inside we all know that there's always a chance that this journey we choose to share with another soul could all go south! In fact that's the very thing that hinders some of us from finding love even now. We're just damn scared of it all going wrong! I can't even tell you how many relationships I've gone into half-ass just because of that fear. This new series Pulsations of A Heartbeat tells the story from our point of view and by our, I mean the man's. My good friend, Lorenzo and I have both experienced the wrath of good for nothing women in our life times and we've decided to write a series focusing on what happens to us as men when we do. It truly changes us and most of the time it's not for the better and the next women in our lives often suffer because of this hurt.