Denise. Right about now you probably expect me to say something off the wall or belittling of you. Nah, it ain’t even that serious. You birthed my oldest mischief maker, and I love her unconditionally. Besides, the world is so much bigger than that. Making sure my daughter receives equal love from the both of us outweighs any petty squabbles we can’t seem to put to rest.

I’d like to thank Monique Patterson and the staff at St. Martin’s Press. Your professionalism and strategies have been most enlightening and each passing year teaches me something new about sharpening my swords. Six books in and still producing like a champ. Trust in my talent enough to let me take the gloves off and I will show you storytelling in its truest form.

You had to know there was more:

Tony and Tyrone Council; they took my arms, but I’m still out here fighting. I would hope that by the time this book drops, all the drama will have worked itself out and y’all niggaz is on the street with me, but only time can tell that. Still, we press on and try to keep fighting the good fight. But for all the friendship that this world has brought and will surely continue to bring us, I have but one request. Will the real niggaz stand up and the bitches lay down? When you lie to save your own ass it affects more than just the people you point fingers at.

Vickie Stringer, keep reaching new heights and handling business. Haters will always have their say, but the truth always makes itself known in time.

My man Derek Vitatoe. I know it took a minute, but you thugged it out and now your book is tearing up the shelves. We might be small, but we can walk with our heads held high because larceny doesn’t dwell anywhere in these ranks. I, as well as everyone affiliated with BLACK DAWN, INC., am glad to have you on the roster. Once someone helped me out and I’m glad to have been able to do the same for you.

Mark Anthony (Q-Boro) and Nakea Murray (As the Page Turns) you both get special shout-outs. I asked a million and one questions when I was structuring the publishing division of Black Dawn, but you guys always made time to answer them. You didn’t do it because you wanted something in return, but because you wanted to see me do well with my project. I got nothing but respect for y’all. Thank you.

For my folks:

All the kids. There’s too many of y’all to add, but you know who you are. This is the blueprint for something way bigger than anything I’ll accomplish in this lifetime. We’re entrusting you with the world, so make it count!