 Ashley & JaQuavis Crack
New York Times Bestellers List
by Taylor Nix
December 2009
Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman better known as the writing duo, Ashley JaQuavis (AJ) made their entrée on the New York Times Bestsellers List for paperback trade fiction, with their highly anticipated street literature novel, The Cartel 2 which debuted at #33 on Thursday, November 19, 2009.
In recent years, only a few authors from the street literature genre were able to accomplish such a feat, they include Teri Woods, Sister Souljah and Nikki Turner. Their work has been regarded as some of the premiere titles that have lead the way for this growing phenomenon of gritty tales.
Street literature has been known to dominate the Essence Bestsellers List, which has come under intense scrutiny because of the content of the books that have been featured as well as other underground niche markets. However, an appearance on the New York Times Bestsellers List is proof that there is a place for America’s inner-city tale that mirrors the realities and struggles of urban black life on the street. It is reaching audiences far beyond local community bookstores, exposing the masses to a new style of writing that has been overlooked and ignored by mainstream America until recently.
Unknown to most, AJ has been writing for what seems like forever since the age of 20 and 21 respectively. Their first title, Dirty Money was released in 2007, published by Urban Books. Not only have they acquired their very own imprint—Urban Streets Certified, which published Hush by Amaleka G. McCall—they have written over 13 novels. They have remained consistent over the years, juggling college, personal life and writing. Through all of the negative rumble, talk of the genre being merely a fad and it failing to transcend with time; the bashing and chastising opinions from literary critics and contemporary authors; speculation of it becoming over saturated, they have persevered. They are the epitome of underdogs soaring to new heights and blazing trails. Be on the lookout for The Cartel 3, slated for July 2010.
For more information, visit: www.ashleyjaquavis.com
Related features/articles:
Ashley JaQuavis 2006 Interview
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