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  • Streets, Rhymes & ‘Sugar’

  • A Hip Hop Memoir by Michael Elliot
  • By: Michael Elliot
  • Narrated by: Michael Elliot
  • Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (855 ratings)

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Streets, Rhymes & ‘Sugar’

By: Michael Elliot
Narrated by: Michael Elliot
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Publisher's summary

In this moving audio memoir, Michael Elliot chronicles his life from being homeless on the streets of Philadelphia to successful Hollywood screenwriter and business entrepreneur. He talks about how his cycles of success and setbacks have become moments to focus on opportunity - like how first big success eventually fell away, and Michael found himself working at the Gap. Confronted with who he really was - and truly understanding why he failed - a series of moments restored his faith and eventually taught him how to keep finding success through boldness and belief; “When you truly believe, your get down is different.” It’s a Cinder-fella tale that Michael Elliot hopes inspires listeners to see the big picture and never stop fighting.

©2021 Michael Elliot (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.
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Interview: 'Streets, Rhymes & 'Sugar' Details Michael Elliot’s Journey from Homelessness to Hollywood

'If I'm going to tell my story, I want to do it in a very transparent way and include everything'
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  • Streets, Rhymes & ‘Sugar’
  • 'If I'm going to tell my story, I want to do it in a very transparent way and include everything'

From the Author

  • Streets, Rhymes & ‘Sugar’
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About the Creator and Performer

Michael Elliot’s career began in 1988 when he published Krush magazine—the first publication devoted to covering the burgeoning world of hip-hop music exclusively. Months later, other hip-hop publications would follow his lead, including The Source magazine. Soon, Michael set his sights on television and then the book-publishing world. He authored, designed, and self-published the hip-hop guidebook The Unsigned Rappers’ Guide to Getting a Record Deal.
Recognizing his ability to "make things happen," the owners of The Source offered Michael a position as special projects director. While at The Source, he was offered his own weekly hip-hop show on one of Philly’s top-rated radio stations. Then, New York’s famed hip-hop station, Hot 97, wanted in. Michael quickly made the transition from the country’s number-four market to number-one. Before long, not even Hot 97 could contain him.
Sony Worldwide Networks had just partnered with hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons to launch a nationally syndicated hip-hop countdown show. Michael was chosen to hostand co-produce the weekly radio show Street Heat. For the next two years, he would work for The Source and Sony Worldwide Networks, hosting and co-producing what would become the most successful radio show of its kind.
In the mid-'90s, Michael, who wanted to make movies, became aware of Sean "Diddy" Combs’ interest to establish a film and television arm of his highly successful hip-hop label, Bad Boy Records. After meeting with Diddy, Michael relocated to Southern California and was appointed president of Bad Boy Films. Four months into the job, Diddy’s friend and biggest star, The Notorious B.I.G., was murdered. Forty-eight hours later, Bad Boy Films was dissolved, and Michael was unemployed.
Armed with a computer, a book on screenwriting, and a Blockbuster card, Michael began teaching himself to write screenplays. Without an agent or manager, he sold his first screenplay, Seven Days, to 20th Century Fox. Seeing his success, The Source magazine contacted him with an offer to return. The hip-hop publication unsuccessfully had tried to get their awards show on network television. Michael accepted the challenge, and as president of Source Entertainment struck an unprecedented deal for a special on UPN. The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards (1999 and 2000) set rating records for the struggling network and generated more than $15 million in revenue. However, after violence broke out during the 2000 airing of the show, Michael resigned to focus on his screenwriting and producing career.
In less than one year of returning to the film business, he had three consecutive films green lit, including MTV's critically acclaimed Carmen: A Hip Hopera, which Michael scripted and executive produced, launching feature film careers for Mos Def, Bow Wow, Joy Bryant, and of course, Beyoncé Knowles. In addition, Michael wrote the highly successful films Brown Sugar, Like Mike, and Just Wright, for which he won for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture.
Currently, Michael is developing the romantic comedy Technically Speaking for Audible Originals; the biopic The Celebration for Searchlight Pictures; and the romantic comedy Relationship Goals for Amazon Studios.

Featured Article: The top 100 celebrity memoirs of all time


The best celebrity memoir audiobooks are in a league of their own—there is no greater listening experience than a memoir performed by the celebrity behind the title. Their charisma and authenticity greatly enhance the experience, making it all the more engaging. Many listeners who would never think to read a celebrity memoir in print gravitate to the genre in audio. There’s something magical about hearing, in their own voice, the nitty-gritty of a star’s path.

What listeners say about Streets, Rhymes & ‘Sugar’

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Real talk!

Worth every second of time! I don’t care how good or bad ones life is changing your angle when analyzing your life will always expose the bigger picture! This story is beautiful while challenging the way I view everything! Thank you for your words!

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Looking For the Dream

Great Book! For all Ages, I found a gem , listening to the ups and downs, of chasing dreams, and catching visions. I truly, truly loved it!

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the real deal

loved hearing such a raw yet real story. very reflective and genuinely told. hardships ideas small roadblocks to life. remember to be bold!!

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Unexpectedly Enlightening

What a tragic and triumphant story, all rolled into one. It is amazing how things can change by a shift in perspective. This story was unexpectedly enlightening. Glad I listened. I liked hearing the sincerity in the author's voice. Very real. Very authentic. And it was a pleasant surprise to hear his mother give her voice to his story. Everybody has a story and each is intertwined with others. We are connected. Thanks for sharing your story. I liked the business side, but the personal story....just Wow. And thanks again for the courage it takes to share our lives so transparently.

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Wonderful Memoir

This was so raw but yet brought me to tears about a son’s relationship with his mother and how powerful forgiveness can be in our lives…Bravo Mr. Elliot!

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Made me Cry

I don't write many reviews, mostly because I am lazy. It is easy to hit the stars and move on. With this book, I felt I needed to take the time. I did not know what to expect and I was not familiar with Michael Elliot. I took a chance and was really glad I did. He is so raw and truthful in his memoirs. I think a lot of people think because you are an owner of a business, that you are successful. That your life is perfect and you are happy. He is real about the ups and downs that he has experienced. My favorite part was near the end about his mother. It made me really think about my childhood and the forgiveness that I need to give so I can see my truth. Thanks for sharing Michael. If you had any doubts about sharing your life, you have made a difference in my life by giving a little piece of you.

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Super Inspirational

I was so inspired. This book has helped me get back on track mentally. I am ready to pursue the career that I once considered in high school but then life happen. I am in my 40s now and ready to make it happen. The desire is still strong but I did not realize it until I read this book. Many Thks to the author for sharing his truth.

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AMAZING! 👏

I was very engaged with this story for many reasons most of all his ability to reflect, forgive, hold on to his dreams! It takes a secure person, male or female, to open themselves up and I could feel his sincerity down in my soul. I was so caught up in his stories I didn't realize the book was coming to an end. Thank you for sharing your life with those who take the time to read and listen to your words. I will recommend your book to everyone I know. Now and in the future... Good Luck and God Bless.

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Pleasant surprise

As an acquaintance of Michael’s I was floored by his history (in a good way). You just can never tell what someone has been through… although I hadn’t made any assumptions or judged in any way, I would have never guessed the experiences he has endured .., but after hearing his story, it makes perfect sense because of how humble and peaceful he is. One cannot overcome their self / circumstances without fully dealing with these obstacles. Thank you for sharing this with the world, Michael. Speaking for me…I’m better for having heard it!

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You won’t believe it until you “read” this!

There is no way this isn’t going to end badly, was one of my first thoughts while listening to the beginning of Michael Elliot’s journey! Talk about roadblocks! And then; he does it! Elliot pulls it off! Then he does it again! And again!
This is a book about, keeping on a path that seems blocked off. It’s about seeing the thing differently. It’s also about self-introspection (prayer) & knowledge of his subject that is the birthplace of brilliance. I absolutely love this book!

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