So, Omar Tyree is retiring (Flyy Girl) and is blaming his "urban" audience for not supporting him and our penchant for denigration-- oh, just read his statement for kicks.
Mr. Tyree, as an author define "urban"? The word "urban" is a catch-all phrase that means nothing. For some it's a code-word for black. For others it characterizes those who live within city limits. And yet, it could depict the sophisticated --for those of you that understand its origins as a deriavtive of urbane. So, Mr. Tyree whatchya really saying?
I read a few of your novels back in the day -- circa 10 years ago-- and never came back to read any other titles authored by you. For one, vacillating between your government name and your psuedoynm baffled me. And as an avid reader, I prefer novels that provide depth and range. So, your novels didn't cut it--granted I didn't read them all, but Leslie was the straw that broke the camels back. It was long and lacking. I apologize if I'm denigrating on your literary progeny--'cuz I'm not here to diss your craft. But like my girl Jilly from Philly said "Everything ain't for everybody." So, I reckoned your literary style wasn't for me and I steered cleared of your titles. But, your girl Bellini hasn't stop reading.
By the way, if they are any closet authors preparing their drafts or contemplating drafts on the topic of the drug game--please don't. That subject is so damn tired and told. Evolve beyond that, there are more things to talk about and discuss. Oh, but wait a minute -- according to Tyree the drug game is the cash cow? Tyree who is your audience-- when you write your novels who do you want and who do you envision reading your work? Oh,i forgot it's that urban audience. Mr. Tyree, I would have preferred your press release to state after 15 years in the business-- I am going on a hiatus, blah, blah, blah...a certain quality of panache is missing from your exodus...anyhoo...
For those of you that have a craft that you want to share, sell, or suggest to the masses -- make sure it is GOOD. Not just good for the "urban" audience, not just good for black folks, but just plain ol'e fashinoned good. A good book is a good book-- it's hard to dispute.
cheers,
Bellini
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7 comments:
His writing style, story lines etc etc are WiKKeTy WACK!!!!!
but then so is the majority hood fiction.......work by
folk like Donald Goines etc is classic.
i read this press release with a mean side eye. seems that mr. tyree created a monster that has spun out of his control. i agree anon, folks need to go back to the real gangsta classics by d. goines and iceberg slim. i was up on those as a curious and inquisitive middle schooler. even only my mama knew what books i was checking out of the library she might not have let me go as often. ha ha.
he should blame himself
i know i have been at boook festivals with him and he traveled with other women who were not his wife
@ anon:that's the problem with "urban" fiction-- i feel like if i read one i read them all; and i've never Donald Goines the godfather of it all and i reckon i should; although Sister Souljah's the "Coldest Winter Ever" is classic.
@minty: yeah, girl those tween years i read everything i shouldn't have, but i'm glad i did-- it has given me a discerning eye for quality material. It good book is timeless and i feel like Tyree novels feel outdated-- it's like I remember sitting on the stoop in the summertime reading "Flyy Girl"
@torrance: this post is really about "urban" fiction and less about Mr.Tyree-- get my drift...
food 4 thought: many "urban" authors are unidimensional; imagine if an author created a novel on par with the HBO series the WIRE. Talk about depth and range. There are many aspects to the drug market (i.e prosecutors, city hall, slum lords, education system, etc.)-- what made the WIRE so dope is that it didn't stay in the street, the producers enhanced the story plot with the other intertwining themes that impact the quality of an inner-city neighborhood.
I think Omar has given himself way too much credit, in my opinion his writing is not apart of the urban fiction genre..hes more apart of the romantic/relationship genre...from what I have read...Fly Girl I believe was his best to date but it cant beat Coldest Winter Ever on a good day and thats what I would call urban fiction...I think he himself is running out of topics and is pointing the finger and trying to make himself seem as if he is this literary martyr instead of just admitting that he phased his ownself out...
Great post, Bellini… I love when I learn something new in this old blogosphere. I had no idea Omar had such a thing. He should have retired after Flyy Girl... That was his last novel worth my time, but not worth my dime… (I checked it out from the library.)
@introspective goddess: perhaps you're right, but i haven't read enough of his novels (only 4 out of 15) to share your verdict)--never read any of the Urban Griot novels either. You know there wouldn't be much to say if the press release was constructed differently. Hindsight is 20/20.
@ zackory kirk: ahhh... yes -- thanks for your acknowledgment of the good ol'e institution called the library -- where would Bellini be without? And thanks for the love -- please don't be a stranger!
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