May 28th, 2009
Street Lit Resources — BEA Program
[Ed note: Below are resources for street lit from the 2009 BEA "Books with Flava" program, put together by students from Barbara Genco's LIS class (their names at the end)].
Street Lit. Urban Fiction. Ghetto Lit. Hip-Hop Lit. It has many names yet some find it hard to find information on the genre. Here is a list of websites devoted to African-American literature and, in particular, “street lit” as well as those publishers who exclusively publish “street lit”.
Street Lit Resources
Like many readers of any genre of books, street lit readers are constantly on the lookout for a great read. Yet, since many are not published by mainstream publishing houses, they can be difficult to find. This forum is a great place to find interesting books that many have read as well as a great place to talk to those who also enjoy street lit. (registration required)
This website not only gives street lit readers information on upcoming books but advertises events that street lit readers may be interested in. Some events advertised are Book Expo America and the Harlem Book Fair in July.
This unique website not only offers information about street lit but all of African-American literature. Many of the resources that this website provides are different reading groups across the country with a focus on African-American literature. The Rawsistaz reviewers are a well known resource in the street lit community. Their motto is “{k}eeping you In The Know regarding the African-American community.”
The definitive site when it comes to street lit, StreetFiction.org has it all. Created by Daniel Marcou, a correctional facility librarian, it contains the most comprehensive listing of street lit resources. In addition to author interviews, reader and professional reviews, it also provides links to stories in the mainstream media about street lit and major street lit authors. If you are looking for a place to start your search for street lit, this is the website to visit.
This website not only contains reviews (straight from street lit readers), author interviews (print and audio) but it also contains one of the most comprehensive list of upcoming street lit on the web. Want to know what books are coming out in December or early next year? Urban Reviews has it.
The Word On Street Lit.
(search by “The Word on Street Lit”)
A regular column in Library Journal, as well as their online newsletters, all about street lit. Written by Rollie Welch of the Cleveland Public Library, this column contains not only trends in street lit but is usually one of the first places to find an early review of an upcoming book. Want to know how the new Teri Woods book is? “The Word on Street Lit” already knows!
Street Lit Publishers
While many of today’s most famous street lit authors are published by mainstream publishing houses, there are still many independent publishers that produce street lit that’s “hot on the streets.” The following list includes publishers and imprint that focus on street lit, but remember that many publishing houses offer individual street lit titles, but not under specific imprints (e.g. Grand Central publishes Teri Woods; K’wan is published by St. Martin’s Griffin, and Sister Souljah is published by Atria/S&S).
Home to founder Azarel (Daddy’s House and Bruised) and several upcoming authors. This publishing house combines elements of the streets with elements of the sheets.
Random House’s African-American imprint with several street lit offerings. Home to authors like Noire (Thong on Fire) and Nikki Turner (Nikki Turner Presents… and Ghetto Superstar).
Street lit publisher started by street lit author T.Styles. Known for their extremely gritty stories like Hell Razor Honeys and Shyt List.
A major player in the street lit game. Kensington Books is home to numerous imprints of street lit. Mainly published under Dafina, their African-American imprint.
Home to authors like Kiki Swinson (Wifey) and Nisa Santiago (Cartier Cartel). These stories combines street lit with bits of melodrama (as well as all the regular drama!)
A division of Simon & Schuster run by acclaimed urban erotica author Zane. Mainly publishing urban erotica, it was one of the first imprint under a major publisher of street lit like material.
The very first publisher exclusively of street lit. Started by and run by pioneer street lit author Vickie Stringer (Let That Be The Reason), Triple Crown Publications was the home of many of today’s hottest street lit authors like Nikki Turner and T. Styles.
Started by Carl Weber in 2003, Urban Books has become the home of several African-American publishing imprints, including Urban Books, Urban Soul, Urban Christian and the new Urban Renaissance which combines street lit with several romance elements. Home to authors like Roy Glenn (In Too Deep), Chunichi (A Gangster’s Girl), and Ashely & Jaquavis (The Cartel and Diary of A Street Diva).
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List created by:
Nina Emlen, Librarian Trainee, New York Public Library/Riverside Branch
Karen Grenke, Librarian Trainee, New York Public Library (Roosevelt Island)
Christopher Lassen, Children’s Librarian, Bay Ridge Branch, Brooklyn Public Library
Kristy Raffensberger, Children’s Librarian, New York Public Library / Morningside Heights Branch
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