Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe

"One thing about me: I've always been able to spot an opportunity, and once I see it, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to capitalize on it to the fullest degree." ~ 28%

Jay Jenkins, better known as Young Jeezy, is an influential rapper credited for pioneering trap music. In his new memoir titled Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe, he shares never heard stories of his life and business. From day one, he turned nothing into something with his business-savvy mind and marketing genius at a young age. Please do not confuse this as a street memoir or just another book by a rapper; it is a deeply personal story that will motivate readers to go after your dreams despite your circumstances, obstacles, environment or adversity in the way of success. 

Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe is the authentic hip-hop memoir I didn't know the culture needed until I read it. Jeezy is one of my favorite artists. I knew some of his background through lyrics but the book gives greater detail. Jeezy explains his home life growing up, teenage years as a street hustler, connections to B.M.F., a timeline of his rap career and more. He truly has Seen it All. 

"Let's get it doesn't work if the let's doesn't include me." ~ 92%

There are two (2) factors keeping me from rating Adversity for Sale a full 5⭐️ book. I am curious about the title based on the content. Not once is "adversity" mentioned in the book. By definition, difficulties and misfortune are covered and Jeezy definitely showed resilience in the face of adversity. But for sale? Huh? The subtitle "Ya Gotta Believe" is much better suited.

The second factor is the abrupt ending. It leaves readers hanging in a way that is incomplete, not as a cliffhanger. It is such a hard stop that I am sending an email to the publisher to confirm whether my advance copy is missing pages intended for the ending. If so, I will return here and update my rating. Otherwise, I am left with a glaring question: how did this get past editing?

"Last time I checked, I was the man on these streets..." ~ 74%

Overall, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe is a great addition to the literary world of hip-hop. I recommend this new release to Jeezy fans, rap music fans and readers that enjoy a good coming-of-age memoir. Like I previously mentioned, the lessons within are sure to motivate. To enhance your reading experience, I highly suggest playing the songs referenced on your music streaming app of choice. It slowed my reading time down by taking a break to jam to each lyric mentioned but I would read it no other way.

Happy Early Pub Day, Jeezy! Adversity for Sale will be available Tuesday, August 8.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe
Author: Jay "Jeezy" Jenkins
Published: September 2023
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤