The opening lines from some of my favorite books. And maybe a couple of my favorite opening couplets from some hip-hop songs. Maybe.
I swear ‘fo God, this is the cussinges’ man ever born, he must’ve been cussing when he came into this world, when his mother, Miss Lillybelle Washington, gave birth to this heathen the first he said must’ve been a cuss word, he probably cussed out the midwife and his mother and anybody else who happened to be in sight, cussed them out for bringin’ him into the world, he is that kind of man, you know….
The Life and Loves of Mr. Jiveass Nigger - Cecil Brown
Of all the books on this list, this is probably the only one where the first line actually made me buy the book. Now to be honest, the first three-and-some pages are a continuation of this stream of consciousness, but as soon as I saw this part, that book was bought. I mean, the title already had me predisposed to buy the book, since I naturally identified with it, but then when I saw this part - which was during one of my strong cussing phases, I HAD to get it.
Unbelievable. We danced a few fast songs together and I wasn’t too spastic, so I thought maybe I had a shot.
Home Repairs - Trey Ellis
This is the book I wish I had written. I know a few people who aren’t really crazy about it, but I swear by this book.
You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
Simply one of the two most important books in my library.
Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.
Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston
The other one.
When my mother was pregnant with me, she told me later, a party of hooded Ku Klux Klan riders galloped up to our home in Omaha, Nebraska, one night.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Malcolm X w/ Alex Haley
Nothing more to add there.
Of all the things that drive men to sea, the most common disaster, I’ve come to learn, is women.
Middle Passage - Charles Johnson
I had to read this book for a class but when I saw that first line, I was glad it was on the reading list. And yes, depending on when you ask, I concur.
And now, a hip-hop couplet or two.
I got it goin’ on, since I’m up next to flex
You can bet I drop heavy, so girls grab your kotex
- Hardcore - Redman
That was the first line I ever heard from what would eventually become one of my favorite emcees. Now granted, I always thought that Redman was at his best on his closing lines, but that opening got my attention like a cold douse of water.
Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I’m lettin’ knowledge be born and my name is the R
- My Melody - Eric B. & Rakim
Again. A stunner. I think the heavy bass thuds had already set me up so he could’ve read a phone number and I would’ve been open, but when it was Rakim? Please.
With vice I hold the mic device
with force, I keep it away, of course
- Prophets of Rage - Public Enemy
Not my favorite PE song, but that line? That’s how you open a song.
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“Home Repairs” is the book. I tried for years to write one like it. (”Urban Romance” is good too, but my life was more like Ashton’s)