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When I first listened to "I Did It My Way: The Prelude" I felt like I could relate to it. Not so much the fact that he was poor or at one point was an under achiever but the fact that he survived. That's why it can be related to. That is the reason that people can see his life through their eyes when they read it and say 'I've been through that too.'

Therefore it is an audio book that should be in everyone's ipod, mp3 player, playlist, home library but every middle school as well. Youth today can relate to this because they are rebellious and are on the threshold of a time that their decisions count. Let them listen to this audio book and put some substance back in the educational system of today."

- Tonya Matthews, mother of two students at Robeson High School, Chicago. IL

"I thought this audio book reached out to alot of confused people from that era. Confusion, meaning being Black in a changing America that really didn't include Blacks at that time. Therefore grief and turmoil took over.

Other than the ever tedious, everyday life of being Black in the Midwest, I think Mr. Morris hit the nail on the head when he said that 'It's not enough to be alive, we have to live'. But thank you Mr. Morris for giving us a real truth."

- Madison Martin , philosophy major at Australian National University, Australia


"I was assigned to listen to this audio book by my literature teacher. As I started listening, I found it hard to stop. Mr. Morris, I have always wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed & was moved by your life story.

This audio book should be required reading in all schools. I let several people listen to my copy, and did not get it back. I bought a new one yesterday.

- Lukas Braker, student at College Alpin Beau Soleil, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

"I Did It My Way"
is so realistic closely related to my life but instead i was raised in Georgia. Deep within the West Savannah. I thank "Pepper" for giving me an inspiration in proceeding in my own dreams in being a entrepreneur. I can't stay in the ghetto much longer. All my life living in worries about who gon kill me or a set up by so-called friends of mine. I would recommend others to listen to it because you'll learn something out of it"

- Bigg Trigg, Conservative Vice-Lord, Atlanta


"AMAZINGLY, GRITTY, AND RAW AND A FORTUNATE ROUGH LIFE THAT PROVED THROUGH HARD WORK AND TENACITY THAT YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT IN LIFE. A MUST READ FOR EVERY YOUNG BLACK MALE IN AMERICA. JUST PLAIN AND SIMPLE THE BEST AUDIO BOOK I'VE EVER READ ON BLACK LIFE THAT MIRRORS YOUNG BLACK MALES EVEN IN TODAY'S HIP HOP AGE. MUST READ.......EVERY MALE, WHITE BLACK AND ANYONE ELSE.......GET IT..."

- Joshua Myers, a member of The Los Angeles Film Critics Association








“You got two choices if you want to survive in this business: Either you hunt with the Lions or walk with the Lambs,”

Michael D. Morris whispers to me, as the other business professionals take their seats around the conference table at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. It seems Morris has his work cut out for him this morning, given that these industry professionals are on time and focused on the agenda.

Morris begins making his case to the tough and shrewd executives, who proceed to bombard him with a flurry of questions that cast doubt on his ideals, his products, his business plan and his sanity.

About an hour and thirty minutes later, however, the executives seemed to think differently. Now they are talking about contracts, partnership opportunities and setting up dates for more meetings. It seems like a strange turnaround to me, but on the drive back to Raleigh, North Carolina, Morris doesn’t seem all too thrilled.

“Most of these company heads are old school. They minds are stuck in the 80’s. The only reason they are still around is because they are living off of old money. They’ve lost their ability to evolve and understand new methods and new innovative ideas. I present something unique and profitable for all parties involved. We all win with me. Either we do business or I’mma put them out of business,” he says.

Having already seen Morris in action on multiple occasions, I understand him completely and I understand his frustrations. Uncompromising investors, confused customers, incredulous business owners and partners, - Morris has an uncanny ability to convert them into active and interested supporters. And although many of them aren’t so quick to sign contracts and checks, some are so close in doing so.

"Alot of companies and industry professionals are intimidated by my ideals and my ambitious nature. Some people hate what I stand for. I've been called a male feminist, because I choose to empower women instead of destroying them. I've been called many names, because of my stance on rape and child molestation and abuse. Some industry professionals have actually stopped working with me because of this. But irregardless of how they feel, I will continue to stand firm in what I believe," says Morris.

Morris, the Founder and CEO of Phamous Models, is pitching his plan to infiltrate, to conquer and to control the arts and entertainment industry. Phamous Models is divided into five divisions: Films, Modeling, Music, Publishing and Merchandising, which also includes a non-profit organization called, “We Will Never Forget” Foundation for The Child Abused and The Neglected.

In 2011, he has racked up close to 75 deals and he shows no sign of fatigue. This in spite of the fact that his company began as a mid-size start-up operation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and now competes against some of the most successful and the most reputable names in the entertainment industry, including Time Warner and Sony Music Entertainment.

"I Did It My Way will change the way films are made forever, because of it's graphic and provocative storyline and imagery. Most movies now are so predictable. Most people can figure out what will happen at the end in the first fifteen minutes of watching it. You won't be able to do that with I Did It My Way," he says.

"I promise you...this movie with extend beyond all ethnic and religious backgrounds. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It will make you empathize with the characters. But most importantly, it will give you new choices and new alternatives on how to live your life and survive in the "jungle of life". The world is about to witness something cruel and unusual, yet beautiful and inspiring."

Still, watching Morris work his prospects is to understand that even a great product or service doesn’t sell itself: It takes an even greater visionary and salesman to create the desire to buy and overcome a blizzard of hurdles and obstacles. If you had 100 business meetings in a month, the one you’ll remember is Morris’, says Usha, the product development manager at a prestigious Los Angeles based manufacturing firm.

“He takes ideas that are unfamiliar to us and the market and paints a vivid, detailed picture of how successful it will be with the right talent, discipline and loyalty,” says Calvin, the CEO of a prominent art gallery in lower Manhattan that caters to the most demanding art collectors in the world, puts it even more simply: “He is probably the most ferocious businessman I know right now.”

Another afternoon, another meeting.

Today’s meeting is taking place in an extravagant conference room at The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. Morris, 27, is wearing a white t-shirt with the words “PHAMOUS” in the middle of his chest and a pair of navy blue Prada jeans, matching a pair of blue and white Prada running shoes. He looks more like a college freshman than an accomplished businessman.

Today’s prospect is in the fashion merchandising business, in which many executives are expected to wear a suit or something appearing more casual.

I’m not some uptight business executive most companies are used to doing business with. I want my prospects to know that they don’t have to feel inferior if they do business with me,” Morris says.

He is meeting with Alejo, who works closely with the Alumni at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. FIDM develops graduates for the global industries of Fashion, Visual Arts, Interior Design and Entertainment. One of their educators has connections in Shanghai and is interested in doing business with Morris, because of his uncanny ability to turn creativity and products into profit.

Alejo finally arrives. He’s friendly with a cool and calm demeanor. He is wearing a brown suit with a gray power tie. Morris immediately get’s him talking about a recent fashion show event in Madrid, but it’s not exactly small talk: The topic is what designers were present, what celebrities were present, which models were most talked about after the event, what companies made the most impact and which models made the most money; and that line of conversation quickly, and not coincidentally, leads Alejo to answer all his questions.

It’s barely twenty minutes into the meeting before Alejo is enthusiastically talking about a new marketing and promotional campaign for a potential client. The client recently designed for Prada.

“It appears you want to open the market up and explore new potential customers. I got some people in Shanghai that can aid and assist in your vision,” he says.

Alejo responds enthusiastically, explaining his client is considering ways to generate her own power instead of depending solely on the fashion industry.

“You’re looking to build a kingdom?” Morris asks.

That sparks even more enthusiasm from Alejo.

“Let me tell you what we are all about."

Even though the meeting started an hour ago, it’s the first time he’s mentioned his company. He starts by dropping the names of several European companies and modeling agencies with which Phamous Models has business relationships, and he ticks off some of Phamous Models' executives, board members and advisors, including a retired VP and the Chairman of an exclusive advertising firm. Then he provides a brief rundown how the costs of the plan designed by his company stack up against the major players in the industry.

Morris gives quick insight of how his plan will work. “The specifics are somewhat boring,” says Morris. “Give me two days and I’ll have a representative from the company send you all the detailed information.”

This is Morris’ excuse for follow-up contact.

“The big question you’ll get from your customers,” he continues, “will be price, quality and availability.” And that just happens to be Phamous Models’ strong point. He goes on to describe how the more conventionally designed modeling agencies don’t offer enough diversity to compete in the “new market”. Companies like Uno and Traffic Models don’t offer enough diversity in their talent.

Later, outside The Mansion, I see Morris leaning up against the wall, drinking a bottle of Bling H2O. In the meeting and in his conversations with me, he seems distant but relaxed and confidant. This isn't the first or will it be the last time I see him like this.

“For the past three to four years, I been on the road fighting this war to be successful,” he says. “It's hard to relax and enjoy myself. But that's the nature of this business. I guess I'll enjoy myself in a few months when I take that trip to Barcelona.”

But knowing him, he won't rest. He will probably be trying to do business with every businessman there.

They say kings are born, not made. That appears true, says his longtime childhood friend, Sara, who oversees his International Public Relations. Morris, she says, probably got his insatiable appetite to do business from his mother - a graduate from The University of Kansas, who successfully ran a chain of day care centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for over twenty years.

I really admire my mother, even though we have our differences. She came from the Cochran projects in St. Louis with a dream and a vision”, says Morris. “And she stayed aggressive and persevered through all the craziness until she accomplished her goal. I watched her cry. I watched her succeed. This is probably why I have a different appreciate for a women's struggle to be successful. I remember being fifteen years old, sitting in on her zoning board meetings. I remember them telling her she will never open up a day care in Milwaukee. But to see her do it with them working to stop her...changed me completely."

After Morris graduated from college, he realized that there was no real job security in America. He felt that in order to survive, you had to look at what gifts and talents God gave you and use them to create business and financial empowerment.

“God gave us all unique gifts and talents in order to survive in this world. It's up to us to find out what those gifts and talents are and use them effectively in order to create happiness for ourselves,” he says.

Shortly after college, Morris went to visit his mother in Orlando, Florida and decided that is where he wanted to build his kingdom. He created Phamous Models, an image and marketing company that specialized in creating “industry buzz” for people in the arts and entertainment industry.

Phamous Models crawled forward until 2007, when Morris decided to implement selling products for his clients. He set out to control and to dominate the arts and entertainment market with a set of “rules” and a code of ethics similar to a military strategist. His ambitious aura is addictive.

Not that ambition alone can move a product or idea in the direction set forth by its visionary. Far more important is the ability to think realistically and critically, says Tara, a former computer software engineer. “You can teach a person the basic fundamentals of business,” Tara says. “But only an illustrious businessman can look at a scenario and analyze the positives and the negatives and come to a glorious solution that will have a beneficial impact on all parties involved. Morris creates opportunities others can see.”

Morris is a rare example of that combination of ambition and analytical problem solving, say those who have worked with him. Whatever he needs to learn, he consumes it and thinks about it, and he's going to relay it back to you with a lot vivacity, honesty, and credibility,” says Baasim, a venture capitalist associated with Sequoia Capital. Thomas, whose is crafty and skillful financial advisor, with a client base throughout Europe, says, “Morris connects with people not only on an intellectual and emotional level, but on a level that's not attainable by most companies.”

We've barely cleared security at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport when Morris' phone starts ringing. The call is from Savannah, a member of Phamous Models International Board of Advisors. Morris explains to me she doesn't like to text and use emails, which means he gets a lot of calls from her.

Savannah is calling to provide last-minute intelligence on a company that can help them infiltrate the West Coast without detection. Morris looks at me and says, “I love her intelligence and tenacity. She is always prepared and punctual.”

Morris cuts the call short as Baker walks up and greets us.

Urbane and friendly, Baker walks us to Bangkok Orchid. Baker orders Grilled Beef Skewers. Morris orders nothing.

Morris is hoping Baker will become a high end investor for Phamous Models. His support would be an impressive one. It will help open so many doors in the European market, and Morris needs all the allies he can get. Europe, unlike the United States is more open to new ideals. But attacking the European market with Phamous Models would be highly profitable and challenging. Morris has no fear. He just needs Baker to have the same emotion.

Morris seems relaxed and undaunted. But given that the meeting is likely to be a quick one, he get’s right to the point: If the UK embraces Phamous Models, it will gain in excess of 10 million dollars in 2 years. But we have to be aggressive, fearless and work as a team, says Morris.

Baker listens gracefully, but it's clear he's not impressed, and he apologizes for the time being short.

Unfazed by the comment, Morris changes course and drives a different point: Most companies don't accept nor understand the international market and the needs and wants of its consumers, there are many consumers in the UK that share the same fate. With your help, Phamous Models could create a lot of jobs and new opportunities.

Bingo. Helping the people angle seemed to have ignited Bakers’ interest. “This would be a sweet product for developing countries, says Baker. “People need new inspiration. The timing is right. And the money is there.” When will you be back in Texas? Baker asks. He wants him to meet with some key people from Germany.

Baker is tough. But Morris has seen tougher. Take those four wary executives on that fiery hot day in Miami. Morris is proposing that the company partner with Phamous Models-and invest $600,000. “You have an insane business mind,” one of the executives snaps.

An executive asks why the company even needs Phamous Models. It already controls most of the fashion market in Los Angeles and New York and is perfectly capable of coming up with its own innovative designs and products. “We should be collaborating not competing,” Morris suggests calmly. “We're moving fast and we're going to be involved in different markets, and we need to figure out fast who are partners are.”

The executives snicker. They point out that Phamous Models may be buoyant and strong, but the process isn't. We can get it done by June 2011”, Morris says

This leads to a moment of silence and some exchanged glances. Then the executives issue a barrage of technical questions about product development and marketing plans. Morris gives the floor to Victoria, Phamous Models’ Director of Merchandising and Licensing, whom he has brought along in anticipation of the meeting taking this turn.

Victoria was the captain of the debate team at Princeton and has worked with several merchandising firms in Paris and New York. Victoria immediately proceeds to bury the executives in details. Morris sits back and enjoys the show, which goes on for about 35 minutes.

Sensing the executives are feeling a bit less cocky, Morris stands up and speaks. “We have excellent connections with suppliers and manufacturers that are quick and efficient,” he says. “We have publishing connections who see us as allies. It’s all about being a team. Teamwork wins the championship.”

No one speaks for several seconds. Then one of the executives clears his throat. “Okay. I see your angle,” she says. “How much will we get back? And when?”

He reaches across the table and gives her a knuckle bump and says with a smile, "Let's make it happen."

Written by Jocelyn Novacek AP Writer (New York)



October 12, 2011

"This audio book was like an anthropological study of another culture. it was amazing in the amount of pointless violence, but the overall lesson was the humans bring order to their environment by any means necessary, by gangs or grouping together in prison to guard and educate each other, by starting a "new" family, by sharing philosophies. It was very interesting, and pretty well written."

-Kareem Jenkins, a member of The American Sociological Association

September 26, 2011

Author, M.d. Morris, begins his story as a small child and carries his readers with him until this small child becomes a man. Included in his work was every imaginable ill of society; poverty, drugs, prostitution, violence, addiction, racism, politics, interracial relationships and much more.

Morris A.K.A. "Pepper" is the story's main character. Pepper was the only child and the first generation to be born and raised in - the north - Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pepper knew as a small child that the upbringing that his parents knew and taught would not fit well within the city streets of Milwaukee.

"I think I was maybe five years old. I would sit out on the my neighbor's porch. Ms. Parker. And listen to all the gossip in my neighborhood. So many crazy stories. But they were all helpful in some way or another. This was the beginning of my "street education". These stories shaped my mentality and prepared me for my personal battle in the streets. I had this insatiable want and need to listen and learn...and it still hasn't left me," says Morris

It was at the age of 9 or 10 that Pepper began to take action in street life through fights or other altercations within the community. By the time he was 12, Pepper had made a reputation for himself. He was known to be good with his hands and he ran with a gang of other boys, usually older than him, from Milwaukee, Racine and Chicago. Pepper was not a regular at school, if he even decided to go at all. At this point his future looked dim. His parents thought that he was hardheaded and their solution was to beat some sense into him. His step-father was always on his back about school, the friends that he hung around and would beat him for disobeying the household rules but to no avail.

"I was always the littlest nigga on the block. But I had the most heart. Everyday you had to stand up and fight or go home crying to your parents. I chose to fight. There wasn't that much pistol play then. I got my reputation from the shoulders. I ran with a couple cats from Chicago who were Gangster Disciples. We used to hang out at the pool halls and the basketball courts. I kinda liked school back then, but the teachers weren't giving me the knowledge to survive in my neighborhood," says Morris

As a pre-teen, Pepper had been considered a hustling kid by some because he knew the tricks and trades of getting money or other things that he wanted by stealing or getting other people to get it for him.

A critical moment in Pepper's life was his personal introduction to marijuana and prostitutes. Up until that point, Pepper didn't know too much about drugs or prostitution. He had only smoked marijuana and drank a little liquor and seen how prostitutes in his neighborhood made their money. Pepper was fascinated by the pimp/whore/johns scenario of survival and cash transactions. Several of his "friends" if they were not locked away at group homes, detention centers or prison themselves had already tried being a pimp, a prostitute or "trick".

The lifestyle, the money and the clothes, and the hustling mentality was evident with his "friends." The whole persona exemplified cool - they were considered bad in the good sense of the word. His thinking was that he had to stay as tough and as smooth as the streets and if the streets were popping with that lifestyle, he had to give it a try. Lucky for Pepper his pimp/whore/john experience did not turn out like most of the guys and girls in his neighborhood. The little dabbling in the "game" turned into serious addiction for most of those who experimented. This experiment changed Milwaukee in many ways. Pepper witnesses this transformation. He witnessed the grip and the eventual downfall that the "game" had among his neighbors, friends and family.

Through this well written story, Morris provides profound reasons as to the destruction of the minds which lived in Milwaukee. This audio book tells the story and analyzes the situation.

Target audience: ages 16 and over but perhaps younger since the main character is so very young when he becomes involved in street life. This is a good read and is not difficult.

Pepper is an exception to the rule. He is not the standard and considering all - how could he be?

- By Juanne Fuller, columnist, South London Press Today


August 3, 2011

Morris and his generation were the kids of poor, uneducated parents. So while they were content to take low jobs and play subservient roles, these kids were not. As they watched their parents preaching for them to be good and yet not laying a reliable example for them to follow, these kids revolted by doing things their own way, stealing, fighting, using drugs, skipping school. They spent lots of times in juvenile centers, some even preferring such places to home, where they were either not wanted or cared for. As they grew up, they resented working long hours for what looked like meager pay, compared to the quick cash that came from activities like dealing in drugs or turning different types of "tricks," fraudulent means of getting money.

The level of violence that is depicted in this story makes it read like fiction to begin with. Morris was able to break out from this violence due to two reasons. He was smart. He met some nice influential people in his neighborhood that "groomed" him. It was these people that made him realize life could be more than the street thing he was used to in Milwaukee. And the positive change in him began with his moving out of Milwaukee, after he realized he couldn't accomplish his vision in that hideous environment.

For a long while, the storyline was a glamorization of street life and how drugs and crime came to Milwaukee in the 80's and took over the youth. How everyone had a drug user or addict in the family, or knew one. How the youth got wasted and died from their addiction, either through an od (overdose) or some robbery in a bid to feed the habit. Then there were tales of different movements that came along, with their own solutions. The Christians that preached "turn the other cheek". But Morris believed in black superiority and a black Jesus Christ. Then came the Muslims preaching economic emancipation of blacks. Morris tried out all these ideas, from going to church to listening to the religious people preach, but eventually none gave him the right answers he needed. When one Muslim convert was telling him about the need for blacks to revolt, he shot back that he'd already had his own revolution. That is, all the criminal activities he'd been into in his earlier days were forms of revolting against the status quo and the injustices in the system. And so he didn't see a sense in calling for or being part of a movement that preached revolution.

There was this account of a love affair between Morris and a Dominican and Columbian girl, after he escaped Milwaukee. The girl was all for making him happy and being a good friend and all, telling him her folks were not racists and would treat him like any other guy. Morris was reluctant at first, but then let himself be convinced and so he gave the girl his love and his heart. And then years later down the line, the girl suddenly disappeared. It turned out her parents were not as open-minded as she had thought, and the relationship dissolved. Morris was heartbroken, and in his hurt decided to tell his story of pain and loss.

"I Did It My Way: The Prelude" is a tale of the shift in expectations and priorities between black Americans of the old generation and the new. The old generation that emigrated from the South remembered the hardships of segregation down there, and so were more willing to stay in their expected places, doing lowly paying jobs, afraid to voice complaints to white landlords or bosses to avoid being thrown out. But the new generation had none of those southern setbacks. They saw no reason why they should go to church when the preachers were crooks, saw no reason to take insults from whites lying low, and saw more reason to go to college and aim for higher positions in life.

- Julian Jen, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland--College Park.


June 25, 2011

"This personal story of the war between a child and his environment gives you a look into a part of the world you will likely never experienced. it is hard to believe this is America.

I give this audio book a 5 star rating, not because I endorse what morris did but because the audio book needs to listened to as a warning. It shows how your environment can take a 13 year old and turn him into something he doesn't want to be - heartless and calculating. The audio ends with repentance on the part of Morris however his actions speak louder than words, he shows his true colors as a criminal who hates society." - Pamela Watkins, The National Children's Advocacy Center

April12, 2011 -

“I'm a survivor a war...” M.D. Morris opens I Did It My Way:The Prelude with the words of a accomplished soldier.

This semi-autobiography explores his life growing up in dangerous city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a broader focus on an entire generation, the children of poor-born families. More specifically, Morris portrays the generational conflict that resulted when parents "threw away" their children to the streets and hoped they would be able to survive on their own.

As I Did It My Way unfolds, Morris' sociological analysis becomes more apparent and his survival consciousness emerges as he places his own life within the broader context of American psychological and survival patterns.

Several story lines underlie the many specific and sometimes seemingly random episodes in the narrative. Morris charts his flight from societal distress to the relative emotional security of life on the street with his "new" family and friends. He finds a sense of belonging within the non-judgmental attitude and the 'survival ideologies' of junkies, prostitutes, drug dealers and religious leaders. He escapes the perils of the death and the real threat of longer incarceration by embracing the intellectual challenge of books, school, and music; this embrace leads to a time of freedom from the 'psychological chains' of the streets and a struggle with his identity and sense of “home.” Finally, he returns from "war" to with a redefined sense of self and community.

Morris' “sociological imagination” takes shape in the form of explicit and analytical social criticism. He documents the emotional and physical struggle for survival in excruciating detail. In an autobiography framed by biblical and religious metaphor, Morris criticizes the teachings of people in his neighborhood that contributed to the mental destruction, the phyiscal and emotional incarceration of young poor people. He has an insatiable need to erase those teachings and implement new ideologies that will resurrect their 'dead souls'.

I Did It My Way also offers an interesting analysis of class dynamics in Milwaukee. Morris is notably unapologetic and brutally honest in re-creating his early attitudes toward women and in showing his emerging personal (and psychological) maturity in relation to them as he grew older. He also offers revealing commentary on tensions between law enforcement officials and the 'street soldiers'.

I Did It My Way: The Prelude has not been the subject of extensive literary criticism. The book's sociological emphasis crosses several genres: literary autobiography, sociology, and political analysis.

- William Julius Wilson, Sociology professor at Harvard University and Author of "More than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City."


March 26, 2011 -

I Did It My Way: The Prelude is a gritty narration of life in the darkest form. It is the narrative introduction to the upcoming book and film, I Did It My Way.

M.D. Morris' redramatized semi-autobiography is a complex story of survival and the promise of redemption and change; one that American history often buries and expects the world to forgive and to forget.

Raised on the streets of poverty-stricken Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Morris' childhood was engulfed in child abuse, crime, societal hopelessness and violence. And the memories of that life is all told in brutal honesty.

Morris’ protagonist Pepper, who narrates the book, explains in a convincing fashion how surviving on the streets is no different from a soldier's survival in times of war and anarchy. He often glamorizes his "criminal lifestyle", but more importantly, shares his own mistakes and gives the reader his personal rules for surviving "war".

Pepper grew up to understand that a person living in times of war and chaos have to create their own code of ethics if they are to survive and prevent pre-mature death and imprisonment. While he may have been confused and disappointed at his life and environment, he was intelligent enough to know that people cannot live properly and function in America without information, money and a 'personalized' code of conduct. He saw people for what they were and understood what he needed to do to get away from the ghetto's ignorant mentality. He had to create a code of ethics that would save him and save people who would open their minds and listen.

The struggle for survival narratives generally make the most irresistable memoirs. There is nothing more seductive than rooting for a person to survive in the most in-humane situations; to learn and to grow and to be born out of a torturous environment.But what makes this story particularly intriguing is that he offers an alternative to ignorant behavior. This story of human survival and empowerment lets us realize and understand perseverance and education is king.

I Did It My Way: The Prelude is a transcendent work of unequaled importance. It is one of the few books in the world that captures the sadness and trauma of everyday life in city ghettos. People will be reading this thoroughly entertaining story for many, many years to come – if for nothing else than disputing conventional wisdom and offering an inspiring character to see succeed.

- Simon Winchester, The New York Times


I DID IT MY WAY: THE PRELUDE

WRITTEN BY M.D. MORRIS

© 2012 A.Rose Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

I am a survivor of war…. let me tell y'all somethin' about the streets… the streets is war. Ain't no different from Vietnam or any other war. You had yo' pigs. Snitches. Bitches. Spies. Soldiers. Traitors. Allies. Enemies. But the fucked up thing was…you could never tell who your true friends were. Your so-called 'friends' turn into enemies unexpectedly…without formal notice.

Your enemies looked just like you. Ain't that fucked up? Same niggas you pissed in the bed with as a youngin'...was the same niggas that'll murder you or have you murdered. Like Judas did Jesus. Like Brutus did Caesar.

Same niggas who ate at yo' kitchen table every other night...same niggas that called your mama… mama…was the same niggas that'll take the stand and testify against you. How fucked up is that? The ones you break bread with are the ones you need to watch.

I learned a long time ago that the ones you love are the only ones that can hurt you. But I never could understand how people can treat strangers better than they treat the ones they know and love.

The streets was school. Fuck a classroom! My classroom was the alleys, the pool halls, the playgrounds, the liquor stores, the house parties in the hood. Back then, teachers wasn't teachin' niggas shit. They wasn't teachin' niggas how to survive in the ghetto. The ghetto was a warzone. The teachers weren't armin' us with the knowledge and the skills to stay alive in the ghetto. How is knowin' who discovered America gonna stop me from catchin' a stray bullet? Feel me? That's why I didn't dig school. I went out of obligation to my mother. Who really wanna listen to a teacher when you broke with hunger pains?

The streets was my school. The winos, the hustlas, the pimps, the macs, the dopefiends, the drug dealers. the prostitutes, the police were my teachers. I sat down and learned. Perfect attendance.

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I'd hang around grown niggas. Habitually. I wanted to learn from niggas who already been through the street life. Not niggas goin' through it. Wanted to know what mistakes were made. Didn't want to repeat 'em. Enhancin' my hustle so to speak.

If I was plannin' on doin' somethin', I wanted to first figure out all the things that could go wrong. I never thought about the good first. Fuck that! That's how niggas get caught up. How not to get caught was the first thing I wanted to figure out.

Hustlin' on the streets is a gamble. Just to stay alive is a hustle and gamble in itself. It's like shootin' dice. Like bettin' on a football game. There is a possibility you might lose. But you can't give up before you even start. You have to suit up every day just like how a ball player suits up for every game. You still have to go out there and play hard, even though there is a possibility you might lose. You feel me? You can't be afraid of failure. You only fail when you don't try.

That's how the streets is. But the main thing is not to panic in any situation. Think before you react. Plan first. Like I said before, it's like shootin' dice.

Havana, an old Cuban hustler I used hang around with always told me, “Si viviendo, ganando" (If you livin'...you winnin.)

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When you in these streets, you gotta be about that money! Fuck what niggas and bitches be talkin' about. Be about that money! Fuck thinkin' about dyin'. We are all born to die. But in the meantime, get that money!

Information and money rules the universe. Put both of them together, you'd be invincible. The game isn't a game. Gotta understand the difference. You in this shit to win. Not to lose. You just can't live for the day. For the moment. You have to live to see tomorrow.

Most people don't think about the future. They don't think about leavin' behind money and property for the next generation. All they think about is bitches, clothes and impressin' niggas and other bitches. Fuck that shit!! Leave somethin' behind for the next generation. Give them a fresh start. That's what white folks do. They work hard all their lives. Save that dough. Educate they kids about the value of money and the responsibilities of havin' it. Then when they finally do die, the money is passed on. And that's why white folks stay on top of the world. They leave their wealth behind to the next generation. What do we do? The complete opposite. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on rims for a depreciated vehicle, invest that money in your seeds education or future businesses. Feel me?

If you make $10, put aside 7. Live off the 3. Don't fuck with what you have saved. Before you commit a crime, be smart. Already have your bail money and the green for your lawyer. Quit doin' shit ass backwards!

When you in the game, you have to watch what you say around people. Keep your thoughts in your head. Don't write anything down. Keep yo' buisness off the phone. No paper trails. Never do dirt where you live. Never let anyone know where the castle is. Have a safehouse.

I've seen a whole hoods get shut down and bosses get indicted because of a snitch. I've seen crews get divided over jealousy and pussy. Niggas can't hold they weight. Get pulled over for a misdemeanor. Scared to go and do time in jail. Make a deal with detectives. Tell 'em yo' business. Next thing you know, you in an orange jumpsuit.

When the detectives ask you questions, better act like you retarded. You know nothin'! Know matter how many times they hit you upside the head. You know nothin'!!

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And keep your woman out your business. Never let a female know how you make your money. I don't give a fuck how long she been down with you. Or how much she say she love you. Or how much you think you love or trust her. You can't trust nobody but yo'self!

Women are emotionally imbalanced creatures. I've seen it too many times. It's easy for a female to say she'll never snitch when she's never been put under that kind of pressure. Of course, she'll say I won't say nothin'. But let them pigs get her in that room with them lights in her face. Let 'em smack her up a few times. Let 'em threaten to take her kids. She's gonna crack.

In this game, you gotta fuck with a female with no kids. Women with ‘crumbsnatchers’ are liabilities. You want to be with a female that's an asset. No kids. Legit occupation. Good credit. Don't get emotionally attached. You gotta be able to leave at any moment. Feds might be sniffin' around. You gotta leave. You can't risk gettin' caught because you are in "love". Fuck that!! You'd be a stupid muthafucka!! You won't live that much longer.

And never make any kids with a female that's in the game with you. Kids are prey. I seen too many "kid 'nappin's." The quickest way to make a muthafucka act right is to snatch somethin' he loves. His bitch. His kids. His mama.

When you in the game, never expose what you love because what you love will be covered in blood. Next thing you know, yo' son and daughter is in the trunk or tied up somewhere and some niggas are askin' for ransom. You can avoid that. Be smart.

"Vultures come in packs disguised as doves and will shed your blood in the name of love." - M.D. Morris

In times of peace, muthafuckas will say they love you, they'll say they'll die for you and all that bullshit. But in times of war and danger, what how many will flee like cowards and leave you stranded on the island of love?

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It's good to make friends with old enemies. You keep them off-balanced. It's good to be friends with muthafuckas that been in jail or you got some dirt on. If you know a muthafucka that got 6 bodies on his chest. Be his friend. You know a muthafucka that robbed a bank. Be his friend. Feel what I'm sayin'?

Before you get yourself attached to anything or anyone, see how it responds under pressure. People can pretend for a long, long time. You'd be sittin' in the County like, "I thought he was my friend." You can avoid that kind of shit.

You really don't know yo' friends like you think you know 'em. Your friends are good at hidin' their envy and jealousy. Human beings are good actors and actresses. Sometimes better than the ones you see in the movies.

Before I declared somebody my "friend", I had to know everything about 'em. I had to know who his bitch was...where she lived...who his kids were...what schools did they go to...where his mama lived...where he lived...where he worked at. Get the picture! Cuz if that muthafucka ever cross me, I knew where to strike. And when I strike, I'm comin' for what you love most. Family and love ones. I'm killin' everybody! I could never accept malicious attacks on my life.

Remember...love is an emotion that cannot be trusted. To love anyone, to love anything is to be vulnerable. And when you become vulnerable for too long, your vulnerablity will be visible and someone will be plottin' your demise.

Sometimes you gotta be like...Fuck love! Cuz sometimes love is what gets you killed or locked away in prison for life. Watch your friends! They are undeclared enemies....

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Now…State prison was like the concentration camps for all prisoners of war. War of the streets. Street soldiers caught behind enemy lines.

State prison is hell. Fucked up ass food. Potatoes. Every meal has potatoes. Pussy ass Correctional guards!! It's fucked up how The Department of Corrections can give all these white boys and white bitches from the ‘burbs’, fresh out of high school the authority to regulate and control an inmate's life on a daily basis. Fuck that shit!

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The system is designed to break down your soul and mind. It's about permanent reform. They try to make you believe there is no hope for the future. They try to make you believe you will never get out until you submit to their reform. You will never accomplish anything if you do get out. And you will eventually come back "home".

But what the Department Of Corrections fail to realize is that in prison we learn to better criminals.

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We use their books to strengthen our minds.

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We use their weights to strengthen our bodies.

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We use their law libraries to beat our cases. Get our time modified. We switch the game. We go to the Parole Board and pretend to be reformed. Get out and be worse than ever. But this time, when we commit a crime, it'll be hard for us to get caught. Society will pay for the sufferings State prison cause our minds and souls. Innocent people will become victims.

Waupana State Prison. We dealt with them pussies!

How you gon' tell a nigga with 25 years on his chest, he can't go to Rec.? He can't use the phone. He lost his visiting priviledges. Is you crazy? This is an inmate's only lines of communication to the outside world and you snatch it from 'em like that. Like I said, is you fuckin' crazy? Lotta C.O.'s was gettin' raped. Gettin' stabbed. Shit like that.

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What the Department Of Corrections don't understand is these correctional officers aren't soldiers. It's suicide. This ain't the Revolutionary War where you have farmers fightin'. This is State prison. You better have guards in there that understand the mentality of a convict. Besides, these young muthafuckas are already scared.

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Imagine a woman being surrounded by 100 inmates in a unit. And don't be pretty with a nice body. It's only a matter of time until you get raped. Some inmate is in his cell devisin' a plan to get some of that pussy. And you don't even know it. And these inmates just ain't rapin' guards. They rapin' men too. Men are too full of pride. Who he gon' tell?

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I remember this one crazy ass racist name Lawrence. Got out and raped this C.O.'s wife and nine year old daughter, because he had him sent to the hole for being too loud in the dayroom. The C.O. fucked up his chance to go home that year. He had to do 48 more months.

What these D.A.'s, lawyers, Judges and prosecutors don't realize is that your whereabouts are public record. We can pick up a book and find out where you live. You ain't hard to find. You gotta remember, we live in a place that harbors grudges and hatred. Inmates don't forget shit!!

Of all the joints I been in, the inmates ran 'em. Weed. Prostitution. Coke. Heroin. Whatever you wanted, I got it for you. And the guards helped me.

Correctional Officers are just like regular people. They are hungry and corrupt. They makin' 9 or 10 dollars an hour. That's probably $75 a day after taxes. That ain't no money for a man to bring home to his family everyday. So if you offer 'em…say $500 to have a blind eye to certain shit that doesn't involve him, he'll be a stupid muthafucka not to take it.

That's how it went down where I was at. Some I paid. Some I exhorted. Some I threatened. I didn't give a fuck! It was all about survival. Power. Money.

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In the joint, money is more powerful than on the outside. I didn't spend my money on stupid shit like kicks and clothes. Stupid muthafuckas be in the joint tryin' to win a fashion show. Tryin' to get the newest Jordans. Fuck that shit!! I spent my time and money on books and influencing people to do what I wanted them to do. I could have you killed for a dime bag of heroin. I could have you raped for a carton of Ports. Feel me? State prison is no different from the outside. Money is power. But there's rules. Gotta know the rules if you wanna survive. Gotta hold ya own. When it's time to throw down, you better throw the first blow.

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Murder...

I come from a time and place when you killed for a real reason. It wasn't like these youngin's growin' up now. Kill a nigga cause he stepped on yo' shoes. Or cuz his bitch smiled at you at an after hours joint.

Like that nigga Funny. His bitch was flirtin' with this nigga at an after hours spot. DeMarco Hopkins. Later on, the nigga DeMarco was sittin' in his ride, rollin' up a joint. Funny walks over to driver side and let off six shots. Head and chest. Killed the nigga right there. Now he somewhere with 50 plus on his chest. And that bitch is doin' more than flirtin' now. Stupid muthafuckas!

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These youngins growin' up now are fucked up in the head. Watchin' too many mob movies. Thinkin' that shit is real life. Listenin' to too much rap music. These young cats now are too emotional. Too impatient. They get into drama at a club. Go to the ride. Get a strap. And kill a muthafucka in front of 50 witnessess. Get life with no parole. Dumb ass niggas!!

Not me. I'm a master of my emotions. Patient. Murder is delicate. Gotta be smart. If you don't want to get caught, have a plan first. Havin' a pistol doesn't stop you from gettin' shot. Remember that! Plot, plan, organize and execute. Once you in range, that's when you take aim and shoot. Boom!!

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.38 Revolver. Best murder weapon. Leaves no shells on the ground. Tell no one!

"Stand up for what you believe in, even if you the only one standin'." - M.D. Morris

A lot of real muthafuckas I came up with died in the line of duty. Raccoon. Goeya. Jazzy. Yola. Just to name a few. Died on the battlefield. Died for what they believed in. Died for a reason, a cause.

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Most of these young cats now don't believe in nothin', that's why they dyin' and goin' to jail for nothin'. Niggas out here dyin' over a street name or a block they don't even own. Niggas praisin' and worshippin' gang leaders in the joint like they God. True, I used to gang bang. But then I woke up. How can I worship and follow a man who is in jail like me and not follow and worship Jesus Christ?

If you gon' die for somethin', die for somethin' that is yours. Not for somethin' that is somebody else's. The person you are willing to die for has to had sacrificed something or equal value in order for it to make sense. If a "sacrifice" is made, more than likely, an act of betrayal won't occur. Their fate is tied into your fate. Feel me?

Back when I was cliqued up with my niggas, it was about love, honor and respect. It was about poor, ghetto niggas comin' together to find ways to get money and get out the hood. These youngin's today is cliquin' and flashin' gang signs cuz it looks cool.

I did a lot of dirt and I'm probably responsible for a lot of people being covered in dirt. Under the circumstances, I hope Jesus forgives me. If not, fuck it!!

Shit...we live in an immoral world. And sometimes you have to be immoral to survive. You tell me, what the fuck was I suppose to do? Sit and wait to be killed. Just let someone take what was mine. Take what I built. Fuck that!

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What people don't understand is when you in the ghetto, you have to learn and know how to survive. Either you a predator or the prey. Either you hunt with the lions or walk with the lambs. You have to choose… death or life. Ain't no different from the animals in Africa.

I did what I had to do to survive. Whatever it took to hold onto my manhood, my beliefs and my "family"…I did that shit! Respect is everything. And respect is derived from violence. Ain't that what this country was built on? So that's what people respect. Violence.

All I wanted to do was make money, live good and give back to the hood. But in life, there's always the unexpected. Now matter how much you plan, if it's not meant to be, it won't. That's how the universe rotates.

When you are a king building a kingdom, you can never be soft or too compassionate. You have to be able to kill over what you've built. Have to be ruthless to stay in power. Your allies, your soldiers, your enemies don't fear or respect a sensitive, indecisive leader. Everything you do has to make sense. Has to be justified. This is real life on the streets shit. Muthafuckas are like vultures, flying above yo' head, waiting for you to slip. Waitin' for that opportunity to swoop down and take what's yours. You gotta be careful. Watch what you wish for. Each accomplishment you make has a new set of rules. Gotta think. Gotta be patient. Money rules the world. It influences all.

I am a survivor of war. And if the survivors don't tell what happened, then nobody will ever know we were ever here. Nobody will ever know what we fought for.

This is my story…

Official music inspired by the book/film, "I Did It My Way: The Prelude" Coming Soon.

For more information on the author, M.D. Morris go to http://www.facebook.com/mdmphamous today!









































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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