Dope Black Boy 2 Rich Black Man is a powerful book co-authored by Christopher Freeman and Marcellus Womack. Dope Black Boy 2 Rich Black Man narrates Freeman’s story of being a high school drop out and selling crack at 14, to becoming a major dope boy making over $50K profit. Freeman was incarcerated for eight years and transformed his life utilizing the same street hustling skills to build a multimillion-dollar virgin hair enterprise, Beautiful Hair 4 U.
Rolling out recently spoke with Freeman about his journey.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Idle time and a way to vent when I was in prison [inspired] Crumbs to Bricks.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I like to write in third person with stories [and] narratives.
What books have most impacted your life (or life as an author)?
The Prince (Machiavelli).
What books are you currently reading?
Dope Black Boy 2 Rich Black Man.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
No.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing or coming up with a concept for your book?
No, because it’s always based on something people need to hear.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
Research.
What advice would you give other writers?
Don’t give up; you must be consistent.
What were the literary, psychological and/or logistical challenges in bringing your work to life?
Writing words that reflect what went through verbatim.
Everyone’s process for writing is different. Explain yours.
I like to freestyle on particular topics pertaining to the book first to get my thoughts rolling.
What are five of your favorite books?
- Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki)
- The Prince (Machiavelli)
- The Art Deal (Donald Trump)
- 48 Laws of Power (Robert Green)
- Reading People (Dr. Jo-Ellan Dimitrius)
Please provide three good to know facts about you. Tell us about your first job or the inspiration behind your writing.
- I’ve been to prison for selling drugs.
- I’m a perfectionist. I go over and over and over things all the time.
- I started a candy selling business with a crew of sellers and walkie-talkies in the sixth grade.
What is the mission you set out to accomplish with this book?
Help young Black people and help their parents understand their kids.
Who are the authors you reread and why?
Machiavelli — he shows you the strategy to running a kingdom.
A great book has what?
A good storyline.
You develop character and ideas by …
Reflection.
Where would you travel if you could to write your next book?
Hawaii.
What is the gift of reading and why does it open up a new world?
It expands your mind and increases your vocabulary.
