A review by dlrosebyh
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

1998, Brooklyn. Things have altered, as Biggie Smalls predicted. But that doesn't mean Quadir and Jarrell are okay with leaving their best buddy Steph's music under his bed after he's murdered—especially because his lyrics could transform any Bed Stuy corner into a party. 
 
They devise a strategy to market Steph's music under a new rap persona, the Architect, with the assistance of Steph's younger sister Jasmine. Everyone soon wants a piece of him. When a hotheaded music label rep notices his demo, the three must show Steph's skill from beyond the grave. 
 
Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the reality about what happened to Steph as the pressure to conceal their secret rises. Each, however, has something to hide. And, with everything hanging on Steph's popularity, they must decide what they stand for or risk losing all they've worked so hard to keep—including their other. 
 
This is my first Tiffany D. Jackson novel, and while I didn't love it, I'm pleased I finally know what her writing style is like. The beginning was fascinating, but towards the middle, I had lost interest. It became extremely slow, which is one of my major pet peeves—inconsistent pacing. With that in mind, I downloaded the audiobook, and I wish I had done it sooner—it was so much better. 
 
I became emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. Normally, I dislike novels with lyrics, but I like this one. As a huge music fan, I was quite interested in the musical components of the book, such as establishing a band, rehearsals, or the composing process— everything involving music piqued my attention. 
 
Aside from the beginning, I really like the ending. It made me weep so hard, something I didn't anticipate given that I went into this book blind. I'm delighted I read this book, and I'm eager to read more by Tiffany D. Jackson. 
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