Jeezy, one of trap music’s key voices, stepped into the author lane with “Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe.” The book draws from his real life, detailing his journey from his early years to establishing his name in music and business. He opens up about struggle, growth, and the mindset it took to move forward. The tone is direct, with lessons learned the hard way. Every chapter offers motivation with personal stories that show what persistence can look like. It’s a read built on real-life experience, not just inspiration.

Shop now

50 takes his message further in “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter.” Building on “The 50th Law’s” “fear nothing” mindset, he uses both street knowledge and business sense. This book lays out how to own your comeback and handle whatever life throws next. The advice comes straight from the grind, no sugarcoating. It’s a guide for anyone ready to push past obstacles and level up. 

Read a book or die trying

Rick Ross fought for every inch of his success. This book digs into the grind behind becoming a mogul. Ross breaks down how ambition turns into power moves and how to handle your money right. He makes clear that falling isn’t failure but fuel for the next step. He shares real stories from the music world and the business side. This is wisdom for anyone serious about building a legacy.

Add to cart

Gucci Mane’s come-up wasn’t easy to predict. The odds were stacked early, and even with efforts to steer clear, he still got pulled into the streets. It was during a stint in prison that he started writing his story. In “The Autobiography of Gucci Mane,” he opens up about his father’s legal issues, the move to Atlanta, and everything that shaped his world. The book doesn’t shy away from the mess—it gives context to the music and the man behind it. After his release, he returned focused, and in 2017, the book dropped.

Get it here

Big Sean breaks down self-care like it’s part of the daily grind, not just something you do when life hits hard. He shares the tools that keep him steady—journaling, affirmations, meditation—and invites you to get in your own head and do the work. This isn’t your typical self-help hype. Taking care of yourself doesn’t drain you; it fuels you to move higher. “Go Higher” is about owning your energy and leveling up without excuses. It’s real talk for anyone serious about growth.

Raise your vibration

DMX laid it all out in “E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX,” released in 2002. He told the story the way only he could—unfiltered and from the gut. Growing up in Yonkers, he faced abandonment, violence, and survival way before fame. Hip Hop gave him a voice, a way to process the chaos and pain. Even with all the success, the struggle with addiction and jail time never really left. The book hits like his music: real, heavy, and unforgettable. It's a full look at the man behind the bark.

Shop here

Lil Wayne gave fans a rare look behind the bars with “Gone 'Til November: A Journal of Rikers Island,” released in 2016. The book is pulled straight from the journal he kept during his eight-month sentence at Rikers in 2010. It tracks his daily routine, the mental toll, and how he managed to stay grounded in the midst of it all. He opens up about the people he met, the moments that broke him, and the ones that kept him going. There’s vulnerability, reflection, and messages woven in for the fans who rode with him through everything. 

Get in tune

“Cross The Tracks: A Memoir” dropped in 2022, pulling back the curtain on a journey few can touch. From death row to rap star, the story digs into Boosie’s battles with kidney cancer and life-threatening diabetes. Sixteen chapters of real talk that go past the usual success story. It’s about the fight, the setbacks, and the strength to keep moving forward. The honesty hits hard and doesn’t let up. This is a book you can’t sleep on.

Tap in

“Will,” released in November 2021, takes you deep into the life behind the spotlight. From growing up in West Philly to becoming a global star in music and film, the story is unfiltered and real. With help from Mark Manson, the memoir breaks down how Will mastered his emotions—and shows readers how to do the same. It’s packed with moments that reveal both the wins and the struggles. The lessons and reflections provide a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond fame. 

Grab this deal

For Nipsey Hussle, “The Marathon” wasn’t just a mixtape or a brand—it was a way of life. He chased success on his own terms and wanted his whole community to rise with him. “The Marathon Don’t Stop” dives deep into his legacy, putting his story in a powerful historical context. With raw reporting and honest interviews, Rob Kenner delivers the biography of hip-hop and culture needed.

Hustle and motivate

BET may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.