Pimp

The Story of My Life

By: Iceberg Slim

Narrated by: Cary Hite

A blueprint. A bible. What Sun Tzu’s Art of War was to ancient China, Pimp is to the streets. As real as you can get without jumping in, this is the story of Iceberg Slim’s life as he saw, felt, tasted, and smelled it. It is a trip through hell by the one man who lived to tell the tale—the dangers of jail, addiction, and death that are still all too familiar for today’s Black community. By telling the story of one man’s struggles and triumphs in an underground world, Pimp shows us the game doesn’t change; it just has a different swagger.

Only Slim could tell this story and make the reader feel it. If you thought Hustle & Flow was the true pimp story, this book is where it all began. This is the heyday of the pimp, the hard-won pride and glory, small though it may be; the beginnings of pimp before it was dragged in front of the camera, before pimp juice and pimp style. Though it is a tale of his times, it will remain current and true for as long as there is a race bias, as long as there is a street life, as long as there is exploitation.

©1969, 1987 Iceberg Slim (P)2011 Blackstone Publishing, and Urban Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Iceberg Slim was the godfather of a genre.” (K’wan, #1 Essence best-selling author)

Not my style.

Didn't even finish it. Hated the language and violence to women. I tried to keep going but I was beginning to feel depressed.

Pimp

Man - what a grim yet interesting book. I’m going to go take a shower now.

Good Listen

I have to say that I did like this book. I would have appreciated if it included the glossary at the beginning of the book instead of at the end (like some listeners have noted). I often had to figure out the slang that was used. This is an interesting look at the life of a pimp and the women they serve. The storyline was good enough to hold my attention. You can never go wrong with a book narrated by Cary Hite.

Phenomenal

This book is completely phenomenal and gives an deep insight to a very dark time and dark profession. I enjoyed this book and recommend to all.

Shout out to Dave Chapelle for mentioning this book. It’s a life changing book.

damn

This book was full of lessons. Pumping is all.over.the work world and damn it management is gonna have a hard time pulling some crap.over on me.

A graphic look...

A well told story with description that will help the listener visualize what they're reading.

powerful story great read on Audible

I really enjoyed the book very interesting to see how a man becomes a pimp I didn't struggle with all of it some of it was very brutal very mean but all in all a good read

An American Classic

This is a mind-blowing epic of American literature. Some people may turn their noses up at it, but to me it is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. The humanity it dwells upon is ever present, from the deepest most sincere love to the depths of absolute depravity and descent. It is the agony and the ecstacy of a human being and I would recommend it to anyone with and open mind, a heart and a backbone. It is funny, it's terrifying and riveting all at the same time. If Mr. Iceberg Slim weren't such a character or mixed morality I would call him a hero for writing this book. But there are plenty of heroes out there. He is something infinitely more complicated.

this was a great audio book.

a very good audio book, i will be recommending it to my friends! and friends of friends!

Very Deep Story

I don't read very many book's but this one is definitely one to look into. The whole time I pictured myself in the shoes of this person and I felt very connected to his story on a personal level.