Review of the book, “Pimp: The Story of My Life” by Iceberg Slim
Most people have heard that pimpin’ ain’t easy, but have you ever wondered why? I had some basic assumptions, but other than what I’ve seen in movies I was oblivious to the struggle. After reading this book I’ve learned that pimpin’ is not only not easy, but in fact sounds extremely difficult. Iceberg Slim explains why pimpin’ ain’t easy as he navigates this wild and wicked career.
I bought this book a year or so ago and then saw it being talked about again so decided to pick it off my shelf. It’s not an uncommon way for me to read books. I’ve been struggling to get through another book so decided to give this one a shot as an in between read. I started reading it one night and realized it was a book written in its own language.
I finished the book in 3 sittings as I decided I should get through this one quickly. I’m an impressionable reader and didn’t want this influence to linger in my mind too long. To say it simply, this is exactly what is says it is: a tell all tale about the life of a pimp. So, expect it to be graphic, violent, abusive and dirty. What I didn’t expect was how well it was written. The gift this guy has for the English language is unquestionable and impressive. I found myself rereading paragraphs 2 or 3 times as he uses words you are familiar with in an unfamiliar way.
At some point I found the glossary in the back that lets the reader in on some of the uncommon slang terms that are frequently used in the book. Mostly during the dialogue. Reading the glossary beforehand helps explain what the hell Iceberg is talking about, but not all the terms he uses are there. You’ll eventually figure it out as he refers to a $20 dollar bill as a “double saw buck”, a $5 dollar bill as a “fin” and so on.
The books starts in the late 1920’s in Milwaukee and ends in Chicago in the early 60’s when Iceberg ages out of the pimp game in his 40’s. Iceberg (whose real name is Robert Maupin) tried to start pimping at the age of 18, but it was tough for him to get started. He admittedly didn’t know what he was doing and that landed him in prison several times before he could get going.
Once Iceberg convinces a former whore gone straight to get back into whoring, he successfully breaks into the pimp game. Having only one whore poses more challenges than having a few as you are reliant on this single source of income. Also, a single whore knows she’s your only source of income and therefore has more power over her pimp. Moreover, the lack of respect you receive from other pimps who have a solid stable can be defeating. The social, psychological and physical challenges are all well documented as is Iceberg’s drug addiction that he is never able to kick.
Halfway through the book, Iceberg (who still goes by Young Blood at this time) gets invited to the penthouse of Sweet Jones, who was older, more established and heralded as the Master Pimp of Chicago. Albert “Baby Bell,” known as Sweet Jones in this book, gained notoriety for carrying out murders for the Jones Brothers gang. He’s a whole other story. Anyhow, Iceberg has been working to get the attention of Sweet Jones, and he does in hopes of learning from him. While at Jones’ penthouse he goes out to the balcony to reflect,
“I took my green, cool drink and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling glass door. I slid it open and stepped up into the patio. I looked up: the April zephyrs were balleting the burnt-orange and pale-green Japanese lanterns. They danced on glowing jade cords strung high above the lime floor.
The ice-cream-yellow moon seemed close enough to lick. I walked to the pearl parapet. I looked out at a brilliant sea of emerald and ruby neon bursting pastel skyrockets toward the cobalt blue sky bejeweled with sapphire stars.
I thought, “Sweet sure has caught lightening in a thimble.”
I read a few reviews on Goodreads about this book, and many complained the book sounded embellished. I’m sure it is, and I fully expect a former pimp, who has based his entire life on a facade of fancy clothes, cars and women to write the same way. I’m reading this book to hear the story of a pimp and am happy to accept whatever embellishments he relays.
Cash Money Records bought rights to Iceberg Slim’s novels in 2010 to keep them in print. I’m happy they did as I instantly recognized this book as a piece of American culture that needed to be preserved. This book almost single handedly created the lionized urban legend of the black American pimp, blaxploitation of the 70’s and what we know as the now Halloween costume character the flamboyant pimp was and is.
I’m uncertain if I’ll read any of the other 6 books by Iceberg Slim, but I’m glad I read this one. The book is heavy and dark and gives a poetic insight to a part of black culture I was completely ignorant to.
I also know that I could never be a pimp. Even those who know from a very young age that they were born to pimp struggle and struggle to keep their game on point. I’m convinced that not only is pimpin’ not easy, but pimping is one of the most difficult jobs a man can have.
It’s certainly a profession worth writing a book about.