Truth be told, most stories of this gravity are posthumous biographies told long after the hero (or in this case heroine) has passed. However, this was not to be the case for one Shonda Dilliehunt. Instead of being an homage to its subject, Shonda Dilliehunt, this autobiographer was able to make it out of the mean Bay Area streets to tell her own story, and it soon becomes obvious why. From the jump her parents knew she was a, “Cold Piece.�
A Cold Piece is a harrowing, coming-of-age autobiography, told by none other than Shonda Dilliehunt, the “Cold Piece,” herself. In a world filled with gangstas, dope boys, fast cash and the highest of stakes within it, Shonda wasn’t someone who was sworn in but rather born in. From her introduction to the game by her parents in the soulful, yet dope-fueled and filled 70’s it was obvious from the outset that Shonda had all of the odds stacked against her, yet with her disarming looks, charm, and street smarts Shonda was able to rise to the top of a notoriously male-dominated game. While so many fall victim to the unforgiving streets, Shonda, using her keen sensibilities as a woman, shrewd street savvy, and innate charm is able to become a victor amidst the chaotic workings of the underworld. This gripping page-turner highlights her entry into the game and rise within it all while holding back none of the gritty realities that define it. As Shonda comes up her world falls down around her, but with her uncompromising determination and unrelenting dedication to make it through it all her story reflects the triumph over tragedy ethos that has the ability to impact and inspire. Touching on everything from beef, betrayal, loss, love, and ultimately redemption, A Cold Piece has all of the makings of an instant classic in the burgeoning genre of urban nonfiction. It paints a vivid picture of the injustices of ghetto and paints a portrait of someone who had the indomitable will to make it out. A Cold Piece does more than glorify the game, but gives insight into its inner workingsthe perils, the pitfalls, the dizzying highs and terrifying lows. As seen through the eyes of a “Cold Piece,” and told via the urban locale of Richmond, California, a notoriously rough part of the Bay Area, this piece pulls no punches in its depiction of Bay Area street life and the names that have reigned supreme within it. This moving tale details her come up under the tutelage of Sonny, a local legend in the dope game turned lover- as friends become enemies, federal agents become hip and crack down, coming for her and all she’s got. When she unexpectedly becomes a young mother, Shonda is confronted with harrowing life-or-death choices to make for the welfare of herself and her new family. Though the block was hot as they say Shonda is able to remain level-headed through its ups and downs and truly earn the nickname, “A Cold Piece.”
ABOUT
Shonda
It was the 80’s, everything was fresh and dope! The 808 bass was slapping from the trunks D-Boy’s and D—Girls were the talk of the town. The drug game was the best opportunity for many in that economy to rise & shine. Some had a choice, but for me, I was born into this life. Sort of a rite of passage, but even today, I wonder if I had a choice, would I have chosen it as my path. Oh well, it’s the life that was chosen for me. But, as they say, if I know now, what I knew then, things might have been familiar; yet different…. I’m blessed! A survivor at the very least. If you’re reading “A Cold Piece,” than, you too are a survivor. I’ve learned that grace and mercy can save a-many that are unwillingly or by choice, subscribe to being about “That Life!” That life for me…was…I was born a drug princess and grew in a kept woman of a drug kingpin. But, that’s the easy part. The human side of my experience hurt. The betrayal I endured, the pain of deaths lingering presence and the nightmares from contemplating a horrific murder suicide to not only my life, but my young boys as well. It was the kind of pain, I’m so sorry too many of us have experienced. I mean the kind of pain, first as a woman & mother…But, one that at the time I benefited from royally and lost it all. Not all in the sense of material, but I lost myself. Many of the things I’m sharing are very personal. Some of them, I’m confused about being embarrassed about or accepting my TRUTH, so that I don’t have to live a lie. In these pages, I’m very honest. So honest, that I’ll need to have a real conversation with sons about. Through this purging process, I’ve found redemption and restoration. I’m a writer, stylist and still most importantly, “A Work In Progress.”
CONTACT JAMES FARR, PUBLISHER EMAIL tunnelvision@gmail.com WEB www.AColdPiece.com