Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk: Reaching the Bullies and Bad Girls of Hip-Hop. Origin and Purpose This book was birth out of frustration. After working with inner city youth for many years, I believed I was losing the battle. I was making little progress in my efforts to impact this generation. Youth seemed more interested in guys, girls, guns, and grillz. Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk: Reaching the Bullies and Bad Girls of Hip-Hop is a guide. I wrote this book to assist schools, parents, and churches to connect with at-risk youth. I've made plenty of mistakes, cried many tears, and suffered many trials.

I have a developed a results-oriented book and workshop to help individuals reach the unreachable. The generation of youth I am speaking of is 25 and under. I call this generation the Hyper Hip-Hop Crew. The definition of hyper is extreme. This generation is extreme in many ways. We have seen extreme violence, lewdness, and disrespect of authority. Throughout this book I share personal experiences of trying to be a thug. I also share how hip-hop music influenced my life.

I speak to the issue of fatherlessness as well. Schools: Are you reaching the Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk Crew? Bullying has become an epidemic in the culture. Uncontrollable behavior seems to dominant our classrooms. Many teachers are fearful. Rebellious kids rule the schools. Guns and violence have become a constant. Many schools are spending money on metal detectors taking away from other necessities. Education is not important as more youth are concerned about MySpace and not their place in society.

Parents: Do you have Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk Kids? Parents are in a state of bewilderment. Many have given up wondering what to do. The scolding that used to work no longer does. More money is being spent on therapy. Oftentimes this does not produce results. Therapists have a difficult time understanding what governs the behavior of today's youth. Current parents have dealt with more issues than any parents in modern history. They are often left asking themselves where I went wrong.

Churches: Do you connect with Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk Teens? Pastors and youth pastors pour their soul out every Sunday. At the end of the sermons they see blank faces as if they heard nothing to change their lives. Youth avoid the church like the swine flu. They fear being rejected and judged. Solutions for Sagging Pants, Swagger Talk Youth: This book offers practical steps to connect with the hyper hip-hop crew. I believe if you apply the principles in this book. You will see results in the lives of the youth in your schools, homes, churches, and programs. Rather you are a pastor, youth pastor, teacher, or parent.

If you think you are lost, confused, or unfit in your efforts to impact this current generation. This book is for you. For those of you who are already making an impact on the hyper hip-hop crew. This book will confirm the positive strides you have made. It will also give you encouragement to go further. The major purpose of this book is to show you how to: * Gain a greater influence in the lives of 21st century youth. * Avoid common mistakes people make with the hyper hip-hop crew. *Prepare messages that youth will listen to and learn from.

* Gain the lure to attract with youth to your churches, schools, and organizations. * Become a "Bridge Builder" vs. "Wall Builder." *Develop positive relations with at-risk youth influenced by the hip-hop culture. * Understand some of the trends and fads that have and will take place with our youth. After each chapter there are discussion questions.