Hello, I’m Sharita Lira writing as BLMorticia. I’m the author of Push, Music in Motion series, book one.
As an author, many things inspire us. Whether it’s something a friend told us or things we encounter in every day. Perhaps there’s something on the internet or on social media that pushes us to write a book about it. Anything that might get the ideas flowing in the right direction.
For Push, I thought about giving the rockstar romance trope a different angle. Why not the ultimate opposites attract of a rocker and rapper? From my short time publishing MM Romance, I haven’t seen this idea presented. It might be because of the hip-hop scenes violent history or authors don’t wish to tackle it because it’s a genre that essentially came from the black community. While all these are possibilities, this muse and her twin sister Michael, don’t give a damn. BL wanted to write a story and said, “yeah so, Sharita, I know you don’t even listen to hiphop but WE GOTTA WRITE THIS STORY!”
Of course, I listened to the muse and started taking notes from videos on YouTube and reading articles. This video was especially helpful even though the topic I needed wasn’t discussed as much as I would like. https://youtu.be/LsOvSQmY2n4
Although they didn’t speak about it a lot, it did give me some background on hip-hop’s history as well as talking points I could use to build Malakei “M.Prophet” Oakley as a character. I also read things on the internet, picked up magazines like XXL and Vibe. I listened to Sean Puffy or P.Diddy while I wrote. All of this helped and I believe I created a very strong character.
All that being said, I still wondered why this idea hasn’t been done before. As I write this, I did a quick scan on Amazon to find any books that have gay rappers. Other than erotica and maybe a couple in urban fiction, I found none. How come no one in mainstream romancelandia has tackled this? For those who are fans of opposites attract, I’d think this would be almost like writing romances between angels and demons.
Been there, done that. *grins*
However, I’m sure that the reasons I’ve mentioned along with little to no knowledge has to be a factor. That, and hip-hops history of homophobia. No question this is still a thing, but more hip-hop artists are coming out the closet. From looking at mainstream social media, however, they don’t get any recognition unless it’s around PRIDE time, then you don’t see or hear anything about them unless you’re a fan.
Frank Ocean was the biggest one, and I mentioned him in the story, but when will a mogul step out and say I’m queer? That remains to be seen.
In my mind, Push is a groundbreaker, and that isn’t just because I wrote it. *grins* I tackled a tough subject matter and gave it a good spin. I brought two men together who are like oil and water. There’s tension, but the undercurrent of attraction is definitely there. More than that, I’m giving my community another voice. Positive stories about gay black men need to be heard and I figured representing Malakei as respectable and, sort of a nerd, if you will was the best way to go about it. Some might take issue with it because I didn’t go into the gritty part of hip-hop, but that wasn’t what I was going for in this story. We as black people need more positive representation and I hope Push is the beginning of a long line of stories featuring a queer rapper.
Authors, I’m challenging you to write that story. Do you research, ask questions. Watch specials on YouTube, read articles, and find out information about queer hip-hop wherever you can. It is out there, and I believe its worthy of being covered in our books.
Thanks for listening!
BLMorticia
Check out Push today!
Blurb:
Malakei Oakley, aka rapper M. Prophet, is at the top of his game—but deep in the closet. Handsome, wealthy, and successful as the head of 315East Entertainment, Malakei should be on cloud nine. Despite his awards and a Midas touch that has every musician clamoring to work with him, something is missing.
Seth “Reaper” Davies is ready for stardom. His band High Stakes plays to small, packed houses all over Birmingham and London but has yet to get their big break. But Seth isn’t giving up on his dream—no matter what it takes.
A viral video prompts a message from a person he doesn’t expect—the talented M. Prophet. Their musical styles are worlds apart, and Seth has no desire to change his style to sell records. But his curiosity—and his attraction to Malakei—wins out.
Malakei can’t get Seth out of his mind. He also can’t come out without ruining his reputation. No matter how much he wants the sexy singer, his only option is to push Seth away.But he’s about to find out Seth isn’t one to give up on what he wants—and he might be just what Malakei needs.
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BLMorticia entertains her readers with hot and smexy sex, humor, and lots of swear words. She attempts to incorporate metal music or the military in most of her works. Nothin’ sexier than metalheads or military servicemen and women!
Website – https://blmorticia.wordpress.com/
Metalrotica – https://metalrotica.wordpress.com/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4436911.B_L_Morticia
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/BLMorticia/
Facebook Profile – https://www.facebook.com/bl.morticia.16
Twitter – https://twitter.com/BLMorticia
Follow Me on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bl-morticia
Sharita Lira Bio
Romance and erotica author Sharita Lira believes that love conquers all. Writing sexy stories of people who might be complete opposites, but somehow make a lasting connection that often leads to a happily ever after.
Happily married and mother of two, Sharita never allows complex plots to deter her from writing the story. Inspired by heavy music, attractive people she’s seen in person and on the internet, Sharita always has a tale on her brain.
In addition to being a computer geek and a metalhead, Sharita loves live music, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She’s also a founding member and contributor to the heavy metal ezine FourteenG.
For more information, please visit http://www.thelitriad.com and if you’re a fan who would like exclusive updates on her writings and chances to win prizes, sign up for the newsletter!
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Excerpt from Push – This is the initial meeting between Seth and Malakei. From the first handshake you can feel the sparks!
Malakei had gotten a text from Lena that she’d be coming in with High Stakes and family soon. He could barely hold in his excitement about seeing Seth Davies up close. Dang.
“Focus, M.” Malakei mentally checked himself and stood up when he heard the door open. He had to keep this as business because he wasn’t sure what to expect. However, Malakei had a hard time, knowing the fine guitarist was only feet away from his grasp.
“Malakei? We’re here.”
Malakei took another deep breath, then stood up. Making his way toward them, he glanced at everyone who appeared to be starstruck.
“Hello there. High Stakes and family, I presume. It’s so good to meet you.”
Lena cleared her throat. “Um, Malakei, from the left is Morty, the bassist, his girlfriend, Gina. Gio, and his mother, Theresa, and Seth along with his mother, Ethel.”
All of them said hi, and Malakei made sure he started with Morty, before greeting Seth and his mother. He kissed all the ladies’ hands and shook the band members’ hands as a gentlemanly display. The women blushed, apparently in awe.
Though Malakei didn’t spend that much time holding Seth’s hand, the feel of it wasn’t lost on him. As expected, it was rough, calloused, prickly around the tips from playing his guitar without a pick or even tape. He was a hard rocker through and through, not concerned with protecting the skin. Seth exuded rock and roll because in the minds of people like him, hard music meant sacrifice.
Other than the texture of Seth’s palms, Malakei couldn’t help but notice the outfit. Seth wore black jeans again and this time a classic Metallica T-shirt. Both hugged his lanky body like a glove, and as with most metal musicians he’d known of, they didn’t care for heavy coats. Seth wore a small leather jacket full of buttons on both lapels. Yes, he looked every bit of the part of the quintessential metalhead.
“Gods, you are even more handsome in person.” Ethel smiled at him.
“Um, thank you.” He chuckled. “And you, young lady have a very talented son. Along with his friends, I think we could help them be something special.” Malakei tried keeping his tone even. Out the corner of his eye, he could see Seth was actually at a loss for words.
“Um, yeah, Malakei,” Seth said. He held out his hand again and bowed his head slightly. “Thanks again for this opportunity. I’m totally gobsmacked you’ve asked us to play for you.”
Malakei accepted it again and gripped it firmly. “No, it is my honor. Can we offer you all something to drink? Coffee, tea, water, or soda?”
“Water for me, thank you.” Ethel spoke up first.
“Same with me,” Gina said, as did Gio’s mother.
“I’ll take soda,” Morty said.
“Me too,” added Gio.
Seth grinned at Malakei again. “Do you mind if I be different and ask for coffee? I’m a little drained and need to wake up.”
Malakei wished to follow that up with a snide remark, but he kept it to himself. “Of course. Lena, please grab refreshments while I show the ladies and gentlemen around the studio.”
Lena smiled at Malakei and walked out.
Malakei clapped his hands. “So, I was thinking we’d do a small tour of my space here; then I’ll listen to you guys play. I have a good friend of mine coming in that I’m working on a project with to help DIY bands like yourselves. He’s from my old label, Mustang.”
“Oh? May I ask why? We will not sign with a label.” Seth spoke up.
“Yes, I know, but if we come to some kind of agreement, Peter will help. Besides, he saw your video too. He was very impressed.”
“Al’right. Well, I s’pose that couldn’t hurt. Just reminding ya about what you said. No pressure.”
Malakei nodded. “That’s right. None. Follow me, please.”
where dreams come true... 