New York Hustle: Live from the Bronx

By Gregory E Lilien

Big beats sometimes start quietly.

Twelve-year-old Malik Jacobs isn't trying to be famous. He just wants to figure out his sound. In a Bronx bedroom filled with wires and dreams, he mixes beats on borrowed gear and livestreams under the name DJ Malik on the Beat.

What starts as a quiet passion turns into something more-birthday gigs, block parties, pop-up shows. With each set, Malik begins to see what Basement Beats could be: a youth-powered platform built in the Bronx and streamed to the world.

But as the spotlight grows, so does the pressure-critics, cancellations, and moments of doubt that shake his confidence. Now Malik must decide: Will he stay true to his rhythm-or let others remix his voice?

New York Hustle is a story full of beats, boroughs, vision, and voice-perfect for fans of New Kid, The First Rule of Punk, and Miles Morales: Shock Waves. Set in the heart of New York City, this illustrated middle grade novel celebrates creative courage, community roots, and finding your flow one track at a time.

New York Hustle is the fourth book in a new series spotlighting kids with bold voices from cities across the country. Each book follows a different character-until their stories start to weave together in unexpected and inspiring ways.

Age Level: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
Perfect for: Kids who love DJing, livestreaming, building creative brands, or stories about turning bedroom dreams into real-world impact.
What readers will discover:
Themes of self-expression, resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride make New York Hustle a powerful read for classrooms and book clubs-or any reader ready to turn up the volume on their own voice.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F79X43VZ
• ISBN13: 9798282081565
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 92 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.5"