“What if the music that saved your life also helped you write your story?”
The Come Up: A Story from the Ville is a raw, lyrical memoir from DaQuan Bethea—father, husband, Fayetteville native, and son of the South. Inspired by the music and message of J. Cole, this deeply personal story follows DaQuan’s journey from struggle to self-discovery, blending vulnerability with cultural insight in a way that speaks to a generation seeking healing.
From the streets of Fayetteville to college hallways, military service, and fatherhood, DaQuan confronts what it means to grow up Black in America—while battling depression, addiction, and generational silence. Through it all, music is his therapy. J. Cole’s lyrics become lifelines, guiding him toward purpose and revealing how the stories we carry can become the stories that change others.
Written with soul, honesty, and spiritual depth, The Come Up isn’t just a memoir—it’s a mirror for anyone searching for meaning in the mess, and strength in the struggle.
This book is for:
Young adults trying to find their voice
Readers healing from trauma or addiction
Fans of J. Cole, hip-hop, and Southern storytelling
Anyone who knows what it feels like to battle silently and rise anyway
A story from the Ville. A letter to the culture. A soundtrack to becoming.
In the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina, a young boy named Kendrick discovers that music can awaken the spirits of his ancestors—and the buried truths of his city’s past. The Child Beneath the Market House blends history, spirituality, and hip-hop soul into a haunting coming-of-age story about legacy, memory, and the cost of awakening what others tried to forget.
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