THE TV show Popstars launched the careers of a new pop band, the five young stars all had some heartache before they reached instant stardom and financial security.
The same will not happen to the seven young rappers whose attempts to storm the hip-hop scene of South Central, Los Angeles, are documented in Westsiders.
Some work, others don't while a few turn to crime to make a breakthrough.
Most have changed their names to the likes of Khop, C-Double-E and Blue Diamond.
They spend endless hours recording albums, attending talent shows and hustling record producers in an attempt to make that breakthrough.
Their heroes are people such as Ice T, Coolio, NWA and Warren G, who have all shot to fame out of LA, and they want to reach the same heights and leave the gang culture behind.
The book is both brutal and honest.
Life can be cheap in LA, but the rewards are big for the minority who make it big.
Updated: 14:01 Wednesday, January 16, 2002
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