The Growth of Structure

About the Book

Key (Keywon Smart) - The Architect Born into the game with a father locked up since ‘09, Key learned early that survival meant strategy. Raised by his uncles in the family business, he watched from the shadows—always observing, always calculating. The streets taught him that respect isn’t given, it’s earned through action. While other kids played video games, Key studied the moves of older hustlers, memorizing their patterns, their mistakes. His upbringing in a house where “family business stays family business” wasn’t just a motto—it was survival doctrine. Key molded himself into a leader by understanding that true power comes from loyalty, not fear. Wise - The Strategist the only white face in a predominantly Black neighborhood, Wise had to prove himself twice as hard from day one. Growing up without the family connections that cushioned others, he learned to use his mind as his weapon. BG - The Enforcer with an absent father and a mother struggling to make ends meet, BG learned early that size and strength meant security. Growing up hungry—literally and figuratively—he developed an appetite for more than just food. The streets became his training ground, each fight a lesson in dominance, each victory building his reputation. Scoot - The Connector a s Key’s cousin, Scoot grew up adjacent to the family business but had to carve his own path to earn respect. The streets raised him to be resourceful, teaching him that connections are currency and information is power.

About the Author