U5: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LIVES

About the Book

This book is written to provide insight on the lives of a group of inner city youths known as U-5. Hopefully it will provide enough of the insight needed to truly understand the type of lives they led, the way they were perceived by others, and the repercussions of events set in motion by the actions of individuals within the group. Furthermore, it will focus on two individuals within the group (Daniel Gomez and Rubin Fernandez aka Soni and Slick), the mystery surrounding their deaths and the repercussions that affected various members of U-5 up until this very day. It will take a look at how graffiti writers were/are portrayed by what we call ‘society’ and go into what I believe are inconsistencies depicted within the book "Subway Lives." It will take you into the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn where it all started and twenty years later, today. It will follow them into some of their many escapades, some incomprehensible to believe, yet true. You'll get a true sense of the type of people they were, as friends, family and professionals tell us a little about them. Then you will be introduced to U-5 as not only a crew, but as a concept. A concept in which the U represents United, and friendship is more important than fame. This story is not just about the antics of these U-5 individuals. No, it's much more than that. It’s about having to let go of the past and not just carrying on, but accepting it. And that could be harder than anything you've ever had to face. The mirror doesn’t lie does it? What we believe is not necessarily reality, but what’s reflected in the mirror is truth; like it or not. A wise man once said that between two men there are always three sides to a story, the first man’s side, the second man’s side, and the truth. Upon deciding to finish this book, the words of Dave Severn, a successful entrepreneur came to mind. He said “Fear is the feeling you feel before you do something great.” For myself, finishing this book will undoubtedly be one of my greater achievements. And you, that are holding this book, are about to read a great story.

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR New York City - The Big Apple. It’s said that there are eight million stories deriving from the 13th largest city in the world; this is one of them. Raised in the tough streets of Brooklyn during the 80s, Jay Torres strived to excel at everything he did. Becoming involved with graffiti during his high school years, Jay eventually found a way to turn the negative aspect of graffiti into a positive one. He obtained ‘permission’ walls to do his art, and earned money painting everything from store fronts in Puerto Rico to clothing throughout the city. As time passed Jay began to tire of the work/college routine. Upon the loss of his fellow U5 members, Soni and Slick, Jay decided to enlist into the US Army. Fifteen years of service later, and nineteen years after their deaths, Jay’s promise to honor his friends reaches fruition with this work.