New York Hustle

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 listeners will discover:
Themes of self-expression, resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride make New York Hustle a powerful listen for classrooms and book clubs—or any listener ready to turn up the volume on their own voice.