Picture a dynamic duo from Flint, Michigan, spinning gritty tales of crime and loyalty that took the literary world by storm—meet Ashley & JaQuavis! As the youngest African American authors to hit the New York Times bestseller list twice, Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman redefined urban fiction with their raw, electrifying storytelling. Their breakout novel, The Cartel, launched a cultural phenomenon, blending street-smart prose with heart-pounding drama.
With over twenty blockbuster novels, a groundbreaking deal with Cash Money Records, and a knack for capturing the pulse of urban life, this husband-and-wife team has become the reigning monarchs of street literature. Ready to dive into their world? Let’s explore their journey!
The Making of Ashley & JaQuavis
Born in the tough streets of Flint, Michigan, Ashley Antoinette (b. 1985) and JaQuavis Coleman (b. circa 1984) grew up surrounded by the realities that would later fuel their novels. JaQuavis, raised in foster homes after a challenging childhood, found solace in books like Atlas Shrugged and Shakespeare, while Ashley devoured John Grisham and Judy Blume. Their love for storytelling sparked during their teens, cemented by a first date at a bookstore. At just 17, a bedridden Ashley, recovering from a personal loss, accepted JaQuavis’s challenge to a writing contest. The result? Their debut novel, Dirty Money, written in weeks and published by Urban Books after being discovered by bestselling author Carl Weber.
Ashley & JaQuavis’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashley & JaQuavis’s novels are a masterclass in street literature, delivering taut, slang-infused narratives brimming with violence, romance, and suspense. Their signature series, The Cartel, kicked off in 2008 with a tale of Miami’s drug trade, following the Diamond family’s ruthless empire after the death of patriarch Carter Diamond. The series, spanning ten books, became a New York Times bestseller, lauded for its vivid characters like Miamor, a fierce contract killer, and Young Carter, an heir to the cartel’s throne.
Their Murderville trilogy, published under Cash Money Content, explores global crime with a love story set against Sierra Leone’s harsh realities. Standalone hits like The Dopeman’s Wife showcase JaQuavis’s solo flair, while Ashley’s The Trophy Wife weaves tales of betrayal and ambition. Their writing—profane, punchy, and unapologetic—captures the gritty essence of urban life, blending cinematic pacing with authentic dialogue that resonates with readers worldwide.
Beyond books, their storytelling extends to film, with JaQuavis directing projects like Hard 6ix, based on their novel Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, and Ashley starring in it. Their ability to merge literature and media has kept them at the forefront of urban storytelling.
Why Ashley & JaQuavis Matter
Ashley & JaQuavis didn’t just write books—they elevated street literature into a respected genre. Their unflinching portrayal of urban struggles, loyalty, and betrayal mirrors real-world complexities, sparking conversations about ambition and survival. Recognized by Ebony as part of the 2012 Power 100, they’ve inspired countless aspiring authors, proving that authentic voices from marginalized communities can dominate bestseller lists. Their deal with Cash Money Records broke new ground, blending hip-hop culture with publishing in a way that redefined urban fiction’s reach.
Their legacy lies in their hustle: two kids from Flint who turned personal challenges into a literary empire, all while staying true to their roots. Their stories continue to captivate, offering readers a raw, thrilling lens into the human experience.
- Birth Years: Ashley (1985), JaQuavis (circa 1984)
- Key Works: The Cartel, Murderville, Dirty Money
- Awards: Multiple Street Literature Book Award Medals
- Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Snag The Cartel and dive into Ashley & JaQuavis’s thrilling world of urban fiction—trust us, you won’t put it down!