​“Toppnotch”, prolific writer and ambitious entrepreneur. Destined to become the next name in Urban Literature.

With so many authors in the literary industry emerging from various parts of the world, what sets them apart from each other? Authenticity, dedication to the craft, motivation and persistence. These are the indicators of a phenomenon and a few of the distinct characteristics that put Toppnotch in a category of his own. ‘I write to paint a vivid picture of the reality I come from and the adversities we challenge to succeed.’ His name exemplifies a hierarchy within the entertainment industry that can't be reached by many.
 
Born and raised in Chicago, IL. surrounded by the notoriously known Cabrini Green Projects, Damien ' 'Toppnotch" Hodges fought to not become a victim of his circumstances. His recurring visions while being entrenched in that environment were drug dealing, gang violence, high profile murders and senseless killings. It was during the late 1980's when sports, music and writing began to camouflage the harsh realities of his neighborhood. Toppnotch's love for creative expression flourished due to the fine arts school he thrived in and his introduction to local rap group T. S.P. Through his development in writing raps and short stories, Toppnotch started to capture the images of his surroundings and wanted the world to know of their existence. Proclaimed 'Da Ambassador of the Lower Northside", Toppnotch provides the perfect depiction of inner city living and the circumstances of the lives within. The road to stardom has been very difficult for Toppnotch. There's been many obstacles placed in his path that made becoming an author a mere dream.
 
After years of being Vice President of the independent record label, Gotta E. A. T Records and promoting events with Payola Inc., Toppnotch came to San Diego, CA to pursue his brand of entertainment but caught a case. While battling for his life in the California judicial system, Toppnotch wrote his second novel and first in the ``Blinded By The Lights" trilogy series in the midst of the turmoil. Writing from his experiences, he penned an epic story of the power of friendship, the misconceptions and business of the music industry and the lengths people would go to obtain fame.
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In 2014 after being vetted and mentored by Tajana Sutton, Toppnotch signed an E-Publishing deal with her imprint, Ruby Love Publications. With the deal in place, that gave Toppnotch the platform to launch his own publishing company, Toppnotch Writing Inc. His brand of Urban ' 'Reality" Literature is highly anticipated and acclaimed by diverse communities around the world. Toppnotch's first release, "Blinded By The Lights - A Diamond In The Rough" has received rave reviews throughout social media. The success Toppnotch has achieved thus far is a testament to his mantra:  "Dreams can become a reality with ambition." 
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Overall, fans of the genre are getting the pinnacle with Toppnotch and Toppnotch Writing Inc.

I’m Damien “Toppnotch” Hodges, author of the “Blinded By The Lights:A Diamond In The Rough” trilogy series. I’m interested in networking to find innovative ways to gain exposure for my brand of Urban “Reality” writing as well as assistance with Post-conviction relief from this illegal sentence I’m confined to. It’s because of my position of incarceration that its relatively impossible to maintain an active marketing plan to maximize the potential of my novels or shed light on the injustice I’ve suffered and still endure.

During this time of incarceration, I’ve focused myself on achieving ambition. I’ve written four novels and three screenplays to not only use my time constructively, but to obtain a level of success. I’ve taken my innate ability to write and educated myself to enhance my plight in life and my goals are coming to fruition. I’m a published author with Ruby Love Publications and I’m currently enrolled in college correspondence for an A.A. degree in Business Management, I’m involved in a plethora of self-help classes in order to correct my maladaptive behaviors and live a life with purpose. I’m also a mentor to help other ambitious writers in my position and provide insight on achieving goals. I live my mantra, “Dreams can come reality with ambition.”