By: Relentless
The streets of New York City have seen many stories unfold, but few compare to the Relentless journey of my rise from hustling on corners with self-published novels to becoming one of the most notable authors in urban fiction. What started as a simple determination to tell authentic stories has transformed into an entrepreneurial and literary empire, fueled by the power of perseverance, street smarts, and now, artificial intelligence.
My story is rooted in the city of Mt. Vernon, NY, where I grew up observing life’s raw edges. I didn’t just write from imagination—I wrote from reality, imagination and my overall perception of life. People say urban fiction was born in the streets, but for me, it was much more than that. It was born from the struggle, from oppression, from the need to survive and thrive in a world that wasn’t built for me to succeed. But I turned those struggles into stories and found power in my voice. The path I took was unconventional, but it worked.
From Hustling Books to Major Publishing Deals
I was Relentless before I even took on the name. In the late 90s, I was known as D. Gilmore, a concert promoter, magazine publisher, and TV producer. My transition to the world of novels happened when I began selling my books on the streets of New York. Without the backing of a major publisher, I learned how to hustle my stories just like any street vendor hustles their wares. Every sale was a personal victory, every book handed off was a story shared with the world. And it wasn’t long before the industry took notice.
By 2003, my hard work paid off when I signed a groundbreaking 14-book deal with St. Martin’s Press, followed by a major collaboration with 50 Cent and G-Unit Books. The Relentless Aaron brand was officially born, cementing my place in the publishing world.
But I didn’t stop there. It was never just about the hustle; it was about the evolution. From gritty, street-inspired novels to diversifying my portfolio with comic books, graphic novels, and non-fiction works, I was always chasing that next level. And now, I’m in pursuit of something even greater—a legacy that challenges the systems that have historically disenfranchised me and others like me. Also, I’m wanting to train a small army of others who want to create and produce content.
How AI Created a 100x Increase in My Productivity and Reach
The digital age has brought with it tools that can transform anyone’s potential into exponential success. Enter artificial intelligence (AI)—the game changer. While many view AI with skepticism or fear of the unknown, I embraced it as a powerful tool to amplify my work and expand my brand’s reach in ways I never thought possible.
AI has enabled me to do what once seemed impossible: multiplying my output by 100 times. With AI tools, I can generate ideas, craft content, and develop images that fit the vision of every story or project I touch. Gone are the days when I had to rely solely on hours of manual labor to bring my concepts to life. Now, I can automate the tedious processes, allowing me to focus on what matters most—storytelling.
In my ventures into comic books, graphic novels, and digital products, AI has been instrumental in creating stunning visuals, rich narratives, and a seamless production pipeline. For example, MidJourney helps generate the perfect images to accompany my narratives, while 11 Labs allows me to produce high-quality voiceovers, breathing life into characters with the click of a button. AI doesn’t replace creativity—it enhances it. The technology serves as a tool that allows me to work faster, smarter, and with greater precision.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Books
What excites me most about AI is not just the increase in productivity—it’s the ability to scale impact. My mission has always been about more than just selling books. It’s about teaching others how to use their personal credit profiles to access funding for their creative endeavors, inspiring disenfranchised individuals to build their brands, and proving that with the right tools, anyone can achieve greatness.
AI has also allowed me to explore new educational avenues. I’m creating a series of graphic novels for both young and old that delve into themes like business credit, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. These stories are not only entertaining but also serve as blueprints for building generational wealth. Through these works, I aim to leave behind a legacy that shows the next generation of creatives how to unlock their full potential.
In many ways, my rise mirrors the tools I now use—resourceful, relentless, and ever-evolving. From self-publishing on the streets of New York to leveraging AI to create an empire, I’ve remained undeterred in my pursuit of success. What began as a gritty hustle has turned into a global brand, and with the help of AI, my reach, impact, and productivity have grown exponentially.
The Future of Relentless Aaron
This journey is far from over. I’m constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, not just for myself but for others who look to me as a beacon of hope. AI is only the latest chapter in my story, but it’s one that will have lasting effects for years to come. Whether it’s through my books, my digital projects, or my educational initiatives, I’m here to show the world that there are no limits to what can be achieved with the right mindset, tools, and, most importantly, the relentless pursuit of greatness.
To those who follow my journey, know this: The streets might have been my start, but technology is my future. And with every step forward, I’m rewriting the rules, one book at a time.
Relentless.
