Pimp: The Story of My Life

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death, graphic violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual violence, rape, racism, addiction, substance use, transgender discrimination, and sexual content. 

Released from prison once again, Slim headed back to Milwaukee where he was plagued with nightmares about killing sex workers and whipping his mother until she bled. He was 20 years old and desperate to start pimping, so he went to a bar one night and tried to pick up his first worker. He met a young woman named Phyllis and convinced her that he was an experienced pimp. He used the right language for the role, saying things like “Bitch, I’m not a gentleman, I’m a pimp. I’ll kick your funky ass” (63), and he deliberately acted as though nothing could affect him. The ploy worked, and Phyllis let Slim drive her Ford back to her hotel room. There, Phyllis started trying to seduce Slim, but he refused to engage in any sexual acts with her until she guaranteed him money and loyalty.

Phyllis tried to lie her way out of the deal by promising to give Slim money the following day, but Slim terrorized and beat Phyllis until she submitted to him.