I Made It Off the Block

By: Guillermo Eiland

Narrated by: Guillermo Eiland

Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Little Billy Eiland grew up in the projects having never known his real father. Julie, his mother, a white prostitute with a penchant for black men, would always change the subject when Billy asked her about his origins. Thus, Billy grew up not knowing who he was, but knowing that he was different. Billy’s siblings' fathers were all 100 percent black, but Billie had blond hair and blue eyes. Julie’s other children had the last name of Clark. Billy was the only child whose last name was Eiland. Not knowing his true identity, Billy was forced to forge a new one.

Due to Julie’s financial struggles, Billy’s family moved continually. The few male role models that Billy had were usually Julie's pimps, or cats from the street. Julie demanded that every child worked to financially contribute to the household. From the age of eleven, Billy was forced to work odd jobs, knowing that Julie would take every cent he made. The only money Billy was ever able to keep for himself, was the cash he stole to feed himself.

At eleven, Billy was discovered by Nina Blanchard, the top talent scout in the country. Billy was instantly in demand as the Zodys kid, booking modeling catalogs and parts on tv shows and movies. After realizing that Julie was going to pocket everything he made, Billy intentionally started sabotaging auditions.

By thirteen, Billy had already become a prominent drug dealer, secretly stashing all his drug money at home in a stuffed Donald Duck. As Billy got older, Julie got more and more violent, stripping him and his siblings naked and beating them with phone cords. Billy ran away from home several times, and continued to support himself by selling drugs.

One day, during a deal gone wrong, Billy was forced to defend himself and accidentally killed a man. Convicted of manslaughter, Billy was sent to prison for four years. After he got out, Billy’s friend ICE-T helped Billy get on his feet and into the music business. Utilizing the name “Big Caz” Billy soon toured with Bone Thugs N Harmony, and performed for sold out audiences all over the world. Despite his success, Billy still felt an emptiness because of unresolved issues with his past.

One day, with the help of a social worker, Billy learned that his mother had actually faked his birth certificate. Billy’s true name was Guillermo. Accepting his true self, Billy Eiland became Guilermo Eiland, and turned his back on his drug past. Today Guilermo is a successful entrepreneur dedicated to helping others avoid the same mistakes that he made.

©2023 Guillermo Eiland (P)2023 Guillermo Eiland

Should be a movie

Great read. Took a deep dive into the life and adventures of a young man growing up in and out of the hood. Very descriptive and had me wanting to know more. Suggested to my friends. This could EASILY be a movie!!

Incredible and inspirational book

Really enjoyed this one. It was heartfelt, raw, and captivating. Caz overcame so many adversities without making excuses or giving up and is proof that determination and hard work pay off. Excellent read

Real and raw

Thank you for sharing your story. Your voice brings so much more to the words you have written.