Part sports star part antihero part hip-hop icon Allen Iverson has managed to cross over into the mainstream of American culture -- without compromise. Defiantly tattooed with his hair in cornrows the six-foot Philadelphia 76ers point guard is one of the most recognizable and controversial stars of the sports world. His meteoric rise from a troubled childhood in the ghetto to NBA superstardom has been marked by five straight playoff appearances including a finals berth in 2001 and an MVP award. From his rap sheet to his rap album fans and journalists alike hound his every move. But never before has a biographer presented a full portrait of this complicated and intensely private star -- a man whose loyalty to his family the streets and his friends trumps any other concern. Filled with exclusive interview material and unprecedented access to many of Iverson s inner circle Only the Strong Survive is the first in-depth look at the truth behind this newly minted legend.