When Did You First Fall in Love with Hip-Hop?

It's not often that I'm inclined to immediately write about something I've experienced but this night was totally different. Today in the mist of another -let's just call it- "work" shindig full of phoney double sided air kisses and "hey hunns" because you forgot or didn't care enough to remember someones name I remember what drove me into this industry... As I stood there feet aching and weave tangling Doug E. Fresh took to the stage with Hip-Hop's elite afficianado's (I mean the guys who were doing this before spitting on a track and demanding 45g's was event thought of) reminding why, when & how I fell in love with this immense cultural phenomenon. As he so easily let loose those beats from his throat out his lips and Grandmaster Caz spitting with the help of others as Big Daddy Kane threw all types of old lady catching sexy out with his voice and DJ Chuck Chillout supported on the 1's & 2's... I remebered! This is what I always wanted to be around; true music. The music that makes you feel so good you dance, regardless if you have rythme and sing so loud that you can barely hear the performer himself. This was truely it! I had come into this industry in search of being around and rediscovering true music (i.e. Cindafella, The Bridge is Over or Roxanne's Revenge). Meeting a woman who was able to make the industry work for her in Roxanne Shante, discussing the industry as she looked at an old photo with 80's braid laced with a name plate barette is priceless.

The things you learn... Life always take you places to give youa little reminder and today was mine! It was like the lyrics of Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." were blasting in my ear because at that point I realized I loved Hip Hop like no relationship because I knew in our relationship it wold never leave me... Cd, vinyl, cassette tape I'd always have it & it would always have me... HIP-HOP Thank you!

Ice Cream Man

Growing up everyone loves the Ice Cream Man. The first sound of that classic jingle sparks off the thought of summer days and the greatest fun of the year. A feeling that seems to never fade as one grows older even if masked deep inside. No matter what you do that catchy jingle and the thought of the greatest childhood feeling—sitting on the curb or stoop accompanied by your best friends and the greatest ice cream cone extra sprinkles with no care in the world.

Funny to compare the two but the same is true for that one individual as you get older, that no matter how long they’ve been gone out of your life or how much you try to push the mere memory of them away they always seem to enable a warm sensitive feeling within that only they can erupt. Our own personal Ice Cream Man (Woman) to be quiet frank. A love that has passed and piece of you that will always remain with another-- every person has this whether it be a teacher or childhood crush to ones first love or first sexual partner or relationship with great memories; there’s an Ice Cream Man that just reminds you of sweet days past.

Everyone’s Ice Cream experience was different and the results of the relationship are just as much of a mystery for each of us. Who knows if we’ll ever grow out of this fascination becoming lactose intolerant or being able to continue to enjoy the sweet treats forever?

So Ice Cream Men… Good or Bad? You make the choice but be appreciative of them no matter what because at one point it was the sweetest moment even if just for a split second.

xoxo Brooklyn Girl