Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in

I Got Nothing but Love for You
Heavy D

Did I read my Facebook page correctly? Heavy D dead at 44? I couldn't believe the news when I saw the "RIP" posts on my friends status. Not  Heavy D. The self-proclaimed "Overweight Lover"  had my little tween self doing the running man and snake in front of my grandma's TV when his videos came on BET's "Video Soul" and "Rap City." Not Heavy D.

I still love Heavy D's music. His beats drew you to the dance floor and his flows were nice.The Overweight Lovers lyrics definitely had a way with the ladies.  His rhymes about romance and relationships were fun. He could get a little steamy too. Is it good to you? I like it.  I was just reading on his Twitter page where he Tweeted on November 1, "I love the idea of love."

 As a black woman, I especially love and appreciate Heavy D for not climbing his way on the charts on the backs of black women by referring to us as bitches and hoes in his music. He is a prime example of how you don't have to disrespect women to sell record. Even during his recent performance at the BET Awards, his female dancers were fully clothed.  Another plus, Heavy D was a cutie! Sistas started giving the brothas with a little meat on their bones second glances after he debuted with his group Heavy D and the Boyz. Heavy D could work it in the dance department. He was a good actor too.

Heavy D's sudden death made me really sad. He was so young and had so much more to accomplish and see. I wasn't sure if it was weight-related, but I read somewhere he lost about 130 pounds. At the time I'm writing this post, TMZ is reporting he had breathing troubles and pneumonia. I'm also down because so many entertainers I loved during my teens are dying relatively young: Guru, Tena Marie, Bernie Mac, Luther Vandross, Gerald LeVert, Vesta, Michael Jackson and now Heavy D.  Hip Hop has changed so much since when I was a kid. So many of the new rappers are just so-so. Heavy D was creative and represented an era in hip hop when it was fun and songs weren't just about the club, money and killing. I feel like a piece of Hip Hop passed with him.

On his Twitter page,  Heavy D posted these final words, "BE INSPIRED." What a blessing to leave to your fans and loved ones. There were a few others I saw on his page during the past week, that lifted my spirits.

Nov. 6  All glory comes from daring to begin.

Nov. 4 Never stop believing.. Magic is just science we don't understand.. Every original idea was considered insanity at first..

Nov. 2  “If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.”

Nov. 4 Back in the USA.. I love my life.. Only because I always have!!! BLESS UP!

And what a life. We got nothing but love for you Heavy D.

Comments

  1. Nice blog he was one of the good guys of rap, really liked US. RIP peace to his family.

    ReplyDelete

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