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September

September 5, 2003
I know I speak for everyone when I say that this summer went by way too quickly. And, the weather gods didn't even try to ease us out of it! (What was it, 40 last week?!) It was a cool summer nonetheless. Got to chill in PR for a minute and take a few long weekends away from the scene - a much needed respite. Have a bunch of things planned for the fall, so be sure to check in often... Jalen is doing his best Freddy Adu impersonation, kicking any ball in his path. We're going to try to get him a contract soon... Keeping it short, I hope to see you all soon. This is a special birthday month for a few really important people in my world: Mom Dukes, Nellie T., Dori, and Diane (my mother figures), Tish, Jamaal, and Irene. Happy Birfday!!

- Tan Vader

"Lifeline"

You know, I've loved music for as long as I can remember. Way back in the day, I was singing remixes to "Inch By Inch" ("row by row, gonna make this garden grow..."). That was technically before remixes were even made! But, what else do you call it when you change the words to a song?

Btw - Is there a term for completely messing up the lyrics to a song? Like, trying to sing New Edition's "If It Isn't Love," but thinking the title is "Elizabeth?" If there is, let me know 'cause I have some people to talk about...

Music was always on in my house. Whether my mother was listening to Gil Bailey on Saturday mornings (reggae heads, stand up), or I was falling asleep to Yvonne Mobley's "Soft Touch" at night, seldom were the moments without a radio on (except during homework, of course, Mom). My brother and I used to tape Chuck Chillout and Red Alert on the weekends. Needless to say, all that music probably explains why I have so many random lyrics stuck in my head.

Ootang, ootang, I'd don't wanna go, slept all night with my honey bun / Give me some of that yummy, yum, yum before I go to bed / Of all the animals running 'round the jungle, I'd rather be a monkey / so every time I see ya girl, I say, "Ooh!" And make it funky...

But, music took on a different meaning when I realized after closer listens that my name was actually in a ton of songs. No, for real. Check the archives. Big Daddy made "The Smooth Van Vader," and Special Ed showed an identity crisis when he kept singing, "I get paid when my record is played; to put it short, I am Javaid." Even Janet got down with "EsJavaid" ("We'll have a good time..."). But, I give TLC the credit for really showing the kid love...

Ja-Vaidy, Vaidy, Vaidy / I've got some much love in me / Ja-Vaidy, Vaidy, Vaidy, Vaidy, Vaidy / 'Cause if you're gonna get me off / Ya got to love me deep.

Anyone who has been to my events knows some things about me, like I love Michael Jackson (happy belated, big dog). However, here are some things you might not know: my favorite hip-hop track is "One More Chance;" favorite slow jam is "Tender Love;" I'd rather listen to songs like "Ram Goat Liver" than "Get Busy;" and, of all of the songs and lyrics I know, no verse of any song speaks to me more than Dre's in "Elevators":

True I got more fans than the average man but not enough loot to last me
To the end of the week, I live by the beat like you live check to check
If you don't move yo' foot then I don't eat, so we like neck to neck

This summer, I was suffocating from the never-ending monotony of the music biz. I thought I needed a break from it all. You know what I eventually figured out? I didn't need to get away from the music - I needed to get back to it. Back to how I played it, how I listened to it, and back to the feeling I took away from it. MJ's "Baby Be Mine" has been my lifeline through it all - a song I loved a long time ago, but had forgotten about for - ever. A little Dana Dane, some Heavy Bon Diddley, and a bit of Ten City and I am feeling rejuvenated. Somewhere along the way, I felt a little drained... but, boy does it feel good to have music flowing through the veins again...