Ruff Ryders | Stickey | Jackson
Ruff Ryders
I learned about the Deans, Chivon, Dee, and Waah, when they were working with DMX. Ruff Rydres was what was poppin'. Over the years I've talked to many of the crew. In one given week I called Waah's cell everyday twice a day. He assured me he's on top of things. I've watched Ruff Ryders change, seen their growth, and their failures.
Ruff Ryders is impressive. They know how to put on parties, how to put on an amazing display at tradeshows, how to turn out platinum artists and how to make music.
Ruff Ryders goes beyond the world of music, into the world of Motorcycle Clubs across the country. In meeting the Ruff Ryders Riders over the years, I haven't found any of them that wasn't friendly. Cheers to everyone who's involved with Ruff Ryders.
Stickey Fingaz
Back in 97, when hip-hop was still under development, back when I was rockin’ an office in NYC on 38th, Sticky could be seen every where. Sticky was in the VIP lounges spreading his love nightly. His promotion manager and his street team took up space in my office.
In a matter of 3 months Sticky’s manager and his street team, along with rappers lookin’ for a place to create their buzz took up every space in the office. I believe it was my office; I was the one paying all the bills. Sticky’s crew pitched in a few buck if I ask towards the phones.
The only place not taken on the 6th floor was a closet. I quickly grabbed it. I soon discovered it was the place the water pipes ran throughout the building. I befriended every mouse and cockroach that ran the pipes late nights.
I chalk up what I’ve learned from the streets as an education greater than I’ve learned from any teacher or from any book. Hell, I was learning words I’d never heard before, and learned how to use them. I learned how effective these words could be when you want someone to move out of your way. It wasn’t something I’d write home to momma about. However, I knew my language switched into high gear and it made things happen.
Sticky sat aside hip-hop when it came to adults. He spoke soft and cordial. The hip-hop community thinks of him as a hard-core rapper because his lyrical rhymes touch deep into the heart of ghetto. When you think of Sticky you may remember Onyx. It didn’t take me long to understand that lyrics were the way rappers settled vendettas.
Jermaine Jackson
Aside from all the riff the world has learned or heard about the Jackson 5 and the rest of the family, there stands the famous bass player and artist Jermaine Jackson who made my heart sing at one point in my life.
I saw Jermaine walking with the children and his dad, Joe, at a convention. They were chillin' like they were normal street folks like the rest of us. I was amazed. No bodyguards, no entourage, and wearing normal attire. We shared for an hour or more, laughing, kidding, and exchanged business cards. I talked to Jermaine about a movie deal. He offered me his options in order to close a deal. But it didn't fit the way our company operates, or our budget.
During Michael and Janet's events I left messages on his phone that I wish his family well. Jermaine is softly spoken and cordial, the children likewise. It was the first time I ever had the opportunity to speak with celebrities children. Although I can't share with you our conversation, I was impressed. I honor Jermaine for his accomplishments in life.
