Seize the Day!

April 27.

Back in 1983,I am laying on the floor in the South Carolina heat while watching MTV. Michael Jackson was beginning his reign and Prince was still basically unknown. But Angela would be laying next to me hoping I would not follow through on the order to wash her hair while her sister, Kristen, would be asleep in her crib. Ray would be looking for the light socket with a belt buckle while Twin would be out with his brother drinking. Tina, my sister, would be in her room reading some novel. Angela and I would get up and dance to New Edition singing Candy Girl. After we would make kool-aid and tease Ray. There was no Peggy screaming at me to cook dinner, no Willis hollering at me to clean up the kitchen. I even had time to make friends and hang out. Something I was never allowed to do while being in California.They were my saving grace, this southern household with folks who didn’t really want anything from me. It would be quiet and simple. I could just be a kid for once. This is the place I first fell in love with hip hop and I knew I would always be attached to rap in some form or another. This is were the poet in me became real. I am always am grateful that I had a sister who always took care of me. Even before I knew myself, I knew she was the one to go to for anything. She raised me from birth to age 11 and then again when I was 14. She is my first mother forever. So to that I say…Thanks Tina! and Happy Birthday!!! You know you Rock!!!