a good day
Wow! Today was a good day.
I went to the Remix Hotel today that was in NYC. I learned lots of useful things, saw some incredible bands, and listened to some music legends, and even got to talk to some of them one on one. On top of that, I managed to get tech support for some of the problems I've been having with some software programs. I even learned some stuff that my software could do that I didn't realize!
All that for free! Hard to believe.
I have to say that I think Chuck D. (or Mr. Ryan, as his daughter's friends call him) might be one of the most real and approachable famous people I have ever come across. I showed up early to listen to him and producers Dr. Griff, and Juice talk about what is going on in the world of music today. Cakewalk had their name on the event, and I think they expected the three to talk about their products, but they really didn't. Instead it was a real interesting discussion between them (and at times other legends like Jazzy-J) about music, production, and what 'radio friendly' music has come to.
Before the session started, Chuck came in and shook hands with everyone who was waiting for him to come and speak. I have to say - I was surprised and impressed that he took the time to connect with all of his fans sitting there waiting for him. At times the discussion seemed to be as open to all of us in the audience as it was to those on the mics.
It sounds like there's no love lost between those on the stage and some of the hip-hop 'stars' of today.
Which just reminds me of why I always liked Public Enemy - it wasn't just the music that was catchy - it was the ideas behind it - the frustration and anger that confront us all daily. It's not about Alpo going 'double platinum' weekly as they joked on stage - it's about the music, and the message, and the soul of music itself.
It's not about the money.
A fantastic speech.