Random Thoughts #30- "The Copper and The Rapper"

I saw him from a distance, emerging from the parking garage and walking towards the building. Oh, lookie here! Another hip rapper- complete with the crooked fitted baseball cap and colorful retro jersey, three sizes too large. Even the jeans were way too big, but that's that hip-hop rapper style nowadays. Not wanting to be such an "old fogey", I greeted the kid as I speak to everyone entering the facility. Surprising, he greeted me back, even with a slight smile. I watched as our guest entered the elevator, calling the 21st floor as his final destination. Now, this is interesting. Most of the guests who go to 21 are actors, comedians, singers, band members, and other artists. This guy must be "somebody", but whom?Our guest returned to the lobby from the business management offices, and walked straight into the bank. It was clearly evident to me that he had received a check and was in the process of cashing it. I was determined to find out who this person was. I've seen- and met- most of the other "talent" that often comes to the building; Macy, Cedric, Snoop, Xhibit, the list goes on and on. If I don't meet them, I at least know who they are (I didn't bother Diane Keaton as she was on the cell phone), but this individual was perplexing me. I don't expect to know any rappers or hip-hop artist these days. Quite frankly, I couldn't tell Chris Brown from Charley Brown. The kid emerged from the bank and was preparing to leave, when I stopped him briefly. I stated that I thought he may be someone famous, but I couldn't put a name to the face. This was a pretty bold and forward question for me, as I usually respect the performer’s personal time and privacy. This time, however, the curiosity got the best of me. Very politely, the kid stopped and spoke with me. He asked "Have you ever heard of Eazy E?" Well, believe it or not, this white, middle aged old fogey DID hear of E and actually knew a bit about him. Easy E was the founder of NWA, a rap group with Dre and Ice Cube, and is generally credited with establishing what was later known as "gangsta rap". I also knew E had passed away, presumably from AIDS, back in the mid-90's. I told him that I was familiar with Eazy-E and knew a bit about the band- even though this NOT my world of music by any stretch. The kid continued on-" Well I'm his son". My immediate reaction was to express my sympathies for the loss of his Dad- such a public loss- and despite the years that have passed, you still feel that loss. I then extended my hand and introduced myself, asking what he calls himself. He replied "They call me Lil' Eazy E, in honor of my Dad." Not wanting to keep him any longer, I told him it was a pleasure to have met him, and I hoped to see him again. This was the beginning of a unique friendship.When I returned home, I researched Lil E (as I know call him) and discovered several web sites dedicated to him and his group of associates. There was no question that, while he was not a well-known rapper at this time, he was bound for greatness in the business. His "close friends" included Sean Combs, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Snoop- a virtual Mount Rushmore of rap talent and money. He had many photos posted, in various poses- with scantily clad rap hoes, AK47's, lifting weights and sporting prison muscles. In most of these photos, if you look closely, you will see a softness in his E's eyes. This softness is only outdone by the smallness of his voice. I realized then, at least in this case, the image of the violent gangsta rapper was just a marketing tool and not an actual representation of the person I met, albeit briefly. Lil E came to visit me several times over the next few months (okay, he actually had business in the building, but he always stopped to talk with me). On his next visit, I proved once and for all how WHITE and out of touch I am. E and I shook hands- the regular, standard executive handshake, which then evolved to the thumb grip handshake of the 70's which then slid in the first-knuckle finger grip like two wrist wrestlers. These handgrips go on as the two parties get close for a "chest bump" and "back slap" as the grip slips out and into a quick finger snap. Well, someone forgot to tell this old guy, and not only did I miss the chest bump, but left my friend hanging with the finger snap! He finished it on his own, realizing that I was too white to "get it". I immediately realized what I had done, or had NOT done, and felt embarrassed that I may have insulted my new-found friend. The smile never left "E's" face. Lil E has given me an autograph for my daughter, who actually knew about his Dad as well, and has stopped to pose for, photos with total strangers many times. One time, in mid-conversation, E was practically dragged out of the building by a group of fans and some photographers begging that he pose for pictures. As he was being bull-rushed out, he looked back to me, apologetically, for not being able to continue our visit. Again, those eyes that can only be described as "puppy-dog eyes" (When my daughter Mary saw photos of Lil E, she immediately commented on his "beautiful, soulful eyes", so it’s not only me).This friendship has developed over the months. He now calls me his "greatest agent". When I know he's on his way, I let some other people know and ask if the want to met a future superstar. Lil E' is destined to be this star- whether it be as a gangsta rapper, a hip-hop artist or as a music producer. He has the talent, the family lineage, the name recognition and the best connections in the business. More importantly, he is one of the nicest celebrities- no, make that PEOPLE- I have ever met. Who would’ve thought a friendship would, or even could, develop between two people so separated by a generation, by race, by surroundings and by musical influences. This separation was recognizable and tangible to both of us, yet we equally put aside the differences and looked into each other's soul. I told E today that I would be moving on, and that I valued our friendship and was honored to have met him. I thanked him for all the joy that he brought to me and my daughter, and I assured him that he would be a huge star. I promised him that I would stay in touch through his web site, and would following his career. He was honestly touched by what I had said, and appeared saddened by the fact that I was leaving. He said simply "You are a really nice man." We hugged and said good-bye, without any uncomfortable handshake variations to further embarrass him. Then and there, as I watched him drive off in his white $100K Mercedes, I vowed that I would write this piece documenting our friendship and showing how wonderful it can be to look past obvious differences in appearances or preferences or even lifestyles. Sometimes, you strike gold- friendship gold. I made another vow as I watch him drive out of sight. I vowed that I, too, would chase my dream and do what I believed my Higher Power put me on this Earth to do.

I will be a gangsta rapper. Say hello to "Notorious F-A-T".

To learn more about Lil E', go to www.lileazy-e.net and www.eazy-ecpt.com