Let’s not get ahead of ourselves… Chances are, if there is a problem, I may not be able to solve it. But if the problem was something like…having a karaoke nightclub full of people and nobody around to perform some Vanilla Ice, that’s a problem I am willing to solve. My performance is probably less entertaining than Mr. Robert Van Winkle’s, but I had a good time nevertheless!
But wait a minute…this is supposed to be a site about music and my life as a DJ. What’s the point in posting what could otherwise be mistaken as an ordinary Friday night, drinking, and getting a little crazy with friends? Truth be told, I was there with a friend, we did have a few drinks, and for some reason, I do really enjoy doing hip-hop karaoke. Typically, I sing something a little more West Coast like Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg, but Vanilla Ice is a pretty good option in a bar full of thirty somethings.
I grew up in South Florida, a place known for its food, nightlife, and vibrant musical culture. Hip Hop music was my jam throughout my teenage years and it wasn’t until later on that I became interested in electronic dance music. I used to listen to 2pac, Notorious B.I.G., Dre, Snoop, Bone Thugs, and the list goes on. Just the other day I was asked what were the first albums I can remember purchasing, and the short list included Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill” and DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s “Homebase.” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was also on the list followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” and Kriss Kross’ “Totally Krossed Out.” With that list, it’s really no surprise that I would know the lyrics to something like, Ice Ice Baby…but it’s also good insight as to how I got where I am today with a love for music and performance. Love him or hate him, Michael Jackson was arguably one of the greatest performers of all time and DJ Jazzy Jeff is still one of the freshest (80’s terminology seems fitting here) DJs alive!
Bottom line, I love music! I love to listen, perform, create, and even sing (or rap). I sing to my kids every night, and they will be the first to tell you that I am a terrible singer, but that doesn’t stop me from expressing myself. I throw caution to the wind…after all, I am an XCON!
If there was a problem, yo I’ll solve it from XCON on Vimeo.