Questlove in 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Questlove
Well… most of you read the book so that means you’re familiar with Rich by now. I just landed in the States and he was my first call. I was listening to MSNBC on the radio, so this is the first time I’m getting real-time reaction/news from an American source about the Martin case. I’m trying not to internalize this feeling and make it about me — but hey, it is what it is, maybe I’m melodramatic — but all I’m consumed with is my positioning in life.
All the time I tell these cute self-depreciating celeb run-ins when I get a pie-in-the-face moment. But rarely do I share stories of a more serious nature pie-in-the-face moments. All I could keep saying was, “Thank god for my good fortune.” I can’t tell you how many times a year I’m in a serious situation only to hear the magic words, “Oh… wait… Questlove? Hey, guys, it’s Questlove — we’re so sorry, you can go.” Mostly because in the age of social media most people are quick to dismiss my tales as #FirstWorldProblems unless it’s super major. (Did I ever FB the story of how the Buffalo DEA held me ’cause they thought I was a drug lord back in 2006? Multiply that scenario by a realistic 40 — like five to seven times a year a night ending in the words “thank god for that afro, we’d never have recognized you” happens to me.)
So a friend of mine sent me this apology letter. All the time I’m in scenarios in which primitive, exotic-looking me (6’2″, 300 pounds, uncivilized afro for starters) finds himself in places that people that look like me aren’t normally found. I mean, what can I do? I have to be somewhere on Earth, correct? In the beginning (let’s say 2002 when the gates of “Hey, Ahmir, would you like to come to [name swanky elitist place]?” opened), initially I’d say “no” — mostly because it’s been hammered in my DNA to not “rock the boat” — which, since I wanna keep it real, means not make “certain people” feel uncomfortable.
I mean, that is a crazy way to live.
Read More ‘That Doesn’t Mean It Doesn’t Sting Any Less’ | Questlove.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
About The Soul Brother
An observer to the world. I have a unique view of the world and want to share it. It's all in love from the people of the "blues". Love, Knowledge, and Sharing amongst all is the first steps towards solving all the problems amongst humanity.
soulbrotherspeaks.com 
‘That Doesn’t Mean It Doesn’t Sting Any Less’
Questlove in 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Questlove
Well… most of you read the book so that means you’re familiar with Rich by now. I just landed in the States and he was my first call. I was listening to MSNBC on the radio, so this is the first time I’m getting real-time reaction/news from an American source about the Martin case. I’m trying not to internalize this feeling and make it about me — but hey, it is what it is, maybe I’m melodramatic — but all I’m consumed with is my positioning in life.
All the time I tell these cute self-depreciating celeb run-ins when I get a pie-in-the-face moment. But rarely do I share stories of a more serious nature pie-in-the-face moments. All I could keep saying was, “Thank god for my good fortune.” I can’t tell you how many times a year I’m in a serious situation only to hear the magic words, “Oh… wait… Questlove? Hey, guys, it’s Questlove — we’re so sorry, you can go.” Mostly because in the age of social media most people are quick to dismiss my tales as #FirstWorldProblems unless it’s super major. (Did I ever FB the story of how the Buffalo DEA held me ’cause they thought I was a drug lord back in 2006? Multiply that scenario by a realistic 40 — like five to seven times a year a night ending in the words “thank god for that afro, we’d never have recognized you” happens to me.)
So a friend of mine sent me this apology letter. All the time I’m in scenarios in which primitive, exotic-looking me (6’2″, 300 pounds, uncivilized afro for starters) finds himself in places that people that look like me aren’t normally found. I mean, what can I do? I have to be somewhere on Earth, correct? In the beginning (let’s say 2002 when the gates of “Hey, Ahmir, would you like to come to [name swanky elitist place]?” opened), initially I’d say “no” — mostly because it’s been hammered in my DNA to not “rock the boat” — which, since I wanna keep it real, means not make “certain people” feel uncomfortable.
I mean, that is a crazy way to live.
Read More ‘That Doesn’t Mean It Doesn’t Sting Any Less’ | Questlove.
Share this:
Like this:
Related
About The Soul Brother
An observer to the world. I have a unique view of the world and want to share it. It's all in love from the people of the "blues". Love, Knowledge, and Sharing amongst all is the first steps towards solving all the problems amongst humanity.