On behalf of myself and my client Hennessy, I want to say THANK YOU to all that attended the Hennessy Fireside Chat with DMX on Tuesday November 12, 2002 at Level 3, as well as Thank You to those who had intentions to attend but for whatever reason we not able to. The 7-9 PM portion of the evening was fun filled and a very informative one. DMX, as tired as he was, came and spent quality time speaking about a variety of things as well as answering questions. He even stayed and spent considerable time autographing books.

My client did not ask me to do this, but I think it's important for me to say this because I heard at the event and since then, ramblings about the lack of free flowing "Hen-dawg" aka Hennessy. This event was about a meet and greet, the celebration of a book, NOT about the "Decadence of Alcohol" or the free over consumption there of. We have to get past making the association that simply because an alcohol company is sponsoring an event, that that in some way equates to an UNWRITTEN assumption that there is to be FREE beverage all night long.

I will be the first to applaud Hennessy for continuing to be a leader and taking a responsible position in offering quality events that are about something other than the "Decadence of Alcohol."

For those who may have experienced minor delays at the door, I apologize, opposed to hiding under the rug and saying the event was free of a few minor inconveniences.

Thank you for your support.

kebo

Photography credits: John Crooms
D'Cals


Personally, I hadn't anticipated attending the Fireside Chat when I opened my e-mail on the Friday before. Honestly, my first question was:
"Isn't this the opposite of what the Hushbox is about? Supporting an artist who is popular among a large group of people who aren't with
the Hushbox vibe?" That, and I sarcastically wondered if Level3 even had a fireplace to have a fireside chat. :) Then I stopped and
thought about it. DMX is a man with a Technicolored past. While he might be all over the mainstream, he's a man who's been there,
and seen a lot. I decided that the brother might have something to say when he doesn't have everybody totally mobbing him.

I showed up looking extremely out of place. Everyone else is looking club-fly, and I've been out job-hunting, so I'm rocking a tweed
jacket and slacks. From the get-go, I expected the usual "Hi, D, first of all, I want to say that you are an inspiration to me, and I
think that you are so beautiful. My first question of many is....." and "Hey, man; remember me from 4 years ago when you were on
that tour, dog? I was the security guard who was behind you on the right in the yellow shirt on...." so I knew I'd have to wade through the
ass-kissing to get to some truly insightful responses. Lord knows I got them.

Although some people felt disappointed that he announced that his forthcoming album would be his last, I felt a sense of relief in his
justification for doing so. The truth is, a big chunk of Hip-Hop has gotten so co-opted and so homogenized that its essence has been lost.
He said something along the lines of "we don't even own our own voices. Our identities belong to someone else who we're obligated
to under contract." As someone who's fallen out of love with Hip-Hop, where it's gone, and the lifestyle that people try to lead to
emulate it, it was extremely refreshing to see someone whose face has been tied to Hip-Hop (since the ship started sinking) finally say
"it's not working." Honestly, if I had to describe him in one word, it would be "experience." In talking to him, I think many in the room
saw a man older and wiser beyond his 31 years. It reminds me of Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God and her statement that
"you gotta go there to know there." D has been there. He knows there.

He was cordial, insightful, and accommodating. I truly wish him success as he manages the task of stepping out of the industry
that shone a spotlight on him, and into other mediums. My respect level for him has shot up tremendously.

heard a little griping about the lack of free-flowing Hennessy as well. Industry rule # 4081: Just because a company sponsors an
event does not guarantee that said product will be free-flowing, unless explicitly stated beforehand. I guess that narrows the scope
as to who was making all the damn noise in the back of the room while D was talking. >=( It's pretty damn pathetic that so many people were
there to be seen and for free drinks than for what DMX was there to talk about, and to celebrate his book. Or am I preaching to the choir?

Anyway, a big T H A N K Y O U goes to Kebo and to Hennessy for providing me with a wonderful way to spend a chilly Tuesday evening!

Ster;ing, Lunar Magazine


BRAVO!!! I think we have all become greedy and spoiled. I must admit I'm guilty. Even though I wouldn't have dared to make a
comment (very tacky!!), I was a bit disappointed. Thank you for a very well articulated values check.

Jeri Byrom


 I want to applaud the event you guys set up for US. I myself as a writer/producer benefited a great deal from the Fireside Chat. It was a great
forum for networking, which is the key to success here in Atlanta (especially in the entertainment field). I would like to be notified of
further events and any other entertainment functions. Especially those that may result in my musical success. Again, I thank you for doing
what you do. Cuz it makes wut I do easier and more enjoyable.

Khristopher Bacon


Thank YOU bro and keep doin whatcha doin.

Jasz Smith/Universal Records/Earwax


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