Living Life Without Regrets
2004 has been a frenetic year for my company and me. We’ve developed websites and provided online promotions for Violator, Alicia Keys, Ruben Studdard, Christina Milian, Neptunes, Anthony Hamilton and many more. Although things were pretty hectic with the business, I still found time to jumpstart my deejaying career and also explore the craft of photography. Within 5 months I’ve managed to spin music for companies like Pepsi, Martha Stewart Living, FHM, Diesel, Moet, Martell, and Lincoln Center’s Young Patrons Society. Some of my friends have said that since I do so many jobs and I never leave home without my camera, I must be of Jamaican decent with Japanese tourist tendencies. There’s a good reason why I live this way.
Six years ago my life was in complete disarray. I was still caught up with wanting to be a recording artist and I found out the hard way that the music industry is not kind to aging rap stars. After the applause was over, I found myself burning in hip-hop purgatory. I had a conversation with my then 70-year-old uncle about life. I reached out to him for financial help, and that help came some of his words of wisdom. He told me about the sacrifices he made when he was younger and how he had an opportunity to play baseball in the negro league but decided to join the military for stability in order to take care of his family. He explained to me that he regretted that decision for 40 years because he never knew what his life could have been like had he decided to go the baseball route. His advice to me was to always follow my heart and I will never have regrets when I reach 70. I live by those words.
I would to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me. You have all played a major roll in the evolution of D-Nice the artist and Derrick Jones the man. May we all prosper in 2005!
Derrick
Comments
D-
I always wondered why you never came out again after what...2cds? You were sick on the mic. But, after reading your story, I understand. You're still 1 of the sickest to ever touch a mic. But, I understand that evolution is necessary. Good luck in all you do. Continue the good work.
Posted by: A | March 26, 2007 06:34 PM
Wow, I know this is a year late, but I must say those are words to live by. No regrets. As a young budding artist (or something) I go thru my "am I making the right choices for myself and the people I love or am I being selfish" moments from time to time, but in the end I am happy and content knowing that at least I tried. Everyone needs an example to remind them that what there doing is possible. I guess meeting you made you my example. To be unafaraid to be open, push forward, don't stop and last but not least no regrets...
Posted by: djafrica81 | January 8, 2006 05:07 AM
I love the fact that you chose the career of photography, you have a wonderful eye. I grew up listening to your music, and one I started a conversation with a friend and I brought up your name. everyone was shocked cause they haven't heard your name in years. I would like to know if you would be for hire to photograph my 3 year old son? please get back to me.
Nicole
mcw362002@yahoo.com
Posted by: Nicole | October 29, 2005 06:40 PM
Anyone who has ever performed and performed well in front of an audience can understand how you feel and where you are coming from. The applause and the fame will haunt you. The industry and Hip Hop fans will ALWAYS remember who D-Nice was, but you are responsible for continuing your legacy. it ain't over until Derrick says it's over. You are not only gifted; you are talented as well. You have the ability to do well at anything you put your hands to do. You are in a position that some of us could only dream of being in. Take full advantage of every opportunity you have. Don't live in regret; live in today. Because, you only have today; tomorrow is not promised. baby, just do you! That is all that anyone can ask, think or expect from you. Just do Derrick!
Peace sexy,
Vanna
Posted by: DJ Vanna Spice | March 16, 2005 03:30 PM
Yo, your man's was right. Life is fleeting man, do you. But like my man's said before, your place in history is already established.
Tell you some wild sh*t, when I was growing up in Alabama My man's had gave us names that corresponded to members of BDP at the time. He called his brother Shot La Rock (his nickname was Shot) and my nickname was K-Nice. To some kids growing up back in the late Eighties, that was some seriously influential sh*t.
I think I still have the 12 inch of "D-Nice is in the House" at my mom's crib (with the James Brown sample).
The music you was doing then was a big part of the reason I made the decision years ago to make a crack at "the game". It was good and bad to me, but in the end it is the noise that keeps you in it.
I could go on and on, but I just wanted to let you know that your place is set and if you still feel the need to write and do your thing, do that. I never thought that I would wake up one day to find my soon-to-be wife and child passed away and I am sure that nobody thought that they might not make it home that day of 9/11 at the WTC.
Keep Rising
Courtney Bryant aka Nervous (of Slim Pickenz)
Posted by: Courtney | January 28, 2005 01:22 PM
D - got linked to this site from Jay at hiphopmusic.com....glad to hear all is well and that you're following your Uncle's advice.
I'm 29 now but I can remember the hook "my name is d nice" being blasted from my boombox on the bus ride home...and I grew up in Texas so you know I caught heat for playing anything but George Straight....
Thanks for being an influential part of my love for hip hop...Missed your last party at Table 50 but hope to catch the next show if I'm in town...
Wish you and your family the best in 2005...93 till..//dave
Posted by: Dave | January 24, 2005 04:56 AM
That IS a nice photo, D
I'm also a late blooming "photographer" and I think you definitely have an eye. You should post some more of your stuff. You're right to never, EVER leave home without your camera. I managed to many times and I regretted each time. As for the rap career, remember that you already cemented yourself in hip hop's greatest era.
Keep up with whatever you like doing and you won't go wrong.
Posted by: ozu | January 22, 2005 10:50 AM
that pic is mad nice man - I was a fan back in the day and I wish you were still in the game. I hope to catch you deejaying someday. peace fam!
Posted by: taj | January 20, 2005 04:49 PM