OK that was REALLY weird. I must have let my prayers lead me into my dream last night because I had a dream about you and Malinda. You introduced me to her as your number one fan. LOL. (Can we say...Kathy Bates in Misery) HAHA just jokes. It was so fun and vivid probably because of all of the flicks that you post made clear images in my head. I saw some of my old friends from my hometown, got to party with y'all and you guys were so fun to be around. I had a good time even though you weren't dj'ing. Maybe one day I'll make it to NY and get to one of the shindigs.

Im so happy to have read this very important blog...So important that to take care of yourself first, before others helps you feel stronger and better about yourself. I also recently had my own revelation about too. As a makeup artist, Ive been in such a demand....thanks God! that Ive been working so much for the past couple of months my 'fatigue' believe it or not turned into minor case of bronchitious!...dag!...its also important to also have others support to hold you down if you physically can't fullfill a task. Understandably, its difficult to find a 'mini me' since the trust factor can be an issue. Regardless, you name will still be attached to anything that you are a part of. Always put God first, then you, then your family...Drink your vitamins, eat your fruits and veggies and drink maaad water...you'll feel alot better! Take Good Care of Yourself Brother!! Stay Blessed...

Hey D you,ve been a blessing 2 a lot of people 4 so long that was a serious reality check! You got to be a blessing to yuorself before you can be a blessing to others! HOTDAY is a good brother I met years ago thru RED ALERT and Prince Messiah !IF U can"t be counted on then YOU CANT" BE Counted in! U CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON HOT DAY 2 HOLD YOU DOWN!!

Peace d ! Glad to hear your
feeling better. When we talked in vegas I could also
see you were not yourself.
The first step in getting better is realizing your not
22 anymore. The body needs
more rest. My mom says you
cant burn a candle at both
ends. Hotday is a good bro
to look out for you. Take
care and God Bless ! Big
Jeff

Everything happens for a reason. It sounds like you learned from your experience and that's always good. I'm sure DJ Hot Day was able to relate to your dilemma because I've helped him out in the same way on many occasions. That's the circle of life.

D-Im so very glad you are feeling better, but you are going to have to take it easy. Your beautiful daughter is depending on you to stick around for a very, very long time. God gives us the strength & stamina to work & take care of our families but he also gives us common sense! YOU MUST TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! IT WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOU SHOULD "RELAX". Panic attacks are no joke. Listen, you know you are one of my favorite people on this earth. Please take the time to listen to the people who love & care about you(especially Malinda!!!)They wont steer you wrong when it comes to keeping you around as long as God sees fit-
I Luv ya my Brother-
Nikki

I've been peeking in and absolutely adore your site.

There are two things you already know, but I must reinforce: 1) See what happens when you don't listen to your woman? We know things! 2) You can't take the suckers out if you're not in tip top shape. (Well obviously, YOU can, but it's so much easier when you're healthy!)

I love the way you and Malinda appreciate each other. Thanks for letting us peek thru your window.

What up d!You know how us men are,we think we can do everything! Even when we are sick..we dont admit it!We are the kings of we can buy anything over the counter!!Keep up the good work.

D, you should have listened to Malinda. And you should have listened to your inner self as well. You knew you weren't feeling well, but you went anyway. Your inner self knows what's right.

I know what the panic attacks feel like firsthand. It feels like a heart attack. The fear for no reason and it feels like you can move or think. It feels like you are about to die or something bad is going to happen. I had my first one in 2000. I now what they are now but its scary. Music and good friends can heal you. I just try not to get stressed about life. Its a hard thing to do but I'm learning to say No when I need to. I'm glad that you are feeling better and didn't go thru it alone. Malinda is the right woman for you. Chill, relax, and enjoy life.

Your body is your temple and must come first!

That being said, I am happy to hear that you are okay and that you had someone there with you that loves and cares for you to be an angel when you needed.

God is around you at all times, just believe in him!

D, It was great running into you in Vegas and I can honestly say that I all the time I ran into you at the hotel and at the mall I couldn't have guessed that you were under the weather since you always had time to stop and chit chat a little bit. Glad to hear that you are feeling better. By the way I lost my blackberry so when you get a minute, email me your contacts. Also don't ever stop working that M8. Peace!
Oluwaseye.

I am glad u made it thru that one and managed to learned a valuable lesson at the same time....big ups to your peeps for bein there for u....big ups to DJ Hot Day...I havent heard that name since I got my hands on one of his hot mixtapes in college like maybe 15 or so years ago and I remember I played it til it popped. glad 2 c he is still around doin his thing.

SoulMates

There is no one like you.

Who i can count on to speak the truth.

Who says baby i 'll be there no matter when you call.

Willing to catch me before I fall

to minister to my needs

In my heart you speak soft and kind words that brings me such peace.

Just know you are very special to me.

Without you i dont know where i would be

Written for:
My Husband William who i knew since 14 yrs old, 9th grade
celebrating 18 years of loving you still married 15 yrs strong!
Dedicated to:
"D" and Malinda

So glad you are doing good after all that, D!

I had a fire at my house in January and I am sooo grateful to the most High for saving my life. I count my blessings (really) all day every day now, even more so than before.

Please continue to take care of yourself and be the dope MC/Photographer/DJ you are!

Raquel

Good to hear all is well and you made it through! God gives us signs and we have to be spiritually in tune and listen to our loved ones and intuition when something isn't right. Check your kidney's also because flu symptoms can appear when there are kidney problems. Also blood pressure problems. I know someone who had flu symptoms and blood pressue problems and it ended up being his kidney's.

Glad you are well and don't run yourself into the ground
because we want you around!

Peace and blessings, Passion

D you have done so much these past few months. Great decision by taking a time out your health comes first although i dont know how long i can wait for another session at the canal room lol. Your amazing D, God Bless my man.

your boy

Fazio

AWWWWWWWWWWW IM A HOPELESS ROMANTIC. MALINDA WOW. LOVE IS SO HARD TO FIND. BUT EASILY RECOGNIZED. BLACK LOVE IN ACTION.

D, A MAN NOT AFRAID TO BE VULNERABLE IN FRONT OF HIS WOMAN IS SOOOOOOOOOOO SEXY DAMN MALINDA U GO GIRL LOL.

awww D! Sorry you had to endure a panic attack... I started getting those in my late 20's, but have them under control more now. It's amazing how your body will TELL you when to slow down or find a way to calm down, whether you like it or not.
I had a blast at the Phat Farm party, and I hope they bring you back to MAGIC next time too! You rocked it as always!

You're probably not with this on a daily basis but can you promise those who love you dearly that especially on the days you get on the plane you will take echinacea, vitamin C (minimum 1,000 i,u) and some kind of one-a-day multivitamin, before and after your flight with plenty of water? People dont realize how much the recycled air on planes spreads passengers' germs like wildfire! Also in between when you're not flying for preventive measure. Next time I hope you listen to those who know & love you very well! You got a good woman by your side & a girl who needs her daddy. Be very grateful

Hey D,
Soooo glad ur feelin better. wish u woulda listened 2 malinda in the 1st place. u know we know best. ;-)
i'm glad u made it thru the weekend, let me know if u need anything, i'm a 35min plane ride away. luv ya.
PS pls call me ASAP

First, I wanna say how proud I am that you kept all of your commitments. Not just to those who promised you a paycheck, but to myself and your friends as well. Not only did you rock all the events, you met me at the airport, even though there was a driver, you made sure I was fed immediately (cause you know how I get when I don't eat :o)), you even took me shopping for an outfit for an unanticipated, extra night in Vegas. Whenever we had to travel outside the hotel, you made sure I never had to wait for a car, which seemed damn near immpossible during that crazy weekend. Through all the sickness, you still managed to be my HERO!........
Although it was hard for me to see you that way, I was grateful that you allowed me to also be your strength when you were in a vulnerable state. I'm sure it was a major lesson for you, but It was a lesson for me as well. Having experienced that lesson first hand, I felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to put my wants aside to help service your needs. More important than listening to me, its important to listen to yourself. No matter what age, our bodies always speak to us. Older bodies just speak a little louder ;o). It took a little work and a lot of patience for us to get through that one and it certainly was not easy. But we did it! Yaaay!
Let us not forget D; To whom much is given, much is also required. Man, we got hit over the head with that lesson during AllStar weekend 2007.
Love you-

~Malinda

What I got of your experience was something else...for me it was more about your healthy relationship and this seemed to bring your attention .. to what is really important.

I am glad that you are feeling better but however you really need to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

I saw u at the Phat Farm event and u looking like you was sweating in the tiny booth, but u pulled it off and did good....I've been sick a dozen times in my career and thank God its not as bad as other people, but what makes u more sick and nervous is that fact that u have a contract and a commitment to take care of and obligated to do......Keep your health up "D" and congrats on joing the 35 and over club....LOL...

Love your blog D. So nice to see how you have grown from this rapper I listened to when I was in high school into this really touching and creative expressive person... and you not afraid. Good to know you and many more blessings....

D, you sound like my husband with the " i can work through anything" attitude. Well the truth is you did work through it with help from friends and your woman. Next tiem listen to her teh first time!! Glad you're better and that you rocked the casbah's!!

That's peace. What do they say strength in numbers? Positions played in a harmonious fashion. That shows and proves true fam. Having that type of love around is a blessing and it’s also priceless. Glad to hear you’re better now and were able to get thru all your gigs with a successful result.

Damn playboy!!! I'm glad you finally learned the lesson with minimal damage. Remember, always listen to the woman :). See you soon homeboy, keep up the good work, The over 35 crew is very proud of you!!!

You know what's funny D, when I saw you at Jordan's event I was sick with the flu too! I was aching all over & had a fever but like you, I had a job to do so I was still out with a client and working. However, that next day I stayed in my room the WHOLE day and nursed myself back to health so I could travel home in better condition. Missed a couple of events but so what. I let my client go on to the events w/a friend of theirs and I took care of ME. I, like you, had amazing people around me -- a friend who lives in Vegas who made me homemade soup & brought me lots of fluids & fruit, another who went to the pharmacy to buy my meds. I am grateful and blessed for the genuine friends and loved ones I have in my life as well!

Wow, I'm glad you are better. Man I love, love, love how u r not afraid to love Malinda publicly. Once again glad you are better.

Oh, yeah. If you are interested in nutritional supplements and you don't take them already, echinacea is good for your immune system and eating plenty of garlic is a good natural way to stay healthy during flu season. I have never taken the flu shot and the kids always bring their germs home from school, but I usually escape all but one cold per year. Knock on wood;)

You are so right, it's very important that we all take care of our bodies but I think another important lesson in your experience is how wonderful and important it is to have a good woman by your side. Those are the one's that you don't let go of.

Peace, Blessings & Good Health!

Thank God you are feeling better and now know to take care of yourself. And even more thankful you had someone to be there for you during everything.

Many blessings to you.

Glad to hear You are ok. Family and Friends are a Blessing to have. Nothing beats the TRUE Support of a Loved One. I too experienced a Panic Attack before...And when I was driving! It actually happened a few times during my Divorce process. Taking Care of Yourself should always come first. So going forward always listen to your Body and the People around You that Love You. I hope that You continue a very Successful Career. Be Well.

I glad to hear you made it thru.
take care yourself because all you do will catch to you.Your body your temple.

Man, D.
I am glad that you are feeling better. I feel you, too. I am 32 now and the little ones keep me running, running a household is enough, but on top of that I'm starting my own business, being a Realtor which is really hard when you are new and all of these OG agents are doin their thang...but one thing is for sure like I told my husband. I know that if I don't take care of myself then none of my ventures will be successful. He tells me to take it easy and I become defensive because I am so driven and I don't want anyone to get in my way, but I know it's only because he loves me and knows that I can't afford to sacrifice my health. On the advice of my broker, I take a one a day for women tablet and I just started taking this liquid vitamin B for energy...once I work a little exercise into my routine, hopefully it will help me feel and look a little bit better. Here it is March already and I have already botched that New Year's resolution.

OK enough about me...take care of yourself, D. Our babies need us...& we need you on the planet, my friend!

Yo D, close call bro. Gotta keep it healthy and take care of yours because at the end of the day, no one else will. Mind, soul and body...keep it straight.

This was a good read...its so true that we must calm ourselves...glad it all went well in the end.

D, I totally feel you on that. We ALL OVER DO IT in this industry and esp. with the way the world is today. I did the same thing to myself last Fall--and was in bed for a week! And I'm in my 20's--whew and you know what--I can't say it won't happen again. LOL. When you are a grinder it just happens..but I'm defo taking heed to your tale here.
naj:)

Hey brother, sorry to hear that you were under the weather. Glad to see you amongst the living once again....

I definitely feel where you're coming from. I'm 32 years old, in school pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Information Tech/CompSci and doing freelance web development all at the same time. I'm not as spry as I used to be and trying to compete and keep up with the youngn's has definitely made me pause a time or two.

But it's like you said: We HAVE to take care of ourselves. That is an absolute MUST. Watching what we eat, getting enough exercise and rest are all things that can only help us improve our selves and insure that we're around to a nice ripe old age.

Take care of yaself Derrick and let us know if you need anything.

I had bronchitis 2 winters in a row, almost died and I promised myself that nothing is more important than my health....... If I get sniffles or feel tired, I stay home.... Things have been working in my favor since I made that decision....

Im going to spray my computer screen with lysol :)