things my dad taught me
Today is one of my favorite days of the year...my dad's birthday. I'm honestly not sure how old he's turning this year--he's always been timeless to me and wise beyond his years. Since being in college, I haven't been able to be with him on this day and I always struggle with what gift to buy him. This year, I decided I would use this public platform to attempt to express the impact he's had on my life. I hereby present: the top 5 things my dad has taught me (so far).
5. YEAH, THERE'S LOTS OF GOOD MUSIC OUT THERE, BUT HIP-HOP IS THE BEST
He began teaching me this for as long as I can remember. The soundtrack to my childhood was filled with Kanye, 50 cent and plenty of Snoop Dogg. When I got older and started listening to music on my own, I even started showing him some music, which is how we fostered a mutual love for Drake, Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd. Don't get me wrong, my manz can get down to some Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin (he once yelled at me for not knowing the song "Kashmir"), but nothing will beat blasting "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" or "No More" while driving around Denver.
4. JUST ASK.
I used to do this really annoying thing when I wanted something from my dad where I would try and act all cute and ditzy in an attempt to soften him up. I remember one day when I was about 15, I went into his room because I wanted some money to go to the mall. I was falling into my typical routine of "Heyyyyy dad!!!!!!!!!! How are you??? Need help with anything around the house? I love that shirt!!!" He looked me dead in the eye in the middle of my ass-kissing monologue and said, "You'll get a hell of a lot further in life if you just for what you want." So I said, "Okay! Can I have some money to go shopping?" He didn't even look up from the magazine he was reading as he said "Absolutely not. Try again next time." My hero.
3. SEE EVERY POSSIBLE CONCERT YOU CAN
The first time I ever went to a concert was when I was six. Craig David at some tiny venue in Denver. I don't remember anything about it, except that from then on, all I wanted to do was go to concerts. While this legend has been to over 400+ concerts (and was also a roadie for 2 Live Crew), I've only been to just over 60 (meaning 60 CONCERTS. Miss me with that going to a music festival and counting every individual act as a separate concert bullshit. If you've been to Coachella that means ONE musical event. bitches.) The Destiny's Child farewell tour. Drake vs. Lil Wayne with BOTH my parents. First row at Prince. Getting the chance to meet Akon & Gwen Stefani on their tour but not getting the message because he left his phone in the car. The first time I ever went to a concert without him was my freshman year of high school. Mac Miller & Wiz Khalifa at Red Rocks with my best friend Maddie G. It was one of the best nights of my life, but I remember wishing I could have experienced it with my dad.
2. THE BEST WAY TO PARENT TEENAGERS IS TO IGNORE THEM FROM AGE 12-16
This is literally a philosophy my dad not only believes in, but actively practiced when raising me.
1. YOUR BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH
This is one I'm still having trouble internalizing. Before every one of my exams in college, I call him. The conversation usually starts with me talking in stress-induced gibberish and always ends with him telling me that all he could ask of me is that I do my best.
Happy birthday to a true legend. I am so blessed to be your offspring and the son you never had (that's how he describes me to his friends.) I love you more than words can describe, but I hope this post came close. For now, that's all og wrote.
