Bleeding Perseverance - Episode 31

Autobiography Fridays

Even though I was busy most of the time with school and work I’d sometimes make time for recreational fun. Back in Greenville, Daniel and I enjoyed Vanilla Ice’s debut album To The Extreme, which brings up something else you should know about me.

I am a loyalist, both in relationships and things I like. It’s something that comes natural to me, and it also helps prove good character. With such a trait, I’ve never been a fad chaser. If I like something I’ll like it because I like it, not because some person, company, or whatever else is telling me I should like it.

With that said, I’m not afraid to admit I was into Vanilla Ice. During his time on top it was ‘cool’ to like his music. But as soon as he started to fade you couldn’t find anyone who’d admit to having supported him. Sorry, but to me that’s another sign of weak-mindedness. If you like an artist, or anything for that matter, why in the world would you let others tell you when it’s no longer ‘cool’ to do such a thing?! It makes absolutely no sense to me. So yeah, when I come across an artist I like, it’s not because they’re the flavor of the month. It’s because I somehow connect with their talent, and this usually lasts for as long as they keep putting their work out there, whether it be commercially or independently.

At 1991’s Minnesota State Fair Vanilla Ice was scheduled to put on a concert. Given me and Daniel’s musical bond, I just had to take him to the event. We went a couple of hours early to enjoy the fair, and then it was time to see the ‘funky white boy.’

Say what you will about Vanilla Ice, but damn did he know how to put on a show! I’ve heard him say before that when performing he gives 110%, and if you’ve ever seen him live he proves it right there before your eyes. And although he was this young guy who was experiencing so much success in such a short period of time, you got a sense of a genuine person as he’d speak to the crowd.

The manner in which he thanked them for their support, as well as interacting with them as much as he could. There was a substantial space between the stage and the bleacher-style seats, so towards the end of the show he invited everyone to fill it.

“You paid for this concert, it’s your concert! Come on up!”

If Vanilla Ice wouldn’t have already had my respect before that show, he definitely would have had it afterwards.

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Back in Inglewood, I had taken a special liking to a new song that had been playing on the radio. I really liked the sound but always missed the name of the group who sang it. The title of the song was I Wanna Sex You Up, and it had become a number one hit single off the New Jack City soundtrack.

The group’s second single, I Adore Mi Amor, was currently on the airwaves, and it was another great sounding song.

Generally, I have a three single rule when it comes to new artists. If they have three singles I really like off their current album then I’ll go out and buy it because more than likely I’ll like the rest of it too. But with this particular group two was enough, so next time Chino and I went to the music store I sought them out.

No wonder I never seemed to catch on to their name. It was so unique. Color Me Badd. Theyd soon become my all-time favorite group.

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October 31, 1991. A Halloween like no other. Did I go trick or treating? No, my last year doing that was in ‟88. Did I go to a party or pass out candy? Nope. Too busy with school and work. So what made this particular Hallows Eve so special?