Life Is But A Beach Chair *No Jay-Z*

"Speed of life...fast."
- Ice-T

Tracy ain't never lie when he spit those simple, yet introspective lyrics some 21 years ago at the start of the classic tale of "High Rollers". Life is fast; extremely quick-paced where at the blink of an eye, one's world may be shattered and turned upside down with no prior warning or even a premonition. Life is so quick, our loved ones are often here today, gone tomorrow leaving us reminiscing on the cherished times we've shared with them mourning and celebrating all at the same time. Life races by at such a rapid pace that time flies when you're even having fun. *No Janet* The speed of life is so damn fast it doesn't even seem like it was over TWO DECADES when I first heard Ice-T rapping about the speed of life being So. Damn. Fast.

People die every day all day. Although this is no revelation and it's the one part of life that is inevitable, death remains one thing that many people have a mixed array of emotions surrounding. Those who believe in an afterlife believe that it's a transitional period to (hopefully) a better existence. Those who don't, see it as just the end of the road. *No Boyz II Men* Regardless, life's a bitch and then you die. *No Nas* And the old me is dead and gone. *No T.I.mberlake*

Okay, where was I?

Oh yeah...

We're all gonna die.

Not to sound so morbid or anything, but my lady and I was discussing funerals and how different people conduct themselves during them and how we would want people to react to our deaths.

Happy topic, right?

Actually, it is. Fortunately, for the both of us, we love laughing and shyt so although neither of us want people dancing on our grave talkin' 'bout "Ding Dong, the witch is dead...", we also don't want people falling out, in classic over-dramatical fashion, boo-hooin' and hollerin' making the spectacle moreso about THEM as oppose to the folk in the box (or churn). I, for one, don't want to be remembered as a saint who can do no wrong 'cause Lord knows, I'm not perfect. Thus far though, I've been a pretty good dude (if I do say so myself...and I do) and I pray that I have impacted the lives of many already in an extremely positive and inspirational way in regards to all people I have come into contact with.

With that said though, I've decided to make a list of things that I DO want people to do in remembrance of me instead of locking themselves in a room and crying a river and shyt. God forbid, I pray that that time isn't coming soon (I've got shyt to do), but I don't want folks to steal my shine with all their crying and shyt.

1. Take heed and share my wisdom.

Even though I hope cats remember me as an all-around cool guy who always had something funny and entertaining to offer, I do drop gems that may either save or change your life if attention you pay. My personality, whether I'm being humorous or serious is often laced with subtle jewels and words that you can take with you (free of charge) and I'd say 94% of people I encounter don't realize the wealth that lay before them.

By no means is that meant to sound cocky or egotistical, it's just actual...and factual. *No TLC*

2. Rejoice in my art.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an artist...and I'm (admittedly) sensitive about my shyt. *No Erykah* Whether it's visual, written, or audible, I take my arts pretty darn seriously and I feel you should too. And I do not have a big ego. *No Beyonce and No Kanye*

I just think my shyt is dope. Maybe I'm biased. I'ont know. From all my writings, film and video projects, recordings, photographs...I just want my work to get its proper due. I'm not saying I'm the dopest who ever done any of these things, but I'm damn sure talented and want people to appreciate my art for what it is. Dope.

3. Respect my loved ones left behind.

Although I may be in pre-production for a "We're All In The Same Gang"-esque type video featuring Pac, Aaliyah, Big Pun, Biggie, Left Eye, Eazy-E, Big L, MC Trouble, dude from Millie Vanilli, and Jam Master Jay, I would still find time to haunt your ass on earth if you fuck with my folks. So don't do it.

4. Play that funky music. *No white boy*

I haven't started and God-willing, I'll have ample time to complete a music playlist that will serve as the quintessential soundtrack of my life. I'm talking about a multitude of musical masterpieces that span across a number of genres that will encompass different stages of my life. Every song will have it's own significance that some people may understand and connect with, or maybe not. Nevertheless, it's all ME.

This collection of tunes should be made available by free download on a website dedicated to my memory which will also contain other works by yours truly.

5. Party like it's yo' burfday. *No 50 Cent*

This is self-expalnatory. I encourage everyone to celebrate in their own special way, but when folks do gather together in my memory, I want everyone to thoroughly have a blast. I'd have it no other way. Not in a "dancing the night away" type of good time, but talking about how great I am/was, relishing in my accomplishments and legacy, eating, drinking and listening to my soundtrack. See #4. Don't pour out any liquor for moi, drink it up...or at least throw it up in the sky for me, sheesh.

This list is not all inclusive, but it's all I can think of right now.

In short, celebrate and cherish life RIGHT NOW. Find joy in the good and don't focus on the negative cause no matter how cliche-ish it may sound, life IS too short *No Too Short*...and the speed of life is indeed faster than a muafugga.

***SIDENOTE: This is the first and only post you'll hear me using the "No (fill in the blank)". Thank you.***