I can’t remember if I’ve written about this before, so if I have, forgive me. It’s the 10th anniversary of Aaliyah’s tragic death, and I’ve been seeing tributes all over the internet. My tribute is a little different, mainly because I think of Aaliyah every time I look at my first tattoo. No, it’s not a picture of her, or any dumb sh*t like that; It’s just that she played a part in that fateful evening in Los Angeles.
I was in Los Angeles for my sister Sherri’s wedding the weekend when I got my first tattoo. My mother had just married her father less than a year before, so I was just getting to know my step-family. Some of them, like Sherri, I got along with famously from the start. Others however, took a little time to grow on me. OK, I can’t lie, there are still a couple that I don’t even claim unless I’m forced to acknowledge the fact, but I have blood relatives like that too so it’s no big deal. The point of this all is that I was 3,000 miles away from home, with both my closest relatives and total strangers who had suddenly become family. It was a recipe for something crazy to happen.
Aside from calling out a certain balding, jheri-curl-around-the-sides haircut-having member of the step-family for making a smart-ass comment that wasn’t even smart in the first place, I didn’t have a conflict with anyone. That is, until the night we all went and got tattoos. I was poor at the time, so I bought the only one I liked that I could afford, which was a tiger jumping out in attack mode. Trust me, it’s not as cool as it sounds. I got it done on the back of my left shoulder because, once again, this was a cheap impulse purchase that I made just because everyone else was getting one.
While I was in the chair getting this little punk-assed tiger that may as well have had a caption bubble saying “Grrr” next to it permanently placed on my back, the group members who left & went to Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles made their return to the shop. Ed, the one who drove, began talking about how they saw Aaliyah at Roscoe’s and she’d just sat down to eat. I begged for him to take me back, because I had a crush on her at the time. Plus, I had fresh ink, for God’s sake! I wanted to try my hand at hollering at a real-life celebrity while showing off my b*tch-ass tiger tatt!
Ed wouldn’t take me to Roscoe’s, and for that, I called him everything from a “hater” to a “evil, angry old broken down black man.” In hindsight, Ed did me a favor and stopped me from looking like a male groupie and getting at best, shot down, and at worst, tackled by her security. I hereby apologize for all of the things I said in the heat of the tattooed moment. Blame it on the rage that coursed through my veins thanks to the “Grrr” tiger on my back!
So yeah, whenever I look at my first tattoo, it makes me think of Aaliyah and that night. Rest In Peace, and I guess it’s probably a good thing that she never got to see the “Grrr” tiger!
* On a side note, the relative I called out has since cut off his curl, and we’re cool now. He’s officially on the “I claim him in public” list. Coincidence? I think not…
Leon, you are one gifted and talented young man. I am honored to know you. I loved what you have done on behalf of Aaliyah. You do need your own reality TV show. You are truly gifted.
Stay blessed.
Thank you :-)
Here here! I was just thinking how much I love you man. You make my day brighter for real for real. You’re awesome! (but i think u already knew this ;) )
Thank you! That made me smile!
LOL!
a couple of friends and I sat around and played the what if game. Basically if aaliyah had lived – where would half of these bumass R&B chicks be right now? Would they even have a record?
I can honestly say she was the only skinny beauty with talent that I never hated on. Cant say that about anyone else. :)
She had class, so I definitely understand why you feel that way.
So unrelated:
Loudspeakers blaring* “Attention Target Customers: YIPPIE YI-YO YIPPIE YI-YAY WANNA BUMP ‘YO BODY BABY…”
DEAD!!! This shit is classic!
RIP Aaliyah!
That song is NEVER NOT hilarious! The video is even funnier. They’re doing self-inflicted choreographed ass-smacks in space jump suits! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHCnHFcVZzU
This is my first time visiting your site I must say I definitely will be visiting more often you are talented!!! Much Love keep up your inspiring work!!!
Thank you Darla