He’s Just A DJ But…
His book was actually good.
Ajana took the time to go around the office on Friday and found a copy for me. About 20 minutes before it was time to leave on our little field trip, I opened up the book and started reading.
Just two pages into it, I was already cracking up. “I don’t remember him being this funny on air!” I said aloud. Dude…the book is LAUGH OUT LOUD hilarious! I’m So serious. You will laugh like you’re watching Def Comedy Jam. I thought this was a very good approach to a semi autographical book since the subject was after all, a radio deejay.
In between the gut wrenching bursts of laughter I learned a lot about his upbringing in Alabama during the days of the quest for civil rights. I felt sad as he described his longing for attention from women. They used to call him Fungus. Awww… He often described his experience growing up as a fat boy. Maybe it was meant to happen this way, he married the first woman who paid him attention and wasn’t distracted by the pull and sway of being “hot”. Sometimes that shit can make you lose focus.
Who cares what a radio deejay has to say? Apparently a lot of people. I guessed I missed the boat on this one because when I tell my friends where I work, they are impressed. I’m like, “Why?”
My homegirl had to break it down to me. “Tee, you are in a strategic position at a media conglomerate that is well known in the country. You work for one of our Black leaders and we don’t have many. When the Radio Man says do something, people listen. You’re going to be noticed by all the right people.”
I was like, “For real?” I just wanted to work for a website. This website will do just fine. To be honest, I was not a fan of the Radio Man’s show. I listened to it once or twice but I remember thinking, “He’s not talking to me.” And I visited the website before, but I remember thinking, “What is this?” And I never went back.
Now that I am on the inside I can see how much effort it takes to pull that thing together and I have so much more respect for the website than before. I do look forward to being a key part of its reconstruction just as much as I want to help develop engaging content that readers won’t be able to get enough of.
But back to the book…It was funny! But it was kinda weird to read. Like, I don’t know if this sounds funny but I don’t look at the Radio Man as a celebrity. I don’t want to take a picture with him or get his autograph. He’s just a cool dude lucky enough to be giving his gift. That is what I admire most about him, he’s giving his gift to the world and expanding it and helping so many people and he loves it everyday. I hope to be able to do the same. Well…I am doing it now…just on a smaller scale.
Throughout the book he uses humor to point out various social ills and also clarify his reason for doing things the way he did them, like why he didn’t allow Bob Johnson to come on his show and speak about when Tavis Smiley was fired from BET, immediately following their buyout from Viacom. He mentioned the various arms of the company like the Foundation that supports HBCU’s and the website and how he will never stop being a voice for and to Black people.
He even has a section with advice for single mothers.
At the end of the book he has a whole list of random advice like:
It you get busted for making a videotape, make a hit gospel song. It worked for R. Kelly.
Don’t fry chicken naked.
When your woman asks you if her behind looks too big, act like you don’t hear her.
Give ugly a chance.
and my personal favorite: Act like you don’t want it, it becomes easier to get.
This man’s over all flavor is so appealing to me. In his book he advised everyone to look for the greatness in others and he gave some advice that I use ALL THE TIME. He wrote: There is no place for jealousy in business. If someone is doing a better job than you are, either find a way to improve yourself or join forces with that person.
I’ve been building my TEAM since highschool and I will ONLY attach myself to winners because I’m a winner too. I can’t be the most brilliant when it comes to everything so in essence, I’m only as knowledgable as my resources.
His book was a checklist for my road to greatness and I am happy to report that I am well on my way. His character, talent and stubborness all mirror my own and this book was just confirmation that I’m going the right way.
Everyone loves The Radio Man in our office. His presence makes everyone smile. He’s like a little mascot.
No one is too fond of The Prez, I’ll tell you that. ~raises eyebrow~ He runs a tight ship..uh…company.
Honestly, what impresses me the most about this company is…the kitchen.
Yeah…Everytime I have to go get some water I pause and look around like, “Wow. This is a nice big kitchen.” For real, I feel so warm and cozy when I’m in there and I always think of The Prez and feel proud that a man who is so young is in charge of it all.
Speaking of The Prez, the book mentions him quite a bit. I actually learned a lot about him as well by reading this. His Dad sure is proud that he received his MBA from (insert college here). He mentions that his son recieved his MBA from (insert college here) like…a hundred times. ~smile~ Proud Papa!
You know what REALLY blowed me when I read the book? The Radio Man is really, really wealthy. He wrote about selling HALF of his company for $56 million. HALF of your company DAMN! It kinda made me want to shrink into little pieces because I didn’t know I was in such a…what’s the word…prominent organization.
Sometimes I’m so clueless. I just be…trying to work hard. That’s all..
