D-Nice is a cool cat

My nomination for the coolest celebrity award goes to D-Nice.  Why?  Two reasons.  First off, he’s mad laid back.  At the recent Hennessy Artistry concert featuring Common and The Roots at NYC’s Terminal 5, D-Nice actually avoided the red carpet and walked behind the paparazzi to chat with folks like me (see the pic).  He’s an unassuming, avoid the spotlight kind of cat.  Matter of fact, he didn’t say a thing when some guy cut in front of him in the VIP line.  Security said something, though.  They almost knocked that dude to the ground to get D-Nice into the building.  “That man right there is a legend,” one of the security guys yelled at the offender.  Indeed, he is, and he’s humble.   Second, he’s smart.  D-Nice and I first met years ago when we were working on a feature story for UPTOWN Magazine about talented, Harlem-based performers.  I did the interviews while D-Nice photographed them.  During the down time between interviews, we chatted about life and times and he happened to explain that he’s been able to monetize all of his hobbies.  In other words, what he used to do for fun (DJ’ing, photography, web design, etc.) he now gets paid to do.  I’ve always remembered that lesson and to this day I try to keep a check coming in from anything I do outside my day job.  Thanks for the advice, D.  See you in the next VIP line?

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The website for SékouWrites, a Harlem-based writer who "day-lights" at UPTOWN magazine.