What is the "Soundtrack of Your Life"...

"Soundtrack of Your Life"

Many people who have and are reading my book send e-mails or ask at booksignings about some of the clues regarding the identity of the celebrities in my memoir. At least two or three people have been accurate in the assumption that the chapter titles are clues.

Yes, everyone, the book is divided into four CD discs. Very similar to a compilation album. The chapters are named after song titles because they represent The Soundtrack of My Life. The songs have great significance to me and represent a period of time in my life.

As I stated, here is a clue - some of the song titles belong to some of the artists/celebrities I refer to in the book, and some artists/celebrities who are not in the book.

Here is a little decoding and fun contest for all you readers:

*Compile a list of all the songs from my memoir - (There are 39 Chapters, so you need to come up with 39 artists and albums)

*Name the artist of the song and the title of the album

*Then, I would like you to make a list of your TOP TEN (10) songs that has been the "Soundtrack of Your Life." You will need to list the song title, artist, and album. Also, in one or two sentences what does the song mean to you and from what time period.

*Please e-mail your lists to me at: hidinginhiphop@aol.com

I will post the winners of the Code Revelation here on my blog, along with the correct songs to my book. I will also post your top ten songs from the "Soundtrack of Your Life." I am sure when you hear certain songs they take you back to a specific time, place, or incident - belonging to a moment, someone, or something. And, those tunes keep us and sustain us.

When you e-mail me, please include your real name or fake name, whichever you feel comfortable with. Also, indicate what city you are representing.

Now, if you have not gotten your copy of the book hurry up and get yours.

I appreciate everyone and their support of the book. I have met some wonderful people on the road and it is amazing how wonderful people are responding to the book.

It's reaching the best sellers list - let's make it happen people!

Closer...

I am moving closer and closer to my dream - I love this song! It is truly beautiful and Goapele is an artist that never fails with her music.

I tell everyone everywhere I go to never stop dreaming.

I had an amazing time in Columbia, SC at their Third Annual Black Pride. WOW! For it to be in the bible belt these young men and women came out in full force to celebrate who they are as proud same gender loving people. And, can I tell you that the southern hospitality was so beautiful! Everyone was so friendly and nice. I got to give a big shout out to Todd Shaw, Steven Gaither, and Alvin. These men worked tiredlessly throughout the weekend making sure the events were on point, and they did an exceptional job. Thanks guys!!

I shared the author spotlight Friday evening with fellow author, Laurinda Brown, (make sure to check her out and get her books "Strapped," "Cathouse," and "The Price of Passion.") Laurinda's partner, Charlotte, came with her from Atlanta to show her support.

A special thanks to Earl Fowlkes - President of the International Federation of Black Prides. He travels extensively to most of the black prides to provide support and his presence truly gives inspiration and hope to the many attendees and cities who know the difficulties of pulling off a pride week or weekend.

I'm back home in NYC. Today, Sunday, June 29, I am participating in Pride Slam Jam from 5pm - 7pm at P.S. 41 Greenwich Village in the School Auditorium - 116 West 11th Street. If you are in the city and looking for a wonderful event to attend to celebrate New York's Pride, come through!

I have some other great news coming up as well. I will share within the next few days!

LOGO Segment...

So, for those of you who missed the LOGO piece. Please find the link below:

http://www.logoonline.com/?popThis=popVideo(252642)

The piece is really great! They did a wonderful job.

Check it out - http://www.logoonline.com/news/

South Carolina Black Pride...

I am extremely excited - I will be in Columbia, SC this weekend for their Black Pride. I am looking forward to the events, and of course the brothers and sisters who are celebrating their Third Annual Pride.

It's in their infancy but they are hosting a stellar Pride week of activities.

If you are in the Columbia, SC area, come out and show your love and support. Also, I will be speaking and signing copies of my book, Hiding In Hip Hop.

* Fri., June 27 -- A NIGHT OUT WITH THE ARTS, featuring "Readings by Writers" (Laurinda Brown & Terrance Dean) & the "For the Love of Harlem" musical, ($12 charge & cashbar), the ArtSpace, 6:00 - 9:00 PM.


* Sat., June 28 -- COMMUNITY EXPO, food, vendors, entertainment, & featuring a Mini-Ball co-sponsored with the Carolina Ball Council, (Free), Margarete H. Miller Center, 11 AM - 6:00 PM.

Save Your Life and the Person You Love...

June 26, 2008 NEW YORK (WABC) -- A new campaign is aimed at getting every adult in the Bronx to take an HIV test within three years.

New York City health officials will make the announcement today. Health officials say while Manhattan has the highest incidence of HIV and AIDS, the Bronx has the highest AIDS-related death rate.

The disease can be managed with medication, but officials say Bronx residents are waiting too long to get tested, resulting in the high death rate. Voluntary routine testing is expected to begin in emergency rooms and clinics in the Bronx.

COME ON PEOPLE! Please make sure that you use a condom with whomever you are having sex with. So what he/she looks healthy. So what he tells you he doesn't like how a condom feels. Stop using that tired excuse, "We were in the heat of the moment." No condom - No Sex! Period!

Please get tested. Find out your HIV status. If you test positive you can start receiving treatment early so that you won't have to succumb to the AIDS virus.

Also, let's really start talking about sex and sexuality. Do you share your sex habits with your friends? Do they share with you about theirs? Have you asked your friends if they've had an HIV test?

No, it's not being intrusive asking these questions. It's helping one another. It's loving one another. If you care about yourself, and that of your friends, ask questions.

More importantly, ask that man or woman, you are about to have sex with or having sex with, what is their HIV status. If they don't know, then don't have sex with them. Educate, and inform your partner about getting tested.

I Like Livin' This Kind Of Life...

I can speak to mountains - they will be moved
I can speak my dreams - they will come true

GOD HAS GIVEN ME THE POWER!

Don't ever give up -
Don't ever give in -
Don't ever let anyone tell you what you cannot do -

For God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind!

Enjoy

MTV's LOGO Channel...

On Sunday, June 22nd, I participated in New York City's Pride Rally at Bryant Park. It was the most amazing experience - standing in front of hundreds of people speaking about equality for same gender loving people. I also shared with the crowd how nearly 25 years ago I was just a young boy in Detroit dreaming about coming to New York City, and here I was in the epicenter standing on stage proud to be who I am and sharing my life with so many others who celebrate Pride this month.

Thanks to the Heritage of Pride organizers, especially Michael Lavelle.

Now, MTV's LOGO Channel will be airing a special I did with them. It will air Monday, June 23rd at 7pm. So, make sure to tune in, there are some very special parts of the segment I think you all will find interesting, especially the photos I provided.

"X'pos'D" Series Finale....

For those of you who have been following the series, this is the final episode. It's HOT! HOT! HOT!

Now, here is a tidbit for those of you watching may not have known, or may have, there is a gentleman in the series by the name of "Kaos." He is a former gay porn star - yes, ladies, and gentlemen, he is a former gay porn star.

I knew Kaos because he was on the verge of signing a big record deal with a major record label a few years ago. Yup, he would have been a signed emcee. Not sure what happened, but he disappeared and the deal never manifested.

I mention this because it is important to listen to his views on the topics and how even he, who was a porn star, did not feel compelled to acknowledge the issue of homosexuality, and he was, and probably would have, changed the face of the music industry had he been signed with the major record label.

In the series finale you hear Kaos do a freestyle, so it demonstrates he had some talent.

So, to all those aspiring artists, don't give up on your dream. It can happen. Keep dreaming, pushing, striving, and living. And, as a good friend who is a music executive recently told me, "If we can package it and sell it, trust me, we will."

NPR with Farai Chideya....

Today, I appeared on NPR's News & Notes with Farai Chideya.

The popular image of a hip hop star is that of a cool, gangsta-type brother with a swagger that drives women wild. But according to Terrance Dean, author of the new book Hiding in Hip-Hop, being gay in the scene means a life of denial.

Farai Chideya talks with Dean - who doesn't kiss and tell - but does raise the question: why do powerful black men still have to hide their sexuality?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91742566

"X'pos'D" Series Part 3

Here is the third installment of "X'pos'D"

Thanks again to Nathan "7" Scott, and Will McNair. They are two intelligent black brothers who are doing their thing and unafraid to tackle anything. They are truly some brave brothers and I commend them on being trailblazers.

I hope you enjoy the series of "X'pos'D"

Hiding In Hip Hop - Second Printing...

I am excited, amazed, and thankful to everyone who has supported me and the book. My agent has shared some great news with me and I am pleased to inform everyone that the book has gone into a second printing. After one month, the book has sold out and is now in a second printing.

Now, to break that down in publishing terms for everyone, that is like going platinum in the music industry. Unlike the recording industry, it is not necessary to sell a million copies, but to sell out the first printing of a book in a month is excellent.

Thank you to everyone. Thank you for your support, for telling your friends, co-workers, and family members.

I am extremely grateful and, if you have not gotten your copy, make sure you go out and get your copy soon.

Many of you have told me that it has been difficult getting the book in some cities. If you are having this problem, please make sure to tell the managers to order copies of the book. It's important that you place an order instead of leaving the store and searching around town trying to locate the book.

Much love to all of you. Again, thanks for all the support and also for staying in touch with me via my blog and my myspace page: www.myspace.com/hidinginhiphop

Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, and, Durant...

Hip Hop and you don't stop! I said, Hip Hop and you don't stop!

I have been fortunate to land two prominent clothing designers as official sponsors of my book tour - Marc Ecko's Cut & Sew line, and Durant by Robert Durant.

For those of you not familiar, they are two of Hip Hop's elite brands and their styles and clothes have been everywhere and on everyone.

I am glad they both agreed to come on board and be clothing sponsors for my tour. That is love -

You can check out Durant's pieces at The N Store in Harlem on 116th and Lenox Ave. or you can go to his myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=232258438&MyToken=861c1261-109e-4ca6-96fd-1d4464e5e755

On another note, I am handling a situation with a disgruntled artist. Yeah, he is responding to my book and his portrayal in it. I'm not letting it get to me. But, then again, it is getting to him. We had several conversations while I was writing the book, and even after I completed the book. He agreed with everything I said and he helped me to write his description. Now, he is upset because he thinks people have figured out who he is. It's always something with an artist - trust me, I've been with and worked with many of them. They do start to believe that their own sh*t doesn't stink.

Anyway, I am preparing for Philly this Thursday - What up to all my Philly people! I hope to see you all at Borders, Thursday, June 19th at 7:30pm. The info is on the right in the "Where I Will Be" section.

Much thanks to Darian in Atlanta. On his blog, Living Out Loud with Darian, he put up the video we did while I was in his city. You can check out the video: www.loldarian.blogspot.com Thanks again Darian for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview me. I really appreciate it.

Part 1


Part 2

I Am Truly Blessed and Highly Favored...

Atlanta - Simply Amazing! The booksigning at Outwrite Bookstore was overwhelming. To see so many beautiful black, brown, and white faces in one place for the booksigning brought joy to my heart. Thank you to Phillip at Outwrite. A truly gracious and humble man. Thank you and your staff for hosting me at the bookstore.

And, to all the wonderful men and women of Atlanta who came out - words cannot express the gratitude I felt. Thank you for showing up and making it a packed house.

Today is Father's Day and I am thankful to be able to be a Father to my son - something I never knew growing up. However, to be a father and be present in my son's life has taught me more about not only myself, but about the bond between a father and his son. It has also shown me how God truly works and He continues to build our relationship. So, with that, I thank my son for letting me be a dad. For accepting and loving me without any question. To his mom with whom we have a great relationship and strong communication.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Especially those who are same gender loving, as myself, who are fathers and raising their sons and daughters. We are men - responsible, loving, caring, patient, and integral.

I love my son. I love him more than he probably knows, and on this day I am excited to share with him and many more of these days with him.

Enjoy the video and know that You Are Blessed and Highly Favored!

"X'pos'D" Series Part 2...

Here is part two of "X'pos'D" - it's a four-part series that myself, Nathan "7" Scott, and Will McNair have produced for all of you.

Also, I'm here in Atlanta for the "I Am Hip Hop Hop Weekend" and I am having a blast! I did radio interviews this morning with Lorraine Jacques-White on 1380am and Porshe Foxx with V103. Two beautiful women and I thank them for having me on their shows. Also, thanks to the producers who booked me for their shows, and everyone at the radio stations were extremely nice. Thank you and good luck to all the interns I met.

In The Life Atlanta (ITLA) has been so gracious in co-producing this weekend's events. Thanks ITLA. For those of you in ATL I look forward to seeing you this weekend at some of the events, and make sure to come out to the booksigning at Outwrite Bookstores tomorrow at 7:30pm.

So many things have been happening. Ran into a good friend, "Greg," from the book here in Atlanta. Always a part of the entertainment scene and has his finger on the pusle of what's happening, we got to hang out for dinnner last night and he introduced me to some of his buddies here in Atlanta.

Tonight, at 8pm, is the spoken word event at the V Lounge, and then the after-party at Club Miami.

Yes, WE ARE HIP HOP!

I Am Hip Hop Weekend in Atlanta...

What's Up ATL!!!

Yep, the time has come. I will be in the "A" for the official I Am Hip Hop Weekend.

I AM HIP HOP WEEK
June 8th-14th, 2008
A Celebration to Commemorate Black Music Month

The language of music is universal and the artists and professionals who dare to speak through this universal language possess the power and influence to help build and strengthen community.

To commemorate Black Music Month, author Terrance Dean and In the Life Atlanta, Inc., team up to produce "I AM HIP HOP WEEK" June 8th-14th, 2008. The week honors the achievements and contributions of gays and lesbians within the Hip Hop industry. Activities include: provocative interactive discussions, artist showcases, parties and more!

Presenting Sponsors include: Brown Sugar Vibe, VLounge, WassupNATL, TRAXX GIRLS & Outwrite Bookstore.

Friday, June 13th

Beats, Rhymes and Rhythms:
A spoken word and musical event hosted by DJ Ammij
8:30 pm. @ VLounge inside the Vision Church
1240 Euclid Ave.

I AM HIP HOP PARTY Vol. I
Presented by Traxx Girls
11 pm @ Club Miami
3011 Buford Hwy
Performances by: JenRO, Jubilee and others

Saturday, June 14th

Hiding in Hip Hop Book-signing
Get up close and personal with author Terrance Dean
7:30pm @ Outwrite Bookstore
991 Piedmont Ave.

I AM HIP HOP PARTY Vol. 2
Presented by WassupNATL
11pm @ Club 708 on Spring Street

I hope all of Atlanta will be out this weekend for the first official "I Am Hip Hop Weekend." It's about us, black LGBT men and women, celebrating who we are and our contributions to Hip Hop.

Boston Pride Week - Booksigning at Borders...

Hey Boston,

I am glad to be in your lovely city. Especially to help celebrate and kick-off Boston Pride. Thank you for the love and support.

Those of you in the Boston area can come tomorrow, Tuesday, June 10th at 6pm, for a booksigning at Borders Books - 511 Boylston Street.

This event is open and free to the public. Also, it is for everyone! So, come on out and let's chat, review the book, and mingle. I would love to shake your hands, put the e-mails to the faces, and of course, thank you all for supporting my book. Also, bring your friends, co-workers, family members, and everyone else.

Also, those in Boston can hear me on the radio tomorrow morning (June 10th) at 8 am. I will be on WJMN Jam'n 94.5 with Ramiro and Pebbles. Tune in and tell all your friends.

Thanks again to the organizers of Boston Pride and Borders Books who have been so helpful and supportive of me and the book.

SOHH.com Video Interview ft. Nelly, Young Berg...

This is a video interview I did with Sohh.com. They dared to include some of Hip Hop's elite - Nelly, Young Berg, Chingy, and David Banner. Danica, the interviewer, was very smart and intelligent. I applaud not only her, but Sohh.com, for tackling this issue and helping me to bring it to light.

Notice in the video how Chingy emphatically denies being gay, how much he loves women, and when referring to gays he says, "I hate 'em." That is strong language. Also, why we need to have this serious dialogue in our community.

For those of you who do not know, Sohh.com, is the premiere on-line Hip Hop website and does a lot of ground-breaking innovative things. I compare them to the MTV of on-line media. I worked with them to do a confessions blog, which is still up and running. Definitely check it out. Sohh.com has been very supportive of me and the book and I cannot thank them enough for being brave and courageous, as a viable Hip Hop entity, in being in the face of this issue - homosexuality in Hip Hop and the importance of a dialogue and movement that is needed in the black community.

I hope you all enjoy the video I did with them, as well as tuning in to the weekly "X'pos'D" documentary series.

Thanks again Sohh.com!!

X'pos'D - Series Part 1...

Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support. I appreciate all the e-mails and calls.

Check out the first part of the series to X'pos'D. Tell all your friends, and feel free to leave comments.

Myself, Nathan "7" Scott, and Will McNair worked hard to present a compelling YouTube documentary presentation. I hope you enjoy it!

Also, make sure to get your copy of the book.

Fan Appreciation...

Here is another photo of a reader showing some love. This young man is from Baltimore, MD.

Also, another young man out of Los Angeles, CA sent me an e-mail to let me know that he and his friends had a Hip Hop Forum. A group of them got together over the weekend trying to decipher who was who in the book. He compared the book to The Divinci Code. I love that analogy. I can truly say that he and his friend did a very good job of figuring out most of the people in the book.

Keep sending me your e-mails and photos. I will post them on my blog.

Maino - Hi Haters...

This song by rapper Maino, "Hi Hater," is the new joint here in New York City. Already, it's been making noise on the radio. But, when I first heard the song I recognized the beat immediately. It was taken from the remixed version of Mary J. Blige's, "Be Happy," from her My Life album.

I recognized the beat because that album was ground-breaking for Mary and all her legions of fans. But, the song, "Be Happy," was my theme song. It was 1994 and I was dating a professional model. I was madly in love with the 6'1 cocoa-colored hued brother. He was from the south and his southern charm won me over. I actually met him in his hometown in the DC/VA/MD area. I was already living in New York, and he moved to the city to be closer to me. However, we were both young and I wanted so much more out of life. I had just finished working on a few projects with Spike Lee, and my model boyfriend's thriving modeling career had taken off. The relationship ended, we lost touch, and I've thus seen him in magazines and on television. I briefly ran into him in Harlem a year ago. It was great seeing him, but time and maturity was definitely in between us. The song, "Be Happy," always makes me think of him.

BBC World Service Radio Interview...

Check out an interview I did with the BBC World Service.

Here is the link to the audio of the radio interview: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/outlook/2008/01/080523_trailpage_outlook_new.shtml

Strive Magazine Interview...

We are pleased to welcome our friend, author Terrance Dean to Strive. He's written a wonderful book on a touchy subject that has really never been addressed. Find below our interview with the talented and budding author.


Finish reading the interview here: http://www.strivemagazine.com/Cover%20Page/files/8e13d4e35fc743a1e02387169580be78-53.html

"Xposed" the trailer....

Are you ready?

Hip Hop is about to get Xposed!

Get your copy of Hiding In Hip Hop - On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood