Erick "Easy E." Maddox--- The UnOfficial Untold Story..Until Now! "EXCLUSIVE"

Erick (Easy E) Maddox

 Once upon a time during my school days (not the Spike Lee version) as a Scotsman or for those unfamiliar with the term this means those of us who graduated from McDuffie High. Most were not Scottish but we were the few the Proud,  from a High School that basically resided smack dab near the center of Anderson’s South-Side, where most of us late eighties alumni can remember two things that will go down in infamy.

Easy E performing at the VFW 2015

 One being the popular-packed Friday Night lunchroom jams provided by Cedric Patterson also known as my mentor slash Dee-Jay legend Dj Dr. C and the other is this light-skinned off the dome freestyle rapping dude named Erick Maddox that moved from up north down to the A.N.D. in August of 1984 along with his brother at the threshold of the GOLDEN ERA. This probably doesn’t amount to any significance in the minds of trap rapping millennial's by today’s standard but in those days not many were gifted with that ability. Freestyling I mean of course.

This is where the forgotten untold story of Erick “Easy E” Maddox takes its roots and becomes my primary motive for penning this short blurb after bumping into him recently.  Yeah we have all heard of many urban ghetto legends and hood stars from various documentaries spanning from the Eastcoast to the Westcoast right? But this time I wish you to focus on one of the many we’ve had here, either passing through or home-grown right here in the city of Anderson. Infamous names like Delacey and Fitzgerald Rice, Fred Smith, Walt Johnson, Doc Webb, Baby Hulk, Willie (Chill Will) Martin, Daquan and Bae Boy two talented brothers who both played B-Ball at South Side park, Dj Andrew Goosby, Sandy (Dj Superman J) Henry just to name a few. The list can go on and on as I reminisce, bringing to mind a Pete Rock and CL Smooth classic song. Mr. Maddox whom we dubbed as Easy E before the famous Eric Wright of N.W.A. fame that most are familiar with from Compton California, who rose to prominent stardom. No! No! No! Don’t get me confused yall.

Chill Will and I recently 2017...

 Most folks in Anderson are simply just unaware of the cream history of the music scene here in the A.N.D. and not to mention its many urban street legends. It’s sad to say but most don’t even care but that’s where I find my lane, my niche, in its storied history which I attempt to document on my website. With his primary influences being iconic hip hop artist such as Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash, Shirl the Pearl on down to RUN-DMC in his early youth, how could he not be reared in the finer arts of Tru Skool Hip Hop? At the tender age of eight Erick shared with me that he was inducted into his first group titled the Cut Up Crew. Raised in the Tru SKool era he learned much about the art of hip hops key components like break dancing, writing your own lyrics and battle rapping which he claims to have never lost to any opponent. True or not we may never know!

Original A.N.D. Tru Skoolers..

  Erick gained his reputation swiftly at McDuffie High it appeared to seem as soon as he arrived. I remember Easy E battle rapping against other dudes on the bleachers’ before the start of basketball games in the gym or either beating rhythmically  on lunchroom tables while simultaneously reciting head bobbing dope freestyle raps. As my recollection would have it Erick has always demonstrated a natural innate competitive zeal to be the best in whatever he indulges in. Even to this day when we talk I still detect behind that nonchalant smile the spirit of competition that made him a fierce and feared emcee back in his hay day. These were the days when verbal raw lyrical skills were highly respected, unlike the gimmicky mumbling commercial rap era we live in today. 

McDuffie High The School Where we first Met

 Easy E and I hit it off from the start back in school because of our unequivocal love and appreciation for hip hop music and its culture of learning to hone ones fundamental emceeing skills. Yeah for those that can remember and to set the record straight. I started spitting lyrics as an emcee using the alias M.C. AD (Awesome Daryl) after hooking up with one Jamal Oliver and Christopher (Ni’gai) Wardlaw aka Dj Hi-Five, which I will detail in an upcoming article soon. Erick strolled the halls of McDuffie flamboyantly navigating between classes popping fly off the head lyrics drawing crowds, akin to what this generation refers to as swag today. McDuffie High was a trade school and E brought down with him his own naturally gifted curriculum hard-knock verbal trade. Called how to be an E-M-C-E-E! In today’s music climate of get rich or die trying artist, kicking freestyles is considered antiquated and a useless forgotten craft. Little do they realize early word-smiths such as Easy E  with fundamental skills of the craft or art form whom preceded  their generation, just happen to lay the cement for the foundation they stand-upon today.

 Erick Maddox is just one of a plethora of unsung talented folks whom just may have been ahead of his time. You may know folks who come to mind of whom you went to school with just like myself. A person of immense talent, whether in sports, dance, singing etc. It makes you wonder just what if they had all the technology of today back then. Such as Facebook, YouTube, Snap Chat, Instagram etc. Would they have achieved the success of other artist we hear on the radio whose talents are clearly inept compared to raw unbridled talent! That is a question we may never know if we are to be honest. But E is one of those special type people you feel fortunate to have met early in life.

A brother who will always keep me pondering in the back of my mind, that illusive notion---WHAT IF? Thanks for the priceless memories at McDuffie..

Da A.N.D. Representa Dj Tuc

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well-known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee, businessman from the city of Anderson, SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official Facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com

Go Ladies "Exclusive" --- Celebrating an Anderson Food Service Legend..

In this SPECIAL "Go Ladies" Edition (originally posted on my Official app Fb Page) on behalf of djtuc999TheMobileApp & djtuc999.com, and the whole City of Anderson (aka da A.N.D.). It brings me extreme pleasure to pay homage, respect & recognition to this local food service soul food legend who has served the urban community for over four decades from Church St. to W. Market St. faithfully. From tasty cakes to fish sandwiches etc. You inspired me & many others around the city when it comes to operating a successful business for so many years here in the city of Anderson.

 Thank you Ms. Dessie for the years of wonderful food and do enjoy your retirement. You have truly earned it. Upon your graceful exit you have definitely left an indelible impression of what hard work can achieve here in the urban community and beyond. I ask that you accept this small acknowledgement as a personal token of my gratitude and appreciation.    

Sincerly Dj Tuc aka anpu aka Da A.N.D. Representa

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com
 

Onpoint Gives Back To the Community In A Major Way Over the Weekend!!

Well now the official Onpoint Productions 10-year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Bash has come & gone and now in the annals of the South Main Street block party history books. If there is such a thing. I know what you’re probably thinking right, Tuc and his sarcastic journalism.  On April 29th 2017 Mr. Kenny Fredric Benson aka BKS (Big Kuntry Slick), did something that not a lot of African American young businessmen in Anderson can claim. He successfully hosted a community block party in the South-East Anderson district on a busy main business thoroughfare without any incident whatsoever.

Yes I overstand (standing over not under for inquiring minds) there have been many other folks that have done similar events in South-East A.N.D and this includes myself back in 2015 at the Greenly Institute known to many as South-Side Park. My point is though, how many have actually put on a block bash/party on S. Main St. that started at 3pm on a Saturday which continued well after 9pm. Envision party streamers, huge inflatable castle slides, four to five tents sprawled across a business strip parking lot in the heat of the midday. Now just add to that scenario a dj (myself) atop a 3ft high platform stage with 3000 watts of booming music pumping well into the night and the smell of food from a huge grill which permeated the atmosphere for miles. Again folks I stress this because this is like an eclipse of the sun, it just doesn’t happen that often if ever in this part of the electric city. I think we may have been the first actually to pull it off!

Onpoint Post Celebration Message On S. Main St. from Derrick Diamond on Vimeo.

I repeat there were no reported incidents of violence at this laudable gathering as the newspapers and evening news seem to have a lust on reporting lately, about negative events that take place in the South East Anderson community district. There were children playing and dancing as were the adults, all having a ball and the time of their lives. We raffled off Beats by Dre. Earbuds, had a lip sync contest, dance contest, and we provided free food, water, soda’s, games etc etc. Kenny Benson took a special effort to make sure all the kids who participated walked away with a miniature gold trophy just for being brave contestants. There were no losers this day. He should be commended and thanked by all, that he would celebrate his ten years in business by giving back to the very same community that has supported him for a decade. Cars slowed down and people looked on at the event on S. Main as if they thought it might have been a carnival of sorts.

Thanks to long time A.N.D. recording artist K Trik E for checking in and sharing some words of unity and positivity with those who attended. My fellow friend and Dj by the name of Dj Smash pulled up on the scene later that evening and was kind enough to bring a brother a big bottle of water on this humid day. Shout out to Douglas Foshizaleo Smith for sharing his talents by getting busy on the grill all afternoon. Superb job Doug we thank you so much for donating your time. Special shouts out to Saddiyaa  Benson for bringing her camera talents to the table making sure those memorable moments were captured while the kids were having so much fun. This sista is definitely on Onpoint in my opinion! 

And to everyone I didn’t mention, (its a lot of yall) thanks you all for the support and time you rendered to Kenny and myself. We simply attempted to provide a positive image of black men, doing something good in the community by giving back. It wasn’t about money, fame, nor our ego’s its about coming together, laying a path by example and hoping others will follow. It was an honored and pleasure to be apart of this magnificent event working in tandem with the On Point Productions family.  Creating a legacy and controlling our own destiny is what intelligent people do! Duplicate that formula and you will always find yourself ON POINT in whatever you do.

Love yall Da A.N.D. Representa- aka Dj Tuc

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com
 

Breaking: Favors Once Again Favored By The People & The Anderson Independent!!

 DISCLAIMER from djtuc999.com: Under the freedom of information act this article was originally published by the Anderson Independentmail & is being republished via this site for further dissemination for the readers in the Anderson Urban community. To which this site is dedicated, it is not intended nor to be assumed that the publisher or webmaster of this site takes credit in anyway for the content. Abe Hardesty is the original author of said content. Original article is found by clicking here.

Murrie Glover enjoys explaining the unusual name of her Favor Home Cooking restaurant.

"It's Favor, as in God's favor," Glover said Wednesday, near the end of a work shift at 117 E. Franklin St., where she relocated her family-operated business 15 months ago.

The name addresses the fact that Glover, now 69, was without a substantial retirement income when she turned 62. A management career with a manufacturing company that went bankrupt left Glover in need of more revenue, but she lacked the money to start a company of her own.

That's when she received what she considers a favor from God. She was convinced by the owners of the Anderson Country Club that she could afford a monthly lease that would enable her to prepare Sunday meals at the historic facility.

Customers followed.

"Only God could have made that possible," she said of her second career at that location.

 

Murrie Glover of Favor Home Cooking pulls out a dish of apple cobbler at the restaurant at 117 E. Franklin St. near South Main Street in downtown Anderson. (Photo: Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail)

After serving Southern cooking for five years, she found herself without a job when the country club closed in October 2015. By then she had discovered that diners enjoy her culinary skills, which prompted her to look at business opportunities in Anderson.

In January 2016, she and a sister, Alesia Lomax, opened Favor, a meat-and-three diner offering home cooking they learned from their mother, 94-year-old Rosa Lee Glover, while growing up on a farm in Abbeville County.

Their mother is now a loyal customer. Of the seven-person staff, all but two have family connections.

"We grew up in the country," Glover said, referring to her farming background near Antreville. "There were 10 of us kids, and mom made sure every one of us learned how to cook. We grew and raised just about everything, and with 12 in the family there was always plenty of food preparation to do."

Her mother trained the children while they were young.

Murrie Glover, right, of Favor Home Cooking, sits with Latoya Lyons, left, in the restaurant at 117 E. Franklin St. near South Main Street in downtown Anderson. (Photo: Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail)

"She taught us all to cook by the time we were 10. She said it was important, in case she got sick," Glover said. "I enjoy cooking. I like making people happy, and cooking can do that."

Casseroles are among the most popular at the diner, which is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The menu changes daily, but not dramatically. It includes tomato pie, sweet-potato casserole, a peas-and-cabbage casserole and a potato-onion casserole on a rotating basis. The chicken and the cheese-macaroni are daily staples, as are collards.

"I had never heard of sweet pea casserole until I came to work here," said front-counter staff member Eriette Roach. "And now it's probably my favorite. All the casseroles are good."

Glover still considers herself a bit of a newbie in the business, a perception that makes her very open to suggestions from clients.

"I get some constructive support. But most of the feedback is positive," she said. "Most of my customers, I get to know like family."

The diner comfortably seats 60, but is rarely crowded because 80 percent of the business is carry-out.
"That surprises me," Glover said of the high carry-out percentage.
It's something she'd rather change. She'd rather see the faces of the clients.
"We don't do sour faces around here," she said. "If someone is not smiling, I want to know what is wrong."
That part of her entrepreneurial skills came from her father, the late Solomon Glover.
"He always told me to be good to people and they'll be good to you. He said, 'If you smile, they will smile.'"
Follow Abe Hardesty on Twitter @abe_hardesty

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com

Huge Go Ladies Tribute---Jazz Singer Loretta Holloway Makes The Cover of Local Magazine..

Her Classy Cover Photo

Due to the fact of it being Black History Month or African American History and Culture Month, whichever you personally choose to observe. I felt it my duty as an African American male journalist, editor, businessman, webmaster, blogger and long standing staple of the entertainment community here in the city of Anderson, to help pay tribute, celebrate, and augment the locally grown achievements of the beautiful and talented lady of song Ms. Loretta Holloway. In my opinion whether planned haphazardly or not it couldn’t have been better timing than in the month of the January/February edition of Anderson Magazine for this amazing local icon to grace their cover.

As I find myself evolving more and more every year I continue to stand in awe of strong enterprising women whom have risen to incredible heights of success in-spite of seemingly insurmountable odds.  Naturally this Belton resident is an empowering role model for women and inspires me as a male entrepreneur to continue on the path of positivity reminding of the rewards it can bring. No chauvinistic male ego with me folks. Realizing many of the urban readers that visit my site many of whom reside here locally probably don’t read “Anderson Magazine” due to it’s lack of hmmm….shall we say “urban diversity.” Hint hint editors! I must confess though that after gazing upon the latest elegant cover shot featuring the incomparable Ms. Holloway. I became instantly drawn to read the accompanying article contained inside.

I wish more artist would take this approach with some of the records they produce nowadays.

Very well written and highly informative, I tip my hat to the magazines author/writer Jay Wright for a superb job of chronicling South Carolina's First Lady of Song along with the many accolades, honors, and awards she deservingly has been bestowed with. Yes a real life living in the flesh Jazz legend from Anderson County! I have always heard my father talk of Jazz greats such as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane etc. But now I can kind of gloat just a little and say we have one that organically rose right here in my very own neck-of-the woods. My purpose is to salute Ms. Loretta Holloway in this small blurb, you are our shining Queen of Jazz a real life living breathing example of class, sophistication, exemplifying charity, talent, humility, elegance and the importance of perseverance.

I suggest all mothers and fathers take the time to share with your young daughters the story of Loretta Holloway. I found it positively spiritually uplifting, inspirational, motivational and emotionally moving. This world right now could use a lot more positivity; I think we all can agree with that! To Ms. Loretta Holloway- “South Carolina’s First Lady of Song” I feel I speak for many in the urban community of da A.N.D. (Anderson) when I say we are extremely proud of you because you have represented us well and continue too do so. Thank you so much for being that beacon of excellency from amongst our communtiy !

Sincerely Dj Tuc Da A.N.D. Representa….

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com

9 Things NOT To Do On a First Date--Confessions From An Honest Woman!! (Lady Yaz Exculsive)

 

Forewords: Written By Lady Yaz & executively produced by Dj Tuc

Since I've been divorced, I have been on a few dates. Some have been great and some have been not so great.  Because of these experiences, I felt the need to encourage my brothers and sisters, and give a few pointers on what NOT to do when you are on a date with the opposite sex.  Now, here's my disclaimer. This article is not to bash men or women in any way. We all know that men and women are not perfect by any means. We also know that because of various circumstances, many may not know how to act on a first date...so here are some suggestions to help you:

1.  Everyone is not the "One".  Many of us desire to be loved and appreciated, but please hear me: just because you have a great conversation and you sound like a great candidate for a relationship...doesn't mean he or she is the one you are intended for you to be with.  We have to remember, that it's just a first date, so don't plan your wedding just yet. And trust me, your date will probably do something or say something that you will irritate you to the fullest before the evening is over.  It takes some time to truly get to know a person and you're not going to know a person overnight.  This takes time. So take your date for what it is, enjoy it to the fullest, and take it one day at a time.

2.  Communication is key.  I believe this is the was one the most difficult things that men and women have to do, but it's so important and vital when building the foundation in any relationship or friendship.  You have to communicate to be productive.  How can men or women understand each other, if we do not communicate our thoughts, concerns, issues, likes, or dislikes, unless we talk?  I believe we don't communicate because corporately we are afraid of how we will be perceived. We're afraid that someone will stop liking us, or they will get upset.  Look, if someone truly likes you for who you are, they will respect what you have to say...seriously.  So speak up...for real.

3.  Be Yourself. Unless you're Oprah, Jay-Z, or Beyonce (naming these people are so random, LOL) don't put on any heirs for anyone or try to live a lifestyle, that you cannot live, just to impress a first date.  Be you.  If anyone cannot appreciate your uniqueness, they don't deserve you.  But please, please, please, do not live in a lie to impress any man or women.  Trust me, that will come back to bite you in the you-know-where.  Please, don't spend money you don't have, or spend it to think you are going to get some extra rewards later. This doesn't work either...and if that's what you went on the date for, you never should have went on a date in the first place.

4. No SEX in the Champagne Room.  Please my brothers and sisters, do not have sex on the first date. First of all, you don't know this person from Adam or Eve.  You don't know their sexual background, their sexual orientation (yes I said it), overall you don't know anything about him or her. You are just getting to know them, so why would you give them something so precious and valuable so soon?  Understanding that many of us could be lonely and desire a mate, and desire love, but this is the wrong way to go about it.  Like many of our mothers would say use to say, "Be patient and wait." In the meantime, it's great to date for all the right reasons, but do not, I repeat do not, get yourself in a situation, that you won't be able to get out of.

5. Scheming for a Five-Star Meal I know women who won't go out with a guy unless he offers to drop a week's paycheck on a multi-course meal. "That way I know that he thinks I'm worth it," the gold-digging T.H.O.T type...I mean, the silly women per say. News flash: If you put a price tag on your company, you're going to end up with guys who put a price tag on your company. That's illegal in most states, unseemly in all. Aren't we all interested in getting to know each other?

6. Complaining About Your Debt Toward credit-card companies, parents, loan sharks or anyone else. When you tell a guy you're having money trouble, what the guy hears is, "She's looking for someone to bail her out." This isn't fair on the part of the guy, it might not be realistic, but it's what a guy hears. So keep any worrisome financial situations to yourself for now.

7. Analyzing The Ex This one is difficult to avoid, as it's a common question posed by your date. The preferred posture here is one of mild regret, hard-earned wisdom and cool disinterest. "We were headed in different directions" works, as does "I think I'm a different person now, interested in different things." Are those vague and murky? A little, but I promise you that they beat some of the more common responses.  

These include: "He was a cold, cruel man, and I will never allow myself to be treated like that again," and/or, "He didn't know what he had, and he will spend the rest of his life mourning my loss." When you bad-mouth your exes without taking any blame yourself for the failure of the relationship, men think you're a woman who doesn't take responsibility. And that's not so attractive especially if he finds out you played the role of the side chick. Yes it happens more than you can imagine.

8. Don’t Share Your Desire for Marriage and Children right off the Bat You yearn for a deep connection, enduring love and a partner with whom you can stroll on the beach shores together as the years roll by? You long to hear the delighted cries of toddlers, to feel the ineffable joy of parenthood? That's sweet. That's really, really sweet. The problem is, if you talk about it on a first date, chances are you're going to frighten the guy away.

That might be because the guy will feel objectified, that he'll feel like you see him less as a human being with hopes and dreams of his own and more as a breeding machine. Or it might be because he's genetically programmed to spread his seed and to unconsciously avoid any kind of life-long partnership and can only be tricked into such an arrangement over time. 

Who knows? It's a mystery. The point is, this topic is best reserved for later.

But isn't it self-defeating and dishonest to withhold information from a man in whom you're interested? If you can't share the most intimate and genuine parts of yourself, aren't you setting yourself up for an inauthentic relationship? Won't you be doomed to always be pretending you're something that you're not?  Some food for thought ladies and gents.

9. Look Into Them A Little Too Much a (Facebook No! No!) Preparing for a first date by looking the person up on all social media channels is fine. But cyber-stalking to the point of ending up on their Facebook statuses from four years ago? That's a little excessive. Knowing too much information about the person can almost hurt you in a way - first of all, you can easily slip up and give yourself away, and second, it removes a lot of the mystery, which is the fun part. 

Aside from that, "getting to know them" via the Internet can give you the wrong impression of them. Save that for real life. Common sense dictates “Real Friends, viable life partners and BFF’s are organically grown in the Real World not in Cyberspace”. After all mother nature has a unique way of bringing two people (compatible souls) together. Problem most time is we tend not to listen to her out of superficial biases created by unrealistic reality TV shows .

Ok, stepping off my soapbox.  Enough ranting for tonight...#signingoff

 Please feel free to share what you think about Lady Yaz's article by posting a comment below…

Contact Lady Yaz @ lionessunleashed.wordpress.com and
or email bhswaney@gmail.com

  Lady Yaz is a talented feminine freelance writer, just one among a few new female writers I will be slowly introducing to this site in order to provide more balanced content to all my readers. 

ABOUT DJ TUC:
Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store also visit our Official facebook page at Facebook/Djtuc999TheMobileApp.com