Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of D12 and all things Shady Records. When I heard 2/6 of D12 were coming to my city along with Obie Trice, you know I had to jump on it. Naturally, I had to grab the VIP meet and greet pass too.
When the day finally came, I was unreasonable, just as nervous as I was excited. I felt like I was about to have Mom’s Spaghetti on my sweater. As I was waiting in line for my turn to meet D12, I was greeted by a man who I wasn’t familiar with. I later learned this was the hype-man/DJ that was touring with them, DJ Invisible. This guy is a ray of sunshine. His smiley persona is contagious in a way that just makes you feel comfortable where you are.
While waiting in line, I decided with my buddy that we’d meet them at the same time. We thought this would take some pressure off. Once we finally got to the front of the line, I had a nearly out of body experience as I first shook hands with Swifty. I told him how I’d been a fan of his since way before I was old enough for his music. Next, I shook hands with Kuniva. I told him I had a part in writing an interview he did for Southpawer a while back. He told me it was a great script and tied it off with a “Much Respect” acknowledgement.
As Swifty and Kuniva happily signed my D12 CD, I started making small talk. My buddy asked Swifty what his favorite track he’s ever recorded is. Swift told him he can’t really give an answer because it would be like trying to choose a favorite child. I joked with him and said “Well, you have to say you don’t have a favorite child, but secretly, deep, deep down you do”. Swifty sort of chuckled and said “Alright, I’d probably say “Loyalty” then.” Finally, we turned around to snap one of the most awkward but cherished photos in my personal history.
These guys are incredibly easy to talk to. They’re very welcoming and all about their fans. Meeting these guys feels like meeting up with a close friend that you haven’t seen in years. I get the impression that they don’t take anything they have for granted and they don’t feel entitled to have fans that have hung around to the end.
Once the D12 meet and greet was over I hung around the bar in the same room as D12 as they continued to meet more fans. I took this opportunity to make my way to the front row of the stage. Before the show started, an artist by the name of Hinch did about 30 minutes of material. I never heard of him but he definitely knows how to warm up a crowd.
Once Hinch wrapped up his set, he said goodbye to the crowd and it was time for DJ Invisible to step in and prepare us for Obie Trice. A short time later, Obie sneaks onto the stage and slips right into “Got Some Teeth”. This is one of my favorite Obie tracks, so I was very happy to see him open with it.
