"I just got a knack for reaching people. I got a message that I'm trying to distribute, a piece of myself I'm trying to share." - Will Da Real One.
Sunday morning, the poetry world lost one of its strongest voices in Will 'Da Real One' Bell, from Florida. While i was saddened by the death of Gil Scott-Heron, Will's death was a blow to my heart. Even though we only saw each other once a year, if that, the feeling of family was always there.
My intitial contact with Will was in 2004 at the National Poetry Slam, held in St. Louis. At the time, all i could say was, "damn, that brother is tall." Fast forward to 2005, the Southern Fried Poetry Slam being held in Charlotte, Nc....and see the tall dude again. By this time, i had become a fan after seeing him at Nats and on tv. I wasnt sure if the brother remembered me from Nationals 2004 or not but he greeted me as if he did. Could be he had a soft spot in his heart for short people, i dont know. When Southern Fried ended, we had gotten cool...cracked height jokes on each other and just acted like kids. He made a new poet feel at ease.
So, whenever Will and i saw each other, the height jokes began. Him, always looking over and around me saying, 'where is Copa? i hear his voice but dont see him.' It was always in fun and love. He never let his celebrity get the best of him. He stayed humble and true about who he was and where he came from, and always showed love.
It was the attitude that made it a please to see Will. Just like previous Southern Fried's, i was looking forward to seeing the tall dude. Having another chance to talk shit, laugh with and learn from him. The Black On Black Rhyme Family and Southern Fried Family lost a member but we will always carry him in our hearts.
Love and Miss ya brah....
"I just got a knack for reaching people. I got a message that I'm trying to distribute, a piece of myself I'm trying to share." - Will Da Real One.
