The Told Me...

It was cool. It was courageous and daring. I was a trailblazer. They were proud of me and supportive.

Many of my friends in Hip Hop from Music to Hollywood called me when they heard about my book, Hiding In Hip Hop. I was afraid they were going to tell me not to write the book. That I shouldn't do this.

Every time the phone rang or I got an e-mail, my heart sank. I dreaded what my friends in the entertainment industry were thinking. I knew they all were going to hate me, despise me, shun me, and I become an outcast in this business. But, it was nothing like that. Everyone was congratulating me. Encouraging me to tell my truth and my story. They were extremely supportive. Many helped me to recall moments we shared together, intimately and socially.

One good friend, Emil Wilbekin, Editor-in-Chief of Giant Magazine gave me the kindest words of advice. He told me, "Terrance, you can only tell your truth. You have lots of friends who support you. I am one of them." His words helped me during the initial phase of writing the book.

Another friend, a celebrated record label publicist, who has helped launch many legendary careers, told me, "Don't worry about what people are going to think. This is your story. Write your book!"

Lastly, my aunt DeLisa Dean-Betts, who has recently passed on from this life. She told me, "Didn't you write Reclaim Your Power? You have to do what you have written about."

There have been many more friends who encouraged me along the way. The fears I initally had were subsided and I gained the strength to become fearless and daring. So, thank you to my friends in Hollywood and New York. Thank you to my many friends in the music industry.

This is not only my story, but many of yours. Thanks for having my back!

Terrance Dean