Dear Isaac,

I can’t believe you are gone.

You were from an era where men where MEN, capital M-E-N: strong, dynamic, undeniably sexual, sensual and flawed. A bygone era where artists weren’t afraid to stand for something besides their jewelry box. A time when artistic excellence was unparalleled.  You represent an era where songs where 10 plus minute long opus’ were the norm, music wasn’t rushed to fit a playlist; your music was robust, sensuous, frenetic, flush with instruments. With every key stroke and horn blare, your body responded to his music as if it were an ancient language, deeply ingrained in every fiber of your being.  When the horns swelled, so did your soul.
It wasn’t just the music you made for yourself; no your influence and work as a songwriter and musician was felt everywhere. From Otis Redding to Sam and Dave, from Wu Tang Clan to MF Doom, Jay Z, Mary J your music life saw more reincarnations than most. Everyone wanted a theme song as cool as shaft’s, and when we heard it, our stride suddenly became slightly smoother, your music infused us with a new degree of cool.  Your velvety baritone has yet to be replicated, your musicianship is still unmatched.

They say greatness isn’t cant be measured, that an impact cant really be felt until they thing, that person you are trying to measure is absent from your life, your business, your radio waves. You greatness was profound, and the impact you made in life was deeper than many can ever dream. As you and Bernie Mac climb that stairway to heaven, there is no doubt there’s a helluva party going on inside those pearly gates tonight. Isaac, Marvin, Donny, Bernie, Richard, ‘Pac… we miss you all and cant wait to hear what your cooking up.

all my love,

greenie