The day was Tuesday, February 19th, 2008. While working on a mocap shoot at Henson Studios, I was surprised to see Kanye West taking a peek on our set with his entourage. We were on break so I decided to go outside for some fresh air. A few minutes later, Kanye and crew came out and hung outside not to far from where I was.
In my head I was thinking that it would be unprofessional for me to approach him and say hello. I figured he might be there for business and not have time for some random cat such as myself getting in the way. With this thought, I stayed posted. After pacing back and forth through the Henson lot, I noticed that he was gone. I begin to regret not saying something to him.
It reminded me when I was a few feet from Stevie Wonder at the 49th Grammy Award rehearsals and was not able to tell him how much his music has blessed my soul. I was disappointed then, and disappointed with myself this time for letting it happen again.
As I was ready to return to the stage, where the mocap shoot was about to reconvene, I saw Kanye, with crew, walking down a corridor leading to another building on the lot. I hesitated, but then made my move. I proceeded quickly down the hall to catch up with him. By the time I reached the end of the hallway, he was at the door of this building. Fearing that I would miss my opportunity, I shouted, " Mr. West!"
He stopped and let his entourage proceed in the building. I finally had my opportunity to tell him what I had to say.
I'm not that type that is obsessed with celebrities or trying to get an autograph from every famous person I encounter, so that was not my intention with Kanye West.
Now that I had his attention, I begin to tell him what was on my mind.
"Excuse me Mr. West, but last year I was so close to Stevie Wonder and missed my opportunity to speak to him so I didn't want to miss this chance with you. Yo, I've been making beats forever, but at one point in my life I lost my passion for it and stopped."
At this point he looked like he was thinking, "Great...another producer wanting to get in the game...", but I continued.
"Then I heard 'College Dropout' and the very next day, I was back to making beats again!"
After hearing this, I could see through his eyes that he really appreciated my words. He thanked me, then I thanked him in return for giving me my time to let him know he was part of the reason why I did not fully turn my back on producing Hip-hop music back then.
I finished with this, "My name is Kris...Kristopher Evans." I made sure to tell him my full name because I plan on him, along with the rest of the world, hearing it again someday. This may sound like I'm over-confident, but I'm not. I'm just confident. I truly believe I am meant to use my many talents to do something great before I die.
Sorry to stray from the topic at hand, but the point I want to make with this entry is when you have opportunities to tell someone how they have impacted your life, you have to take it. If I just stood there and did not make my move, I would have regretted it for a long time. I still regret not talking to Stevie Wonder.
I want to live my life with no regrets, so I will always take advantage of opportunities when they arise, no matter the situation may be.
I will leave you with this...live life to the fullest, follow your heart and dreams, and work hard at making those dreams a reality. These things will lead you to success and happiness.
Have a blessed day!
