In one of my Chicago trip last year, I was in a rush to the Airport (a peculiar phenomenon with me) I ordered Lyft (my preferred medium for my transport in the United States). It was about noon and from Magnificent mile to Airport was showing about 35 minutes. So had about two and a half hours between me leaving and the flight taking off. I was pleasantly surprised to get allocated a GMC SUV. I am also a big sucker for SUV cars, comfort, and space are vital criteria.
I had to visit a Seven-Eleven to pick a few items before I was in going to the Airport. I requested my Lyft driver that can we make a quick stop to Seven-Eleven as in the city; there were many showing up on the map and asked him to make a decision. He happily obliged and got me to a nearby Seven-Eleven. While it was lunchtime, I asked him whether he wanted something, he then requested that if I can pick some chicken wings as in that specific store, they made it well.
In a quick snap, I was back with my stuff along with the chicken wings. The chicken wings did the trick, and we started talking. I asked straight up, is driving a Lyft was his full-time gig, and the answer he gave and what followed was a fantastic story. He revealed to me that he is a personal Body Guard and also Uncle for Chief Keef. My ignorance on Hip-Hop didn't make me recollect the name, but I quickly did my search on Google, and I got acquainted with Chief. In the meantime, he also shared it on his iPhone Itunes Store.
The fine gentleman went to talk about how he had to pack his Nephew over to Los Angeles, as his life was under threat. Since Chief Keef songs were little edgy and had words that were offensive, many took it in the wrong way. Also, the cops had booked Chief Keef with multiple charges; he was worried about him. He did share many other things, and to respect his privacy, I would be careful about what I write here.
However, there were many other stories he did share on how in the formidable years, he ensured that his Nephew doesn't take any incorrect steps that would hurt either Nephew or his career. He also shared the dark side of Chicago - Drugs, Guns, and many other things. It was a little overwhelming for me, and probably was almost a movie script being recited to me.
Earlier this week, I was listening to one of my favorite Podcast - Turnaround with Jesse Thorn and in that he interviews Reggie Ossé whom himself runs Combat Jack Podcast. They do talk about Chief Keef in that, and it was a deja-vu moment for me and compelled me to write this connection with this Lyft driver.
Each one of us has a great story in our rights, and we must express or share it with the larger world. I continue in my quest to strike conversations and also document the fun and interesting ones. Chao...
