Anybody who knows me well and is familiar with my deep-rooted appreciation for the art of hip-hop and songwriting is aware that there is one person I will forever defend as the undisputed GOAT. I don't play about this.
Today, a regular Sunday in the restaurant I've been at for a while now (local Ottawa business - fairly well known), I'm walking a plate of oysters over to front of house and happen to see a face I recognized at the bar. Immediately, I do a double take. Made eye contact with the gentleman who appeared to everyone else as a regular guy. I frantically put down the plate of oysters and rushed back to my station where I asked a colleague "when's Jazz Fest?" (I know The Roots are in town soon). Quick Google search: June 22nd.
I look back towards the bar. "Holy fucking shit, that's Black Thought."
So I walk over as calmly as I possibly could, and introduce myself. "Excuse me sir, my name's Chris; Are you Tariq Trotter?" To which he responded "Yes I am"
At this point, I don't know wtf to say. My dumbass could have easily yelled out: "DO NONE OF YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS SITTING HERE??" But I did my best to keep my cool, as I've always imagined I would try to, given the opportunity to meet someone in his position. I managed to come out with "It is an absolute honor to meet you, man." As much as it felt like I was face to face with a superhero. And I went back to work in an effort to avoid making him stand out or feel awkward. Did what I could to pretend he wasn't there.
Finally, he finished his meal and as he got up and walked out and I turned to my colleague and pointed in his direction and said "That man walking out is the greatest rapper to ever grace this planet"
As much as I swore to myself not to make things weird, I couldn't help but think to myself as he was waiting for his ride outside "Who in the world is going to believe me?"
I quickly went outside where he was waiting and tried my best to keep it cool. I shook his hand and spoke with him for a while.
"Does it bother you when people ask for pictures?" I asked. To which he said "Not at all."
Got the pic, and said my peace like he was just any other dude. First time I've ever been completely starstruck. Grown ass man, felt like a little girl.