Krip-Hop Nation (KHN) We have been friends for a long time but I’m not a father tell me as a Black disabled father what do you face in public.
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: Normally people would stop and stare when I would take my children out to the playground and play ball with them. I felt more concerned about my children’s feelings,being that I would be the only disabled father in the park and sometimes my children would be ridiculed, however my children dealt with it. My mother was my mentor she taught me at an early age how to do most things with one hand, cooking household cleaning and taking care of my younger brother, so my children lived a pretty normal life.
Lee Williams: Surprisingly, I generally get favorable response, you know how I am…..I SMILE AND SPEAK TO JUST ABOUT EVERYONE I ENCOUNTER. I think that after all of the years, since 1980, I found that it puts them at ease, because they have no idea as to how we, as a person with a disability is going to respond…..Some of us are uptight, and might respond in negative fashion….not nessisarily because they are disabled…..maybe they just got a parking ticket……a smile and a warm ‘hello’ puts a different spin on meeting the general public. My children, Grand, Greatgrand, and Great Greatgranies, keep a smile on my face all of the time…..The public generally admires that.
King Kaution: As a black farther being disabled in public I’m always faced with alot of answering questions from kids when they see me with my boys. Alot of men woulda gave up and leave it up to the mothers.. I get congratulated from the public cause they see I’m not letting my situation stop me from being involved in my kids lives .
2) KHN:
color:black">Hey CoolV you are different from Keith Jones, Rob ‘Da Noize Temple and Lee Williams because you told me that you are looking after your sister’s children and one have autism. Tell us how did that change your life being a caretaker or a father like figure and has that played into your work in the entertainment field?
CoolV: Well 1st it demands more time because he requires a lil bit more attention because he has special needs but although they tag him as disabled he can do just about anything anyone else can just needs a love and encouragement. If you don’t believe me see the story called “My Name Is Khan” an autistic man who was so special he received an award from the president for all the amazing things he did. He has taught me the value of hard work because he tries extra hard also the how to forgive others. He is so caring and selfless in love he tries to help almost everyone. I got him when my sister found out she had cancer and neither her nor her husband was not able to take care of him and his other brothers. My mom & me raise these boys. The rest of the family chips in my older sister had them 1st and as they got older I felt they need to step in. So in short they helped me go harder to set the example and also taught me how to forgive people. As for my life in the entertainment field I can’t just pick up and go when I want to and I have to be supportive to his needs.
3) KHN: Tell us about your kids and what do you want for them?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: I have 5 children 3 girls and 2 boys, 11grand-children and 1 great grand-child, my oldest son Anthony, passed away in 2010 from complications due to sickle cell anemia. My oldest daughter Yvonne was my right hand she took on that role herself, and would assist me with the things I might have trouble with, like cooking, household chores, braiding her sister’s hair and watching her when I would have to go out and gig. I only wanted the best for my children. This music was for my children to provide them a legacy to be proud of. I never knew that I would be blacklisted my entire career, I chased this music dream and sometimes I missed those precious moments I could have shared with my children. It was hard enough to try and make it with one-hand in the music business, but to be shut-down, silenced, a career totally eclipsed truly affected my children and how I had to raise them. Fortunately I worked in corporate America as well. I was the first black disabled corporate accounting manager at Time Inc. I had to single handily, no pun intended, juggle corporate life and the music business along with family.
Lee Williams: Well, like most proud fathers, I pray that they will have the very
best of all good things. We have a few phd’s in the crew and others striving. Wonderful people, my kids.
King Kaution: My kids are my motivation to live life to the fullest..i want them to be the best at whatever they wanna be. My oldest love video games and i taught him how to use the computer at age 3....same as my youngest who is 5 now and love basketball..my oldest wanna design games in the future ...they both like hearing themselves on the Mic...my big helpers like helping me get dressed to helping me record by clicking the buttons and putting my headphones on.... I want my kids to know that no matter your situation life still goes on
4) KHN: As an artist/activist has your children been interested in your work and have they got used to other friends, musicians and activists with disabilities
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: Yes my children follow everything I am into. They see the challenges that I had to overcome and they are proud of where w were able to make it in life despite the setbacks. My disability has never been an issue with my children, I am sure they had those moments when they might have gotten teased at school about their father’s arm. However they now look at my disability as a badge of honor, simply my uniqueness in this universe. They are very excited about my involvement with the Krip Hop Nation.
Lee Willams: OF COURSE !! I USED TO TAKE MY KIDS TO MY SHOWS, AND THEY PROBABLY KNOW MORE PEOPLE IN THE ARTS THAN I DO NOW. MOST OF THEM SING, ALL OF THEM DANCE. YEAH, THEY ARE MY BIGEST FANS.
King Kaution: i don't know too many disabled artist in mainstream...when
people see me with my kids they congratulate me for not giving up...
5) KHN: Give us your outlook on mainstream view around Black masculinity and disability plus does that thinking totally change when people see you with your kids?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: I don’t think that there will be a fair outlook when it comes to the view that mainstream has towards the disabled. The two issues disability and masculinity have to be addressed individually. There was never an issue of my masculinity, I found that I encountered discrimination based on the unknown, I don’t fit in, or that I want something from them or I deserve some sympathy because of my disability I just wanted my piece of the rock. I only encountered issues of masculinity when dealing with the “ism’ and secret cliques in the music business where your sexuality and preference are more important than your talent. That has truly affected my career and my ability to take care of my family.
color:black"> CoolV: I think it’s kind of sad how a lot of our young black men are raised by single parent household without a male figure yet go do the same thing to their kids that their father did to them as a child. I see it like this you have either two options... You either hate it so much that it changes you and you try to be the best man and best father figure you can be or use that as an excuse and continue that vicious cycle and do exactly or worse to your child and plant that seed of hate for your offspring. I think the perception of what most people think of black men and kids these days are low so their expectations are low I hear it all the time of how most of our black men don’t take care of their kids and yada yada yada although some of it is true you can NOT make a general statement on our men because now-a-days I’m finding out its a lot of us. The sad thing is their is a lot of people who just don’t understand kids with disabilities and are ignorant to just how amazing and special they are because they are to busy judging a book by its cover. I usually get the wow factor and when they find out they are my sisters kids some are like wow others are looking like yeah I bet them are his kids which I laugh and think man we either got some strong genes or my sister must of been mad at me because truth be told we do look-a-like. But I think our society have the wrong depiction of what a real man is anyway the heroes are the fathers and those community leaders who are fighting for better schools, education and to feed the homeless and who have opened programs to help our young men.
Lee Williams: Well, we, as a people, have always had that rep for our masculinity, and athletic ability. Most people with disabilities do what I do….my children and I are generally so involved with what we are doing that we hardly notice….but you know that I dance, and I am an athlete as well. Generally, people are surprised to know that I ski and race as well as several other events.
6) KHN: Rob, Keith and Lee you did a song with or bout your son. Tell us about those songs?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: That song “Antonio’s Song” was written for my oldest son Anthony “Antonio P. St@ckz Temple, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 23. I am still in a state of shock, we were really just starting to grow closer and gaining an understanding of each other. I got to record his first album on my record label, but he is not here to share it. So there is some bitterness I feel that had I “made it” in this industry he would still be here, but no one gave me a chance, they just turned their back. As I said previously, this music was for my children, to provide them a better life to help heal the world through song. I know I could have been a better father, but I tried, I never gave up, I always believed in God and the gifts He gave me. That song wrote itself through the tears, the heartache, the feeling of loss, my son whispered the words and the music to me
CoolV: I thought about doing a song about my nephews but it doesn’t matter to me honestly its knowing I played a great role in their lives is all that counts.
Lee Williams: Lee jr. wrote the song, and he wrote it about me. That is what I told him, years ago. No matter what, I would be there for him…..Rain or Shine…..it took us a few years before we could do it without crying like crazy. I love the song…I love him.
King Kaution: I’m waiting on the right beat to make a song.
7) KHN: What are some of the projects you are working on.
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: I am still on tour as keyboardist and DJ with the group Rapper’s Delight aka The Sugarhill Gang, the group is also in the studio working on a new album and the soundtrack for their new documentary “I Want MY Name Back”. I am also working on the musical score for a new Black Broadway play entitled A Season For Love, I am working on music for a cookbook, The new Temple Dynasty CD, arranging and producing music for the legendary music producer George Kerr and of course the new Krip Hop/MWD CD to be released on my label this summe.
CoolV: Wow man you know how I am Leroy too many to name here Let’s just say I’m the founder of the Rated Next Brand #TRN which umbrellas a lot of companies in short I’m a small business and entertainment marketing consultant, promoter, public speaker, humanist, producer, event coordinator, promoter etc. I wear many hats but my most proud is uncle/dad and Operation We Care and now the “M.A.D” movement which stands for “Make A Difference” program in short I feel instead of complaining what are you doing to make a difference? Ask yourself that question and if the answer is nothing then I impose another question what are you willing to do? We can all make a difference it doesn’t matter how big or small the contribution you make it all helps and it doesn’t always have to be monetary it can be time it all helps and counts in the end! Team Rated Next new website coming soon, a workshop tour with my boy Money Mike (Mike Minter) my partner from Money & Music Inc. where he handles the financial tips (He is amazing and one of the top financial advisors in the country ) also CEO of Minco Financial and I give the marketing tips. As for my track records let’s just say I work hard and have been in the industry for a minute and was just featured in Arizona Weekly. Nominated and came in 4th place for the Shorty Awards this year for the best in marketing and have a couple of interviews with major publications my most proud one is Soul Train (I’m Honored) because I was a big fan but honestly I am honored with all my features or stories no matter how big or small the media outlet. When a person thinks that much of you you got to be honored and humbled. I am looking forward to the cover of special edition Wave magazine, my candid interview with Divas On Deck ‘s own ms B so GOD is good and there is a lot on deck just follow me on Facebook (official whistle or twitter @coolvsratednext to see what’s NEXT!) You heard the whistle!!!
Lee Williams: Well, you know that I have an art gallery now, and my daughter Tique runs the spot. I have done a few voice overs and of course, I do the art. The rest of the time I am staying low. You know that I just got out of hospital.
King Kaution: b.a.r.z beats and rhymes original mixtape. King of the jungle mixtape ft comedian Dave Jones. Best kept secret mixtape...king and queen of Gunrule mixtapes... My documentary about music and my accident
8) KHN: It is very hard to find Black disabled male role models in today society. Do you think that there is room for Black disabled fathers to make it through all the isms in both communities, the hyper masculinity and bling bling on a bigger stage at father’s day and all year around for young Black disabled boys growing up now?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: I think the whole definition of role model has to be redefined. For me The Most High God is the only role model. What defines a father is shaped by their upbringing, how they view love, how they view women, how they view family. Growing up in a single family home, my mother had to take on the role of both parents. My uncles, cousins and the male adults around me served as role models, I would try to emulate at least the better qualities. I am just a father who just happens to be disabled that’s how I would prefer to be viewed, no GQ magazine look, no bulging muscles, no bling bling, those are but momentary things. Running up and down the court or catching the ball or scoring the run for the team doesn’t make you a role model. Will you be there, will you sacrifice, and will you be selfless will you really be willing to learn what it takes to keep your family together. When the underground street movement Brooklyn House began, I was accepted as just a “real” dude an ‘OG”, I never tried to be a role model, if they saw something in me that was good, then let it serve as an inspiration. I get that kind of respect from the streets today, just by being real, “real recognized real”. If I had to point to one disabled person who influenced me it would be Stevie Wonder, he is an artists, musician, activists and father.
CoolV: There is NOT enough support for men that are doing what they are supposed to do sometimes. It is hard raising my boys but what’s crazy is the school systems and communities do not have enough support for those that do I think that if we acknowledged the ones that did instead of so much drama there would not be as many dead beat dads. It is hard for a black man to raise a kid disabled or not. It’s tough but its extra tough because society doesn’t care and they have to work that much harder to provide that much more. As for the black role models we have to 1st stop being so judgmental of each other and a lil more supportive and also give men more support when they are doing the right thing and we have to stop feeding into what the media tells us who and what we should be!
King Kaution: If we had the support and men to step up we can inspire the
youth...i like to look nice and just cause we in a chair don't mean we
gotta dress like patients lol
9) KHN: You have sons and daughters are there any difference how they relate
to you etc?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: Well each of my children deals with me on a different level. My daughters were first and when I separated from their mother they came and lived with me in New Jersey for 12 years and then returned to New York in 1986. We have a great relationship because we did everything together. They had to sacrifice much from mom to mom, home to home as I tackled this music game, my daughters are my rock, I just discovered another daughter that was mine after 23 years, that’s a whole new chapter. My youngest son is a music producer and he is in the music business as well he is more like my partner I began teaching him music when he was a baby, he will carry on the legacy.
Lee Williams: I know that the girls take great care of me. They know how much I love and care for them. They respect me and no sweeter kids will you ever find.
King Kaution: I have two sons. My oldest wanna see me get up...he helps A lot My youngest is catching on but does some things the way i do like using the mouse with my pinky lol
10) KHN: If you feel comfortable tell how your dad dealt with your disability?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: My dad and my mom separated when I was child, although I saw my dad growing up, he died when I was a teenager, I grew up in a single parent home. My mother, who was also an entertainer, assumed the roll of dad. My mother taught me how to cook, sew, clean house, karate, iron clothes, do the laundry and wash dishes. She wanted me to be independent to do for self. She knew there would be little compassion for my situation, so she prepared me to face the challenges of life. My mother never wanted me to feel sorry for myself, or expect sympathy from anyone. She built me to be self-contained and she wrapped her teaching in love.
CoolV: Its no problem the truth is my father was a dead beat and although I love him and wish him well we don’t communicate because of his pride. I never wanted to NOT have a relationship but some men will never own up to what they done or how they failed as a parent. We have been passed that for years but he has a different outlook on life then I and God gave him another chance with my brother which he did a better job. Just wish I could speak to him man to man and he be honest instead of living ne denial which a lot of men do these days they don’t want to take ownership when they mess up and this have hurt our families, spouses, friends and even the way we perform our jobs.
Lee Williams: Gee…I was quite up in years when we got together. But he wanted to pick me up and carry me, and sometimes he did. I am the eldest of all of his kids, but he wanted to baby me. He loved my children to the max
King Kaution: Never seen my dad & I’ll cry till the day my heart stopped...he
stayed in the hospital everyday till i started moving ...he brought his friend pastor mcfall and Marvin sapp in to pray for my healing ....its working but my mom quit her job to take care of me
11) KHN: Your family is so talented musicians and singers, as disable musicians what are you passing down about the music industry to your children?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: Family is everything, my family gave me love, and those musicians I’ve played with all surrounded me with a wall of sound to enhance my playing. My years in the music business are bittersweet. By my own existence I state never give up, believe in yourself, believe in God most of all. My children has seen the treatment and disrespect I have been dealt in this industry, and I try to caution my youngest son, who is walking in my footsteps, on the pitfalls to be aware of. My children continue to be my motivation, the reason I keep on pushing on.
12) KHN: On Father’s day what do you say to fathers?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: Don’t be afraid to fail, for in your failure there is victory. Love that woman, love that child, and don’t be afraid to cry. Go that extra mile, I wish I had the wisdom then so that I would have really known how to bring my children closer and not lose them chasing my dream. Cherish each moment with your children; never take for granted that they will always be there.
CoolV: I say to all those fathers biological or not “Happy Fathers Day!” also to those that are NOT it’s never to late to make a difference and even if your son is grown if they got kids be a grand parent and turn your failure into a success story by helping the young men in the community because honestly the world need more dads!
Lee Williams: Happy Father’s Day & Thanks again.
King Kaution: kids need us..interact with your kids..talk to them share how y'all feel tell them how much u care and show them...educate them outside of school.no matter what stay in their lives .
13) KHN: Any last words:
Rob Da’ Noize Temple: HAPPY FATHERS DAY…..
Lee Williams: Yea, thank you so much for the interview, and Leroy, go have a few kids.
King Kaution: shouts to leroy Moore for the opportunity to share a part of my life. Cool v for sharing his story and giving me inspiration to never give up...pray for me
14) KHN: How can people contact you?
Rob Da’ Noize Temple www.facebook.com/robdanoizetemple
www.myspace.com/robdanoizetemple
www.facebook.com/templedynasty
CoolV: Google Me haha just kidding (I always wanted to say that in an interview) it’s like I said earlier add me on Facebook or twitter @coolvsratednext or just email me coolvbiz@gmail.com Leroy thank you from the bottom of my heart not just for giving me a platform to speak but for being an amazing brother, better friend and someone who always fights for others and show love I am humbled, honored and forever thankful and to all those that took the time to read about little old me I thank you and hope I wasn’t too wordy or boring you just heard the whistle ….....................Its Official!!
Mr. Official Whistle “Cool V”
Lee Williams: CONTACT ME AT (925) 5656743. THANKS AGAIN MY BROTHER. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU DO FOR THE DISABLED COMMUNITY, AND THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL. GOD BLESS YOU.
King Kaution: follow me @IAMKINGKAUTION
Kingkaution@r2lrecords.com
r2records.com coming soon
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