Dear Stephen,

When you first hit the scene in 1998 with the group Playa, I heard a sample of “Don’t stop the music” and fell in love.

I copped the single and all of the samples of what was to come made me so anxious that I wrote Def Jam a letter demanding a release date.  I wasn’t disappointed when the album dropped and it’s still one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time.  I often play it from beginning to end and I always find something new hidden away in the songs.

Everything associated with Playa I promoted.  I remember being in Tulsa and hearing “Available.”  I was so excited that the music didn’t just stop at 1 album.  I started to hear your musical genius everywhere from Aaliyah’s last album to Jamie Foxx’s “Unpredictable” album… even Pretty Ricky. And my god!!!, who could forget “Lollipop” with Lil Wayne.  I even got word that you were going solo and couldn’t for you to blow up to superstar status.

You had a distinct sound that was refreshing and still to this day is unmatched.  I love your melodic compositions and how you arranged a song.  I love the harmonies you added to music.  I love the tone of your voice and how it always stands out, even if its only in the background.  I love your swagger and how down-to-earth your lyrics are.  I love everything you’ve given to me musically and I still play your music to this day.  You will be forever missed.

Love,

~Deltrice