Give Them Flowers: Writer Appreciation Post

“Before I'm gone outta this place, yeah
Put some flowers in my face, won't you?
Let me know that I did okay, yeah
Don't wait 'til some other day, no, no
They love to wait 'til it's too late, it's too late…”

—Aubrey Drake Graham

Earlier this month, multiple news outlets reported that Grammy Award winning writer and producer, LaShawn ‘Big Shiz’ Daniels, was involved in a horrific car accident that tragically took his life at the age of 41. Many fans probably knew him as the very loving and humorous edition to the cast of the reality show, ‘Tamar & Vince.’ LaShawn worked very closely with the couple and produced Braxton’s hit single, “Love & War.” What many fans probably don’t know is that LaShawn Daniels was the musical genius behind a multitude of CLASSIC r&b hits we still love today.

As a huge fan of his work, the news of his passing was truly heartbreaking. My family and I would often have conversations about Daniels, praising him for all that he’s contributed to the music industry over the years. Everyone gravitated to his likable personality and we even admired the bond he shared with his wife, April Daniels.

Although devastating news, it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of love Daniels received from his peers. It was great seeing him get recognition for his iconic work, but it’s also a shame when it feels like artists don’t really get their flowers until they’re gone.

Even though I grew up listening to the music he created, I wasn’t fully aware of his presence until I was introduced to him through reality television. I think as music fans, understandably, we tend to give sole credit to the artist performing the song and may overlook the writers that are a huge part of the creative process. As I continue to immerse myself in music culture, I actively pay more attention to writer and producer credits. Over time, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for writers in and outside of the music realm—even my own writing ability…

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a writer. Senior year of high school, I took all of these difficult math and science courses, plotting on becoming a doctor knowing darn well I do not like math nor do I like science. Even when applying for colleges, I randomly applied and actually got accepted into the Villanova Business School and unfortunately, that didn’t end too well. Please don’t ask why I even put myself through all of that because honestly, I don’t know what to tell you. I think back then I was searching and pursuing career paths that I deemed synonymous with success and making a lot of money. I thought that I was following the right path when in fact, I was ignoring my true strengths. At that time, I had not yet recognized my acumen for writing, but someone else already had—my mom.

My mom always told me I should be a writer for a magazine or become an editor. I probably should have listened to her sooner (Sorry mom lol). “ I know my kids,” she always says. She was right. I don’t think I truly recognized my writing talent until my junior year of college when I transferred to West Chester University and enrolled as an English major. After receiving praise from my professors and high scores on my papers, I began to develop a stronger confidence in my writing ability. Even though the process was pretty grueling and tedious at times, I always enjoyed reading the finished product. I always felt I articulated myself best through writing. I felt smart again.

My strong writing skills made me a beast in grad school. I knew then, that I wanted to make this my career. Sure I won a spelling bee and a couple essay contests back in the day, but I never really thought of writing as something you actually do for a living.

My newfound confidence developed into a passion for writing when I first started blogging. Everyone knows I’ve always had a passion for music and becoming a music blogger was my way of combining the two and applying my skill set to some aspect of the music industry.

For this reason, Miotti Mix is very important to me. It allows me to express my thoughts freely and contribute to music culture in my own way. I hope all of my fellow writers recognize how important our talents are to the world.

I want to dedicate this post to LaShawn ‘Big Shiz’ Daniels, and all of the talented writers out there. You are appreciated. 💐