Rick Wilhite-The Gentle Giant

Of all the DJs I know THIS one is one of the ones I am most proud of....

Rick Wilhite entered my life in the halls of Benedictine High School, even back then he was just as nice, sweet and kind as he is today. I joke with him sometimes; he had to be the biggest baby in the hospital and one that entered into the world with a smile on his face. (oooh that smile)

I titled this Blog the, "Gentle Giant" after reading the dictionary definition of Gentle and Giant..he is the text book example of both. Don't believe me...look it up for yourself and I challenge you to say otherwise. Quiet, pensive, never a bad word to say about anyone, a true gentleman indeed...but deep down Rick is still a big kid at heart, avid movie lover, T-Shirt collector, Prince and Michael Jackson fan. Here's another tidbit...Rick can't dance yall..( Yup Rick, I SAID IT!) Last personal thing about Rick...Ya'll one of his favorite movies...Breakin- ok go head laugh, its ok!

I wonder what would really happen if someone got this Cat mad. ( I don't think I'd want to be around to see that) funny thing to me is when I hear the women call him, Big Sexy(cracks me up EVERY time) you talking about Rick??? really?? lil Ricky Wilhite...humm (but real talk)- there is some truth to that nickname..

Anywho.. back in high school I didn't even know this Cat was a DJ he was just another underclassmen in the halls with a magnificent smile and gentle spirit. I honestly thought he was a kid that never did any wrong. Always the good son ( now the Godson) who never gave his parents an ounce of worry or trouble..( Bet his ass was one of the baddest kids in the family) - you know its always the quiet ones..

As a DJ this man has racked up more frequent flyer miles than most..put more miles on his ride than most. Why? Because the man is just that damn good! He flows from turn tables to CDJs like its second nature to him. His selection of music is honestly one of the best around. He is not afraid to play something that we here in Detroit cannot even begin to wrap our minds around. I don't always agree with his selection but I have to respect his selection, cause bottom line, the man knows what the hell he's doing..and anyway I always end up liking the stuff he plays anyway(even the stuff I "claim" I don't like).

Rick is ALWAYS in HIGH demand, there is a reason for that..take a moment and quess...cause people know good shit when they hear good shit. Rick (in my opinion) has broken more songs here in the D than any other DJ..that I know of. Hey, there could be others, but of all the hot stuff I know of now... Rick Wilhite played it first.

Someone ask the question, "what have you done for House"? Welp, I can tell ya this... Rick has put out several tracks. Rick is international, Rick is part of SEVERL groups of well known DJs( Three Chairs, NuBang, Chosen Ones) Rick is relivant and timeless. I ask him.."you've travled to most places people only dream of. You can live anywhere you want to. Why do you stay here?" His answer was simple, "Cause Detroit is my home, and I would not want to be any other place than right here"! WOW...this man has been all over, and he picks Detroit, the place he grew up in to stay.

There are things about Rick that make me as proud of him as I am my own children, nothing for gossip and innuendo, but things I would rather keep just between us ( Friends). As a DJ he reins supreme, as a producer he is unmatched in his way of taking elements of sounds and blending them together to make the perfect beat.

I have seen Rick come in from..wherever ( again him and God have the MOST frequent flyer miles) and drop straight HEAT on the tables. Last year at Movement, Rick played... I THINK 3 parties in one night! THAT is dedication.. that is LOVE! I see you Rick, I know when ya tired, lost in thought, not feeling well, upset. And through those entire emotions, one thing I have never seen, is Rick take out any aggression, hostility, or say one bad word about anyone. ( but we aint THAT close, I’m sure it has happened).

So...what's next for Rick, well I'll tell ya, this coming Saturday 2/16/2013 Rick, Kenny Dixon Jr., Malik Pittman, Theo Parrish aka 3 Chairs..(bu...but wait, its FOUR of yall) will hold their record release party. Ive heard both MoodyMan and Rick, now I get to hear Malik and Theo. Something tells me those who will be there are in for an incredible experience.

Lastly, on a personal note. Rick is my FAVORITE person to debate with. Going head up with Rick completely makes my day ( I think its somekinda David and Goliath thing). Im right 99% of the time, just admit it Rick.. even YOU know it. But that's a debate for another time.

I’m so very proud of you Rick, you are now, and will always be one of my dearest friends, my brother and one of 3 that I would gladly fight for without batting an eye! You are one of the BEST things (ok persons) Detroit has to offer, you are homegrown, you are a DJs DJ ( I’ve only said that about one other DJ) and both of you are internationally known... says something bout cha don't it.

Bang the box this coming Saturday sweets.. I'll be there beaming as I always do, with pride and unconditional love. He may be a man of few words but...one thing Rick will always do is...

Let the Music Play

P~