Sadly Black Folks and Clubbin: WHEN DOES IT GET OLD?

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(ThyBlackMan.com) It was the summer of 1998, the summer that I turned 18 years old. I was done with high school, had a full time job, and you could not tell me nothing. I was a shy guy, was pretty good with the girls, but just quiet. My best boy “Kool-Aid” had talked me into going to this club a few miles away from my town of Macon, Ga, called Suger Hill. I was a bit of a square, I never did the party thing in high school, so I did not know what to expect. Boi Boi Boi, when I walked in, my life changed forever! I had never seen so many women shaking their butts, wiggling, jiggling, bouncing, dropping it like it was hot, shaking, stripping, dipping, twerking and jerking. This girl pulled me on the dance floor and I couldn’t dance for shiznit, but I gave it my best shot. That girl turned her back to me and gave me the best cheap thrill of my life at the time!

I thought to myself, “I am Home“. I am ashamed to say this people, but I am going to do it anyway. I partied every single weekend after that night that I could. Me and my boi would get off from work and head str8 to the club no matter how late we got off. We were club addicts, and proud of it. I use to get paid every two weeks and I would spend most of my checks on clothes and going to the club in one weekend. I did this bullshiznit from 18 to 20.

The only reason I stopped at 20 is because I found me a little chick to settle down with. Now after that was over, I headed right back to the club and started all over again. I basically lived for the weekend until I was like 24. Now I cannot, and will not dog anybody for partying because GOD knows I did my share. I know why people go, especially us men, so I cannot be to judgmental. After working hard and going to the club blowing my money, and also meeting women that I gave the majority of my time to, it started to get very old, very fast.

I started to see the same people at every club I went to, and after dodging bullets and fights I decided to throw in the towel. When I met my wife in 06, it was really over with. I think that it is natural to transition from partying all the time, to becoming more settled. Fast Forward to 2013, I am 32 years old, married with kids, and more mature. I like to travel, spend time with family, and would not mind taking my wife to a smooth jazz club where things are not as crazy. Some of the same people that I partied with can be found at the same places that we partied at, the clubs just have different names now.

Some of them have a football team worth of kids, and they are still partying their asses off. I get on facebook, and they are throwing parties all over Macon, or having something at the strip club. I turn on the radio, and the singers that I grew up listening to are still talking about the club, and these folks are older than me. Now, I know why the youngsta’s are going, and its a good experience for them, but why are us full grown folks still stuck in the clubs every weekend?

We are living in a world where people are taking pictures of you and posting them on facebook and twitter. You have kids that are on these social networks, and this is what they are seeing. Look Below!

What I am trying to say is, when do we get rid of the young mentality? I am not an old man, but I do not want to be doing some of the things that my kids are about to experiment with. I do not want run into my kids at the club “getting turnt up” whatever the hell that means. I do not have swag, nor do I want it, whatever the hell that means. I use to let my pants sag a little, but at 32 going on 33, helllllll haaaaaw. I still love hip hop, I grew up on it, and I produce hip hop music, but you will not catch me riding around in my car blasting 2 Chaiiiiins, sorry Mr. Chains, my kids love ya, but me not so much. Long story short guys, I want to have a good time, the club is cool sometimes, but that stuff gets old just like we do. So to my people over 30, whats the fascination with the club?

Staff Writer; Kataurus Braswell

This brother is founder of Black Convo Media Group LLC, a group of website’s dedicated to African Americans. He is also a freelance writer, music producer, and blogger.

Can also connect via Facebook BCMedia and Twitter; BlackConvo.

Lady Dee says:

May 3, 2013 at 1:15 am

Why do you say its a “young mentality”? Too much of anything makes you an addict, anything done too much losses its meaning. I’m from Macon, GA as well currently residing in Atlanta and I must say its not that you ‘club’ as much as it is where you go…. you have grown & sexy spots here where professionals frequent, you have blues/jazz spot, spoken word joints that go into overtime with underground music, there are reggae spots, old skool that have live bands and the list goes on & on & on. I enjoy getting out often!! Some people do the gym for a workout, since I was 4/5 years old dance has been my thing and the best workout for me! I know individuals older than me that wouldn’t dare step into any club yet have a “young mentality”…. at 31 I can’t imagine attracting a gentleman who doesn’t know how to enjoy a night out on the town and act with dignity, the issue isn’t where you go but rather how you behave when you get there. That applies for school, church, work, clubs, etc.

Papacool says:

May 2, 2013 at 4:10 pm

To be young, foolish, and completely off centered was a faze that we all go through. Thank God that you are still alive as am I. I thank God for His mercy and seeing me through full circle. To age is to gain wisdom and looking back on those days brings a mixed box of feelings. I can laugh at alot things that happen and also reflect on what time was wasted. The things in life that truly matter are to be valued with each and every breath we take. When I think about how I have grown as a person, I can honestly state that I am not where I would like to be totally, but I am thankful that I have made significant progress and am keeping my eyes on the prize. I realize that time has to be your friend and that everyone has their appointed amount to utilize while on this earth. To be able to hear a song and understand its meaning without busting a move is a blessing in itself. I try to put myself in the artists’ place and try to visualize how they may have felt making the record. After reading about how the business works and all of the trials and tribulations that came along with the ride, I can understand how some of them lost hope and squandered vast amounts of wealth. In the end some of them suffered things that no human being should have ever had to. All in the name of achieving that elusive 15 minutes of fame. So when you see some of them stay together until the end, like Ashford and Simpson, you are elated and hope is once again restored. In closing I am just glad to have experienced the club scene and partake in everything it had to offer and still be here. Thank you Jesus. Peace out, Papacool.