By Steven Roberts
My day started off pretty great. "Steven! Go cover the VH1 Hip Hop Honors rehearsal! Bring back something good!" Yes, I thought. I'll get to produce something. I'll be able to direct a shooter, interview people I idolize and get out of the office for the day. Then I was handed a flipcam and a digital camera and told to "go have fun."
Flipcam or not, I decided I was going to get out there and bring back gold. My team — my production coordinator, Lisa, and her intern, Marie — and I arrived at the Hammerstein Ballroom and were directed to our spot among the press. We walked past production crews setting up the stage and filling in for presenters and Too Short.
What did Steven bring back for us? Find out after the jump!
We settled in right next to VH1's fancy setup. They had lighting, a DV camera, a cameraman and the lovely Janelle Snowden. I pulled the flipcam and digital camera from my pocket. I wasn't intimidated.
Janelle was interviewing Gym Class Heroes, and I was gearing up to speak with them next. But after they finished, they headed the other way. I didn't let it get me down. Hell, I didn't even care once I saw who was walking up to speak with Janelle next: Mos Def.
I have nothing against Gym Class Heroes. They seemed cool enough, and I really liked "Cupid's Chokehold," but Mos Def was standing 5 feet away. I could grab them later.
Mos Def made his way over to me, and I introduced my flipcam and myself. I learned that the Mighty Mos was just as starstruck when he met his idol, Slick Rick.
After the interview, I was on a little bit of a high. I didn't notice the lunch-break announcement until Lisa told me. The ballroom quieted down. I put my flipcam back in my pocket while everyone else turned off their cameras.
After lunch, I headed to the men's room. As I walked in, I saw Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes getting his hair cut. He and a bunch of his people were talking. I tried to use the bathroom, but my bladder seemed a little shy. I stood there pretending for a while and then I went to wash my hands.
As I walked back to our spot, I realized that I had missed a golden opportunity. Travis couldn't get up and go anywhere. So I went back to the bathroom and approached him as his barber was finishing up, and he filled me in on who he was excited to see.
VH1's Hip Hop Honors airs on Monday, October 6 at 10 p.m. ET
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