It was a different chapter of our lives about a decade ago. We were 19, maybe a little brash, definitely creative, and arguably as fresh as “new linen.” But if you were to pick three kids from East Goshen Elementary to create a rap ensemble that would eventually land on BroBible.com’s “Top 100 up and coming hip hop artists” (which is basically like winning a Grammy), many would not have guessed it’d be Tim, Neal, and I.
But Tim “Dr. Slim” Pici was spot on when he rapped, “So I’m sitting in the air and I’m thinking, yeah I said I’m dreaming, you better get used to the sound we use ‘cause we ain’t ever leaving. And it’s never been made a secret that we better than decent. Still can’t believe we got this far, it still won’t even sink in.”
The hip hop/boy band trio (later gone duo) went on to create music that sold about 100 albums (thanks to our haggling in the East high school cafeteria) and attracted thousands of views on YouTube (many of those views from me). The music spanned over a few continents (thanks to University of Delaware’s international soccer recruits) and across several university campuses (Mike Coyne still swears he heard us blasting at a JMU frat party).
I’ll admit that to this day I still listen to New Linen. I actually think the music is really good (including the songs before and after my controversial resignation). I truly believe that Neal was one of the greatest producers and Doc Slim was one of the greatest rappers of the mid 2000s. And besides Drake and a few others, I’ll argue that quality hip hop died when New Linen did.
With Doc Slim getting married yesterday to his beautiful bride, Ada (who is actually a real doctor), the trio of 2009’s most eligible bachelors are officially off the market. This means one thing: The “linen” is officially old.
Rather than rapping about picking up chicks, we now focus our attention on taking care of our wives. Rather than writing rhymes, we now write reflections and personalized wedding vows. Rather than meticulously working on our beats, we now reluctantly work on our homes. Rather than producing songs, we now produce children. Rather than moving up the BroBible charts, we now look for opportunities to move up the yield curve in the fixed income markets.
On the surface, New Linen today is just a nostalgic memory. It’s only mention at this point is through a fun fact at a corporate ice breaker session or in the context of “Remember when…” or “you’ll never believe this, but I used to be….” At this point, the linen is probably too old and tattered for a comeback. But when the group gets together on special occasions like Tim and Ada’s wedding yesterday, something becomes evident to me.
The songs may not be that special, and they may even make some people roll their eyes, but I believe the creative process shaped us into who we are today. New Linen made us better husbands, better dads and future dads, better friends, and better workers.
It was the discovery of creativity that we didn’t know we had. It was the pursuit of continuous improvement that gave us a growth mindset. It was the diligence and the reps and the time we spent to get it right to understand that things don’t come easy. It was the freedom to bring our authentic voice, but the accountability to do what was best for the team. It was the paradox of producing something for others’ enjoyment without caring too much about what everybody thinks. It was learning that there’s no better fulfillment than creating something special with the people you care about. It was even understanding when it’s the right time to walk away from it all.
Because as Doc said, “you’re never gonna see me bragging about the times that I made a CD. I’m all about my friends and the life that’s ahead of me. Waiting for the time that I’m gonna find a better me. It’s been a moment since the last drop. Never thinking about the cash pop. I’m not here to make a lot of G’s.
Im just in it for the memories.”
So as we reunite at Pici’s wedding, it begs the question, will New Linen make a comeback? I’ll leave that up to you guys. But personally, I don’t think we ever left. We’re just getting older. #NewLinenforLife
The Janiec Reflection 