Growing out of the documentary film, From Fatherless to Fatherhood, Kickin' It With My Dad is a forum that celebrates fatherhood and explores men's personal experiences as dads, as well as the tales of the children who love them.
Corey Smyth wears his uncle's wedding ring on his hand for a good reason. Growing up without his father, Corey's uncle provided him with a living example of what it meant to be a man. Since that time Corey has built a career in music; working with Dave Chappelle as music supervisor on the critically acclaimed Chapelle Show; and managing artists ranging from De La Soul, Mos Def and Kweli Talib, to Vince Staples.
His career has taken him all around the world, and a life among the stars can easily make one jaded, but it wasn't until the birth of his daughter, Nyla, that Corey discovered a passion and greater appreciation for capturing life's moments.
Some would say Chuck Creekmur is a cool dad. He and his daughter create their own music videos and commentary on the art. As co-founder of the website AllHipHop.com, Creekmur understands sexual politics found in music. Moreover, raising a pre-teen has made his acutely aware of the restraints placed on young women and girls.
While most assume buying children things is the mark of a good dad, providing extends beyond paying for food, camp and clothes. All authentic providers presenting their child with one thing money can never buy or replace; a path to that child's purpose, no matter what person or set of misconceptions might stand in their way.
July 13, 1977 marked the beginning of the New York City blackout. It was also the summer that a 16 year-old Ron Dupree gave birth to the first of his five children. As the years passed Ron had more children. More importantly, Ron matured as a man. A native of Harlem he has seen his beloved neighborhood change too. He's also seen his children grow.
The sudden change brought on by his divorce from the mother of his third child, Bianca, aka Bianca Bonnie was a change that required him to make a serious decision about his relationship with his little girl. But theirs was a love rooted in music, and what Ron describes as being similar to peas in a pod.
It's a Monday and Russ Jones is a busy man. Aside from crafting marketing and promotional strategies for the likes of Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown and Mylie Cyrus, he has a pregnant wife, and a two year-old son with a fever, waiting for him at home. It's a lot to juggle, but he's able.
The key to that ability are a supportive wife, an excited son, and the well wishes and prayers of those he holds dear.