IN MEMORY OF BRANDON SMITH 1973 - 1999   AKA  DJ HipE DEF CON 6  THC REALITY CHECK

This page is in memory of Brandon Todd Smith/DJ HipE who very sadly and unexpectedly passed away last week due to a senseless crime. Brandon, we will miss you and your music terribly. Brandon was one of the most gifted and talented people I knew. He and John Sexton made up a group called Def Con 6. Since the first time I heard their music I knew they had to be on the label. It only took one listen to the first tape they sent me to know they were going places.They were the first artist that I signed to the label. Their music touched alot of people all over the world. This was evident by all the gig's they've done.

Brandon lived for the music. He was one of the most down to earth and nicest people I knew. It was always a good time whenever we played out together. We had a couple of gig's lined up in June and I just can't bring myself to do them without him. No one knows why these things happen to people like Brandon. We just have to believe that the man upstairs had even bigger plans for him. I, like his family and friends are still in shock. The world has lost yet another talented artist. I'm asking
those of you who work on music or DJ, to please think of Brandon the next time your working and to pump up the bass just a little in his memory. I know he would like that and will be feeling the vibrations.

Brandon your in a better place now and hopefully you won't have to deal with all the misery that we have to endure everyday on this Earth. God be with you!

Tony Garcia

June 6, 1999
 
 

In loving memory of Brandon Todd Smith 1973-1999

When people come together over the passing of another, in grief over the loss and celebration of the life, it is a challenge for all of us to find meaning and eventually, find peace. Brandon, for almost twenty six years, has been touching the lives of each and every one of us, in different ways, at different times, and for different reasons. But I know what I always saw in Brandon, is something very similar, to what each and every one of us remembers. His tenderness, his sense of humor, and his genuine way of making everyone feel comfortable in his presence. Brandon shared himself unconditionally, in fact, there are literally thousands of people all over this country who have experienced the expression of who he isÖit is a magnificent thing to see a friend passionately doing what he loves the most. Whether he was dj-ing or making music, he was able to move people. Literally. I can think of no better way to remember him. All of us have, in our own way, a belief in what happens to a person after they leave the world in which we live. Personally, I trust that his soul is still experiencing. And on behalf of his dear family and friends, I send our love to Brandon, knowing that we all have one more guardian angel in our lives. After we pass through the time of grief and questions unanswered, we will find ways to celebrate BrandonÖin a mixture of laughter, memories, and tears. I donít know what Brandon would want us to feel or say about himÖ.or what he would want us to know or take from this experienceÖ.but I imagine he wouldnít want to see us in pain. Perhaps sometimes pain is necessary, in order to appreciate the joy of living. I know many of us already are reaching out to those around us, letting people in our lives know that we care about them and love them. I have to thank Brandon for showing us, once again, how very precious life is. Hopefully, from that will come the meaning and peace that we seek.

Beverly Britton
 
 
 

0	BRANDON YOU WILL BE MISSED!

PICTURES COURTESY OF EDM & BEVERLY BRITTON