by Asondra R. Hunter

The Cheetah Club, New York City, is beset by a bevy of overly ambitious bouncers who alternately manufacture fragmented thoughts for no apparent reason, other than to hear themselves talk, are making life hard for the guests trying to get inside. Many of those waiting to get into Bobby's album release party are his friends and colleagues. Others, dressed in fatigue outfits from the artist's "Getaway" video, must have duplicated the laminated invite on their friend's Macintosh computer because they couldn't possibly have been on the VIP list.

"Make a single line. I'm not gonna say it again," one beefy bouncer shouts angrily into the frigid foggy air. Seconds later, another who looks just like him, echoes his coward's sentiments as if his words are being propelled by a robotic on/off switch screwed into the back of his neck, and then the first guy, contrary to his promise, repeats himself again. And again. And again.

I quickly squeeze pass the unnecessary chaos at the door then make my way around the frozen-in-place good-time girls who appear to have overdosed on the dynamic barbiturate known as Bobby. I finally find a safe corner, roped off by a human chain of bodyguards, and behind all of the flashing cameras and constant chatter sits Mrs. Carol Brown, Bobby's mother; she's dressed in winter white, just like her son. Bearing a striking resemblance to Dorothy I. Height, she looks peaceful.

Finally a family friend introduces us, then gives me his seat so that Mrs. and I can chat for a second.

UPSCALE: You must be proud of Bobby and this celebratory event?
Mrs. Brown: Yes, but I'm proud of all of my children. They all have special talents. It's just that the public only knows about Bobby's accomplishments. Every one of my children have done things to make me

UPSCALE: Were you a strict mom while your kids were growing up? I see how they're interacting with you, and it's like they're hanging out with a big sister.
Mrs. Brown: I wasn't overly strict, but everyone had rules to live by. Mine was a Christian household, and the only thing I regret letting my kids do is smoke. All my kids smoke, and I really need to quit. In fact, I'm going to National Smokeout day. I'll stop for as long as I can, but that's a good start.

UPSCALE: Was Bobby good in school ?
Mrs. Brown: Bobby is very bright -- too bright for his own good sometimes. The thing is that people don't realize that Bobby gets tempted by the same temptations as other human beings, and it seems that people like to bring conflicts to him. When he was a little boy he wasn't type of kid who started things people. He was as sweet as can be.