It has taken me a few days to come to grip with losing one of my business mentors and friends, Lee “Q” O’Denat. It was reported that he died from a heart attack in his sleep in San Diego, California. I have known him for years, and I learned so much from him. Yes, the world may know Q as the founder of the controversial WorldStarHipHop. But I knew Lee, the gentle spirit with an infectious laugh. I used to joke with Lee and call him the modern Alfred B.Nobel. Alfred B. Nobel, a Swedish chemist and engineer, was also a futuristic innovator. Not many people realize that Nobel invented dynamite and other weapons of technology, which were not beneficial for some. Allegedly Nobel saw the impact of his creations and he wanted to change the way he would be remembered. As a result, Nobel established of the Nobel Prize, “the greatest benefit to mankind”. He left $9 million in his will to establish the Nobel Prizes, which are awarded annually, without regard to nationality in six areas.
You may ask what Nobel had to do with “Q”... He created a website that changed cyber culture. Many people frowned upon the infamous website, however without WorldStarHipHop, many heinous acts and violent crimes would have gone unsolved due to the lack of evidence. Yes, the website contains graphic videos but it is reality and it provided transparency of what is going on in our society. Lee’s platform has launched the careers for many in the entertainment industry.
A mere suggestion of the website’s opponents: instead of frowning on the website, take action and go into the community to make your own mark.
I wanted to share 7 things you probably didn’t know about Lee “Q” O’Denat of WorldStarHipHop.
He hated Mondays
He never did any work on Sunday because he said it was his “chill” day and he had to prepare his mind for Monday. Monday was he least favorite day of the week. He said that it was one of the most stressful days of the week because he had too many emails, too many meetings, and calls to make and return.
He was a weirdo
He was a book worm and coined himself “Haitian ghetto nerd” and weirdo. We used to share inspirational videos and books to read with each other, as well as books for his little girl to read. Lee was a thinker and he drew influence from many places because he believed that life is the ultimate classroom.
Here are a few books that Lee and I read and chatted about:
He read these to his little girl:
Lee also believed in the divine order of numerology. He always referenced angel numbers “337”. The angel numbers are made up energies and attributes.
He loved traveling
Lee loved traveling to diverse places and learning about the local cultures and food.
He shared this photo of him flying over Antartica, with the inspirational quote:
” No matter how “cold” it is below you, remember you can still soar.”
He loved staying at Beverly Wilshire
He loved looking at Los Angeles’ city view from Beverly Wilshire. He also loved the service he received, he said it was like his second home.
He loved celebrating others
Lee was a very private person believe it or not. He loved intimate dinners and quality time with his loved ones.
He did read Instagram/Twitter direct messages
Although he did not respond to all of his messages, he used to screenshot and share inspirational messages people sent him.
He loved giving back anonymously
He would walk down the street and hand people money without question.
If you did not have the pleasure to be inspired by Lee, remember people laughed at him when he shared his vision and told him he was crazy. People will laugh at you and hate what you do but just endure and watch your vision manifest.
Rest well Lee.