Another Chicago Murder, Rest in Peace Michael Phipps
This past Saturday, an old classmate and mutual friend of mine was killed. Michael Pitts also known as "Bookie" was fatally shot on the south side of Chicago. Just a couple of weeks ago Bookie approached me while I was working out at the local gym, I hadn't spoken to Bookie in several years. I was surprised at his appearance, and how his personality had evolved since the last time we spoke. The once chunky, arrogant, and self proclaimed "Number One Stunner" had made a remarkable transition to a muscle toned fit, humble, and unquestionably charismatic young man. I remember when I met Bookie in the summer of 2001 - he was 17, I was 14. Me and him were classmates in summer school (CVS high school). He always kept to him self, and never really spoke to anyone unless he was spoken to. Weeks into summer school Bookie and I realized we would be attending the same high school during the fall (Kenwood Academy). From there on out we became good friends. He always told me in summer school he would take care of me (like a big brother) when I attended his high school in the fall. Unfortunately that friendship ended abruptly because we hung out with two separate groups of people. See Bookie was a private person. He kept a tight group of friends, many of whom didn't attend our high school. He flossed luxury cars, lavish jewelry, and kept a clean look. As for me, it was completely different. I found my self hanging with dozens of guys; many of whom looked up to Bookie, despised Bookie, or were even RELATED to Bookie. I remember the 1st time he spotted me with this same clique of guys in high school. He had a face of disappointment, however he never verbally said anything to me about it - he just made it very apparent that he didn't want anything to do with me. For the remainder of high school Bookie and I would speak casually but never to the full extent of what I expected when I first met him. After he graduated from high school I would always somehow see Bookie around the neighborhood because many of his cousins were great friends of mine. Looking back at it he always gave me the same look of disappointment when he seen me with certain people through out the years. I must admit he was right; these were the same group of guys that went on to serve Federal Prison time, get killed, or fall victims to street life, etc.
....To get back to the last time I seen him (2 weeks ago), it wasn't one of those quick conversations that you have with just any old pal. It was two young men who had made major transitions in life, and appreciated to see one another healthy and in a peaceful state of mind. The "look of disappointment" that he once had for me now turned into a "look of approval." I could see he was naturally happy to see me doing well, and that I hadn't fallen victim to any senseless activity that many of my old high school friends had. He and I talked about me moving to the west coast, mutual friends, and future plans for us to hang out. Looking back it - it was a very meaningful and therapeutic now that he's gone. It hurts that the last time I'll ever see him alive was possibly one of the best times I've had with him since we met. It's crazy how life works huh? Source
If you knew Bookie, please share any memories you had of him.
Final Thought: Chicago has been a war zone the past several weeks. Just within the past 8 days there have been 44 people shot! Everyone wants to blame it on the economy, drugs, and guns...however none of those 3 groups kill people........people kill people, point blank.
posted by Steve Kells at
6:58 PM
8 Comments:
knew him very well, rest in peace
Bookie was a major cat with a lot of pull. When I heard the news Im like...You serious? When I go to the funeral, Im not trying to phony kick it with anybody and exchange #'s. My joint has never changed since I got it. If you had my # and lost it-it's DONE. This'll be a big reunion for us and our past but we have focus on paying homage and maintaining a low profile and skate afterwards.
R.I.P-Bookie
Everything will eventually come to an end, so try to savor the moments, cuz time flies don't it
The beauty of life, you gotta make it last for the better, cuz nothin' lasts forever.
Nas-
Nothing Last Forever
Lost Tapes
I didn't know fam personally but I knew of him, and I knew he was OFFICAL, and held his situation down.
Rest In Peace
Bookie wasnt an ordinary nigga. He had everything most niggas dreamed about. He won't be forgotten.
REST IN PEACE
What i can say? Bookie was a good dude. In these past few years i really saw him mature to the point where i felt proud that he had truly become a thinker. Its crazy bc i used to see him every week almost telling me about new business ideas. Shit i was supposed to have a meeting with him this week.
RIP Brother
GOD BLESS!!
Zeek I agree, it seems everyone is saying the same thing. Bookie really matured to a higher a level of thinking as of lately.
Why does it always happen like this? Some guy from the hood works towards changing his life for the better, and the streets take him away from us.
Zeek do you have any recent pics? If so email them to me please
If anyone's interested Bookie's funeral is Saturday, 11AM at Chatham Avalon Church Of Christ (Chicago IL, South Side).
I knew Bookie personally and he was a arrogant kool dude then he matured to a smart kool dude. I met him at a bus stop in the spring of 2002. He pulled up in a lincoln on 22's, yes 22's was hot back then. We then talked and dated for a little while.We lost in touch. I knew he loved his music family and close friends. Oh and of course his dogs.When i did get back in touch he was telling about how he was making money in all different type of ways and he wanted me to jump down on his team. I never got the chance to do that. When i heard what happen i was in schock and didn't believe this had happen. It stays on my mind and i will miss him dearly. RIP Book
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