From a loyal reader in response to our post titled Source: Tina Davis Runs With a Crew of Cougars

    Dear Sandra,

    First, I trust that this is confidential and you will not release my name. Okay, I am friends with the female executive that you referred to as a cougar. I was also very good friends with Shakir. We ran in the same circles in Oakland and later in life my husband and I ended up working with him on various music projects. I met “her” in the early 90’s and she is one of the very few consistent people in my life. She has always extended a helping hand and is the greatest person to go to for business and personal advice.

    I have to thank you for not mentioning her name, but correct you for offering your readers a false report. My friend has not denied that she dated Shakir, but he was not a teenager at the time. He was a grown man, a college graduate and quite charming and alluring to many females that had the pleasure of being around him, and she was no different. They openly dated and their personal relationship had nothing to do with her parting ways with her former employer.

    She was married to someone in the industry and has dated other people in the industry, so the quote that you posted from the magazine did not in any way validate or support your accusations. You must realize that your words can hurt really good people including Shakir’s family. You alluded that he got his start because of his relationship with her, but Shakir’s first job was at Noontime and prior to that he was an extraordinary party promoter. He got his start because he had a passion for music, a great ear and people like her to learn from. Please let your readers know that, please.

    —
    Peace and love,
    [Name withheld by request]
    “The best things in life aren’t things.”