The Atlanta Weekender/House In The Park

Wow!

Labor Day was INCREDIBLE and one for the books! Atlanta has shown and grown within the ranks of the House Music Movement in the states and Worldwide. The Soul, Ambiance and Youth behind it truly inspires me. What a perfect weekend to close out Labor Day than to have The Atlanta Weekender and House In The Park.

Thursday night: LoveSexy Party - What a way to kick off the weekender. Working the door for Nina and Salah Ananse is always a pleasure. I have known them both for many years and to be part of a wonderful event bringing diverse communities together is key. Sabine in the building! That is my sister (dancing and Spiritual). I love her to bits. I knew this was about to bananas! Cannot forget Rescue Poetix (Jersey in the building!) showing ATL love. DJ Kwest_On and Salah on decks. Hearing 'Scandalous' made me lose it at the end. Madam CJ and myself started singing. I remember as a child hearing that track from one of the Batman films and seeing the album cover. Talk about classic. Ran into so many wonderful souls that night. This was just the beginning...

Friday night: Moodymann x Kai Alce x Ron Trent (SoundTable) / Josh Milan x Sabine Blaizin X Salah Ananse (Space2): Bear with me on this one. So much aural stimulation was being given this eve that I did not know what to do with myself. Great to see Moodymann while eating dinner. As well as seeing Ron Trent chilling and another brother that I have not seen in ages. his name slips my mind. Nonetheless, having dinner and chilling with some Chi-town folk, I run into Justin (DJ AquaBeat). I am so used to seeing him with Cher, but she did not make it this time around (bummer!). We discussed so many things and how this weekend is gonna change his Life. Food comes out and we are all in bliss. I am always raving about The SoundTable and its food selection. The Brussels and Cauliflower combo is the business, though.

So walking into Space2, it is great seeing Nina once again, Francesca, James, Teya and so many other souls. I look up and Sabine is on the decks getting it! Something about her sound motivates me. She brings so much into it and yet, still has a beauty behind it. Sleep on her if you want, this woman is doing big things. I get my groove in and then I bump into the wonderful Josh Milan. Giving him the biggest hug known to man. When I tell you that the amount of Love that I have for this being is a lot, believe it. He is thankful and excited. The first thing I ask is if he will be here for House In The Park. His reply was yes! My chest bugled in excited and happiness for my city! Little did they know how amazing House In The Park is. I pop over to SoundTable next door and Kai is warming up the crowd. Shortly after, Moodymann gets on. That was bananas and packed out. I then knew it was about to be on. Getting my 'fro all hot and bothered over the amazing beats.


It was great to see the wonderful people dancing on deck.  I pop back over to Space2 and Salah Ananse is on. Dropping goodness and getting the crowd hyped up even more. I swear Salah be bringing the pretty women all out. I guess it is a Libra thing. Nonetheless, this promises to be an amazing eve. Josh Milan steps on the decks...

Okay, he got to have his own diatribe for this because CHIIIILLLE: He truly showed out. The crowd slowly starts to grow bigger until it was PACKED OUT. He is banging out joint after joint. Even though in his blog, he stated that he played one track twice, that mug must have been seamless because I did not notice at all.  The only thought running in my head, 'Pleeease someone play 'Inside Of Me'. That would SO make my evening...' . Hearing sounds that many do not play down here was comforting to myself. It was this one track he played and I started doing turns, dips and handstands on the floor. I am going to need for him to give me those so I can pay for my download. Just sayin'!
When I heard 'You Should Be Loving Me', I lost it! The crowd went nuts! Cortney, Rodney and myself immersed ourselves even deeper and we hugged. Oh yeah! Cannot forget when I heard 'I Might Do Something Wrong' and people started losing it, singing in unison AND yelling. That track is one of the FIRST tracks I heard while transitioning into a House Head. That track just does something to the 'heads who know what it is about. We LOVE YOU, JOSH!! Your set truly set the bar for me. I can truly say that not one I stopped dancing. I may do a two-step every now and then to certain DJs, but you had a sister moving. The vocals, soul and riffs you brought were truly needed. Oh yeah, you must have read my mind because you played 'Inside of Me'. I lost it! So great to hear it through some speakers. THANK YOU!!!

Way-ment (Wait a minute...), how Deetoy gonna get on and make me get on the wall?! I cannot! I remember hearing him at Salah Ananse's Afrique Electrique event and losing my ever-loving mind in 2011. Why did you all have to tease us with that?! Sherri, Sabine, Keely, Simone and myself are losing it. I look over and others are losing it, too. Saturday promises to be an amazing day! So why is Ron Trent bringing some Kerri Chandler and some House Classics at the end?! A sista is not complaining. We all are getting it in at SoundTable to the goodness! Thank You all!

Saturday Afternoon/Evening: Passport Party x SpreadLove x Carlos Mena: Smoothies were helping me a TON this weekend and this day was NO exception. Arrgh moving day! Motivation from the past two days kept me going non-stop and it was not about to end. As soon as I finished packing, I headed down to Space2 for the day event. Aquabeat is at it. Next up is Deetoy. LAAWD!!! Why was he getting it in with all of us?! I cannot! Myself and Sabine were working it like it is Jouvert at Carnival (well, it was Carnival up in NYC). I feel alive when I dance.

Thanks for the video, Betty Castillo :)

We all got it in, including King Casamena himself, Carlos Mena. That is my homie and one of the most amazing individuals I have met. So few make an impact within my Life through music and continue to be an inspiration. He was in town to do an event called Secrets, which never disappoints. After the Passport Day event, I quickly changed and said my hellos to DJ Kemit and Aishah. These two are ALWAYS working hard and on the go! One of many power couples in the A I have so much respect for! BIG UPS!!!!! Late nights with wonderful music with wonderful company. 

Sidenote: Did I mention that my homegirl Emma from Montreal was in town? Talk about LOVE! what's up, lady? I have not seen her since WMC in Miami. Now you got something to tell your Montreal folk.

Sunday ALL DAY: HOUSE IN THE PARK 9/ AFTERPARTY: Arrived at the park around 11 or so. Tents ALREADY on deck. Folks were not playing this year. They said 8am that the park was gonna be available to the public. From what I heard, people were already lined up ready to get a spot. I said my hellos to so many beautiful souls, including Ramon's mom. She is a such a humble and honest soul. Words cannot express that enough. Thomas had the grill on deck with the Chicken Sausage. LAWD! That was a beast all in itself. I settle down and my mom comes soon after. This HITP was bittersweet for me. My last big bang in the ATL with so many wonderful souls. My goal was to keep it together emotionally, be jolly like I am everyday and to just have fun. As the music starts to vibrate through the speakers, the first pavilion fills up. 

Kemit is on and I felt this energy. He played 'Hear My Call' and to see him intertwined within the track with his eyes closed, I felt Ruby. That was her track. It takes me back to one night at The Gathering and she asked me to go up to the booth to ask Ramon to play that track. Anyone knows, I would NEVER do that, but at that moment, it was what she wanted to hear to uplift her spirit. When he did, to see her in her element brought tears to my eyes. She was a fighter until the end. I digressed and then the tears flowed. We had a mutual friend there and he caressed my back, knowing that all would be okay. I felt her smiling and the energy was just beautiful. I needed that moment to just focus and give thanks. The last time I saw her at HITP, Kai was on. Rodney and myself were dancing, she approaches us and gives us hugs. We cry in joy and gratitude.

I miss you Ruby...Rest In Paradise!

Snapped back and started dancing once more. The energy was getting out of control. By this time, Salah is on and we are all hooting and hollering in full-blown ecstasy. The energy was different somehow this year and I cannot put my finger on it (in a beautiful way, of course). For me, the number 9 signals completion. The City of Atlanta gave Ramon a proclamation and made it an official festival. Congrats to all who put the WORK in. 

Back to the music, donation boxes being passed around, Tracy twirling and smiling, Nina fanning and snapping/shooting video for all, seeing Chicago fam getting it in!

Highlights: At the beginning, Kemit was still on and the dance floor opened. Let me address this and leave it at this: I am all for people having cypers/circles and whatnot. Hell, sometimes I jump in. Just UNDERSTAND that the pavilion is ALREADY packed with people, DO NOT take up space. It kills the energy and people just stand around and STARE. We are here to release and dance in the name of Music and our Ancestors. I do not want to see someone DANCING and taking up space. It ANNOYS me to no end. So this is what Fahamu and myself implement: Operation Break-Up Circle. Not even after we stepped in, the circle ceased. I stated that I WILL NOT HAVE THAT HAPPENING and it ceased. Our ancestors want us all to rejoice! And that's exactly what happened. This young sister came up to me, grabbed my hands and we both danced. That is what means SO much to me! To see the youth interacting with its elders. Dancing is my Heart and Soul. I can only hope that this city understands its effect on the youth in the dance community. WE HAVE to come together. 

- Seeing Carlos Mena, Deetoy, Kai, Kemit, Salah Ron Trent in the booth while Ramon is beating 'Work that Motherfucker'. I LOST IT! Cortney and myself are on the table and TWERK TEAM was on and poppin'! I appreciate Ramon bringing the Chicago flair, but also respecting all levels of Music. Thank You!

-Alison says hello to my mother, who has attended EVERY House In The Park. She explains to my mother about my departure to the Big Apple and my mom makes this face. The next thing I know, I am in tears!! Goodness gracious, Alison! I LOVE YOU!

- Kai Alce on the decks and Frankie Knuckle's 'Whistle Song' come on and I in tears once again. This House In The Park was very emotional for me. I cry tears of happiness and joy. For the simple fact that my loved ones are here and we are embarking on amazing in Life. The music has us enveloped in its Love and one can only be Thankful. When I tell you that this Music has saved my Life. It truly has. It has taught me discernment, respect, Love for yourself and a mind of your own. Nothing in this World can replace that. The fact that one can travel around the World and under the age of 30 speaks volumes! ALL BECAUSE of MUSIC!!!

-Josh Milan meeting my moms. My mom is a HUGE fan of his past and present stuff. Both are from the same neighborhood that I will be residing (BK! Do Or Die!). She asks for his number to make sure that I am alright. That made my Heart smile. Oh! Ron Trent meeting my moms too?! Talk about respect and elders! WOW!!! Ron was blown away, as was I! This HITP is one for the books!!! 

 THE AFTERPARTY: Why was that STRAIGHT BANANAS and PACKED OUT?! I guess people were not ready to go from the Park. My boy, Sean Alvarez is on decks and doing the goodness! He plays Franck Roger's 'Jeware' and I am getting it in. The place is becoming like sardines at this point and I find Ramon. James is working the door and then I ended up working the door for the rest of the night. I actually liked doing it. Ron Trent comes on and starts bringing banger AFTER banger AFTER banger. Putting on wristbands and busting a move is what it is all about. Talk about an EPIC weekend! Can we just rewind? I'm just saying though... Kimberly, Nina, Karin, Al, Ramon, Kai, Salah, Teya, Francesca, James, Kemit, Aishah and so many others: THANK YOU for being the individuals that you are! This Labor Day weekend meant so much to me in so many ways. You have shaped my Life and I am FOREVER thankful for that! Okay, back to pictures!

Photo credits: Shannon McCollum, Carlos Mena, Clay Hollowman, Sean Ruff, Francesca Lowe, Sabine, Josh Milan and so many others! THANK YOU!!!

Djeff Afrozila's 'Soldier Ascension' album

Man has it been a whirlwind. Sorry for the lack of updates. NYC had me captivated and words cannot express the amount of music that I experienced while there. I cannot wait to be back soon. Speaking of music and the experience, I am here to give you the run down of Djeff Afrozila's album, 'Soldier Ascension'.

From meeting him a couple of years ago to now, his presence within the movement has been nothing but incredible. Still on a high from his set at Mi Casa Holiday. Talk about bananas! Nonetheless, I got a sneak peek from the man himself and let me just tell you, it is DOPE!!

Some highlights from the album:

Mwangole featuring Nacobeta,Agre G and Game Walla: When I first heard this track, I lost my every-loving mind! Where's my wall when I was getting it in and not giving a damn?! I twerked like it was no one's business. A dancer's delight who appreciates music from a worldy perspective. Angola be getting it in!! I think I found my brothers and sisters in the dance movement. Free and full of Life!

Soldier Ascension: Months before the album's release, the video came out. Not gonna lie, at first, I did not get it. However, after listening to an interview with Djeff and the concept of the video, he explains how there was no concept and that one is to just listen to the music. Such a groove to get into.

Celebration with Ade Alafia: When I first heard this, I thought of going out and just getting lost in the music and its message. Celebrate everything that is given to us and share that energy with all of those around us. Ade's vocals and message speaks volumes to me. Number three on the album and quite possibly one of my favourites. Any DJ who knows music, this should be in your arsenal. Big ups to Boddhi Satva for engineering this greatness!

Make Me Stronger with Leslie Kissumuma: When I first heard this melodic track, I sat back and listened to the lyrics and felt myself in her situation. Atlanta's own, Yoel Ben Yehuda provided flute, keyboard and bass on this track. Another banger for the right DJ to get a crowd moving.

Different featuring Kholi: If you are wondering who is bringing this track Life with her vocals, it is South Africa's own, Kholi. Providing her vocals to C.nine and Atjazz in 'Chasing', she changes up her sound and it resonates! As a woman, I can appreciate this. I digress. Simply put: Beautiful.

I am different/I am out of the norm/I am a different me...

African Mermaid: Spoken word and beautiful composition lays this tune down to a T. New York's own, Tantra Zawadi speaks of (in my opinion) the beauty that is of an African woman and the desire that many may have for her and the desires she gives to him. The poetry Tantra blends within this track is magical.

Love is her treasure...

So there you have it, folks. If you are in London, I AM URGING YOU to check him out at Club Colosseum tomorrow night with Kristelle Morin and Zepherin Saint. I promise you that it is full of goodness!!

Women: We are here!

DISCLAIMER: This is not to start anything, but to progress who we are as beings in this movement. I respect those who have shaped the sound for my ears and I will always show Love, regardless. That is what it is about at the end of the day :)


Today started off as usual: Bumping tunes and getting tasks done. A conversation sparked this post and I am glad it transpired. Makes one realize the true depth of our purpose as women, not only within the House Music Movement, but in Life as well.

Women in society are conditioned to do such things as: support their man physically, emotionally, spiritually, produce offspring in the World, teach a child to be a better human being and other things. In this movement, I truly feel (I am guilty of it as well) women are to be the cheerleader for male DJs. It becomes discouraging when you put into it and many fail to see that or do not want to recognize it. However, I give major props to all that do show Love and stay looking out for us women, including myself. To an extent, this one of the many reasons I hardly go out anymore.

I give my energy and Love through dance. It makes me whole and inspires me on so many levels. I started this blog with the intent of letting all know about the movement here in Atlanta and there is so much more than what meets the eye. Still scratching the surface and finding out about some amazing female DJs here in my own backyard.

You got DJ Fyre, Rachael Pryor, Lynnee Denise (Oh I am still claiming you...even though you wanna leave LOL), Tracy Levine, Zsa Zsa ( I know you Chi all day, boo. Much Love still LOL), E-Luv and so many others. This movement is about us ladies. I know that I am not out to attend at times due to my crazy schedule and Life, but trust and believe, I support you all.

If I am correct, who wants to be at a sausage fest or a cat carnival? Mix it up with some ladies on the decks! Oh and another thing: The divisiveness must cease. I get it, you only want to cater to where you're from, your sexual orientation, who you know in the movement and et cetera. It gets boring and you are perpetuating the negative aspect of this movement. Another avenue that needs mentioning is that I am in the South. To some, this may not matter, but to me, it plays a pivotal role in the movement here. Male-dominant, religious-driven, yet lacking feminine energy.

I started listening to this music as a child because of my mother. She is the one that nurtured me to the sounds that she grew up with while in NYC. One thing she taught me: acceptance. As I mature, this is becoming of a greater need. I see what she means now.

My ears are open to so many sounds of House that I could never EVER imagine. Truly thankful.

Through travels, I have met bomb ass women, such as: Sabine, Mryto Joyce, Zandy, Kristel Morin, Anane Vega, Helen Ting, DJ Tabu, Saturna, Mikki Afflick, Miss Kai, Funke, DJ shErOck and so many others. You women inspire me to dance freely, be who I am and always give through music. This is what it is about. I am so over the politics and social aspect of it. Who gives two shits anymore?

My blog usually focuses on the male aspect of the movement because that is what I was conditioned to listening to and seeing while going out. I did recognize a post with my homegirl, Myrto Joyce out of NYC. Henceforth, my commitment to women will be highlighted on this blog on a larger scale.

This also has to be expressed in the dance arena as well. Ladies, whatever happened to us dancing feminine and being proud of it? For me, I was always scared to show my femininity to dance due to the simple fact that some would perceive it in a negative way. Enjoying my face done up, smelling right, hair looking good and wearing feminine clothing always gives me a little bit of Pride. When I was introduced to Brian Green while out at House In The Park last year, he expressed this sentiment. He appreciated the fact that dancing was free, feminine, yet had balance. For him to see that, after being a pioneer in this movement, says a lot: We have work to do. ALL OF US!


The elephant is in the room and is making a lot of damn noise.


 I cannot let this sit in me anymore. So, I say to my ladies and gentlemen, who is down?!

I Love all who give and I mean that from the bottom of my Heart.

A letter to Osunlade

One never knows the impact music can reach to a soul. I remember hearing the Paradigm CD from when I was in my teens and going, 'What is this?! I need more'. Moms going to Satellite Records and buying Tortured Soul's 'I Might Do Something Wrong' (on vinyl) and hearing EVERY piece of instrument, vocals, breaks and everything in between. I always told myself, 'I would meet Osunlade one day...'

Years later, we share hugs, laughs and conversation. What a wonderful soul to know. When I first met him, I cannot lie, I was utterly humbled, yet intimidated. The energy that one carries is insurmountable. This meant more to me because I knew that this would influence me not only on a physical and mental level, but spiritual as well. I have become more available to my ancestors and even recalling songs that I have heard without even looking up the lyrics because of this human being. So it is suffice to say that I was more than ready for Saturday night.

Saturday night was absolutely beautiful! Never in my years of listening to music have I been on a journey as I was on Saturday night for Tambor Party. I have not seen Osunlade since Mi Casa Holiday and that in itself was beautiful. I felt the energy of my ancestors while in Playa del Carmen, danced with the sun and met some amazing souls! Cannot get any better than that.

I digress for a moment. I cloaked myself with the energies of my ancestors and all of those energies which I needed to contain myself on the dance floor. Whenever he comes into town, one knows to be prepared for something unique and special. He did just that. AJ and myself arrived a little after 11 and DJ BE was on the decks warming up the crowd. Stretching is necessary, as I did not want to go kaput by the end of the evening.

We make our way to the dance floor. We receive hugs and laughter. 

Osunlade arrives and a big smile crept upon my face. The hug was one of love, being thankful and humility. The first thing we discussed is Mexico. I cannot wait for another year of beautiful energy. He is thankful to be here. Atlanta, believe it or not, is one of his favourite cities to play in. Peep that folk. That says something about the movement here. Let's keep it alive! 

When he got on, he brought the rawness and tech that I miss dearly. One gets tired of hearing the same top ten tracks and the afro sound. I really need to move and let that shit hit me in the fucking chest. I never forget when he told me how he plays music and the more raw that it is, the more one can relate and move to it. I did just that. He busted out some Lana Del Ray, Frank Ocean, Prince, Funk, Songs for the ancestors, Afro, Soul and everything in between. I damn near lost my mind when I heard 'Olmec Save Us', 'Mirror Dance', 'Personal Jesus', Nadirah Shakoor singing 'Pride' LIVE, 'Fugama Unamathe', some drums for Chango and 'Change For Me'. That track gets me every time.

It hit me when I got home that Stan Zeff did not get on and play his set. I think he did at the beginning with BE, but I cannot remember for the Life of me. Not gonna lie, I would NOT want to play after that set. That was something serious! THANK YOU Stan Zeff, DJ BE and all of the Tambor family for an amazing night. I give my sincerest LOVE to Osunlade and see you in Mexico! Mi Casa Holiday awaits us!

Pictures:

The TRUTH about Carl Craig

Saturday night, I took time out to refresh my ears to hear some Carl Craig. To some, he plays Techno. But let's get this straight: THIS MAN PLAYS MUSIC!! He has been all over the World and for some odd reason, these Detroit folk always keep it gangster. Project B brought him to play and let me just say: A sista was impressed.

Downside: Not enough room to dance and some of the patrons were rude. I really got a bit tired of people bumping into me, knocking me in the head and standing on the dance floor.

Nonetheless, Kai Alce opened the night with some rawness and some Detroit flavour. I mean this with alll my Heart: Kai showed out and turned it. I enjoyed the diversity of sound within his set and for that, THANK YOU! He never plays the same redundancy on the decks and it is always refreshing, yet full of soul. Bobi Stevkovski brought a big of harder, yet Tech House feel to his set.


Then the man himself, Carl Craig steps on. When his set busted out with some newness from Moodymann, I knew it was gonna be a cool night. He mixed some of his goodness, Kevin Saunderson and other Detroit greats up in that piece. One thing I can say about the crowd Saturday night: Whatever Carl played, people listened, people danced and determined with their ears through movement. That track he played at the end, AJ and myself got it in on the wooden floor.  Let me just say this: We as a community here in Atlanta MUST come together! Secondly, the dancers need to as well. And lastly, can we NOT play the same 10 tracks?! I LOVE diversity! Give me some Tech House, some Soul, some rawness. Something. This is one of the many reasons I do not go out anymore. We gotta stop spinning for the same group and DIVERSIFY! The youth need to be a part of it. Please believe that when it happens, we can mature.

I THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR AN AMAZING EVE!!!

 Pictures

Oh NYC!

I can never get enough of this place. Every time I that I visit, I always have the best of times and wonderful energy surrounding me. Big ups to my homies Perez and Amnel Massimo! they made this trip worthwhile and I am EXTREMELY HUMBLED to be in your presence! I can never get enough of cool ass folks! I keep telling folks: Mi Casa Holiday is an experience! I have met so many individuals from this trip and bonded more with a few, like the Massimos. Having wonderful empanadas down the street to going out and cutting a rug is what it is all about.

I touched down Wednesday and relaxed. Thursday rolls around and you know what that means: LIBATION!! Tortured Soul was also playing that night. No disrespect, but I HAD to get my dancing in. I see Brian from Afro Mosaic Soul as he shows Love when Amnel, Perez and myself walk in. Ian Friday was already bringing the HEAT! I find my spot and lo and behold, I see Sabine! When I tell you this lady gets it cracking not only on the decks, but on the dancefloor, you better believe it! We exchanged hugs and laughs, then it was back to the floor. I see my homie, Kristelle Morin and Melanie from London in the house! This is bond to be a great evening!

As I warm up even more, I run into more familiar faces. Camera lights flashing left and right as we get it in. I LOVE Ian's style due to the simple fact that he always tells a story for the dancer, yet brings the raw Caribbean flavor that I miss a lot. Not many DJs can do that for me. I am in my ZONE and I notice other beings getting it in as well. Maybe it is just me, but I feel that some of the dancers there do not go there to dance. Not to diss anyone in particular, but when you dance, there should be soul and spirit behind it. I take nothing from what they do, just my two cents.

The night rolls on and DJ Spinna pops up on the decks and sets the evening off just right. I danced a bit and knew I had to save my energy because Friday was an EPIC night!


The next day was a lax day. I got my rest on and chilled for a bit. The evening strolls in and it is time! There was this huge South African joint that Louie and Anane were at and I HAD to be there. Then I find out that Zandy, Black Coffee, Culoe, Fresh and other awesomeness was on the bill?! YOU KNOW I HAD TO BE UP IN THAT PIECE!

I get to the spot in Astoria,Queens called System. This spot reminds me of Opera here in Atlanta: Pretentious security, who were somewhat rude. The bartender was a darling, though. I appreciated him making me laugh. We get there and Zandy is on. You can tell that South Africans were in the building because of the dancing, the flag-waving and of course, the youth in attendance. This is one thing that I respect about their movement: They include the young. Now if only the states would follow suit. Of course the sound may be different, but you have a following that can decipher their own sound and branch that out to the masses. I mean, look at Culoe De Song, Black Motion, Shimza and others. They did the damn thing and BRING it!

I give my hugs to Omena, Anee, Sabine once more, Zandy, some Are You Afro folks, Tracy and so many others. I see Anane and the way she says 'Debbie!' is utterly adorable! What a sweet soul.

Next up: DJ Fresh. DJ Fresh has an eclectic blend. He can merge both the techy and the deep together. I first met him in Miami three years ago and since then, he always shows Love. The crowd is feeling it and the girls in the stilettos are working it! He does his thing and the crowd cheers in excitement.  Louie and Anane Vega are on! I think it took everyone for a loop when they mixed the ZA sounds with some classics and then some bangers that many of us have not heard yet. Louie played this one track and I LOST IT!! I am waiting for it to come out on either Tribe or Vega Records. Deff played it on one of his soundcloud mixes and I NEED that joint in my Life. Continue?

I see him RIGHT before his set. He inquires as to why I am not in ATL and I told him I am here for THIS tonight. The man himself, Black Coffee gets on. He rips it and the crowd is dancing and going bananas! I was looking forward to seeing Culoe De Song, but he was in the building. But alas! Shimza gets on the decks and DESTROYS it. I am on a bar next to the stairs losing my damn mind lol

Why did the damn lights go up?! UGGH!!! A line out the door to get my jacket, though?! An amazing night of music to say the least. Saturday was a chill day and then Sunday rolls around...

SHELTER NYC!!!!!!!!!!!

So I was meeting up with my Godmother, Lucia so we could go together. She informs me that I got off RIGHT down the street from Shelter and to just go in. I hate when I think I got off at the right stop and did not. Anyways, I roll in and there is a sea of people getting down 5:00 in the afternoon!!! You would think since Winter Music Conference has started that people would be in the sun?! NOPE! Timmy was on the decks and I must admit, he was bringing it! I run into The Minister, Philippe, from Australia. This dude does not play when it comes to Timmy. He was already in Miami, flew to NYC JUST to hear Timmy and flying BACK to MIA on Monday. Talk about dedication!

The place is on fire and I am already sweating from the tunes. I see Rhodesia, Linda, Serge and so many others this day. As the day went on, it became more and more packed! That is when I knew it was about to be epic! I had to take a breather for a minute, so I went over into the next room. Mark Francis is on the decks and beating it silly! I get it in with Sabine and then I head back into the main room. I felt the damn heat and sweat out of that spot! Talk about bananas! At this point, Timmy busts out with 'Rescue Me (MAW Mix)' and I make eye contact with Carlito! That joint always gets me jumpin' and screaming.

To say that this trip was EPIC is an understatement. I thank all who made it worthwhile, especially seeing my Godmother and sister, Stella. Love You and see you soon! <3 br="">
Oh...pictures!