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!

H.D.A. is back!

Okay...

I know I have been absent for a minute. Between travel and work, things get shelved for a minute. The blog was one of them.

My sincerest apologies. I have to write about NYC and the awesomeness I encountered while there. Nonetheless, can I say one thing?!

HOUSE DANCERS OF ATLANTA is back!! It has been almost a year. Mixed schedules and crazy Life comes in. But when we meet, it is MAGIC! It inspires me whenever we hang because music bonds us, but dance creates an even tighter family. Many thanks to Isile (organizer), Degratia (co-organizer), Sarka, Wahlid (sp?) and other guests who made this experience that much more amazing. We never left! More meetups coming soon. Enjoy the video!

The Gathering 7 Year Anniversary with MasterKev

Having the pleasure of getting to know one of the most down to Earth people is truly amazing. I met Ramon during one night out at MJQ Deep Saturdays. He approached me about an event he was doing called 'House In The Park'. Ever since then, we have been friends. I can truly say that he is one of few that I respect in this game. Hailing from Chicago, he brought something unique to the table that not many DJs here in Atlanta have. To see his sound evolve is truly inspirational.

I remember when he had Imported Underground with Ryze and the tracks he would bang out. You wanna talk about some rawness?! It is only just that RamonRawsoul lives up to his name sake. I will never forget the night that Jovonn played and I heard 'T.F.J. (Theme From Jovonn). The damn generator kept blowing out. Someone kept restarting it, then we all continued dancing. There was NO HEAT or lights in this space that we all danced in. It went on until the sun came up and we all said our goodbyes and waited for the next one.

Rich Medina with his locks came and played at his party. Utter and pure magic to see the heads unite all in the name of music. David Harness came and turned it out for us all. We were in Heaven. For the Four Year Anniversary, Ian Friday came down and that was the first time I heard 'More Of You'. Me and Nishana were RIGHT next to each other and just went crazy! Ian looked up and smiled. Talk about a magical night. 

This past Saturday was NO exception...

Walked up into Space 2 seeing faces that I have not seen in many years roll through give Ramon and Kai their respects and Love (I COULD HAVE SWORN I SAW RYZE up in the piece!). Looked up on the wall and there were pictures of individuals who shaped this monthly event into what it has become today. I share hugs with so many wonderful souls and Kai is banging out the goodness! Classics and newness he intertwines so gracefully on the decks. I have so much Love and respect for this man it is not even funny. At this point, the crowd is building and I am sweating. I should have not worn that damn top with the turtleneck, though (sigh).

Midnight rolls around and at this point, there is NO room to dance. I get a bit hyped when tracks come on and people STAND RIGHT BY THE SPEAKER! I had to tell a brother to let me occupy that space by the rest of the night. Kev finally rolls in and I share hugs and conversation. Quite possibly one of the coolest people I have ever met (So great seeing you, man! Until soon, my friend). At this point, he was rested and ready to give Atlanta a piece of him and for us to share ourselves with him through dance. He starts off his set with a track produced by Osunlade called 'Piano in The Dark'. That banger is just oh so beautiful!

Thomas and Sarah present Ramon with a cake celebrating 7 years of wonderful music and parties. To see the look on his face was priceless! Kev is going in at this point and I lose it on the dancefloor. I open my eyes back up and crowd is going nuts. Hearing people whistle, yell and scream is a sign of a good night. The highlights for me was seeing Melba getting it in AND seeing my darling, Meghan rocking it out on the dance floor, Soukeyna doing floor moves and Cortney doing some moves I have NEVER seen her do. These ladies are amazing! My new friend from Paris brought her friend along and the night was complete.

The lights come on and Ramon starts banging out 'T.F.J'. I was done. Rodney pulls me close to him and before you know it, I am rolling on the floor and getting into trouble with him. If you ever want an amazing dance partner, Rodney is the one! Ramon ends the night with 'Life Starts Today'. Although it is a popular track and played a lot by DJs, it never gets old to me. Something about it makes my soul full and my mind happy. Thank You gentlemen and all those involved for an incredible night. Lucky number 7 lived on this night...

Tambor Party with Jose Marquez and Adult Skate: MLK Edition

As the evening rolled in, so did I. After a long day's work, I needed to relieve on the dance floor. I always look forward to Tambor Party to do just that.

DJ BE started off the night warming up the dance floor for the dancers and then it was time...

My homie, Jose Marquez was in town and it was a nice treat for us ATL folk. If you do not know, this man is dope in his own right. I feel as if many of us here in the South get too spoiled with a particular sound. It is time to break that mold and he did just that. He brought in some drums, some percussion and of course, a bit of the West Coast flavor. I enjoyed it and this dancer got her Life in. About half way through the set, Stan Zeff came in and the crowd soared with energy even more.

I appreciate the tag team on the decks because at the end, Jose saved the best for last. Thank You for coming here and blessing us with your sound. I will see you at Mi Casa Holiday, my brother!!

P.S.- Why did Ausar AND Jose have on Kazukuta SHIRTS?! Big ups to my homie, DJeff!!! What amazing souls!! Here are some pictures from that night:

 

The following night was Adult Skate. Anybody who knows about Adult Skate know how crazy the energy is. Well this one in particular was special for many reasons: We celebrated the man who was all for Peace and Unity among us all: Martin Luther King. Secondly, it was the Inauguration of Barack Obama for his second term. Talk about positive energy and spirits of many being uplifted. Adult Skate is the quintessence of such. Whenever it falls on this weekend for some beautiful reason, the energy is HIGH. This night was no exception. Walked in and expected people to warm up by just chatting...

That was not the case. Kemit already had the joint on fire with rawness. I slipped off my coat and started up on the wooden floor. Whenever I am on the wooden floors, I feel free and full of movement. Had my little corner and started going in. By this time, it was going into the midnight hour and more folks started rolling in. At this point, people are grooving and dancing. I say my hellos to Kemit, Cullen, Kai, Karin and countless others before returning to the dance floor. At this point, Cullen gets on with his funky self. I look to the crowd and I see people just standing and looking at people dancing.

DISCLAIMER: Why the HELL are you standing around looking at a group of people dancing? Nothing wrong with people feeling one another through dance, but when you dance one on one the whole night, it gets repetitive and boring. I have nothing against ciphers and whatnot. I enjoy sharing my energy with those who may not be used to it, but I cannot do it the whole night. YOU KILL THE ENERGY OF THE ROOM AND THE NIGHT! Besides, I am a dancer, not an entertainer or spectator. If you do that, don't come out and dance. Space is already limited as it is.

Okay, back to the music...

Cullen really heats it up with the Cassioware track. At this point, I am trying my best to break up the cipher because I want that REAL energy back. The lights go dark (THANK GOODNESS! Thank You, Kai) and Kai is on. When I tell you Kai brought that shit...OH MY GOODNESS!! I lost my ever-loving mind. I was at one point making love to the dance floor and getting it in with another being. That shit was pure raw, unadulterated fun! That is what I miss about the Atlanta scene: The rawness. Kai and very few others keep it that way. So I say to those who missed it: Gotta wait a couple more months.

P.S. - The chick who left her shoes found them. I am waiting for Kemit to drop an album with those shoes as his cover!

Onto the pictures:

Thank YOU FOR ALL THOSE WHO HELP MAKE THESE EVENTS HAPPEN!!!!! <3

Tambor 3-City Party: ATL

Little fact check for you all: I did not know that Tyrone Francis was from England! Brother sounds straight UP from the BK to me.

Nonetheless, I Thank him for being the amazing being that he is. DJ BE started off the evening just right to get the crowd going with some goodies that many of us heads know. Stan Zeff came on and turned the notch up JUST a wee bit more. I got to see my homie, Zepherin Saint who was playing as well the same night. Something told me that this night was going to be ANYTHING but ordinary for me. As soon as Tyrone came on, I could feel the New York flavor. For those ATL folks who have never been to a New York party, the energy is totally different. There is an organic approach to the sound and  the dancers express that when they are on the floor. People FEEL the music and hoot, holler, jump up and down. THIS IS HOUSE, FOLKS! Forget that foolishness that people tell you with a step and a movement. If you FEEL it, it is HOUSE dancing! Hell, it is DANCING period!

Zepherin Saint came onto the decks and brought a techy feel. Some down here may not appreciate those sounds. However, as a dancer, I like that aspect because it gives more variety and range when I move. He played this unreleased track that is coming out on his label and I damn near lost it on the floor. Expand your range of sound and you will be pleased with your musical palette. You men keep a sista dancing!!

So back to what I was writing: Tyrone came on and brought some straight foolishness I have not heard in  years. It is the sound of House that I was introduced to as a teenager while at my mom's playing Vinyl and rocking out on headphones. What really did it for me was hearing 'My Favorite Things' by Lamone from the Honeycomb Christmas album. It took me back to the good times when I first got into the scene and the LOVE that was so intense that you could scream of joy. I started dancing with Rodney and I looked up. The next thing I know, I am crying! Now anyone knows when I dance, I feel it. At THAT moment, I broke into tears of happiness. Never have I had such a release when I did. I very rarely do that. Vocals are IMPERATIVE in any tracks, folks! It tells the story on an even larger scale and keeps the audience captivated. I was spinning around in Rodney's arms and felt so light. The energy at that moment was at its zenith. I can truly say that he did the damn thing and garnered my respect even more.

So sad I could not make his BKNY party this past weekend. I left one day too soon. A full 12 hours of just music to keep everyone in good spirits, regardless of what your circumstances may be. I am coming for that party ASAP!! ATLANTA: NEXT MONTH IS GONNA BE FIRE!! My brother, Jose Marquez is coming! Be ready!!! Love

Another Year and Top 10 Tracks

I just want to thank EVERYONE who has read, commented, shared and embraced this blog. Without you all, we would not have the opportunity to EXPRESS what we do. Damn it has been three years and I am still kicking.

2013 is another year for greatness, positive vibes and amazing music. I do not consider it a new beginning; rather a year to transform House Music to the masses through writing to many who are willing to understand our World a little more. I have not given up on this music since it has not on me. I can still remember the time I fell in Love with House Music and the grip it has had on me since. It saved my Life!

Speaking of saving lives, I got ten tracks that were bangers this year that gave so much LIFE on the floor. Here are a few that did it for me (In NO particular Order):

Lamone - My Favorite Things:  Now anyone who knows me knows I am not big on the holidays. However, I downloaded Josh Milan's Holiday albums with wonderful artists such as Dawn Tallman, Lamone, Cinnamon Brown, Sandra St. Victor and others to make it oh so soulful. The Honeycomb Music camp made me appreciate vocals, soul, harmonies and music even more.  Tyrone Francis banged this at December's Tambor Party and the Spirit took over me. I was in tears of joy. Give thanks for these wonderful voices. If you want to download the album, go here: Honeycomb Christmas

Timmy Regisford feat. Mikey Dance - Shining (Sean McCabe Remix): When I first heard this track, I was like, 'Alright, let's see how this will sound' Gotta admit, at times I have a biased ear. I LOVE when vocals and production come together properly. Sean McCabe did justice with the remix of Timmy Regisford's track. I am a big fan of Mr. McCabe and I can truly say that this track needs to be played. I kept playing it over and over at home. Dancing to it is such a release.

SMT feat. Shea Soul - Just Fine: This track is just SMOOTH!! I heard it a while back when I was at The Gathering and I was hooked. I kept listening and KNEW that I had heard the voice before. Shea Soul never disappoints when it comes to tracks that she is on. The David Harness mix is HOT TOO! To be honest, I like all the mixes on this track. Now go and beat that to the ground.

Jazzmatik and Boddhi Satva feat. MiSSuM - And Other Worlds (Kai Alce Vocal Remix): If this banger does not make you move, I dunno what will. Kai Alce put his damn foot in this one and I cannot stop moving to it. It reminds of how House Music should be: Melodic, Vocal, Soulful and damn RAW! You better get it, homie! ATL REPRESENT!

Tuccillo and Kiko Navarro feat. Amor - Lovery (Yoruba Soul Mix): Maaaaaan Osunlade better stop playing. When I first heard this track, I thought out to loud and said, 'Goodness gracious! What a banger to get the summer going right'. Many DJs rock this track to get the masses on the dance floor. It always works and that is why it is on this list.

Mr. O and Funk Deepstar feat. Ckenz Vocal - I Got This Feeling: Big ups to South Africa for this one. Not your typical South African banger. The SoulCandi camp does it again. They never disappoint. I heard this track at Tambor Party during Stan Zeff's set. Me and Yoli Chisholm were blown away and I HAD to ask. Paid for my download and the rest is history. Get it!

Atjazz and Jullian Gomes - Overshadowed (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Dub): OH MY GOODNESS! I really do not think you all here in the STATES understand how damn genius Atjazz is. Sleep on this dude if you  must my fellow Americans, but he is the TRUTH! We gotta get him stateside. SOMEONE. ANYONE?! Carlos Mena played this banger at one of his BEMBE parties here in Atlanta and I fucking LOST it! Words cannot describe the feelings I had at that moment when  this track came on: Nostalgia, Love, Pure and RAW emotion, the ability to move freely and dance like no one is watching. Atjazz's tracks usually does that to me. However, this track here: OH MY GOODNESS!! Thank You for producing this with Jullian Gomes. WARNING: Not for all DJs to play and for the faint of Heart. Just being real.

EnaWadan - I'm Still Standing: Brother ain't that the truth! Carlos Mena brought this cat to the masses with 'Forever' on his Ocha Records label. Thankful and blessed that he came back FULL force with this banger. This track makes a sista feel good when she is dancing and yet again, NOT every DJ can play this track. With the release on Offering Recordings, it set a whole new standard to vocals and ancestral energy. When I hear this track, it sends off positive vibes and great energy to the dancers. A banger, indeed!

Ralf Gum feat. Monique Bingham - Take Me To My Love: When I tell you that this track can NEVER get old, believe it. Regardless of what sound of House you may play, this track is a club banger. Ralf Gum and Monique Bingham have done it again. With Ralf's stellar production and Monique's smooth vocals, you cannot go wrong. I LOVE THIS TRACK!

*****FLako feat Dirg Gerner -Lonely Town (K2 REMIX): Alright Kris Klayton AKA Karizma AKA Kaytronik, I am calling you out on this one! How you gon' produce this foolishness and NOT put it out?!?!?! I heard this track and seriously started screaming at the top of my lungs. When I tell you that this is EVERYTHING that I needed for 2012 when it came to Music HANDS DOWN, this is the ONE!  I put stars next to this because I WANT THIS RELEASED! Hell, I am pretty sure most of your fans want this out. YET AGAIN: ONLY CERTAIN DJs can play this. Kai Alce rocked this shit during one of his sets and I lost it. People were lost as me and a few others were losing our minds. Seeing people go to the booth and ask what it is guarantees that it is a banger! DAMN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT IN THIS ONE, Kris! THANK YOU!!!!

If you want ANY of these tracks, PLEASE PAY FOR YOUR DOWNLOAD. Amazon, iTunes Store, Traxsource, Beatport, Juno and other paying sites. Thank you all and LOVE!

Afrique Electrqiue/Sunday School 4 Year Anniversary featuring Josh Milan

I get excited when I hear these two words: Josh Milan!

I did a write up about him last year and it never ceases to amaze me how well the interview went. He is such a humble being and it is only just that many share his Heart through his music. The phone call I received from him totally made me happy! I was asked by him to help promote the event and to get the word out about it in Atlanta. You see, many know him through vocals and production, but some of us have seen him in action on the decks and I was excited to hear that he would be playing for us all.

I was SO thankful to see him in the building. At first, it trickled in with folks because in the South, the cold was straight foolishness and we ain't used to that. Salah warmed up the crowd to warm our bodies up for the floor. As soon as Josh got on and started up the crowd, it was on. He started with 'From Now On', brought it back with 'Another Part of Me' by Avery Sunshine and some Vikter Duplaix's 'The Real World', I knew the night was gonna be fire.

I give him thanks for letting me help promote for his event. To be honest, I knew it was gonna be a great night and the souls that were supposed to be there were in the building. Thank You ALL for a wonderful evening. Here are pictures: