F.I.L.A.M. = Forever I Love ATLANTA Music

DISCLAIMER: If I forgot some tidbits, my apologies. Things were coming to my mind at that moment and HAD to get it out.

My apologies for the lack of posts. Life has kept me on my toes I am now in NYC and savoring all that it offers. Truly thankful for this experience. However, I am missing my Atlanta Music family right now.

Last night was a fine example: I got to see Kai Alce at Output. Anyone who know Atlanta KNOWS of Kai Alce. Yes, he is Detroit bred in his sound, but his home is ATL. I remember meeting this being at 16, while scoping records with my mom at Satellite Records (Rest In Peace). Such a humble being, yet a music connoisseur who could tell you EVERY single piece of info about a track. Talk about amazing! One of the 1st records I bought there was from Tortured Soul. I got home and played it on my Technics and the sound was Heaven to my ears.

I say all this to say: TREASURE those who impact the movement in the RIGHT direction. The uniqueness of our movement (notice how I did NOT say scene. That ends and another chapter starts. Movements shift and create energy) is what I love. As a young being in this movement, I am always amazed and blown away by the history that paved the way for many to do what they do in this city today. Still learning and growing from the experiences that I have encountered. From people playing at Ying-Yang Cafe, Kaya, MJQ, Backstreet and so many other joints. I can go to ANY city and when I mention Atlanta, I get a few of the following:

A) I did not know that you all had a scene there
B) Yeah I have people down there that do events
C) What's that event that happens every Labor Day? House In The Park, right? Friends of mine went and were blown away
D) Tambor is the lick! I have to make it down there for it.
E) There are some fine ass women who go to the events that I see in pictures and posts. What's their names?
F) Such a youthful and open quality that you rarely see. Keep it moving!



I remember one night while at MJQ dancing on stage with Rodney, RamonRawsoul approached me. No lie, I was wondering who the heck he was. He reached out to me to check out this event that he was doing at Candler Park called House In The Park. Changed me and turned me out. There was less than 200 bodies there. We are now celebrating its 10th year. About 10k the year before and one of my closest beings that I know. THANK YOU!

Meeting Salah Ananse one day through Nina and hearing his sound was like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. He paid attention, got advice, took notes and BOOM! Respect, homie!

I remember mom coming home with Ron Pullman CDs and we jammed out. Letting the children have it and losing it all at once in the middle of May. Going to Earwax and seeing what Ron offered to everyone. Such a cool cat and I miss that sound...

Ausar bridging the Ancestral World with this realm always makes my soul sing. Opening up discussions and having powerful beings on panels that reach out to the masses. I have so much Love for this being. Respect!

The way Cullen Cole fuses B-Sides and Disco with some House favourites/rarities guarantees that all will be good while on the dance floor.

Meeting Kemit through moms and Kai, then being blown away at his sets at MJQ. Always showing Love to everyone and reaching out to those who want to know more. He keeps it funky, raw and soulful.

Going out to MJQ my first night and meeting Rodney Williams, Ruby Omar (Rest In Peace), Content, Soul, Twa, Talub, Tac, Shana, Isis, Cardrian, Pebbles, Jennifer, Brian Scarlett and so many others.  Some of us danced to House Music and some House Dancers (there is a difference, you know...). Losing our ever-loving minds (sometimes clothing) whenever a track came out. The darkness of the club and the bodies all in motion...


Thankful to have met and know pioneers of this movement, even though some may not understand or fully grasp their sound. We are losing pioneers and we must respect and honor what we have.

My definition of Atlanta's sound: You have a conglomerate of cities that influence it. However, it is of our own. You have Chicago, Detroit, NYC, Milwaukee/St.Louis, London and so forth. You cannot just peg our sound just by hearing one DJ.

Sure, you can go The Gathering and hear RamonRawsoul and Kai Alce play. You hear their distinctive cities, BUT you do notice a variance of sounds that is blended into the sets, which makes my Heart sing. You can go to Tambor and hear Stan Zeff and DJ BE spin, but you hear their roots. Just listen.

Too many people pigeonhole one city's sound and honestly, it bores me. I cannot hear Afro all night. I cannot hear classics all night. I cannot hear Disco all night. I cannot hear Garage all night. Mix it up, folks! That is what makes House Music unique.

And to those who like to create ruckus for the simple fact to bring attention to themselves within our movement: Stop it. It ain't cute. I know for a fact that I will not be attending an event if all you do is bitch and whine about things that ABSOLUTELY have no merit. If you disagree with things that occur within our movement, reach out to the pioneers and get some knowledge before you spew inaccurate statements. I have had to distance myself from several due to this. I personally do not care nor want to contribute. We are here for the music, not ANYONE'S personal agenda. If you are of that Light, do us all a favor: remove yourself. You are only causing yourself more harm to your reputation than anything.

Our family may have its imperfections, but at the end of the day, we come together in the name of music. I am sick of outsiders coming in and saying rude things about our movement. If you do not know, ASK. To be honest, it is disrespectful and detrimental to you.

I get it. Your city knows House Music and do all that it can to preserve its sound. Although that may be the case, do not come to Atlanta and think that we are behind, some country ass bumpkins or lack knowledge. You may be surprised if you step outside the box and experience something brand new. Your ears will appreciate it. Trust me.

I may be in NYC and getting a taste of the movement here, but ATLANTA will always be my HOME!

I LOVE each and every single one of those who bring happiness to many on the dance floor.

THANK YOU!!

P.S.- If you are in the Atlanta area MLK weekend, PLEASE go to MJQ for our MLK celebration. Cullen Cole, DJ Kemit and Kai Alce on the decks. Date: January 19th!! One of the few events that gets me happier than a child on their birthday.

Love.

MI CASA HOLIDAY: Season 4

So Julius is an amazing being to know. I just have to get that out.

For three years, him, Adam Gibbons, Sabine, Kevin and so many others have told me about this event.

'D, you are gonna Love it! You HAVE to come...' 
'For a dancer, this is Heaven. Are you coming next year?'

I kept putting it off for THREE YEARS. What is wrong with me?! I am ALL about the Beach, Meeting wonderful souls and of course, Dancing. So I packed my carry-on and headed to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico for Mi Casa es Su Casa Holiday 2012.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! The experience has forever changed my mind, body and soul. The individuals I met there are beautiful. Coincidentally, I bonded on an even greater scale with some wonderful souls I already knew.

Seeing Osunlade and Djeff, on top of getting big hugs from many made this trip beautiful. Osunlade with his suspenders, badass shoes and pipe. His set at the Blue Parrot set a sister on fire. The ancestors were lock and loaded with his set. I turned back to see him playing without headphones. That's a bad motherfucker! Hands down one of the dopest sets I have heard this man play. Ahh I love him!

My first night was the meet and greet. I ran into so many people I already knew: Jenn and Brad, Asya Shein of Fusicology, MasterKev, Justin (Aquabeat), RamonRawsoul, Julius The Mad Thinker, Adam Gibbons and so many others. I took a quick shower after a long day on the beach and went down to La Santanera for Uhuru Afrika/Wepa! event. Oh my goodness talk about spiritual! Sidy Maiga was on the drums. If you do not know who this brother is, Google him. He has worked with my fellow brother, Boddhi Satva on a few projects. I was in a trance by the drums and danced the ENTIRE night. I ran into my homie, Sabine, and it all went to another place RIGHT then and there. Met Lucid of Soulshifters and Odie (San Francisco) and we got it in as well. Big ups West Coast! Still SALTY that I missed Jose Marquez on the decks! I got you next time, homie! I know he ripped it. Big ups Max Pela and Adam Gibbons for keeping a sista on the floor and sweating her hair out the first night. That is dancing!

Friday was a crazy day as well. Went to hear the ladies on the deck for It's Her Turn! Helen Ting of Hong Kong: I'm gon' need for you all to peep this lady! I was sleeping on her and I apologize! She ripped the decks. DJ Tabu did her thang as well. I think the performance that shut down that day was Lady Alma. I LOVE me some of her! Her mic went out at one point and she started SAAAAAAAAAANGING like no one's business! That sister is the truth! I LOVE her voice and God has surely blessed her with it. After her performance, I ran into her and gave her huge hugs. Guess who was RIGHT there? Lisa Shaw! Talk about awesome! Such a sweet soul.

That night was the United Nations event at The Blue Parrot. I walked into about 11:45-ish because I COULD NOT miss my boo Sabine on decks! That sista is the TRUTH! I am so proud of you, woman! You always hold your own, but this night, you took it to another level. Love You bunches! Hallex M of Hong Kong (Paris) did the damn thing. When he played Kerri Chandler's remix of 'Rain', a sista was DONE! I do not think the locals who were not used to dancing of such magnitude knew what to do. Me, Soukeyna and Sabine all zoned out, cleared the area and just went RIGHT into it.

Osunlade got on the decks and shut it down until 5:30 in the morning! Needless to say, it was magical. Starting off with 'Cantos a Oya et Ochun', going into his remix of 'I Want You' by Floetry to hearing vocals bringing the return of the Black Messiah to Moodymann's 'Shades of Jae', a sista was on another planet. He always does that to me. I got to meet MAWU's own, Linda, on the dance floor. Talk about humbling. It is funny when you think no one knows who you are and come to find out, they do. Truly an experience. I shall forever treasure that night.

Saturday it was off to Om Tulum for Turntables on the Caribbean. Nickodemus, Eddie Plenty, Dj Numark and Sabo brought the tunes in. I met even more amazing souls that day. We dance to Old School Hip-Hop, House, Salsa, Soul and so much more. The water was PERFECT. But yeah, fifteen minutes away from us was a jungle with wild animals and shit. Talk about interesting. Not about that Life at all. We had fresh food and wonderful drinks to keep us all going in the spirit.

WARNING: Saturday night was STUPID! I needed dirt, a casket and someone to carry my ass out! Atlanta's own, RamonRawsoul started the night off right. I do not think I truly expected this night to be this mind-blowing!! I knew Ramon was gonna shut it down. Djeff SHUT IT DOWN FOR ALL OF MI CASA HOLIDAY! To be honest, he played better than when I saw him in Miami for Winter Music Conference and Atlanta! This dude had people calling all types of names. I felt my ancestors on the dance floor and went bananas! He played some newness from Boddhi (Do NOT think I did not ask! lol) and that was all she wrote. I was doing handstands, screaming out things I never knew I would say. When he busted out with EnaWadan's 'I'm Still Standing', I knew it was about to be a wrap. LAWD!!!! Where was my dirt? DJs were by the booth and were just mesmerized like they had seen a ghost. I was screaming up to the Heavens as to why he was bringing such goodness! I look over and see Joann Jimenez and she replies, 'I think I am pregnant!' Homie, you are the truth!

After his set, Julius got on. I'm not gonna even lie, if I were the DJ after him, I would have kept my shit in the bag and went back to my hotel room. That energy was DIVINE! After his set, he tells me, 'I hope they bring me back next year...' ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He will PROBABLY be a staple for Mi Casa Holiday! AND he wanted to get back on. Someone would have had to mop me off the floor. That foolishness would have not been pretty at all. My homeboy Kevin is upstairs playing and he smacked the Hell out of me with the goodness he played. Sidy had his drum and there was a little drum circle going on. his energy geared more towards me and Sabine. Her and I felt the Orishas around us and that was all that she wrote. I needed to cool down. However, when I looked up and opened my eyes, the damn sun was OUT! I danced ALL night until 7:30 in the morning!

Sunday was more of a lax day. It was the last day. Oh so sad to see everyone packing. Some already left on their respective flights. We chilled for the Ambassadors' closing party. Salah represented ATL VERY NICELY with his set. This man is doing amazing things for our scene and it is great for the rest of the World to see it first hand. Osunlade got on next and played all old school tracks! I loved it! So refreshing and the blend was PERFECT!!! Mikeytown got on! This dude is hilarious! If you put him and Djeff side by side, I PROMISE you that they are RELATED! His set was awesome! Kept all of us going. We all sung in unison and vibed out. David Sabat got on and brought his Chi-town flavor. I see you, homie!!! I miss Keith's set. Sadface. I heard it was smooth as well :) That night was the Soiree/Farewell event. We all hugged, took pictures, kisses on the cheeks and of course, more dancing. I got my feet some loving, courtesy of a foot massage. Ahhh yes!! I needed it after all of the days of dancing!

Vibing out with wonderful souls. I shall treasure the moments we shared. I got off the shuttle and into the airport and cried. I LOVE YOU MY MI CASA FAMILY!! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN... <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

<3

Tambor Party PRESENTS Djeff Afrozilla (Kazukuta, Nulu, Tribe)

Let me just say this: If you missed this man on the decks last night, I really do not know what to tell you.

REWIND TO WMC 2012 - Tribe Records Party at The Vagabond: So my brother, Carlos Mena is like, 'Yo, this kid is the truth! You might wanna stay for his set for a second...'. Ausar also informs me that this dude is the TRUTH and is to not be slept on. I go to greet him and he says hello and then HANDS ME A SHIRT and CD! He thanks me for dancing and I thank him for keeping the tunes going. Jose Marquez is finishing up his set and did the damn thing as well. Big ups Jose! We gotta get him to the A soon! His sound is amazing and so raw. Okay, I digress.

He steps on the decks and the SPEAKERS are RIGHT there in front of me. I am in a complete trance when he is on. I could care less if no one was dancing around me. I felt my ancestors the entire night while I was there. However, it was a warmth that covered his sound, along with the Angolan beats that kept me on the floor until Carlos tells me it is time to bounce. Such a humble and warm being. His set was INCREDIBLE!!!


DJ BE warms the crowd up with some dope bangers to get people AWAY from the walls and onto the floor in order to get Djeff nice and right for all to feel whom he is as a being on the decks. Stan Zeff closes out the night with some goodies I have not heard. A sista needs to know where she can her download from of the tracks you played. I WILL pay and dance even more.

Suffice to say when he played last night at 595 North, he did not disappoint. I am still on a high. I am a big fan of Kuduro and still learning more about it. The scene in itself is taking Angola by storm. Stadiums are filled with the sound. Reminds me a little bit of Soca with a little bit more of deepness intertwined. If you do not know about Kuduro, do your RESEARCH, folks!!! I am thankful that we as a city have the wonderful opportunity to experience sounds that other major cities do not have the opportunity to experience. It says a lot about our scene and the music overall. Atlanta is bringing the heat, folks!

Now onto the pictures and quick interview I did with him: