Sol Power

Sol Power jumpie was very much needed.  Big shouts to Stylus, Meistro, and Deep Sans for blessing us with the Afro, Latin, and Brazilian sounds.  Click the link for more pics…

Black President’s Day – Recap

Despite the rain, cold, and winds, last night’s Black President’s Day event was in full effect with an astounding number of party goers who braved the elements.  To put it short – Union Street Band – killed it, Jahsonic & Stylus – killed it, Sabine – killed it, and the food…I killed that too!

Big up to Kat and the Lil So So team for another amazing event and thanks to Michael and David from Heineken as well.

Click the link below for more pics…

Black President’s Day: A Celebration of Fela Kuti and Afrobeat Culture

Every year this event gets bigger and better and this year’s will not disappoint!  If you have the means to do so, come through:

The fourth annual “Black President’s Day” celebration will honor the First Ladies of Afrobeat. Dedicated, loyal and innovative, these women often relegated to the sidelines, were at the center of Fela’s movement, sound and presentation. This year, we bring to light their importance with a special pre-event entitled “Aesthetics & Adornments:”

Saturday, October 17, 2009 – 9pm-2am

The Warehouse – 411 New York Ave. NE (3rd Fl – Corner of Penn Ave/4th St)

Complimentary buffet:
Jollof Rice
Plantain
Chicken

Complimentary Heineken (while supplies last)

Live Music:
Union Street Band w/special guests Tosin Aribisala and Tokunbo Aderele

DJ Sets in Two Rooms!

In “The Chamber”
DJ Shoboy
DJ Don X, “The Party Starter” of http://afrijamzradio.com
i-Wah, “The Beat Priest”

In “The Shrine”
Jahsonic (Soul Controllers)
Stylus, “The Vibe Conductor” (Soul Controllers)
DJ Sabine (Oyasound/Brooklyn Mecca/Rhythm&Roots)
w/Jabari Exum on Djembe

Live Art by Aniekan Uduofia

Your Facebook RSVP will reserve the advanced sale price ($15) until 11PM and then $20

Log onto www.lilsoso.com for more information and stay tuned for updates!

Much Love

Bonafide Magazine

Typographical

When I began The Classics I had no idea what would happen, what people would think, etc…  And considering how people love to throw you under the bus I honestly thought I’d receive more negative than positive criticism, so its surprising the level of positive feedback and support I’ve been getting.

Enter Bonafide (a unique music based lifestyle magazine – you gotta check this post) and Typographical (a design based lifestyle blog that’s run by an old friend of mine from my streetwear daze), which are 2 of the various sites who have both posted info about The Classics.  Please visit them along with these:

• Rule 4080
• The Source
• Spine Magazine
• The John Robinson Project

The Classics – The Mixtape Vol. 2

Download and listen to The Classics – The Mixtape Vol. 2 (courtesy of DJ 2-Tone Jones) while you check out the event pics below….

The Classics – Event Pics

Big Thanks to everyone that came out and supported The Classics on Wednesday.  Guests really seemed to take-to and enjoy the concept: from the albums, to the music, to the themed drinks (the ‘Too Short” was the best seller!), good vibes and energy flowed through both floors.

Its been a while since I’ve enjoyed myself that much at something I was doing, as I’m usually running crazy and the event is over before I know it, so doing this was a nice change of pace.

The scene, straight up, took me back - strangers interacting with each other, dancing, networking, sharing stories, people discussing their favorite artists and groups, letting the albums and music generate conversation, and a number of them reading The Source.  In addition to that, just meeting a so many people that appreciated an event of this nature, and even asking about the next series was especially rewarding.

Thanks to the supporting people and brands that helped make this possible: Jeremy (Lounge of 3), Karim, Victoria (Smirnoff), Amy, Dana (The Source), Cey Adams, DJ Roddy Rod, DJ 2-Tone Jones, Soul 1 (Frank White Space) and Hayat and Sam (Smirnoff Ladies).  You all really came through in a major way!

With that said, enjoy the additional event pics and keep checking back for updates on Series 2: SOUL.

The Classics – The Video

Here is cultural project #3 – The Video.   Big shout to DJ Roddy Rod (Low Budget Crew, Humble Monarch Media) for producing the video for The Classics.  Here you can view a variety of the album covers (plus many more) that are featured in the show along with interviews on a few of Rap music’s pivotal artists and groups.

The Classics – The Interview: Cey Adams, Pt. 2

Here’s part 2 of the Cey Adams interview (see you tonight at The Classics):

Cey: This is the same building that Def Jam used to be in.  60 Varick, right here in this building and they were on the same floor that Def Jam used to be on so, it’s really special for me; they have three floors and so one of their three floors was Def Jam’s old space before they officially went corporate and moved uptown.

Soul 1: Nice.

Cey: So, this is like a homecoming for me, and so, working with them is really, it’s really emotional just being in this space again, and just seeing, you know, what different form it’s taken 15 years later or whatever it’s been.

The Classics – The Drink Menu

Above are the Hip-Hop + Smirnoff fused drinks that will be available during The Classics tomorrow.  Simple recipes yet classic flavors.  Its an extra I felt would definitely add to the event experience.   And remember, complimentary Smirnoff 7pm-9pm.

The Classics – The Mixtape Vol. 1

Cultural Project #2 – The Mixtape Vol. 1, mixed by DJ 2-Tone Jones, which you can listen to while you read part 1 of Cey Adams’ interview.  Download here.