Review: Guilty Pleasures

guilty pleasures

Guilty Pleasures is “all gems, no requests” and a DJs paradise. A collaboration between AfroaDJiak and DJ Red Corvette, GP is where the DJs vibe and the crowd simply rides the wave. There is no format. Trap, club, reggae, bounce,  afrobeat, r&b and even some pop favorites.

The monthly event is a pure energy exchange. Weaving through genres and decades in the cozy space that is 25 Maiden Lane located in San Francisco, California. But don’t fret, this event is gearing up to be a mobile, touring good time. The two women joined forces to show female unity and live the concept by seeking various female artists to create visual art work for their projects. Event aside the duo has also curated a mixtape series. GP are you with me?

Both DJs specialize in crowd movement and compliment each other well.  They stay true to the thought that music is the ultimate unifier. Throughout the night everyone was so engulfed in the energy that the DJs were also participants not just orchestrators. I was able to catch up with both ladies for a brief interview detailing how they came together, what Guilty Pleasures is about, the need for female unity in the industry and more! Check it out below. Be sure to check DJ Red Corvette and afroDJiack for Guilty Pleasures Volume 1 &2 annnd future events from both of these 2 trill jeans.

Review: IAMSUMMER Tour with The HBK Gang

Friendship is like any other relationship and is cultivated through trial, error, love, forgiveness and dedication. The story of HBK Gang is no different. Friends from Richmond, CA (not VA) grew a brotherhood that now enables them to live their dreams touring around the country. Pushing their talents to the forefront each member promotes a cohesive individually that has attracted fans by the hundreds of thousands.

The IAMSummer tour slide through San Francisco August 27th, 2016 that featured a line up of: Dave Steezy, Skipper, Show Banga, Kool John, and finished with headliner IAMSU!. Energy was high, or maybe the contact in the venue made it feel that way. Though under the banner of HBK each member rep their own initiatives. In a world where individuality usually separates, in the world of HBK it unifies them.

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Mood: Food – My Two Cents

 my 2 cents Snapchat-8451305683626929049

On a recent trip to L.A. I had the pleasure of dining at My Two Cents. The restaurant opened in 2013 by french trained head chef, Alisa Reynolds.  Their tag line “from the soil to your soul” explains her twist on traditional soul food. Imagine all the deliciousness of your favorite soul food but its vegan, gluten free, or just overall more healthy!

A group of gal pals and I waited for My Two Cents (M2C) to open and there was an immediate line 15 minutes prior to opening. We were able to grab a table before there were none in the quaint space. Looking over the menu, while waiting to order, I immediately selected my favorites, shrimp & grits and Mac & Cheese. But there was one problem. The Mac & Cheese was gluten free and the noodles were made of quinoa. I am far from a “healthy” eater and the lack of gluten never appealed to me. I joked about ordering the Mac with all the gluten.

We were waited on by a familiar set of twins and upon announcing our first visit a roar came from all the staff: “First tim-ers!” and a array of welcomes followed by clamoring of pots and pans. He took his time to answer questions, gave recommendations and made notable small talk. We sat and waited for our food and a familiar sound caught my ears, Lil’ Kim’s “Not Tonight.” I wanted to cry. Yes, I’m dramatic. What establishment do you know plays classics like that? It was nostalgic. Alisa became my auntie in that moment. The food came out in wooden bowls and serving dishes, the same bowls and plates my mom had in the 90’s. I was officially at home.

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Review: Trap Karaoke Bay Area Edition II

photostudio_1461037584949With all that’s going on in the world and the various assaults on POC happening all over the world some time you just need to be in the presence of your people in a positive setting, on one accord. That’s Trap Karaoke.

Pioneered by Jason Mowatt, Trap Karaoke is the DJ playing your favorite song and breaking the track to let you and the crowd recite the punchline… for 4 hours. Its a traveling family reunion full of cousins you’ve never met. Hosted by LowKey but co-hosted by local significant figures, in our case DNas (Fresh Steps, Streets Is Talking Radio) the experience is almost spiritual.

Cousiiiin! -Lucky (Tupac)

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