p.s. The memoirs of the short, light & tansome...

30 something crisis... again?

2009-11-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

i-Quote ::
Most people just get older, and they find parking spaces, honor their credit cards, choose personal preferences in drink, have the nerve to get married and have children, and they call that growing up. That's not. That's getting older. ~ Maya Angelou
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What's up?
It's been a minute since I've felt to sit down and write a long, heartfelt email. This week has been that week however, when my emotions have waxed and waned like the movement of the moon (who says I'm not poetic ~ Editor's Note: Check out my brother Dwayne Morgan at When Brothers Speak next weekend at the St. Lawrence Centre for the performing arts).

I digress. So it's been a minute since I last wrote a heart to heart email - but this week the pieces just sort of FELL into place as my thoughts, time, circumstance, and coincidence came together.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. One day when I wake up, I feel depressed. I think about all of the conversations that I've had lately about friends losing their jobs. I think about my constant disclaimer to everyone that I have serious conversation with "don't let people fool you... no matter how much anyone's making, everyone's catching their a$$ right now". I wonder if it's true, or if it's just media H1N1 like hype (I've decided that I'm not taking it), scaring us all into a state of panic. Either way, I've decided not to take any chances - if all these celebrities can go bankrupt, so can anyone. I've started watching coupons and trying to trim unnecessary Rogers features, turn the heat down a notch and researching high efficiency furnaces (lol)...

I see homeless people in Scarborough - the suburbs - in record numbers and unlike many, truly wonder what their story is. Is that an engineer? A college graduate who made a mistake and cussed his boss? Did her husband take her children and home? Did a relative pass leaving that person without a home?

I think about myself, and I wonder if I'm "truly" doing what I was put here to do... I mean, I'm great at it, and I love it, but is it truly "adult"? Is it recession proof? Especially, when Wall Street, Telus, television and radio, and construction aren't? Maybe I should do something else. Maybe I should go back to school?

2 years, on the first of January, I held something at my house that I stole the concept from my good friend Wayne Warner (yeah... we're friends - now everyone knows Wayne). It was called 30something at 30something (as opposed to 30 at 30, 31 at 31 so I could continue it annually). I invited the, you guessed it "30 something" most influencial people to me getting there. The next year, as I sat to write the list, I revisited the list from the year past and realized that many, if not most of the original 30 were old friends... who, like the experiences that shape an artists first album, equalled my experience from 0-30. So when putting the list together the next year, I thought - damn... this person didn't know my furnace was out for a month last year. That person didn't even know I reinjured my leg. I didn't call this one when I went to Japan, and that one was shocked to see me not driving the civic. My point? I realized that the term "friend" (and again I'm aware that friends don't speak every day) in some of the instances had lost meaning - that I hadn't been a friend to them, or them to me - we were acquaintances who cared, and of convenience in the event that something happened - but not FRIENDS. I cancelled 30something.

Then there's the flipside. Someone asks "how are you", and I monitor my answer to not say or bring any negativity into my space... "I'm great". And I am. I'm fully aware of the fact that we complain too much. I have a home, strained but existent family relationships, strained but great friendships, and a strained but existent financial situation. But others have worse - and for what I have, I am truly, truly grateful.

Apart from having a cold, I'm healthy. (Actually, that's a lie. I think I heard my friend Hance say that "upwards of 70% of people live in a state of pain". I would fall into that category where I live with certain and certain pains, as they've become a part of me so much as not to bother me).

Again. The flipside is, however, that like the Drake lyric, sometimes - some days - I feel "24 hours from greatness... I'm that close". Sometimes, I'm aware - of the impact that my contributions in entertainment, with this newsletter, as a voice in the community (look out for the return of my Black history moment as a full commentary segment on Worldwide soon). Somedays, I feel great. I feel driven to do more. And I feel grateful.

My thoughts go out to all the families going through health issues - fighting cancer or lupus or any other terrible disease. My thoughts go out to friends who are letting ego get in the way or relationships that are broken by pride and anger and hurt.. And then, like Desiderata, and my mom's favorite song, I think to my self "Its a Wonderful world"... And I need to be more gracious and grateful to be here. Someone else wishes they had what I have... and once again, I need to remind myself to celebrate life and let the little things go...

Happy birthday to my partner in crime, DJ Starting from Scratch. Happy birthday to my brother, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (I'll be partying with you at Soca Or Die this Saturday - http://toronto-lime.com/). Happy birthday to Ms. Giona (I'm glad you've found happiness). Happy birthday to one of my greatest motivators and friends, Jully Black (your work ethic & positivity truly inspires me - Black Book in Stores November 23rd).

Happy birthday to all my Scorpio friends (the most difficult jealous, yet loving sign to deal with...): Nurse Karen, TreyNix, Chantelle Knight, Ayana McLean, Plaeboi (what up East coast), Debra Haughton, A-Game (my condolences little Bros), Taboo, Michee, Romero (what up Montreal), Sarah Lyn, Mona Lady Luck, Jeanelle Igwe, Skinny Ricky, Amol Standout, Gillian Baptiste, Xandi, Solitair, MarXman, Nicole Alexander (was it good to you?), Ayanna Sealey, Kwamster Monster, Roscoe (aka P90X), Thrust, Sir Phillips, Marsha Matthews, Wendy Madevu... I don't generally do this, but there seem to be more Scorpios than any other sign for some reason - and that was only up to this week lol...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I feel better. Back to work. It's funny... with all that said, work wise, I've been very motivated since the Amnesia Anniversary in September... Coming up of course is the Sound>Track Edition of Soul Kitchen with the return of Starting from Scratch and the long awaited return to Vola (formerly known as Blurr).

Amnesia 10 Yr with Bell Biv Devoe, Das Efx & WAY more. Hold on DAS EFX?

2009-09-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT...

THE BIGGEST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND EVER CONTINUES...

IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD YET, THE FIRST OF MANY ARTISTS AT THIS YEAR'S

AMNESIA 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IS

BELL BIV DEVOE.

To this, we add a COUPLE more acts...
1 Hip Hop duo - responsible for a pivotal lyrical style in the 90s (from NYC)

DAS EFX
1 R&B/Pop Act - International - nuff said
1 Hip Hop act - have arguably 3 of the biggest hip hops hits in the 90s
1 Canadian act - never seen before at Amnesia - TDot stand up.

---------------------------

THE LEGENDARY AMNESIA ANNIVERSARY

10 YEAR WEEKEND

MAIN EVENT

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH 2009

Koolhaus - 132 Queens Quay East

Starting from Scratch x Jason Chambers

+ BELL BIV DEVOE +

+ DAS EFX +

+ surprise performances +

(past surprises have included...

Chubb Rock, CeCe Peniston, CL Smooth, Special Ed, Ten City, Maestro, Michee Mee,

T-Dot All Stars, Shannon, Naughty by Nature, MC Lyte, Greg Nice (of Nice & Smooth), Do Dat, Bag A Trix, Lisa Lisa & the Cult Jam, Dream Warriors et.al over the past 10 years).

$35 ADVANCED TICKETS MOVING QUICKLY AT

EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: 31 Tapscott Rd - Malvern Town Centre :: Scarborough :: 416.754.2030
WEST
Big It Up ~ Square One Shopping Centre :: 100 City Centre Drive :: Level 1 :: Mississauga :: 905.803.8407
CENTRAL
Big It Up ~ Yorkdale Shopping Centre :: Toronto :: 416.785.3770
DOWNTOWN
Big It Up ~ Eaton Centre :: Toronto :: 416.597.6773
Play de Record :: 357A Yonge St :: 416.586.0380

THERE WILL BE TICKETS

AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $40

AMNESIA + BBD + [ACT] + [ACT] + [ACT] = AMNESIA 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2009-09-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ian Andre Espinet 18 September at 10:44

BEFORE I BEGIN... There are ONLY $25 TIX AT VAUGHN MILLS BIG IT UP, SHINE BRAMPTON & PLAY DE RECORD DOWNTOWN. All other outlets are at $35.
Play de Record = 51
Shine Brampton = 21
Vaughn Mills Big It Up = 48

FAQ'S ANSWERED:
How much is Friday - $9.99 advanced :: $15 door before 12 / $20 after

How much is Saturday - $35 at all outlets EXCEPT as listed above

What's the difference between the parties: Friday is a regular Amnesia throwdown with Scratch & Chambers // Saturday is the legendary traditional Amnesia Anniversary PARTY WITH PERFORMANCES (not concert... party with performances).

Who's performing: I can't tell you, but on Wednesday, we released BBD - BELL BIV DEVOE. Now you know. Yo, Slick, blow (pause lol).

There are a COUPLE more acts...
1 Hip Hop duo - responsible for a pivotal lyrical style in the 90s (from NYC)
1 R&B/Pop Act - International
1 Hip Hop act - have arguably 3 of the biggest hip hops hits in the 90s
1 Canadian act - never seen before at Amnesia - TDot stand up.

****************

What's up,

By now you've probably heard...The first artist at Amnesia 10 year is:
BELL BIV DEVOE.

DON'T LISTEN TO RUMOURS. IT'S NOT MONTELL JORDAN (he's cool, but it's not him).

Many have asked why we released the name as we usually keep it a secret... Well, let's just say this. Think of (or look down at) the number of artists that have been on past Amnesia Anniversary events. Now, to say that BBD is the biggest yet - and enough on their own - would be an understatement. Now glance BACK at the list, and know this... There are MORE in quantity - AND in size - than ANY AMNESIA ANNIVERSARY preceeding this one.

Some of you trusted us early and bought $20 tickets and got 2 parties. Some of you took some time, bought $25 tickets and got 2 parties. These lucky people are partying free on Friday and are seeing BBD et.al on Saturday for $20 & $25. You're welcome. Thank you for believing.

Yet others bought $25 tickets late, and came to know that for $25 they will see BBD at Amnesia (which in - and of itself is worth $20), so they're seeing BBD for $5.

Now. When this round of tickets are complete - (and it wasn't 400 either) - the price will be $35. KNOW THIS. At $35, you are witnessing BBD and a COUPLE of acts that will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND.

DO NOT. I repeat. DO NOT second guess this. You will hear about it for the next 5 years (unless you're there, in which case you'll remember it forever).

Tune into Scratch at 5 on Friday for a last preview. Get your tickets now... THE CITY IS ON FIRE.

GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY. Tell a friend to tell a friend to tell a friend.

Let's the guessing begin... Any MORE ideas for 10 years ???????????????????????????????????????

==========================================
THE BIGGEST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND EVER BEGINS...

WE STILL HAVE A COUPLE (REMEMBER YOUR MOM'S DEF'N OF COUPLE... NOT 2)
ACTS TO COME...
BOTH FROM THE R&B AND HIP HOP GENRES
---------------------------

PLEASE NOTE THAT
*** TONIGHT FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 2009 HAS MOVED ***
TO SOUND ACADEMY 2 - 11 Polson Piers
Starting from Scratch x Jason Chambers
$9.99 TIX FOR FRIDAY AVAILABLE AT ALL TICKET LOCATIONS
& AT THE DOOR for $15 before midnight & $20 after.

*****

Tomorrow night:
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH 2009
THE AMNESIA ANNIVERSARY MAIN EVENT
Koolhaus - 132 Queens Quay East
Starting from Scratch x Jason Chambers
+ surprise performances + BBD

(past surprises have included...
Chubb Rock, CeCe Peniston, CL Smooth, Special Ed, Ten City, Maestro, Michee, T-Dot All Stars, Shannon, Naughty by Nature, MC Lyte, Greg Nice (of Nice & Smooth), Do Dat, Bag A Trix, Lisa Lisa & the Cult Jam, Dream Warriors et.al over the past 10 years).

*****************************
$35 ADVANCED TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT
EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: 31 Tapscott Rd - Malvern Town Centre :: Scarborough :: 416.754.2030 - RESTOCKED 13 LEFT - $35S ON HAND
Cut Creator 2 :: 810 Midland Ave :: Scarborough :: 416.266.1962 - SOLD OUT - WILL NOT BE RESTOCKED
Modern Edge Hair Design :: 11 Harwood Ave S :: Ajax :: 905.426.6894 - SOLD OUT - RESTOCKING AT 6PM -
WEST
Big It Up ~ Square One Shopping Centre :: 100 City Centre Drive :: Level 1 :: Mississauga :: 905.803.8407 - SOLD OUT
CENTRAL
Big It Up ~ Yorkdale Shopping Centre :: Toronto :: 416.785.3770 - 16 LEFT
DOWNTOWN
Big It Up ~ Eaton Centre :: Toronto :: 416.597.6773 - 35 LEFT

UPON SELLOUT THERE WILL BE A SMALL NUMBER TICKETS
AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.

THANK YOU FOR 10 YEARS OF MEMORIES, MUSIC, FRIENDSHIP & LOVE

Yours sincerely,

Ian Andre Espinet

per Jason Chambers + DJ Starting from Scratch

AMNESIA. FOREVER.

*************************
DAY OF EVENT INFO :
EMAIL >> IAN@AMNESIA.CA - TO MY BLACKBERRY.
*************************

Amnesia 1st Headliner revealed: Tune into Scratch at 5pm on FLOW 93.5fm & read on.

2009-09-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

:: in this email ::

4 DAYS UNTIL

THE BIGGEST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND.

EVER.

The surprise performances are SO big

and we have so many acts, that

WE THOUGHT WE'D START THE EXCITEMENT EARLY

BY LETTING ONE OFF TO GIVE YOU A TASTE.

YOU. ARE. NOT. READY.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18-19TH 2009

THE LEGENDARY AMNESIA ANNIVERSARY

10 YEAR WEEKEND

DJ Starting from Scratch x DJ Jason Chambers

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 2009

*** HAS MOVED ***

TO SOUND ACADEMY 2 ***

Starting from Scratch x Jason Chambers

$9.99 TIX FOR FRIDAY AVAILABLE AT ALL TICKET LOCATIONS

& at the door.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH 2009

Koolhaus - 132 Queens Quay East

Starting from Scratch x Jason Chambers

+ surprise performances +

(past surprises have included...

Chubb Rock, CeCe Peniston, CL Smooth, Special Ed, Ten City, Maestro, Michee

T-Dot All Stars, Shannon, Naughty by Nature, MC Lyte, Greg Nice (of Nice & Smooth), Do Dat, Bag A Trix, Lisa Lisa & the Cult Jam, Dream Warriors et.al over the past 10 years).

EARLY BIRD $25 ADVANCED TICKETS FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH

ARE IN STORES NOW

EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: 31 Tapscott Rd - Malvern Town Centre :: Scarborough :: 416.754.2030 - 5 LEFT (RESTOCKING TODAY WITH $25 TICKETS)
Cut Creator 2 :: 810 Midland Ave :: Scarborough :: 416.266.1962 - 24 LEFT
Modern Edge Hair Design :: 11 Harwood Ave S :: Ajax :: 905.426.6894 - 35 LEFT
WEST
Big It Up ~ Square One Shopping Centre :: 100 City Centre Drive :: Level 1 :: Mississauga :: 905.803.8407 - 43 TICKETS LEFT
CENTRAL
Big It Up ~ Yorkdale Shopping Centre :: Toronto :: 416.785.3770 - 16 LEFT
DOWNTOWN
Big It Up ~ Eaton Centre :: Toronto :: 416.597.6773 - 35 LEFT
Play de Record :: 357A Yonge St :: 416.586.0380 - 81 LEFT
NORTH/BRAMPTON
Big It Up ~ Vaughan Mills :: Vaughan :: 905.738.4462 - 48 TICKETS LEFT
Shine Salon :: 50 Sunnyvale Gate :: Brampton :: 905.790.3031 - 45 TICKETS LEFT

UPON SELLOUT THERE WILL BE A LIMITED NUMBER OF $35.00 TICKETS LEFT

FOR PART 2 OF THE BIGGEST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ALL TIME.

TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.

Be aware of the historical moment that you are about to witness.

YOU. ARE. NOT. READY.

:: i-Quote ::

"Backstage, under age, adolescent
How ya doin', “Fine,” she replied
I sighed, “I like to do the wild thing”
Action took place
Kinda wet, don't forget
The J, the I, the M, the M, the Y, y'all
I need a body bag"

:: i-Hear ::

I Thought It Was Me

:: i-Read ::
[and I think you should too - my suggested reading]

www.twitter.com/amnesiaforever ~ for up to the minute amnesia anniversary info

www.twitter.com/ianandreespinet ~ for everything else

What's up,

I said on twitter that I'd release the first Amnesia 10 year anniversary performance artist at 4:45pm. Christmas came early (like that Tic?).

Starting from Scratch is a bad bad man.

Jason Chambers is a bad bad man.

And me? Yeah. A bad bad man.

For 10 years. 10 years.

For 10 years, we have provided individually, and as part of a team, some of the most memorable, historical events ever - because we're fans. And we get off on watching you get off. You may have seen us on stage bussing a running man, or singing "All Cried Out", or rapping along to any of the countless hip hop artists that have graced the Amnesia stage.

For this, our 10 year anniversary celebration - the 10 year anniversary celebration of Toronto's favorite party - the movement known as Amnesia, we proudly present the 1ST - THE FIRST of MANY SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES.

We generally keep them a secret... although we often slip and leak them cause we can't keep it a secret.

You've seen MAESTRO FRESH WES & BAG-A-TRIX, GREG NICE [NICE & SMOOTH], MICHEE MEE & MAESTRO FRESH WES, DO DAT DANCE AGENCY, TEN CITY [BYRON STINGLEY] & SPECIAL ED, TDOT ALLSTARS (SAUKRATES, KARDI, CHOCLAIR, RO DOLLA, SOLITAIRE], CECE PENISTON & CL SMOOTH... MC LYTE & CHUBB ROCK with special guests GREG NICE & SPECIAL ED, LISA LISA & THE CULT JAM & DREAM WARRIORS, NAUGHTY BY NATURE & SHANNON.

It's our 10 year anniversary. And we wanted to do something EPIC. Something that would make you swear.

We spent months and months hitting our heads against the wall to figure out how we could take your breathe away. And for a while, we couldn't think of anything. For a moment, I THOUGHT IT WAS ME that would be performing at the Amnesia 10 year anniversary. Then out of no where Scratch called and said wouldn't it be DOPE if we just took Amnesia to another level and played ABOVE THE RIM?

Jason was like, what are you thinking? LET ME KNOW SOMETHING. Scratch was like... it's our 10 year anniversary, let's just finish the city.

4 days away from history, I proudly announce that the first artist at Amnesia 10 year anniversary is...

keep scrolling

isn't this fun?

the single biggest artist ever to appear at an Amnesia, in terms of historical significance....

as members of one of the single most - if not, the most successful male groups of all time....

due to their group success, but their individual success without...

BOBBY BROWN....

RALPH TRESVANT....

or JOHNNY GILL.

The first special guest for Amnesia 10 year Anniversary is none other than...

RICKY BELL

MICHAEL BIVINS

RONNIE DEVOE

better known as...

BELL BIV DEVOE.

And that's just 1 of the acts. 1 of the R&B acts. I love teasing. Wait til you see our... oh.

Tune into Scratch at 5 and get hype. Get your tickets now... There are STILL NEARLY 500 $25 tickets citywide - the next set of tickets are $35 and then the event is within SELL OUT RANGE...

A small number of tickets will be held for the door.

GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY. Tell a friend to tell a friend to tell a friend.

Let's the guessing begin... Any MORE ideas for 10 years ???????????????????????????????????????

Until next time,

I remain,

In September 1999, we revolutionized the way you viewed events with Amnesia. Since then, we have listened to you, our patrons and friends, and changed to suit your lifestyle. In the orchestration of our flagship event, Amnesia, we have stayed true to our goals. In the creation of other signature events such as Soul Kitchen, Big People Fete, B-Boy Document, X-Factor, ICON, re:connect, Socaholics, The ONE, Music Cafe etc, we have continued the mission.

With more than 2/3 of the urban nightlife scene attending Amnesia and/or one of the our signature events in the past 9 years, we continue to prove that success takes more than VISION. It takes RE:VISION. Stay tuned as we hone our online presence - www.amnesia.ca coming soon...

EMAIL: ian@amnesia.ca

FON : 416.293.4812
MYSPACE :: www.myspace.com/ianespinet
FACEBOOK :: http://www.facebook.com/p/Ian _Andre_Espinet/716250226
BLOG :: http://ianandreespinet.blogspot.com/

TWITTER :: http://www.twitter.com/ianandreespinet

Wanna be down? Tired of begging your friends to forward the email to you?
Hearing about it the next day? Get on.

<<<>>>

p.s. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT FRIDAY HAS MOVED TO SOUND ACADEMY 2 AT THE DOCKS. PASS IT ON.

p.p.s. Friday tickets are still available for the rollback price of $9.99 at all of our outlets citywide..

p.p.p.s. $25 Saturday tickets are running short citywide. The next price point is $35 and when that point is reached, the event is within sellout range with a limited number of tix left for the door.

p.p.p.p.s. The 2nd guest appearance at Amnesia Anniversary is a HIP HOP ACT from the US, that influenced POP CULTURE...

p.p.p.p.p.s. They are from the same Empire State that Jay-z & Alicia Keys are from & NOT where Lil Mama was born, but raised. Babybabyugh.

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. The 2nd special guest is NOT LIL MAMA. And we'll have better security than MTV to make sure that we're not interrupted..

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. MORE HINTS NEXT EMAIL.

EPIC FAIL

2009-09-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

One day, I'll be somewhere and simply buss a huge laugh for no apparent.

This is the most EPIC FAIL I've seen in AGES. I laugh just thinking about it...

THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.

2009-09-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

AMNESIA ANNOUNCES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

2009-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

THE LEGENDARY “AMNESIA” TORONTO OLD SCHOOL EVENT
ANNOUNCES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

August 21st 2009 – Toronto, Canada – Amnesia, one of Toronto’s most beloved monthly music events, will celebrate 10 years during a 3 day celebration, September 18-20th 2009.

In 1999, a chance conversation amongst friends unearthed the fact that the Toronto Urban entertainment scene lacked substance and failed to play music if it wasn’t new music. In fact, certain musical genres were found neglected and omitted – almost as though DJs and patrons had musical memory loss. In response, “AMNESIA”, a monthly old school event was born - with a mandate to play Classic House and Old School, and has grown to encompass other “forgotten genres” such as New Jack Swing (90s R&B), True School Hip Hop, Classic Slow Jams, and Retro including 70s and 80s television themes packaged as “Scratch’s #onky #its.

The Amnesia team consists of 3 members, the award winning and number one club/radio DJ in the country, DJ Starting from Scratch, and underground legend, Jason Chambers of the Attitude Sound crew (both of whom play mixed shows on Flow 93.5fm), and Canada's top Urban promoter, Ian Andre Espinet.

Since it’s humble beginnings in Toronto’s Granite Lounge, where it played host to a 150 friends, Amnesia has grown to average 600 patrons monthly, and has gone on to produce over 115 unique events including boat cruises, roller skating all-nighters, old school dress up events and Pajama Jammy Jams - in the process playing host to tens of thousands of patrons in dozens of venues, while often collecting food for those less fortunate.

Its euphoric music selection, theme based and costume parties, have garnered the event legendary status with music enthusiasts nationwide, becoming the focus of print and internet articles and even the backdrop for Much Music’s urban programming - appearing in episodes of RapCity and MuchVibe.

A major catalyst in the phenomenal resurgence of old school and retro nationwide, Amnesia celebrated its 7 year anniversary in 2006 with yet another milestone, as the Amnesia team became the first ever EVENT to sign to a major recording label deal in Canada. In September 2006, Universal Music Canada rewarded the trio’s hard work with the release of “Amnesia: Thee Old School Album” (nationwide at HMV, Music World, Sunrise location). Boasting over 70 minutes of Old School mixed by Canada's top duo - Starting from Scratch and Jason Chambers of the Attitude Sound Crew, the album was a runaway success taking retail by surprise, selling well despite the industry climate at the time.

The event has also played host to old school musical legends at Amnesia's Annual Anniversary with surprise guest performances for the last 9 years. 2009’s surprise guest performances by pop icon Shannon (“Let the Music Play”), and hip hop anthem kings, Naughty By Nature took place before yet another sold out crowd at Toronto's Koolhaus.

Past surprise anniversary guests have included hip hop icons MC Lyte, Special Ed, Greg Nice, CL Smooth, and Chubb Rock, house and dance acts Ten City (featuring Byron Stingly), CeCe Peniston, Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam and Canadian mainstays Maestro Fresh Wes, Michee Mee, Dream Warriors and the “T-Dot All-Stars” featuring Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Choclair, Ro Dolla and Solitair as well as dance crews Bag-A-Trix and Do Dat Dance Agency.

###
Press/Media Contact :: press@amnesia.ca
Event Info: www.amnesia.ca /
www.amnesiaforever.com coming soon.

=========================================

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AMNESIA ANNIVERSARY CHRONOLOGY

1 & 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES AT THE LEGENDARY KAJMERE NIGHTCLUB
DJ STARTING FROM SCRATCH & JASON CHAMBERS OF ATTITUDE SOUNDCREW

3 YEAR: THE LEGENDARY PARTY CENTRE (IT NIGHTCLUB)
SURPRISE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
MAESTRO FRESH WES & BAG-A-TRIX

4 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
SURPRISE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
GREG NICE [NICE & SMOOTH]
MICHEE MEE & MAESTRO FRESH WES
DO DAT DANCE AGENCY

5 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
SURPRISE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
TEN CITY [BYRON STINGLEY]
SPECIAL ED
TDOT ALLSTARS
(SAUKRATES, KARDI, CHOCLAIR, RO DOLLA, SOLITAIRE]

6 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
SURPRISE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
CECE PENISTON & CL SMOOTH...

7 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
SURPRISE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
MC LYTE & CHUBB ROCK
with special guests GREG NICE & SPECIAL ED

8 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
LISA LISA & THE CULT JAM
DREAM WARRIORS

9 YEAR: KOOLHAUS
NAUGHTY BY NATURE
SHANNON

LET THE ANTICIPATION BEGIN FOR AN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SO BIG, IT WAS 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING.

AMNESIA.

10

Special guests. Live performances. Mind-blowing music.
Prepare.

=========================================

DJ STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Canada's foremost urban club and radio DJ. He can be heard daily on Toronto's Flow 93.5 fm during afternoon & evening drives and throughout the country at club & concert engagements weekly. DJ Starting from Scratch, FLOW 93.5 FM's mix show magician, has been pleasing club crowds across the country for about 12 years and overseas from Greece, Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, Cancun, Acapulco, Germany, Cuba, St.Kitts & much, much more.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• NOW Magazine's Best of Toronto Hip Hop DJ 2008
• Official Tour DJ for Usher
• Official Tour DJ for comedian Russell Peters
• Canadian Urban Music Award for DJ of the year 2002,2003,2004 & 2005
• Voted T.O.'s #1 DJ in Now Magazine's "Best Of Toronto" edition
• Winner of Toronto Night Club Awards "DJ of the Year 2004 & 2005"
• Winner of Toronto Bartender?s Ball Award for "Best Urban DJ for 2004"
• Named "Greatest Of All Time" by Flavor Pool (Nov/2005)
• Toronto Record Pool award for "DJ of the Decade - 90s"
• Featured in Source Magazine
• Featured in Vibe Magazine's Anniversary Edition, as one of the "100 Most
Influential People in the Music Industry"
• Voted "DJ Of The Year 2004" in Eye Magazine's "Reader's Poll"
• Four time Toronto Record Pool award for "DJ of the Year"
• Lifetime Achievement Award as voted by the Toronto Record Industry
• Canadian Rep (& only Canadian member) of DJ Whoo Kid's "Shadyville DJ's”
• Official member of Clinton Sparks' "Smash Squad" DJ Crew
• Appeared in the movie "Honey" with Jessica Alba
• Awarded Gold and Platinum Records from Virgin, BMG and Universal
• 2006 Stylus Canadian Club DJ of the Year
• 2006 Stylus Toronto DJ of the Year
• 2006 Stylus Radio Mixshow DJ of the Year
• Winner of Toronto Night Club Awards "Best Local (Toronto) DJ"
• Official DJ for SONY BMG Recording artist Keisha Chante

=========================================

JASON CHAMBERS

DJ Jason Chambers of the Attitude Soundcrew is one of Canada's foremost talents and a fixture of the Canadian Urban music scene. In Toronto, he maintains a dj schedule formittable to any schedule or planner, balancing roles on his daily "Midday Mix" show on Flow 93.5 and in the city's hottest and largest clubs. Today, his vast musical tastes, creative selections and original, on-the-fly live remixing continue to make him a crowd favorite from coast to coast, headlining events in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, continually propelling his name toward international celebrity dj status.

In the early stages of his career, he built a name via his now-legendary Attitude Sound Crew Mixtape series, which garnered fans across Canada and the US, and by wowing crowds of tens of thousands as the official DJ for the NBA's Toronto Raptors. In addition, he has shared the stage with musical icons such as Run DMC, CeCe Peniston, Lisa Lisa, Naughty by Nature, Nice & Smooth, Special Ed, Chubb Rock, Michee Mee, Maestro Fresh Wes and MC Lyte as well as DJ's Jazzy Jeff, D.J. A.M., Funkmaster Flex.

In 1999, Jason, alongside partners Ian Andre Espinet and DJ Starting from Scratch, co-founded "Amnesia", a legendary old school monthly event which has been credited as the blueprint for both events and the resurgence of old school music nationally. In 2006, his contributions were acknowledged as "Amnesia" became the first ever event to sign to a major Canadian recording deal. Jason comixed/produced the critically acclaimed "Amnesia: Back in the Day" compilation, released by Universal Music later that year taking retail by storm and selling out nationally.

His hard work has also taken the notice of his peers, as evident in his numerous nominations for Toronto Club DJ of the Year and Radio Mixshow DJ of the year at the Stylus Awards.
For Jason, whom many of the world's top dj's site as one of their favorites, the future is as bright as his love of music.

=========================================

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

Ian Andre Espinet Entertainment is a young dynamic company with a mandate to provide quality, theme oriented entertainment to the Urban community. Now in its 9th year, the company has grown into Toronto’s leading nightclub and promotions entity. As such, it has produced/co-produced hundreds of events, playing host to tens of thousands of patrons and numerous celebrities from the GTA, the United States and worldwide during events such as the annual Caribana festivities.

Ian Andre Espinet began his journey in the Urban entertainment scene as founder of Black Star Graphic Design & Communications, Canada's Leading Urban Graphic Design Studio, and brings a 12 year proven marketing track record to the Urban entertainment scene. In such capacity, he has worked for virtually every significant promotional entity, DJ, community organization and event planner in Toronto, as well as many from across Canada and throughout the States.

In 1999, he partnered with the country’s number one urban club and radio D.J., DJ Starting from Scratch and underground sensation, Jason Chambers.. They decided that the Urban entertainment scene in Toronto was lacking something - substance. Consequently, they created Amnesia, a monthly old school event, which celebrated its 9th year anniversary last September with Hip Hop icons Naughty by Nature & 80s pop artist Shannon, at the Koolhaus.

Due to its euphoric music selection, theme based and costume parties, roller skating events, pajama jams, boat cruises and the such, 9 plus years later, Amnesia has achieved near legendary status to music enthusiasts nationwide, becoming the focus of print and internet articles and even the backdrop for Much Music’s urban programming.

This however, was only the beginning. Since then, the company has gone on to enter all facets of nightlife entertainment - weekly, long weekend, special events, and even niche areas such as the emerging Soca/Calypso market. The promotional company is now among the premier groups in the urban market servicing nightclub patrons of the market in the 19-35 demographic. Event brands include but are not limited to: Soul Kitchen, ICON, Big People Fete, GroovEssentials, B-Boy Document, THE ONE, re:connect, A Rollerskating Jam Named Saturdays.

Whether involved as a team member, individually, or in a combined role, Ian Andre Espinet has been involved in some capacity in many of the major successful club events presented in the Urban market over the past 9 years in the city’s most beautiful clubs.

1 & 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES AT THE LEGENDARY KAJMERE NIGHTCLUB 3. MAESTRO FRESH WES + BAG-A-TRIX
4. GREG NICE [NICE & SMOOTH] + MICHEE MEE with return guest MAESTRO + DO DAT DANCE AGENCY
5. TEN CITY [BYRON STINGLEY] + SPECIAL ED + TDOT ALLSTARS feat. SAUKRATES, KARDI, CHOCLAIR, RO DOLLA, SOLITAIRE
6. CECE PENISTON + CL SMOOTH 7. MC LYTE & CHUBB ROCK with return guests GREG NICE & SPECIAL ED
8. LISA LISA & THE CULT JAM + DREAM WARRIORS 9. NAUGHTY BY NATURE & SHANNON

10 YEARS...?????
Let the Anticipation begin...

$25 tickets go on sale Saturday August 29th 2009...

Stay tuned for the Amnesia Rollback event before the 29th...

ICON - TICKET UPDATE - AUGUST 1ST 2009

2009-08-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

All $20/$25 Advanced tickets have sold out (except Play de Record & Modern Edge Ajax).

Outlets are being restocked with $30 door tickets on Saturday morning across the city at
CUT CREATOR Malvern - RESTOCKED
SHINE BARBERS Brampton - RESTOCKED
BIG IT UP YORKDALE - SATURDAY MORNING 10:30
BIG IT UP SQUARE ONE - SATURDAY MORNING 11AM
BIG IT UP EATONS CENTRE - SATURDAY MORNING 11:30AM
PLAY DE RECORD - NOON
**********************************************

I AM ON THE PARADE ROUTE TODAY AND WILL NOT BE ANSWERING CALLS -

PLEASE EMAIL: IAN@AMNESIA.CA AS I WILL REPLY FROM MY BLACKBERRY
**********************************************

ALL EVENT INFO CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK AT:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100060261777&ref=ts&__a=1

Ian Andre Espinet
proudly presents

ICON - DESTINATION: YYZ
THE DEFINITIVE TORONTO CARIBANA SUNDAY NIGHT EVENT

SUNDAY AUGUST 2nd 2009

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LEVEL NIGHTCLUB x SUITE 106 x WETBAR
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Music by Toronto's Hottest & Most Relevant DJ Lineup...

LEVEL NIGHTCLUB ~ Party Central
================================================================================
LISSA MONET
Canada's #1 Female DJ [girl.connected]
[Soul Kitchen :: Warner 's TASTEMAKERS & AWWA]

JESTER
Canada's Most Versatile ~ 2009 2x Stylus Award Winner ~ X-Caliber Entourage ~ Smash Squad DJs
[Soul Kitchen x B-Boy Document x Icon x All Ah We x 89.5fm/Flow 93.5fm]

DJ STARTING FROM SCRATCH
Canada's Number 1 Club DJ ~ Multiple Stylus Award Recipient ~ Official Tour DJ: Usher/Russell Peters
[Amnesia x Soul Kitchen x B-Boy Document x Icon x Flow 93.5fm Traffic Flow Mixshow]

WITH MC: KID KUT THE VOICE OF THE VIBE

and hosted by
Ryan Pinto ~ 11th Hour Entertainment
[Musicology x Lost x Music is my Life]

SUITE 106 ~ Sweet Island Vibes
================================================================================
SOCA SWEETNESS
Canada's Favorite New Soca DJ
[Once It Sweet It In Yuh Teet x Weakness for Sweetness x The Buzz x Cell Check]

and introducing

MR & MRS. SMITH featuring LINDO P. & TASHA ROSEZ
Canada's Top Male & Female Reggae Selectors playing as a sound for the 1st time ever...

LINDO P
The DJ. The Artist. Canada's Top Solo Selector - [Black Jays is the Team]

TASHA ROSEZ
Female World Clash Champion ~ Gunz & Rosez International Sound System
[Orient. USA. Caribbean. Europe. Outranational.]

WITH MC: BRENTON B. THE CROWD CONTROLLER

WETBAR ROOFTOP PATIO
=================================================================================
P-PLUS
2009 Stylus Radio Mixshow of the Year :: Core DJs
[Flow 93.5 Real Frequency & Midday Mix x Originals x 2000 Til]

JASON CHAMBERS
The Underground Legend
[Amnesia x Flow 93.5 Midday Mix x Bubble x I Like]

and hosted by:
IAN ANDRE ESPINET
Canada's Leader in Nightlife Entertainment
[Amnesia x Soul Kitchen x B-Boy Document x Re-connect x Big People Fete x GroovEssentials...]

INFO
=================================================================================
Bottle Service // Tickets // Info: 416.293.4812
EMAIL: ian@amnesia.ca
MYSPACE :: www.myspace.com/ianespinet
FACEBOOK :: http://www.facebook.com/p/Ian _Andre_Espinet/716250226
BLOG :: http://ianandreespinet.blogspot.com/
TWITTER :: http://www.twitter.com/ianandreespinet

JOIN THE MAILING LIST HERE >>> www.amnesia.ca/mail.html

ADVANCED TICKET OUTLETS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LIMITED $20 Early Bird and $25 Advanced - SOLD OUT
MORE AT THE DOOR

EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: 31 Tapscott Rd - Malvern Town Centre :: Scarborough :: 416.754.2030
Cut Creator 2 :: 810 Midland Ave :: Scarborough :: 416.266.1962
Modern Edge Hair Design :: 11 Harwood Ave S :: Ajax :: 905.426.6894

WEST
Big It Up ~ Square One Shopping Centre :: 100 City Centre Drive :: Level 1 :: Mississauga :: 905.803.8407

CENTRAL
Big It Up ~ Yorkdale Shopping Centre :: 3401 Dufferin Street :: Entrance on North side by The Bay/Pickel Barrel Doors
Located adjacent to Sony Store & Town Shoes :: Toronto :: 416.785.3770

DOWNTOWN
Big It Up ~ Eaton Centre :: 220 Yonge Street - Level 1 :: Toronto :: 416.597.6773
Play de Record :: 357A Yonge St :: 416.586.0380

NORTH/BRAMPTON
Big It Up ~ Vaughan Mills :: Entrance 5 - near The Children's Place :: Vaughan :: 905.738.4462
Shine Salon :: 50 Sunnyvale Gate :: Brampton :: 905.790.3031

Maurice "Cheeks" Horne: Viewing & Funeral Details...

2009-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

FRIENDS OF CHEEKS...
Enclosed are the details of the viewing and funeral for Cheeks.

Maurice "Cheeks" Horne
Viewing:
DeMarco Funeral Home - 3725 Keele St
Thursday: 7pm-9pm
Friday: 2-4pm/7-9pm

Funeral Service
Saturday July 11th
Revival Time Tabernacle
4340 Duffferin St
9:00am

My MJ emails/posts from across the years...

2009-06-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Michael is the greatest. Ever. Over the years, I've written countless times about him in my party emails. I've cut out the party stuff and just left my words about the one and only Michael.

These are the first 2 I found. Enjoy. I'm enjoying reminiscing.

Love you Michael.

Ian.

11 March 2009 16:58

What's up,

This is gonna be a short short one. I'm exhausted. From 1am this morning, until 6:43am when I finally gave in and dragged (picture a dog dragging his backside across a carpet) myself to bed, I entered and re-entered "4" tickets, "best available", "July 8th" in their respective zones on Ticketmaster.

The show? THIS IS IT. The FINAL stage call for and I say this in CAPITALS - MY MOST FAVORITE ARTIST EVER. Next to Jay-z. MICHAEL JACKSON. My favorite video? Smooth Criminal. My favorite background vocal? "I always feeeel like... somebody's watching me". A few things that get me excited. The anti-gravity lean (which is possible due to a patent filed by Jacko - google it lol) in the afore stated Smooth Criminal video... dancing with Natives in the Black or White vid... The monster dance "paws (left) paws (right) paws (left)" in Thriller. The crotch grabbing in "The Way You Make Me Feel" (and every other video). The dance sequence in Remember the Time, Bad... The light up floor in Billie Jean. The wind blown shirt in Dirty Diana... Him trying to play basketball with the other MJ, Michael Jordan in the Jam video.

Wooooooooooh. He he.

I remember buying his record with my own money - at A&A records. The album had with a double fold... with him lying down with a tiger.

The emotion, the feeling that he evoked in my then, lives in me still.

Last night, I spent the entire night trying to get tickets to see the King Of Pop half way across the world in London England. He sold a MILLION tickets in 3 hours. I awoke to an email from his website saying, "Keep trying". I went on to Ticketmaster to see that they had added another 11 shows. Those have since sold out. "Keep trying". They're at 30 shows. And I keep trying. My code is can only be used once. I don't even know where the money's coming from. For everything else, there's Mastercard.

Anyway...I'm feeling nostalgic...

======================
10 March 2005 19:26

CLICK HERE FOR THE MJ vs. PRINCE MEGAMIX

http://www.amnesia.ca/amnesia_website/music/mjvsprince_amnesiamegamix.mp3

so good that I'm mad Chambers didn't put his name on it... It's going to end up ALL over the internet.

:: quotable ::

You say that workin'
Is what a man's supposed to do
And I say it ain't right
If I can't give sweet love to you (Ah)

MichaelJackson - Working Day and Night

IAN ANDRE ESPINET | MARK G. | JASON CHAMBERS'
AMNESIA

A THRILLER IN THE PURPLE REIGN
Prince vs. Michael Jackson

The Prince vs. The King of Pop

p.s. I'm watching my Michael videos and trying to learn the moves... Damn I'm a smooth criminal.

p.p.s.
http://www.amnesia.ca/amnesia_website/music/mjvsprince_amnesiamegamix.mp3

- If you can't hear it in the background you can play or download it here... When it opens in Realplayer or Windows Media Player, you can "save as" to keep it...

p.p.p.s. Wanna be a star? Learn to Moonwalk...

The moonwalk is a kind of illusion and takes alot of practice. Below are the best Moonwalk instructions I could find so why not have some fun and give it a try .

Step 1. Find a pair of low grip shoes you could try to do it in your socks to start off with.

Step 2. Make sure that the ground you use to practice to moonwalk on is also not too grippy, try and find a polished floor.

Step 3. Stand with both feet close to each other, left foot slightly ahead of the right (toes of right should be in line with half the left foot)

Step 4. Now raise the heel of the right foot so that you are standing on the front of the right foot as if you are taking a step. The left foot must stay where it is (take care not to move it).

Step 5. As you lower the heel of the right foot, lean all your weight on the right foot, and drag back the left foot to so that its toes are in line with the heel of the right foot. The left foot's heel must be slightly off the ground at this stage. As you drag back, do not push down on the left foot at all or it will not glide. Make sure as you lower the heel of the right foot (slowly) the left moves at an equal speed. This will need lots of practice to master the right speed.

Step 6. Keep practicing up to the above steps until you can make the movement subconsciously without any difficulty.

Step 7. Once you have mastered that, "kick" outwards with the left foot, but although not quite touching the ground, make it look as if it is touching. Move it out a foot-size's worth away from the toes of the right. No part of the left foot should be raised higher than another.

Step 8. After you make your left foot move so it is at the starting position, lift up the heel once more of the right foot. Make sure the left leg is bent at the knee. Now repeat step 5. Keep practicing until you have the whole thing figured out, and it has been verified by others, and you feel quite comfortable with it. You should eventually get that gravity-defying effect and you'll MoonWalk like the pro.

Step 9. Once you've figured it out for the right leg bending, switch legs, and try the same with the other foot. Lift heel of left, lower left as you glide right back. Left still on the ground, throw out right foot, lift up heel of left foot, and once again drag right foot back as left heel is lowered.

p.p.p.p.s. Prince who? Here are some of Michael's accomplishments...

Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Guiness Book Of World Records -Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.

Most No1 Hits in 1980's - By The End of the 1980's MIchael Jackson had more #1 hits than any other artist for the decade.

Greatest Audience - Guiness Book Of World Records - The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.

Bad Tour - Guiness Book Of World Records - Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.

100 Million Records - Michael has sold over 100 million singles and albums outside of the U.S.

Billboard Charts - Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the Billboard chart to enter straight in at No1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". The previous record "Earth Song" which had debuted at No5 and also Michael Jacksons.

Biggest Selling Video - Michael Jackson's "The Making Of Thriller" is the biggest selling video to be released by an artist.

Billboard "Hot 100" Singles Chart
Most No1 Hits by Male Artist (13)

No1 Debuts - Michael Jacksons "Bad", "Dangerous", and "HIStory" albums all debuted in at No1.

Awards - Michael has won more awards than any other artist.

No1 On Charts - In 1983 Michael became the first artist to simultaneously hold the number one spots on Billboard's rock albums and rock singles charts, as well as the R&B albums and singles charts.

Consecutive No1 Singles - Led by Michael, the Jackson 5 were the first group to ever have four consecutive No1 singles.

p.p.p.p.p.s. So nice, I had to play it twice... http://www.koreus.com/files/200408/lego_thriller.html

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, Working Day And Night, She's Out Of My Life, I Can't Help It, It's The Falling In Love, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Baby Be Mine, The Girl Is Mine, Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Human Nature, P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), The Lady In My Life, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Liberian Girl, Another Part Of Me, Man In The Mirror, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Leave Me Alone, Jam, In The Closet, Remember The Time, Can't Let Her Get Away, Heal The World, Black Or White, Dangerous, Scream, Earth Song, You Are Not Alone, Ghosts, You Rock My World, Butterflies... and I didn't even look at the Jackson 5. Anyone for 2300 Jackson street? Tomorrow's going to be fire...

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Michael Joseph Jackson was born on the 29th of August 1958 a mere 2 months and 27 days after Prince... He is the the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and of course bad stripper... La-Toya)

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. He started singing at age 5 as the lead singer of the group... Almost immediately, they were signed to Motown by Berry Gordy and put out 4 singles (which are still among my favorite songs to this day... "I want you back", "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" (which I even love the Trey Lorenz/Mariah remake where he outshines her...)

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. As the argument goes... My personal opinion (cause some of you have asked it...) is that Michael is well intentioned, and has felt invincible like his album title. Thus, he's like "I'm trying to help these kids and I'm not doing anything wrong, so who care's what people think". Problem being that we live in this thing called a society. And... according to the rules of this society thing, people (grown men) don't sleep in beds with children... I think he's learnt his lesson though, as I've seen the interviews and for the first time I think Mike's getting pissed.

JAY-Z KILLS AUTOTUNE: DOA - DEATH OF AUTOTUNE

2009-06-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

THIS JUST IN. RON BROWZ JUST JUMPED OUT THE WINDOW.

JAY JUST SAID WHAT WE'VE ALL BEEN THINKING, BUT COULDN'T SAY WITHOUT BEING A HATER.............................................

LMAO.

THE DEATH OF AUTOTUNE - JAY-Z
=================================================

NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE

HOLD UP

THE ONLY RAPPER TO RE-WRITE HISTORY WITHOUT A
NO ID ON THE TRACK, LET THE STORY BEGIN

THIS IS ANTI-AUTOTUNE
DEATH OF THE RINGTONE
THIS AIN'T FOR ITUNES
THIS AIN'T FOR SINGALONGS
THIS IS SINATRA AT THE OPERA
BRING A BLOND,
PREFERABLY WITH A FAT ASS
WHO CAN SING A SONG
WRONG
THIS AIN'T POLITICALLY CORRECT
THIS MIGHT OFFEND MY POLITICAL CONNECTS
MY RAPS DON'T HAVE MELODIES
THEY SHOULD MAKE JACKERS WANT GO AND COMMIT FELONIES
GET YOUR CHAIN TOOKEN
I MAY DO IT MYSELF
I'M SO BROOKLYN
I KNOW WE'RE FACING A RECESSION
BUT THIS MUSIC ALL Y'ALL BE MAKING,
GOIN' MAKE IT THE GREAT DEPRESSION'
ALL YOUR LACK OF AGRESSION
PULL YOUR SKIRT BACK DOWN
THROW A SET MAN...
YEAH THIS IS JUST VIOLENT
THIS IS DEATH OF AUTOTUNE
MOMENT OF SILENCE

NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE

THE ONLY RAPPER TO RE-WRITE HISTORY WITHOUT A PEN
NO ID ON THE TRACK, LET THE STORY BEGIN

HOLD UP

THIS AIN'T A NUMBER ONE RECORD
THIS IS PRACTICALLY ASSUALT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
I MADE JUST FOR FLEX AND
MR C, I WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL THREATENED
STOP YOUR BLOODCLOT CRYING
THE KID, THE DOG, EVERYBODY DYIN'
NO LYING,
YOU BOYS JEANS TOO TIGHT,
YOUR COLOURS TOO BRIGHT,
YOUR VOICE TOO LIGHT,
I MAY WEAR BLACK FOR A YEAR STRAIGHT
I MIGHT BRING BACK VERSACE SHADES
THIS AIN'T FOR Z100,
'YE TOLD ME TO KILL Y'ALL TO KEEP IT 1 HUN'ED
THIS IS FOR HOT 97,
THIS IS FOR KHALED,
FOR WE THE BEST AND,
YEAH THIS JUST VIOLENT...
THIS IS DEATH OF AUTOTUNE
MOMENT OF SILENCE

NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE

HOLD UP

THE ONLY RAPPER TO RE-WRITE HISTORY WITHOUT A PEN
NO ID ON THE TRACK, LET THE STORY BEGIN...

HOLD UP

THIS MIGHT NEED A VERSE FROM JEEZY (AAAH)
I MIGHT SEND THIS TO THE MIXTAPE WEEZY
GET SOMEBODY FROM BMF TO TALK ON IT
GIVE THIS TO A BLOOD
LET A CRIP WALK ON IT

50,000 TO STYLE ON THIS
I JUST DON’T NEED NOBODY TO SMILE ON THIS
YOU RAPPERS SINGING TOO MUCH
GET BACK TO RAP
YA T-PAIN'IN TOO MUCH
I'M A MULTIPLE MILLIONAIRE
SO HOW IT I'M STILL THE HARDEST NI%%A HERE?
I DON'T BE IN THE PROJECT HALLWAY
TALKING ABOUT HOW I BE IN THE PROJECT ALL DAY...
THAT SOUND STUPID TO ME
IF YOU'RE A GANGSTER
THIS IS HOW YOU PROVE IT TO ME
YEAH JUST GET VIOLENT
THIS IS DEATH OF AUTOTUNE
MOMENT OF SILENCE....

And that's the realest stuff I ever wrote...

2009-05-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

"The compilation of mental thoughts that I never note... hi-haters, I'm back of hiatus, how's your album doing, I'm getting money of my
laaaatest..." Drake (continued from the email title)...

What's up,

Last night, I witnessed history, and felt HOPE for the first time in a long time for our city. I, as 2500 others, attended the $40 Drake concert at Sound Academy in Downtown Toronto. The same venue that has held sold out concerts for everyone Urban from the Roots to (any other concert that Jonathan Ramos decided to do lol) to rock groups etc.

I didn't note the price of the ticket by accident by the way. I heard the comments - all warranted and viable in their own way... "He's a new artist with no album".. "Its only him"... "Its a recession"...

As I said in the last email, "what is an album in 2009"? Think back to the last time you bought any significant numbers of albums in a PHYSICAL store - not I-tunes - but a physical store? What? Amnesia? Lol. I think that album was the last time the city was excited. (Toot). I bought Kardi online (then in the store).

Drake has an album. Called "So Far Gone". Almost 2 million people worldwide own it. Then there are "Comeback Season" and the first "Room for Improvement" as well as a "Heartbreak Drake - Best of" mixed tape etc...

I can't shout this any louder - and I'm not a jumpz-on: this kid is about to change the game - pass the remote.

And he's starting with our nickname, the screwface capital... Hard rocks, mandem, fashionistas, b-boys, jewish kids from Forest Hill, chinese girls, degrassi fans, Jay fans, Kardi fans, Wayne fans, Rass Kas fans, old heads, old guard, new heads, lons (that's leaders of the new school). All under the same roof. For one night. Hopefully not for the first time - supporting - truly supporting - paying to show it. Screaming and singing along, rapping the lyrics - Ro Dolla, Jem and I and countless others in my direct circumference - none paying attention
to each other. Incredible.

The show was great - with all the requisite issues that you can come up with by a 22 year old inexperienced artist with a crew of equally talented crew - but a PERFECT moment in time because of what it represented and the fact that like Tracy Mcgrady in Toronto, if we have the patience for it to make sense, we'll wait for it to develop... Imagining what he can do with time and experience tells that he may in fact be - here I go again - the aire to the throne... Or at least the next international superstar. And he's ours.

Great performance, a guest appearance by the legendary Bun B. for my favorite song from "So Far Gone" - "Uptown", a little freestyle at those laughing that he read from his blackberry on Hot 97 while "freestyling", and a lot more... And I didn't even tell you my favorite moments... Future calling after the show to make sure I got in ok, the incredible show of industry love including heavyweights like Sauks, Kardi, Ro, Reign, in the house as
fans too, the genuine fans showing LOVE...

Good vibes. Its a beautiful day despite having yet another headache, its been a great week - one of the best of my life in terms of this concert, Drake and the fact that it represents all our aspirations personified. And I made up with 2 people over long outstanding issues - one being one of my most important relationships... There's still stuff to complain about but all in all, its a beautiful world.

And I'm celebrating on Sunday... For the first time EVER I think I'm going to buy a bottle and celebrate - a toast to summer and Toronto. I swear I'm gonna swallow a goose.

The stars are on my team, but I lead the league in assists lol... Hope you'll join me at Soul Kitchen this Sunday, next week Friday at Amnesia, and May 29th for Socaholics as we start the Summer Reign of 2009.

Here's how it goes down...

Soul Kitchen - Fusion - Long weekend Sunday May 17th at Blvd Room with Jester & Kid, and special guest Dr. Jay de Soca Prince with a little soca and lovers rock to round out the Kitchen Soul...

Amnesia - Friday May 22nd - The final "land" Amnesia until the Legendary 10 year Anniversary... The World Famous DJ Starting from Scratch and the Underground Legend Jason Chambers... No gimmicks - just the Soundtrack to Our Lives...

Socaholics - Friday May 29th 2009 - The Stylus Weekend Nominees Party with SocaMonarchs, Jester & Dr. Jay... All Soca (and 1 reggae tune), all night.

Tickets in stores next week for Amnesia Boat Cruise and Soul Kitchen Boat Cruise, first info for Caribana 2009, the return of Seasons Formal (Shoe Fetish), and so much more...

I'm going in.

Sent on the $&*#( network from the BlackBerry of Canada's Number One...

I remain,

Yours sincerely,

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

ian andre espinet
ian andre espinet entertainment + black star graphic design & communications
canada's leading urban graphic design studio. period.
ian andre espinet 2009

RE:VISION

In September 1999, we revolutionized the way you viewed events with Amnesia. Since then, we have listened to you, our patrons and friends, and changed to suit your lifestyle. In the orchestration of our flagship event, Amnesia, we have stayed true to our goals. In the creation of other signature events such as Soul Kitchen, Big People Fete, B-Boy Document, X-Factor, ICON, re:connect, Socaholics, The ONE, Music Cafe etc, we have continued the mission.

With more than 2/3 of the urban nightlife scene attending Amnesia and/or one of the our signature events in the past 9 years, we continue to prove that success takes more than VISION. It takes RE:VISION. Stay tuned as we hone our online presence - www.amnesia.ca coming soon...

p.s. Who likes savings? No Frills, Price Chopper, Canadian Tire etc? Check out the flyer mall

p.p.s. You can also find me on facebook, myspace, youtube, vimeo and everywhere else too, doing it like I'm doing it for TV. Or just google me. LOL.

p.p.p.s. Practice what you preach and preach what you practice... Hometown love.

• Kardi's B-day party takes place next Friday inside Circa
• The Remix Project needs your help...

If you don't know what Remix is, please read this...
The Remix Project is a successful three-year-old program serving gifted but underserved and vulnerable young people (ages 16 – 22) across the GTA. Through its various six-month courses fostering arts, cultural and life skills, over 110 graduates have been able to realize their creative and business potentials.

Originally funded through a research and pilot grant by the National Crime Prevention Canada (NCPC), NCPC believes the program is a success, citing its worthiness of replication in other cities. The Remix Project is also a United Nations Habitat Programme award winner for excellence in community safety and crime prevention, and has provided key support to several growing diverse community organizations and youth-led social projects at home in Toronto and internationally. Unfortunately, the research component with NCPC is now over and while
heralding The Remix Project as a success it is no longer able to continue funding (as they only fund research and pilot programs). In addition, Remix is seeking a new home for September 1st, as its current location is set to be transformed into condominium developments.

& watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3QKHr6AAvw

“GIVE MONEY MAKE CHANGE”. If you could kindly take the time to check out the donation link below, make a donation and pass it on to your contacts. That would be appreciated! (Here's the link for copy & paste)
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s98303

p.p.p.p.s. Pics of my costume 4 Caribana 2009: Lesser Bird Of Paradise <<<>>>

p.p.p.p.p.s. Tweet tweet... my tweets from the week ('case you missed em on facebook and twitter...)

• New quote of the day: "Divorce parties are the new engagement party"... Bwahahahahahahaha

• Quote of the day: "She's no hood rat... She only a rat for YOUR hood". Lmfao.

• is frustrated... Too many events, too many people getting married (its all the rage supposedly lol), and not enough weeks to schedule them.

• I draw the line at mani's & pedi's, hot towels, massages, waxing.. (Just kidding about the waxing, although I'd consider laser)

• is heartbroken that Lauren London is pregnant... Damn girrrrl. We waz supposed to get
our Jay & Bey, Shey & .... Lol. Let me stop lmao.

• Has anyone else noticed the relationship between squirrels and birds? They do each other some wickedness lol (knock e/o off hydro lines etc)

• When music is good you feel it. You don't have to talk about it, or think about it to know. It hits you in your core - your soul.

• A friend told me "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". I made that first step today.

• I've never eaten a banana (pause) or a peach either. Is that strange? I only come into contact with fruit on cake & in juice

• "eewwww. Moist and the worst word EVER - c_nt. Ewwwwww.

• To everyone laughing at my "coupon clipping habits (lol)... Remember this always: its not what you MAKE - its what you KEEP baller.

• thinks food pricing is engineered to keep the poor sick, lathargic and unhealthy and the rich - rich. See the price dif b/n pasta vs fruit?

• Yeah... I tried to tell Future let em know... Send the haters all my love X & O. Everyones gotta fall off - but after you. I insist.

• Too many people are too serious, and not serious enough.

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I'M GOING TO STOP PUTTING THE TWEETS IN THE EMAIL... Follow me... follow meeeeeeeee on Twitter. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I hate when people say artist-tises. "These are my new artiz-izes". Check em out at ww.artizises.com. Argh. (yeah... ww.)

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. DON'T GIVE OUT MY PIN. It's the EQUIVILENT of giving out my phone number without asking.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I wonder if people know if you delete them from Blackberry like... "iae has deleted you as a friend". Hmmm. 'Cause if not, it's cutting season.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Note to Blackberry rookies... It's not all about just COLLECTING A WHOLE BUNCH of bb pins for people you don't speak to - so if I you hear "I don't have data", that means someone doesn't want to give you ummm... theirs. Guess you can't use that one anymore eh W? LMAO.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I really love Drizzy (pause)... My top 10 favorite Drake lyrics in no particular order...

"She call me referee, cause I be so official, no stripes on my shirt but I can make that #$^^ whistlllllle... like the Andy Griffith theme song..."

"who's drinkin'... it's all on me... and my girl's still down like she's F'$ng Jon B"...
"promoters try to get me out to their club... saying I'll have fun but I can't see how... all I see's my ex girl standing with my next girl standing by the girl that I'm F'$ng right now..."

"It's heartbreak Drake, hate to see em' so sad...
I could son you... see a little of me in your dad...
I'm the yellow boy that used to play up on Degrassi',
and pocket $20,000 to be anywhere you ask me...
Cash like Johnny, Banks like Ashley...
Burning like a Camel light, stupid ho ash me..."

"And you ex-man's is a hater officially,
probably cause he know I'm exactly what you wish he be,
yeah, that's the reason why he looking hard,
cause I done snatched the Chips Ahoy out his cookie jar,
HE JUST MAD CAUSE HIS GIRL AT THE HOUSE
WITH HER TONGUE STICKING OUT LIKE A MICHAEL JORDAN ROOKIE CARD".
[Editor's Note: Shaking Head]

"What are all your names again, we're drunk, remind us,
Are any of y'all like girls like I am... lesbiiiiianhoneesssss...."

"This here is on some truthful ish
It seems like everything I do, your used to it
And I hate hearing stories bout who you’ve been with
Thats when I gotta hide, what I'm feeling inside
So you still think I'm confident and damn
Is this gonna last? Your up on a pedestal
Are we moving too fast?
Feel like I'm in crazy competition with the past
That's why I gotta ask, is anything I'm doing brand new?"

"It's what y'all been waitin' for ain't it, your weekly entertainment
For me to get ahold of this beat, and go ahead and claim it..
About to paint a picture, you ni$%a's go ahead and frame it
Since me getting signed failed on some Jerry and Elaine ish".
[Editor's Note: Seinfeld= signed failed"...]

"Hopin’ Western Union doin’ currency exchange
Cuz my dad called, got me feeling guilty and ashamed
Like
How I had a Rolls and I went and got a Range
And he payin’ for his cigarettes
With some dollars and some change
Yeah
And I can only feel his pain
Cuz in Memphis, Tennessee
There is only so much to attain
So I’m fillin’ out the form at the counter once again
He say he love me
I just hope he doesn’t say that shit in vain..."

"Jealousy is something I haven't felt in years
There's nobody around for me to be jealous of
I bet you do a show in my city and no one cheers
even if you make the music that ladies and fellas love...
I'm incredible, F'$ng unforgettable
when it comes to records i will eat it if its edible
they say the futures always forseen
thats why I'm steady getting more money more cream
My flow is stuck in the moment that comes before dreams
I stay avoiding unlucky like 14
And people get behind him and they fight for em
Cause he wont let no other Ni$$%s wrte for em
And even when its quite warm
The attitude coursing through the veins and my city is an ice storm
The name's Drake and I don't take it for granted
I take it you offended cause im taking advantage... mang."
[Editor's Note: "Drake - The Last Hope" I added this verse to show the court vision of a then 21 year old on the way that WE, view our own city].

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Happy bday Kardi... See you tonight at your bday party... Watch the adventures of the "Slumdog Thousandaire" Kardinal in Mumbai... Hilarious.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Drake at home in Toronto... Courtesy of 1 Heart T.O.
p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Seriously though... It's like my last 10 emails have been all about Drake lol.
p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. By the way - I've been posting savings lately (part 2 of the NO FRILLS SALE IS ON NOW and a friend sent me this link for all the flyers in Toronto... Enjoy - remember: It's not what you MAKE, it's what you KEEP.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. PROMOTERS... STOP tagging pictures of your flyer to my name. I go in all excited to see which friend I took a pic with and to see if I'm looking proper, only to see "weddy weddy pon de river"... WTH? We all promote on Facebook, but for #$('s sake...

Randomness... Why?
are lysol wipes the greatest things ever? they clean your shoes, fix your blackberry ball, spills, walls...

don't they make the chargers for all friggin cell phones universal... (I know why but really)...?

do people act like blowing your nose with toilet paper is disgusting... isn't it the same paper as tissue?

is the battery for my portable phone more than the phone?

oh why is the refill for my printer more than some printers, and the labels for the labeller more than the...

does my fresh Jordan always find the mud puddle?

does everyone who doesn't like Drake end up saying "but I haven't really listened to his music"?

wasn't there a "Canadian dj" to do a best of Drake until now?

aren't there best of Saukrates, Kardinal, Choclair, Michee Mee, Maestro etc by any notable Toronto DJs?

will B-BOY DOCUMENT be doing these soon? (ON RECORD... no bit@#@$$NESS)...

is BI^@#@$$NESS back in effec like Das Efx?

should Toronto promoters run for cover? (No. That was a play on words? If everyone's a vip isn't no one?)

are some of the people you speak to the ones to carry the news WRONG to make insight problems...

is it Drake... and young money (lmfao)...

is it so surprising that the next international superstar is from Toronto?

isn't he the last? Look out for my own bredren Jr. Flo and Keys and Krates and Melanie Fiona...

won't they do even a little reno at Johnny's Burgers? I swear those light bulbs were there when I was 5...

am I like the only one I know that doesn't smoke and has never smoked... anything

don't we think about backing up our hard drives till we lose ish...

do people do that "you didn't back up thing" when you tell them you just lost all your ish...

are cd books so expensive... I'm trying to organize damnit, but it's friggin expensive...

do I hate the word Swagger?

are the morning show on Flow talking about having a "boner" when I'm dropping a child to school?

is that a word?

was I twice the graphic designer I am now, 5 years ago?... That's about to change. Wait.

is it so hard to find something hot to stand next to in this city to regain your light when it goes out?

have I never been formally introduced to Drake? lmao...

did you fight those pants into submission? If your friend has to help you in, they should help you out. By telling
ou not to rock 'em...

Summer do's and don't coming next week.

And that's the realest stuff I ever wrote...

2009-05-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

..."The compilation of mental thoughts that I never note... hi-haters, I'm back of hiatus, how's your album doing, I'm getting money of my
laaaatest..." Drake (continued from the email title)...

What's up,

Last night, I witnessed history, and felt HOPE for the first time in a long time for our city. I, as 2500 others, attended the $40 Drake concert at Sound Academy in Downtown Toronto. The same venue that has held sold out concerts for everyone Urban from the Roots to (any other concert that Jonathan Ramos decided to do lol) to rock groups etc.

I didn't note the price of the ticket by accident by the way. I heard the comments - all warranted and viable in their own way... "He's a new artist with no album".. "Its only him"... "Its a recession"...

As I said in the last email, "what is an album in 2009"? Think back to the last time you bought any significant numbers of albums in a PHYSICAL store - not I-tunes - but a physical store? What? Amnesia? Lol. I think that album was the last time the city was excited. (Toot). I bought Kardi online (then in the store).

Drake has an album. Called "So Far Gone". Almost 2 million people worldwide own it. Then there are "Comeback Season" and the first "Room for Improvement" as well as a "Heartbreak Drake - Best of" mixed tape etc...

I can't shout this any louder - and I'm not a jumpz-on: this kid is about to change the game - pass the remote.

And he's starting with our nickname, the screwface capital... Hard rocks, mandem, fashionistas, b-boys, jewish kids from Forest Hill, chinese girls, degrassi fans, Jay fans, Kardi fans, Wayne fans, Rass Kas fans, old heads, old guard, new heads, lons (that's leaders of the new school). All under the same roof. For one night. Hopefully not for the first time - supporting - truly supporting - paying to show it. Screaming and singing along, rapping the lyrics - Ro Dolla, Jem and I and countless others in my direct circumference - none paying attention
to each other. Incredible.

The show was great - with all the requisite issues that you can come up with by a 22 year old inexperienced artist with a crew of equally talented crew - but a PERFECT moment in time because of what it represented and the fact that like Tracy Mcgrady in Toronto, if we have the patience for it to make sense, we'll wait for it to develop... Imagining what he can do with time and experience tells that he may in fact be - here I go again - the aire to the throne... Or at least the next international superstar. And he's ours.

Great performance, a guest appearance by the legendary Bun B. for my favorite song from "So Far Gone" - "Uptown", a little freestyle at those laughing that he read from his blackberry on Hot 97 while "freestyling", and a lot more... And I didn't even tell you my favorite moments... Future calling after the show to make sure I got in ok, the incredible show of industry love including heavyweights like Sauks, Kardi, Ro, Reign, in the house as
fans too, the genuine fans showing LOVE...

Good vibes. Its a beautiful day despite having yet another headache, its been a great week - one of the best of my life in terms of this concert, Drake and the fact that it represents all our aspirations personified. And I made up with 2 people over long outstanding issues - one being one of my most important relationships... There's still stuff to complain about but all in all, its a beautiful world.

And I'm celebrating on Sunday... For the first time EVER I think I'm going to buy a bottle and celebrate - a toast to summer and Toronto. I swear I'm gonna swallow a goose.

The stars are on my team, but I lead the league in assists lol... Hope you'll join me at Soul Kitchen this Sunday, next week Friday at Amnesia, and May 29th for Socaholics as we start the Summer Reign of 2009.

Here's how it goes down...

Soul Kitchen - Fusion - Long weekend Sunday May 17th at Blvd Room with Jester & Kid, and special guest Dr. Jay de Soca Prince with a little soca and lovers rock to round out the Kitchen Soul...

Amnesia - Friday May 22nd - The final "land" Amnesia until the Legendary 10 year Anniversary... The World Famous DJ Starting from Scratch and the Underground Legend Jason Chambers... No gimmicks - just the Soundtrack to Our Lives...

Socaholics - Friday May 29th 2009 - The Stylus Weekend Nominees Party with SocaMonarchs, Jester & Dr. Jay... All Soca (and 1 reggae tune), all night.

Tickets in stores next week for Amnesia Boat Cruise and Soul Kitchen Boat Cruise, first info for Caribana 2009, the return of Seasons Formal (Shoe Fetish), and so much more...

I'm going in.

Sent on the $&*#( network from the BlackBerry of Canada's Number One...

I remain,

p.s. Who likes savings? No Frills, Price Chopper, Canadian Tire etc? Check out the flyer mall

p.p.s. You can also find me on facebook, myspace, youtube, vimeo and everywhere else too, doing it like I'm doing it for TV. Or just google me. LOL.

p.p.p.s. Practice what you preach and preach what you practice... Hometown love.

• Kardi's B-day party takes place next Friday inside Circa

• The Remix Project needs your help...

If you don't know what Remix is, please read this...

The Remix Project is a successful three-year-old program serving gifted but underserved and vulnerable young people (ages 16 – 22) across the GTA. Through its various six-month courses fostering arts, cultural and life skills, over 110 graduates have been able to realize their creative and business potentials.

Originally funded through a research and pilot grant by the National Crime Prevention Canada (NCPC), NCPC believes the program is a success, citing its worthiness of replication in other cities. The Remix Project is also a United Nations Habitat Programme award winner for excellence in community safety and crime prevention, and has provided key support to several growing diverse community organizations and youth-led social projects at home in Toronto and internationally. Unfortunately, the research component with NCPC is now over and while
heralding The Remix Project as a success it is no longer able to continue funding (as they only fund research and pilot programs). In addition, Remix is seeking a new home for September 1st, as its current location is set to be transformed into condominium developments.

& watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3QKHr6AAvw

“GIVE MONEY MAKE CHANGE”. If you could kindly take the time to check out the donation link below, make a donation and pass it on to your contacts. That would be appreciated! (Here's the link for copy & paste)
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s98303

p.p.p.p.s. Pics of my costume 4 Caribana 2009: Lesser Bird Of Paradise <<< HERE >>>

p.p.p.p.p.s. Tweet tweet... my tweets from the week ('case you missed em on facebook and twitter...)

• New quote of the day: "Divorce parties are the new engagement party"... Bwahahahahahahaha

• Quote of the day: "She's no hood rat... She only a rat for YOUR hood". Lmfao.

• is frustrated... Too many events, too many people getting married (its all the rage supposedly lol), and not enough weeks to schedule them.

• I draw the line at mani's & pedi's, hot towels, massages, waxing.. (Just kidding about the waxing, although I'd consider laser)

• is heartbroken that Lauren London is pregnant... Damn girrrrl. We waz supposed to get
our Jay & Bey, Shey & .... Lol. Let me stop lmao.

• Has anyone else noticed the relationship between squirrels and birds? They do each other some wickedness lol (knock e/o off hydro lines etc)

• When music is good you feel it. You don't have to talk about it, or think about it to know. It hits you in your core - your soul.

• A friend told me "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". I made that first step today.

• I've never eaten a banana (pause) or a peach either. Is that strange? I only come into contact with fruit on cake & in juice

• "eewwww. Moist and the worst word EVER - c_nt. Ewwwwww.

• To everyone laughing at my "coupon clipping habits (lol)... Remember this always: its not what you MAKE - its what you KEEP baller.

• thinks food pricing is engineered to keep the poor sick, lathargic and unhealthy and the rich - rich. See the price dif b/n pasta vs fruit?

• Yeah... I tried to tell Future let em know... Send the haters all my love X & O. Everyones gotta fall off - but after you. I insist.

• Too many people are too serious, and not serious enough.

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I'M GOING TO STOP PUTTING THE TWEETS IN THE EMAIL... Follow me... follow meeeeeeeee on Twitter. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I hate when people say artist-tises. "These are my new artiz-izes". Check em out at ww.artizises.com. Argh. (yeah... ww.)

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. DON'T GIVE OUT MY PIN. It's the EQUIVILENT of giving out my phone number without asking.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I wonder if people know if you delete them from Blackberry like... "iae has deleted you as a friend". Hmmm. 'Cause if not, it's cutting season.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Note to Blackberry rookies... It's not all about just COLLECTING A WHOLE BUNCH of bb pins for people you don't speak to - so if I you hear "I don't have data", that means someone doesn't want to give you ummm... theirs. Guess you can't use that one anymore eh W? LMAO.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I really love Drizzy (pause)... My top 10 favorite Drake lyrics in no particular order...

"She call me referee, cause I be so official, no stripes on my shirt but I can make that #$^^ whistlllllle... like the Andy Griffith theme song..."

"who's drinkin'... it's all on me... and my girl's still down like she's F'$ng Jon B"...

"promoters try to get me out to their club... saying I'll have fun but I can't see how... all I see's my ex girl standing with my next girl standing by the girl that I'm F'$ng right now..."

"It's heartbreak Drake, hate to see em' so sad...

I could son you... see a little of me in your dad...

I'm the yellow boy that used to play up on Degrassi',

and pocket $20,000 to be anywhere you ask me...

Cash like Johnny, Banks like Ashley...

Burning like a Camel light, stupid ho ash me..."

"And you ex-man's is a hater officially,

probably cause he know I'm exactly what you wish he be,

yeah, that's the reason why he looking hard,

cause I done snatched the Chips Ahoy out his cookie jar,

HE JUST MAD CAUSE HIS GIRL AT THE HOUSE

WITH HER TONGUE STICKING OUT LIKE A MICHAEL JORDAN ROOKIE CARD".

[Editor's Note: Shaking Head]

"What are all your names again, we're drunk, remind us,

Are any of y'all like girls like I am... lesbiiiiianhoneesssss...."

"This here is on some truthful ish
It seems like everything I do, your used to it
And I hate hearing stories bout who you’ve been with
Thats when I gotta hide, what I'm feeling inside
So you still think I'm confident and damn
Is this gonna last? Your up on a pedestal
Are we moving too fast?
Feel like I'm in crazy competition with the past
That's why I gotta ask, is anything I'm doing brand new?"

"It's what y'all been waitin' for ain't it, your weekly entertainment

For me to get ahold of this beat, and go ahead and claim it..

About to paint a picture, you ni$%a's go ahead and frame it

Since me getting signed failed on some Jerry and Elaine ish".

[Editor's Note: Seinfeld= signed failed"...]

"Hopin’ Western Union doin’ currency exchange
Cuz my dad called, got me feeling guilty and ashamed
Like
How I had a Rolls and I went and got a Range
And he payin’ for his cigarettes
With some dollars and some change
Yeah
And I can only feel his pain
Cuz in Memphis, Tennessee
There is only so much to attain
So I’m fillin’ out the form at the counter once again
He say he love me
I just hope he doesn’t say that shit in vain..."

"Jealousy is something I haven't felt in years

There's nobody around for me to be jealous of

I bet you do a show in my city and no one cheers

even if you make the music that ladies and fellas love...

I'm incredible, F'$ng unforgettable

when it comes to records i will eat it if its edible

they say the futures always forseen

thats why I'm steady getting more money more cream

My flow is stuck in the moment that comes before dreams

I stay avoiding unlucky like 14

And people get behind him and they fight for em

Cause he wont let no other Ni$$%s wrte for em

And even when its quite warm
The attitude coursing through the veins and my city is an ice storm

The name's Drake and I don't take it for granted

I take it you offended cause im taking advantage... mang."

[Editor's Note: "Drake - The Last Hope" I added this verse to show the court vision of a then 21 year old on the way that WE, view our own city].

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Happy bday Kardi... See you tonight at your bday party... Watch the adventures of the "Slumdog Thousandaire" Kardinal in Mumbai... Hilarious.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Drake at home in Toronto... Courtesy of 1 Heart T.O.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Seriously though... It's like my last 10 emails have been all about Drake lol.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. By the way - I've been posting savings lately (part 2 of the NO FRILLS SALE IS ON NOW and a friend sent me this link for all the flyers in Toronto... Enjoy - remember: It's not what you MAKE, it's what you KEEP.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. PROMOTERS... STOP tagging pictures of your flyer to my name. I go in all excited to see which friend I took a pic with and to see if I'm looking proper, only to see "weddy weddy pon de river"... WTH? We all promote on Facebook, but for #$('s sake...

Randomness... Why?

are lysol wipes the greatest things ever? they clean your shoes, fix your blackberry ball, spills, walls...

don't they make the chargers for all friggin cell phones universal... (I know why but really)...?

do people act like blowing your nose with toilet paper is disgusting... isn't it the same paper as tissue?

is the battery for my portable phone more than the phone?

oh why is the refill for my printer more than some printers, and the labels for the labeller more than the...

does my fresh Jordan always find the mud puddle?

does everyone who doesn't like Drake end up saying "but I haven't really listened to his music"?

wasn't there a "Canadian dj" to do a best of Drake until now?

aren't there best of Saukrates, Kardinal, Choclair, Michee Mee, Maestro etc by any notable Toronto DJs?

will B-BOY DOCUMENT be doing these soon? (ON RECORD... no bit@#@$$NESS)...

is BI^@#@$$NESS back in effec like Das Efx?

should Toronto promoters run for cover? (No. That was a play on words? If everyone's a vip isn't no one?)

are some of the people you speak to the ones to carry the news WRONG to make insight problems...

is it Drake... and young money (lmfao)...

is it so surprising that the next international superstar is from Toronto?

isn't he the last? Look out for my own bredren Jr. Flo and Keys and Krates and Melanie Fiona...

won't they do even a little reno at Johnny's Burgers? I swear those light bulbs were there when I was 5...

am I like the only one I know that doesn't smoke and has never smoked... anything

don't we think about backing up our hard drives till we lose ish...

do people do that "you didn't back up thing" when you tell them you just lost all your ish...

are cd books so expensive... I'm trying to organize damnit, but it's friggin expensive...

do I hate the word Swagger?

are the morning show on Flow talking about having a "boner" when I'm dropping a child to school?

is that a word?

was I twice the graphic designer I am now, 5 years ago?... That's about to change. Wait.

is it so hard to find something hot to stand next to in this city to regain your light when it goes out?

have I never been formally introduced to Drake? lmao...

did you fight those pants into submission? If your friend has to help you in, they should help you out. By telling

ou not to rock 'em...

Summer do's and don't coming next week.

The Drakeover... Drizzy takes over Hot 97

2009-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at breakfast, word was that Drake's been in studio with Hova the Gawd all week long... Word.

First thing this morning, my little bro Future woke me up speaking faster than the last time he woke me up (dude ********'s didn't make the Stylus awards lol). So he's talking all fast and ish, and I'm like "slow down". "Drake shut down New York last night... He was at Hot 97 last night to do Angie Martinez's show... and Cipha comes in and sees him and is like "you gotta do my morning show" and then Funkflex comes in and is like "yo... you gotta do my show". So he did. And Bobby Trends.

And... Today is Drake day in NYC. It started overnight last night with Funk Flex...

CLICK HERE FOR THE FUNK FLEX SHOW DRAKE FREESTYLE...
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58761860abb425d3/

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANGIE MARTINEZ SHOW FEATURING DRAKE...
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58754242e56ef5e6/

CLICK HERE FOR THE CIPHA SOUNDS SHOW FEATURING DRAKE... http://www.zshare.net/audio/58775978d4ad01f7/

TORONTO. STAND. THE. F. UP.

Video of the Moment: Where I'm From - Black-I [R.I.P.]

2009-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Officially missing you...

2009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa...

I'm home sick.

I've had a great week... One of the best cultural experi(ences/ments) ever. When I was coming to Japan, I spoke to a lot of people about it. The response from those who had made the journey was resounding. It's "simply a superior place" and coming back will result in "reverse culture shock".

It's true that there are some INCREDIBLE things about Japan. It's incredibly clean. The cultural awareness and memory - not to mention the sheer history that boast castles older than our country - are again INCREDIBLE. The biggest thing that I love is that people here take their jobs seriously - whether they're the cleaner or the president, they do it to the fullest. This results in incredible service from McDonalds to the airport. No throwing your food on the tray, no attitude and no dashing your suitcases to bruck up your dishes that you bought from some farmers in a square in a small village in the South of France (which Trini says THAT?? lol - I'm not acting like I'm boujie, I'm acting like I'm rich lmao).

Their work ethic is fantastic - and I respect it, as I try to hold myself to an extremely high standard. The Japanese culture is also VERY polite. My boy Damian joked that in a culture that says "sorry" all the time, a guy who bumped me while walking down the street, walked a few steps and must have thought to himself "what's wrong with me - I just bumped someone and didn't say sorry" and is at home tormented and rolling in bed right now... The transit system makes the London Underground and New York look like Toronto (and as D pointed out, I'll cringe from now on when David Miller says the words "world class" and "transit system" in the same sensence from here on in. From the touchpad to avoid a static charge before you press the elevator button, to the abilty to courier your luggage ahead to the airport, to the ability to pay for a plane ticket at the convenience store, or the fact that there is just SO much individuality in the STYLE here - the Japanese just get it.

There are COUNTLESS innovations and things here that just make SENSE - but home?

Home is like the drunk uncle in your family. You love it same way. That's Toronto. It smells a little by the DVP approaching downtown - not to mention the ridiculous traffic on that parking lot. The food spots NEVER get your order right, and the server is giving you attitude because her aspiration is to be [insert place or job here] and she's working [insert place here] - at the people's work. (Not to mention that she's on facebook and her cell while you're standing up watching her in the Roger's video for 9 minutes just thinking, I wonder if I'll get charged if I throw my shoe at her like Bush). Then there's our cultural mix. As I type this email, Nunu just facebook messaged me that "You need to win a Stylus award for hardest working promoter - no other promoter takes the time to connect with his patrons - maybe bryan brock but he doesn't throw nearly as many parties as you do throughout the year like you do. You are Shumacher of toronto parties... twitter that! BHAHNG BHAHNG!!!!". This illustrates my point (and I'm gonna google Shumacher when I finish this email - but my point, apart from stroking myself with his compliment (lol) is this... Nowhere - NOWHERE in the world would I know Noorez Rhemtulla, a first generation, Toronto born and raised, Ismaili Muslim, Indo East African from Tanzania, Vanessa Wu, Laura Magnoli, Marvin Damian, and Punji - and be able to call each of them and ask them to take me to their city of the world for lunch, dinner and conversation - within my own city. Now, the reality of it all is that we NEVER do this, but when I was walking around Tokyo, saying I want to try all the amazing things that they have to offer, I was thinking, I'm sure some of the people here have NEVER gone to Osaka, Kobe, seen all many of the countless "Unesco World Heritage Sites", watched a Sumo match or visited Rupoongi Hills, like many of us haven't gone to Casa Loma, the Bata Shoe museum or even the CN tower. You know I've never seen a Blue Jays game?

(By the way, I think the Bhahng Bhahng is somehow ethnic too lol).

My point is that it was a great trip - and more than anything, as my boy pointed out, is that the Japanese are FEARLESS, and that? - that lesson - and the feeling that ANYTHING is possible here, is the lesson that Japan gives me. Put on purple with brown, cheetah print, stripes and polka dots (you have to see it to believe it) and wear it like you mean it... lol... All jokes aside thought, when I put the "anything is possible" thing alongside the "necessity is the mother of invention" appreciation that I got from Cuba and the renewed graititude for being blessed to have been born and raised in Toronto and the opportunities that that has afforded me, I start to create a vivid picture.

I implore you to - and I'm not on some high and mighty, because until recently, I had zero inclination to vacation - but I implore you to save - $20 a week... $80 a month... $960 a year, and check your facebook... Connect with a friend who lives somewhere else - and ask them if you can come stay by them. Chances are the answer will be yes - especially if they're abroad teaching etc as they're lonely (not saying my friend is lonely and ting and ting), but they love the company (and the English conversation that has kept us out until last train for the last 2 nights). Sometimes these things don't cost as much as we think. I just researched and found out that hotel, air, and accomodation for Egypt is like $1500 for 7 days... Not that I'm going anytime soon, but there are cruises for like $500 sometimes.

Anyway, I'm rambling... you get my point.

For the last leg of my stay, I'm in Tokyo and as you read this, I'll soon be on route home. And be it ever so humble, there's no place like Toronto. I digress... so I'm walking thru the streets of Tokyo - back streets, main streets and I find myself gravitating to certain stores... Then I realize, I'm staying in these stores longer than the others. Why? They have OUR and I say our, as I feel that, at least for me personally, MUSIC - and the culture of music, is a part of MY culture and nationality as well... So, I'm in these stores and I'm singing away - WE'RE singing away - myself, Amanda and Damien (who we picked up along the way lol) - 2 expatriates and a foreigner - walking past a store - 'BEFORE YOU WALK OUT MY LIIIIIIIIIIIIFE - oh eh yeah', or rapping all the words to "Going back to Cali" so that everyone can know we KNOW the lyrics lol.

I'm on my way home. Friday is Soul Kitchen where the BEST Soul and R&B from Ryan Leslie to Marvin Gaye to Taral Hicks to Brandy to Soul 4 Real to Jennifer Hudson to Bilal to Raphael Saadiq (did I mention this was in my top 5 concert experiences of all time?) to Luther to Sunshine Anderson to... You name it - if it's got SOUL, it's in the Kitchen - and I even miss Jester [pause]. Kid Kut and Jason Chambers will be in the building finishing the 3 dimensional puzzle (they have 3 dimensional heart and body part puzzles here where you can construct the heart - they get it).

Saturday is re:connect, and I can't lie - I can't. I can't do it anymore. Sigh. Here goes. TORONTO IS IN OLD SCHOOL HE-LL. I said it. Nearly 10 years ago we created this party called Amnesia because certain music NEVER got played. 10 years later, and there's a need for a party that plays music from now. Desperately. This is not that party - but this Saturday, I'm implementing a virtually no old school (well - some new jack lol) - ACTUALLY, THERE'S NO RULES. This Saturday, we'll show you why JASON CHAMBERS is one of the best DJs in the city, and make me continue to wonder why it's a secret. You're going to get (Chambers are you listening?) old and new soca, 2 reggae sets, some old school, some house and a BUNCH of hits...

And and I've just decided something about re:connect...

Stay tuned to your email and facebook overnight on Friday - if you get it at work, you'd better add a friend's or a personal email address at http://amnesia.ca/mail.html

The following Saturday is GroovEssentials - and I'm dying for a soca fix as well...

As I said, Toronto's like a buffet - and there's tons of variety (no jokes about how I like to eat lol)...

I leave you with the last sets of photos from Japan (Deer Summer is my favorite), and I'll upload the other video blogs in my final email of the week.

Japan: Day 3 - Culture and Style

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235096&id=716250226&l=e6799dcde7

Japan: Day 3 - Style ah style and style cyah poil...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235121&id=716250226&l=63d67bc03f

Japan: Day 4 - Living my life like it's GOLDEN

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235443&id=716250226&l=d9adb59848

Japan: Day 5 - Deer Summer

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235751&id=716250226&l=3b4fbbe16c

Japan: Day 5 - Part 2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235873&id=716250226&l=fe3e573605

Japan: Day 5 - Part 3

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235885&id=716250226&l=00c805e0e8

and just in case you missed the others...

Japan: Day 1 Photos:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234436&id=716250226&l=bca707acbe

Japan: Day 2 Photos: Part 1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234715&id=716250226&l=11a68249a6

Japan: Day 2 Photos: Part 2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234731&id=716250226&l=1f466ca9dc

and my 2 videoblogs thus far..

http://vimeo.com/3843190

http://vimeo.com/3860278

Thanks for listening, as usual always... Next email from the Vancity on route to HOME SWEET HOME.

See you this weekend. Love and respect.

Yours sincerely,

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

VideoBlog Japan: Day 2 - Himeji Castle and China Town...

2009-03-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Japan: Day 2 - Himeji Castle and China Town... from Ian Andre Espinet on Vimeo.

or watch it at this link>>> http://vimeo.com/3860278/

Last Stop the Motherland (Yo E you went to Africa?), Nah, Japan...

2009-03-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

Mushi Mushi...

I see trees of green... red roses too
I see em bloom... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

As you read this, my second installment of the week, I am so far gone (ala Drake) - literally.

I'm about to get my run on, so hold the commas...

I'm a touch bi-polar today. As I enjoy the beauty of culture and admire the individuality of the Japanese (they're incredibly stylish - putting together things that I would never think of - but wearing it like they mean it - not like they're trying hard), I see things that I've never seen before and marvel at the wonder at a civilization that juxtaposes the past, present and future all at once. Castles built in the 13th century showcase architecture that no cad program could create; simple things of the present (like a toilet that has a tap running after flushing for washing your hands & a simple understanding of the environment which results in an incredibly clean city); and the future - cell phones showcasing 2014 technology - everyone on the train is watching tv. No lie.

I want to sit here and give a play by play account of my trip thus far, but a) it's almost 2pm, and I haven't left to go sightseeing for Day 3 - effectively destroying the day, and b) cause (clever? no?) a picture tells a THOUSAND WORDS...

So, I've included my first 2 days of photos, and my first 2 videoblogs (I learned a bit of video editing on the 11.5 hour leg of the flight...

Oh... back to why I'm bipolar. As I watch the midday sun, and midnight rains down on T-Dot, I put my friend up on all the Drake she can handle in one night, as she awakes the next morning to me editing video to one of my writing heroes - Saukrates... and I miss the home. The more the desire to go elsewhere in the world burns in me - and the further I travel from home, the more I make the statement that most people shake their heads at... "I don't think I would live anywhere else in the world. I love Toronto". If only we could import some of the things the Japanese have that make SO much sense, and are so ridiculously obvious...

Don't worry... you don't have to have facebook to see them...

Japan: Day 1 Photos:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234436&id=716250226&l=bca707acbe

Japan: Day 2 Photos: Part 1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234715&id=716250226&l=11a68249a6

Japan: Day 2 Photos: Part 2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234731&id=716250226&l=1f466ca9dc

and my 2 videoblogs thus far..

http://vimeo.com/3843190

http://vimeo.com/3860278

I gotta run... As I said, I shouldn't have really been on the computer, but I wanted to share...

I'm gonna try a green tea mcflurry and a filet o-ebi (filet of shrimp - Laura Mags, where you at?) I'll be back in a couple days - I'm looking so forward to Soul Kitchen and re:connecting...

Oh. Speaking of which, the Soul Kitchen $5 all night list is now full -> $10 all night list is still available below:

SOUL KITCHEN: Friday April 3rd - Level Nightclub - 102 Peter St • Jester x Kid Kut x Jason Chambers

Watch how this goes down. This is the Spring opener... and I brought some friends along:

Jester & Kid, and my partner in crime from Amnesia, Jason Chambers will be in the house...

$10 All Night Guestlist >> ian@amnesia.ca

Admission at the door will be $15 all night long.

I'm feeling for some NEO~Soul... Whatcha think? Tribute to Musiq Soulchild? I'll let you know on Friday afternoon I speak with Jester and Chey...

Re:connect: Saturday April 4th - Menage • 333 King Street • Jason Chambers

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to cancel the much anticipated Valentine's re:connect meet market (lovers and other strangers all slow jam party). Although I can't do it as an all slow jam event, I'm going to put a little twist in re:connect and cater to the MEN in this city who, for whatever reason have been going on with some BI^C#@$$NESS OF LATE.

EVERYONE ON GUESTLIST IS $5 ALL NIGHT...

BUT GENTS ARE FREE BEFORE 11:30PM. Don't say we never do anything for you... lol. Pause.

Music is by my good good friend Chambers, and one of my favorite "hidden gem djs". Stay tuned for more details.

groovEssentials: Saturday April 11th - IslandMix Restaurant & Lounge • Jester

A couple months back, I debuted a beautiful event concept based around an entire night of groovy soca - based on the fact that my favorite songs in the fete these days - for whatever reason, seem to be groovy. At the time, I decided that I wanted to do something for the East, wherein the event would be: a) close to home; b) with free parking; c) adult casual...

Enter groovEssentials. The first edition at Tropix in Pickering was one of the best parties I've done in ages. Part 2 at Iron Pot was equally incredible.

For Part 3, for EASTer Long Weekend Saturday, we move to the quaint IslandMix Restaurant - 200 friends and the incredible musical talents of Jester all by his lonesome with Brenton B.

Tribal Knights Band Launch - Birds of Paradise: Saturday April 25th

A girlfriend once told me that there's no allegiances in mas... Consequently, like the NBA or any other major sport, key players move from team to team - and in this case, camp to camp in an attempt maximize their chances of winning the coveted title...

My journey into mas comes from a family tradition and history of both building and playing mas, but my first personal foray into the latter came a couple years back when my Dad and I first brought a section with Marlon Singh's Callaloo. In our first year there, Callaloo won the coveted title of Band of the Year. 2 years later, we joined Jamaal Magloire's young promising band the Toronto Revellers. The band went on to win 2 years straight, and after an amazing run with a great band, we've decided to move on once again.

This year, my Dad and I have decided to go with Tribal Knights - run by Dexter who goes back with my Dad to Louis Saldenah days, and whom I met first at Callaloo. Together, with 8 other section leaders, we're out to take BAND OF THE YEAR...

This year's theme is BIRDS OF PARADISE. If you've never played mas, or are a seasoned veteran, I urge you to come out and check out the costumes on Saturday April 25th.

Anyway... I've got plenty laundry to do, and for some strange reason, I'm becoming my parents, and am agonizing over possibly leaving this house in any sort of mess... I'm off to get it cleaned.

Thanks for listening, always... Next email from the land of the rising sun.

Yours sincerely,

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

ian andre espinet
ian andre espinet entertainment +
black star graphic design & communications
canada's leading urban graphic design studio. period.
ian andre espinet 2007

RE:VISION
In September 1999, we revolutionized the way you viewed events with Amnesia. Since then, we have listened to you, our patrons and friends, and changed to suit your lifestyle. In the orchestration of our flagship event, Amnesia, we have stayed true to our goals. In the creation of other signature events such as Soul Kitchen, Big People Fete, B-Boy Document, X-Factor, ICON, re:connect, Socaholics, The ONE, Music Cafe etc, we have continued the mission.

With more than 2/3 of the urban nightlife scene attending Amnesia and/or one of the our signature events in the past 6 years, we continue to prove that success takes more than VISION. It takes RE:VISION. Stay tuned as we hone our online presence - www.amnesia.ca coming soon...

p.s. Follow me... follow meeeeeeeee. I'm on Twitter.

p.p.s. You can also find me on facebook, myspace, youtube and everywhere else too, doing it like I'm doing it for TV. Or just google me. LOL.

p.p.p.s. Japanese people maybe amongst the most stylish in the world...

p.p.p.p.s. On the streets of Japan, instead of giving out flyers that will be thrown away, they give away packets of klennex with ads...

p.p.p.p.p.s. They have Mister Donut here. Anyone remember Mister Donut? I have a VAGUE memory of going through a drive thru with my dad (and the photo places in those little buildings)...

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. The technology is on some NEXT ish.

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. The Japanese may be the most polite people on earth. Hai!

p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.p.s. Until next time... Sayonnara.

Japanamotion> Day 1: Toronto to Vancity to Narita

2009-03-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

Japanamotion: Day 1 - Toronto to Vancity to Narita from Ian Andre Espinet on Vimeo.

Bigger than Life... The Notorious Big Documentary

2009-03-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

"The Greatest Rapper of All Time Died on March 9th"...

Although hip hop purists will argue the content of the lyric (which, if you don't know is part of Canibus' "Second Round Knockout" for L.L. Cool J - the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time... ), most of us will agree with the sentiment.

12 Years after his death, I can't help but wonder what hip hop would be had he not been killed. 12 years later, I still don't have a favorite song...

We'll always love Big Poppa.

This is a dope documentary done back in 2007. It's dope. What? Ain't nothing more too it.

If you can't see the video, click the link below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAGWY-YH9t4

Watch all 10 parts.

Jay-z: Reasonable Doubt EPK...

2009-03-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

If you know me, I'm probably the biggest Jay-z fan ever. I've been listening to him, since he's been sinning, and you been playing with barbie and ken - and, you can't change a player's game in the ninth inning...

I've always wanted to do a "hip hop pop-up video" so that I could find out all the behind the scenes details of the music, videos etc that I love so.

Here is an incredible "hopumentary" on the making of the 5 mic, classic Jay-z debut album, "Reasonable Doubt", that I found a while back and thought I'd share.

Peep game.

If you can't see the video, here's the link >>
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=606014839842474833&hl=en

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around...

2009-03-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

The phone rings in the middle of the night,
My father yells "What you gonna do with your life?"

What's up?

So, I'm cooking dinner the other day, and I hear this off key singing coming from the living room... "Kids just wanna have fuuu-un". I think to myself, those friggin commercials for summer parks have started already? Then I hear "When the working day is du-un... girls they wanna have fun". I proceed to ask Kayla, where'd you learn that song - and after assessing whether she had said anything that she would get in trouble for, she said, "Daddy... It's Miley Cyrus".

Wow.

Hannah Montana does Cyndi Lauper. Later on that night, I was in the shower (don't visualize lol), and I started to think back. What a wicked time period we were blessed to come up in - so much of the music... the tv, the everything was FEEL GOOD stuff...

From the Cyndi Lauper video with Captain Lou Albano video ("I'm like chillin', Monday night raw watching, me and Dan-e-o at the Skydome, when its in town ~ Choclair - Northern Touch) to the other stuff from that time period, we had it all...

And so did our girls. Well... the girls we liked. But didn't talk to, but instead chased around the schoolyard at recess. Those times, they'd be doing their thing - skipping, double-dutch, and we'd be WAAAY over the next side playing something - reda$$, dodgeball, handball, transformers (or gobots), and then we'd get haunted and go harrass them.

So they're skipping away...

Down by the river, down by thaaaaa sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me,
I told ma, ma told pa,
Johnny got a lickin' so ha ha ha!
How many lickin's did Johny get?

1, 2, 3... and we'd buss up their skipping vibes. Then the girl that you liked, would chase you, and you'd run until they got tired. They'd go back and continue...

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do...

And we'd run through and BUSS up their game. They'd chase us. And sometimes we let them catch us. I was too shy. And Sheryl Chen was sooo hot - the first Chinese Jamaican I ever saw lol. But she had a big boyfriend. Brian Chuchinam. LMAO. I can't believe I remember ANY of this.

Ah... it was oh so simple then. Or we'd be playing Red Rover or was it British Bulldog. We'd be running across the field, and trying to tackle everyone was free. And sometimes, we'd hear after that someone copped a feel. And some guys would run behind a girl and pull her bra strap. That would really cause you to get chased lol.

The girls came to school with all their stuff... the equivalent of ours. My little pony... Monchichi's. Skipper (I think she was a knockoff Barbie mermaid or something). Barbie had Ken, like Oprah has Steadman, and they had a BIG house at home with like a mustang, and a horse with weave like hair lol. And they'd have a head with JUST hair and they'd braid it and style it and and...

And around when Madonna came out hard, they all wore these rubber sparkly bands on their wrists and skirts with frills and... Girls had their own dope stuff.

Sigh....

garbage pail kids...
wuzzles...
puffalumps...
sticker albums...
Cricket...
polly pocket...
secret keepers...
skip it...

I'll finish this next week... but until then, here's one of my favorite read's on the 80's. I didn't write this one, but I wish I did.

I am a child of the eighties. That is what I prefer to be called. The nineties can do without me. Grunge isn't here to stay, fashion is fickle and "Generation X" is a myth created by some over-40 writer trying to figure out why people wear flannel in the summer.

When I got home from school, I played with my Atari 2600. I spent hours playing Pitfall or Combat or Breakout or Dodge'em Cars or Frogger. I never did beat Asteroids. Then I watched "Scooby-Doo." Daphne was a Goddess, and I thought Shaggy was smoking something synthetic in the back of their psychedelic van. I hated Scrappy.

I would sleep over at friends' houses on the weekends. We played army with G.I. Joe figures, and I set up galactic wars between Autobots and Decepticons. We stayed up half the night throwing marshmallows and Velveeta at one another. We never beat the Rubik's Cube.

I got up on Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. to watch bad Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "Snorks," "Jabberjaw," "Captain Caveman," and "Space Ghost." In between I would watch "School House Rock." ("Conjunction junction, what's your function?")

On weeknights Daisy Duke was my future wife. I was going to own the General Lee and shoot dynamite arrows out the back. Why did they weld the doors shut? At the movies the Nerds Got Revenge on the Alpha Betas by teaming up with the Omega Mus. I watched Indiana Jones save the Ark of the Covenant, and wondered what Yoda meant when he said, "No, there is another."

Ronald Reagan was cool. Gorbachev was the guy who built a McDonalds in Moscow. My family took summer vacations to the Gulf of Mexico and collected "The Great Muppet Caper" glasses along the way. (We had the whole set.) My brother and I fought in the back seat. At the hotel we found creative uses for Connect Four pieces like throwing them in that big air conditioning unit.

I listened to John COUGAR Mellencamp sing about Little Pink Houses for Jack and Diane. I was bewildered by Boy George and the colors of his dreams, red, gold, and green. MTV played videos. Nickelodeon played "You Can't Do That on Television" and "Dangermouse." Cor! HBO showed Mike Tyson pummel everybody except Robin Givens, the bad actress from "Head of the Class" who took all Mike's cashflow.

I drank Dr. Pepper. "I'm a Pepper, you're a Pepper, wouldn't you like to be a Pepper, too?" Shasta was for losers. TAB was a laboratory accident. Capri Sun was a social statement. Orange juice wasn't just for breakfast anymore, and bacon had to move over for something meatier.

My mom put a thousand Little Debbie Snack Cakes in my Charlie Brown lunch box, and filled my Snoopy Thermos with grape Kool-Aid. I would never eat the snack cakes, though. Did anyone? I got two thousand cheese and cracker snack packs, and I ate those.

I went to school and had recess. I went to the same classes everyday. Some weird guy from the eighth grade always won the science fair with the working hydro-electric plant that leaked on my project about music and plants. They just loved Beethoven.

Field day was bigger than Christmas, but it always managed to rain just enough to make everybody miserable before they fell over in the three-legged race. Where did all those panty hose come from? "Deck the Halls with Gasoline, fa la la la la la la la la," was just a song. Burping was cool. Rubber band fights were cooler. A substitute teacher was a baby sitter/marked woman. Nobody deserved that.

I went to Cub Scouts. I got my arrow-of-light, but never managed to win the Pinewood Derby. I got almost every skill award but don't remember ever doing anything.

The world stopped when the Challenger exploded.

Did a teacher come in and tell your class?

Half of your friends' parents got divorced.

People did not just say no to drugs.

AIDS started, but you knew more people who had a grandparent die from cancer.

Somebody in your school died before they graduated.

When you put all this stuff together, you have my childhood. If this stuff sounds familiar, then I bet you are one, too.

We are children of the eighties. That is what I prefer "they" call it.
Before the mortgage... before kids... before OSAP repayment... car loans, interest rates and the stresses of adult lives, we lived our lives to a Soundtrack....

Today that Soundtrack to Our Lives lives on in the most imitated, yet still never ever duplicated Toronto party - Amnesia. It all goes down next week Saturday.

Email me for $10 all night guest list at >> ian@amnesia.ca

By the way... I love Jay-z and England and documentaries.

2009-02-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

One of my British cousins put me up on a BBC special on BBC. I managed to track it down. Peep game. Watch all 6 parts.

Fresh obsessed... Can you tell I'm feeling Drake?

2009-02-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

I've had heads turning in the city with my outlandish comments about the "heir to the throne", last having this kind of feeling about an artist as when I heard "Eminem on Dead Wrong" or "Jay and Big on Brooklyn's Finest" or Drake simply evoking the feeling of a rapper/singer with the excitement of a "young Lauryn Hill to me".

So Far Gone has been in rotation since it's download, and I've copied it for 19 people thus far. Just now I got an inbox message about my sign in... "Ian Got the key to happiness & all the copies, remember this day like you bought a poppy. Drake= illmatic09 - I can't decide my favorite track".

What more can I say?

And for everyone that hasn't downloaded it, and has asked for an unbroken link...

Here ya go:
http://www.octobersveryown.net/mixtapes/drake_sofargone.zip

And while you're at it, check out this interview.

Hustler Watch: Drake from Eighty81 on Vimeo.

Drake Complex Article...

2009-02-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Drake Talks Young Money, Kanye Comparisons & Ghostwriting

It may sound heavily clichéd by now, but all Aubrey “Drake” Graham wants to do is keep it real. The Toronto-bred rapper who gained fame by playing basketball star Jimmy Brooks on the teen TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation has no intentions of fabricating his past or lying about the number of women he’s smashed off. He even has no problem talking about how he leased a Rolls Royce Phantom with his TV money just so he could stunt.

On his latest mixtape, So Far Gone, he does just that. The tape has him rapping and singing—along with Bun B, Lloyd, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz and Omarion—about any and everything going on in his life, from drama with ex-girls to family problems most would keep under wraps. Complex caught up with Drake right before he left to celebrate the release of his tape with LeBron James, and we spoke to him him about So Far Gone, ghostwriting for Weezy and his place amongst the new generation of rappers…

Interview By Damien Scott

Complex: Many people don’t know too much about your outside of your role in Degrassi. Were you always into music?

Drake: As far as music goes, it’s always been a major part of my life. My uncle is Larry Graham played bass for Prince, my father, Dennis Graham, wrote for Al Green. [He helped] write “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love & Happiness.” My dad drummed for Jerry Lee Lewis. I’ve always been around great music. My family being from Memphis, Tenn, growing up around all the hip hop—Thee Six Mafia, Kingpin Skimmy Pimp, early Yo Gotti, shit like that was kinda what really influenced me.

How I got into rapping was, my dad was in jail for two years and he shared a cell wit this dude who didn’t really have anyone to speak to. So, he used to share his phone time with this dude and at the time I was probably 16 or 17, this dude was like 20-22, and he would always rap to me over the phone—it was Poverty, that was his rap name. After while I started to get into it and I started to write my own shit down. And after a while, he would call me and we would just rap to each other. And after my dad got out I kept in touch with dude and kept writing my shit down and eventually I learned from meeting people who were into music, too, the art of making a song and I accepted the fact that I wanted to be in music.

Complex: Not too many people know about the rap scene out in Canada. How’s the atmosphere out there? Is everyone cool and supportive of each other?

Drake: I’m cool with everyone out here. One thing I’ll say is, as of late, with everything that’s been happening, we’ve really started to support each other, which is just great. A lot of people have reached out to me and said they’re proud of what I’m doing, and I’m proud of what a lot of these guys are doing. I think we do have talent up here. Someone that I idolize and someone who I think is one of the greatest artists period is K-OS—that’s someone I really look up.

Complex: So you really feel like you have the entire city behind you?

Drake: There’s been a certain surge of excitement around my city, it’s just crazy man, everything is just overwhelming. One thing I will say is that with a guy like Kardinal or a guy like Socrates, [who’ve] been around for 10 years, maybe more…a lot of people will tell me, “I’ve never seen a city really support anyone like this before.” And Toronto, they say, is the Screwface capital. They say it’s the city of hate, we’ve never really had that icon, someone where we can say, That’s our hometown hero. I’m not saying that I am that guy yet, but I think that I’m well on my way.

Complex: You mention K-OS as someone you look up to, but a lot of people who listen to you say you sound like a mash up of Lil’ Wayne and Kanye…

Drake: You know, those are two guys that I definitely look up to and to be regarded as a mesh between those two guys is definitely a good thing ’cause I love both of their music. When it comes to influencing my music, I’m also influenced by just great writers, all the music that’s outside of the rap or R&B genres. People that paint vivid pictures. I like all different kinds of music. I never heavily molded myself after rappers. Sometimes they say when you think something and you go to say it, you lose a lot of color about what you’re trying to say, so to me the best rappers are the people that don’t lose that color. Like, Andre 3000, ‘Ye, Wayne. So yeah, it’s definitely an honor.

Complex: Listening to your earlier mixtapes, as well as So Far Gone, a constant theme seems to be the notion that “All That Glitters Ain’t Gold.” It seems like you try to be honest and downplay the rapper lifestyle, like when you talk about buying a Phantom but regretting it.

Drake: Yeah, well, to be even more honest, I leased a Phantom instead of buying one, ’cause I didn‘t have enough money to buy a Phantom, I leased a Phantom because that’s what I thought I needed to do. And I’ve done a lot of things to just enjoy my nights a little more and to feed my ego. And that’s kinda why I rap about it, because a lot of people are like, “If he ever steps out of line, I’m gonna say Drake’s wack.” So the only choice I have is to be honest with my listeners. And that’s not to say it’s not a glamorous life and it’s not fun, but the reality is it’s great for the average person to hear a musician’s reality because we all seem so unattainable and so out of reach that when you bring yourself back to eye level with a fan and do it in the right way…

Complex: What’s the right way?

Drake: You don’t make stupid internet videos or show people you have too much free time, you just say the right things and they’ll be like, Damn this dude’s a real person and I can relate to that. That can make somebody’s life, that can make somebody’s day, that can be a line that they never forget. So I try to have as many of those lines as possible so that fans feel like Drake isn’t only one of my favorite artists, I feel like he’s one of my friends, he talks to me. That’s one of the benefits of being honest with your music. But some people are scared to do that, too, you know. Because some of their images are built off facade and that’s OK, as long as you can keep it up. But we’ve all seen what happens when you slip up, and that’s a stressful life, I don’t want to live like that. Letting people find out shit about, printing out my documents and putting them up on Thisis50.com.

Complex: Yes, we’ve all seen how ugly that can get.

Drake: Don’t take my ex-girlfriend shopping for fur coats, please!

Complex: Talk to us about So Far Gone. What was the idea behind it?

Drake: It’s basically a story. It starts in January 2008 when I was kinda confused like, What am I really doing? I gave up acting all together to really do this music thing, and I was really truly confused. It’s way different than acting, there aren’t people to depend on, you really have to build your own thing basically from the ground up, you know, so in January not only was I confused about my career, I was also in a very destructive sort of us exhausting relationship with a female and it was just a bad headspace for me to be in. So that’s where the tape starts.

It starts with this monologue, “Lust For Life”, of me crying out, in my head the things that I never say. The things that I was just thinking, that was my mindset. Then it goes to “Houstatlantavegas” which is about what I felt about the girl I was with. I just felt that nothing was ever good enough, and she was always searching for more excitement and then we move into “Successful.” I say at the end of the song, “There are so many things I want to say but I just don’t know how to say it to you.” I know exactly what I want to say, you know, I just want to be successful, but I don’t know if I can do it with you and then it goes into “Let’s Call It Off,” which is the breakup. And then coincidentally when I broke up with that girl a week later I went to Houston and met Lil Wayne and that’s where “November 18″ comes from.

Complex: How’d exactly did you wind up meeting Weezy?

Drake: My friend Jazz Prince—J Prince of Rap-a-Lot’s son—he played Wayne a couple of my songs and Wayne called me when I was in the barber chair getting a haircut, and he was like, “Dude, I just heard two songs from you and you got a whole CD of shit here, I don’t even need to hear anymore, I just need you here right now, can you get to Houston?” So I came out the next night. That was my first time in Houston and the culture and the city was so overwhelming. I felt like I hit Houston and got my swag back. I was single, I was with Wayne and it was Houston, I was going nuts, sipping drank, smoking, it was fun to me. And then you get “Ignorant Shit,” which is what came out of my meeting with Wayne.

Complex: Where did the title come from?

Drake: The whole tape extends from one of my closest friends Oliver—One night we were having a discussion about women and they way we were talking about them, it was so brazen and so disrespectful. He texted me right after we got off the phone and he was like, “Are we becoming the men that our mothers divorced?” That’s really where the cover comes from, too. It’ just this kid in pursuit of love and money. We’re good guys, I’m friends with some real good people and for him to even text me after we got off the phone it just showed we have a conscience. But sometimes you just get so far gone, you get wrapped up in this shit. The title has a lot of meanings—as the way we carry ourselves, the way we dress, the way people view us, not to sound cocky, it’s just that feeling that we’re just distanced in a good way. You’re just elevating past the bullshit and past all the shit that you used to be a part of and you’re not that proud of, you’re just so far gone.

Complex: You have three of the best young R&B artists in the game on this tape, but fewer up and coming MCs. Are you as cool with the new generation of rappers? Were you upset that you weren’t on the XXL Freshman 10 cover?

Drake: I’m actually very grateful I wasn’t on that cover, to be honest. I feel like everybody that was on there deserved to be on there; I’m a fan of a lot of those guys. I just think I have a different path, a different story to tell. To be put in that group is a like a gift and a curse. So to be the one guy that wasn’t on there that everyone talks about or should have been in there is kind of a good thing. It kind of creates a little bit of fun tension. I like getting my own thoughts out right now, I have fans to solidify, so that’s why I don’t do tracks with too many younger rappers or newer artists. People may consider me to be a music snob or whatever, but I like to preserve what’s mine and I also don’t just do tracks to do tracks, I make every song with a purpose. But… me and Wale are real close friends, we talk a lot, man. I listen to Kid Cudi’s shit all the time. Chuck Inglish from the Cool Kids hit me up and was giving me all the compliments in the world—we’re real cool.

Complex: One of the main criticisms of this mixtape is that it sounds like 808’s & Heartbreak lite.

Drake: Right, well, I think any time a rapper sings now, they’re going to say that. Just like whenever a rapper uses Auto-Tune, they say that’s Pain. I’ll put it this way: Kanye West has an amazing mind, but he always has the means that when he thinks something, he can make it happen right away. But I’ve been singing way before 808s and Heartbreak. I wrote all the hooks on every song I’ve done since I did “Replacement Girl” with Trey Songz in 2006. I’ve been in the R&B world for a long time, writing for artists, writing for myself, playing with different sounds and stuff.

So as far as 808s goes, that was a great album, I tip my hat Kanye for making that major release instead of making it a mixtape. But at the same time… people always need something to compare it to. The other thing is, [So Far Gone] is a lot different—it’s real R&B music, that’s why I put Omarion and Lloyd and Trey Songz on there. I’m doing duets with these guys. These are real R&B singers, [and] that’s what I was going for. Kanye was doing something different… I don’t even know how to classify it, I guess he calls it pop art. I love R&B music, man, that’s what you gotta understand, I listen to R&B music more than I listen to rap. That’s kinda my thing. I just want to make genuinely sexy music for women to listen to and for men to play for women.

Complex: Is your major label debut going to sound similar to So Far Gone?

Drake: My album is not going to sound like So Far Gone. It’s a well-rounded body of work that—again people will relate to what I’m saying, but the songs are made obviously to be sold to the public, so this was just my chance to think and write freely. It’s a solid hip hop album. I went left before—most go left after—my album comes out, so people will be like, Thank God, I thought he was about to do some weird shit. Some people go left after, when they feel more comfortable, but I feel comfortable with my talent.

Complex: Speaking of you debut, what’s going on with your label situation? There’s been rumors that you’re on Young Money and there are some saying you’re inked to Interscope. What’s good?

Drake: I’m not with either of those. I’m finishing up the deal tonight or tomorrow. It’s a great situation. My biggest thing that I’m excited about regardless of what label I end up on is my management team: Cortez Bryant that manged Lil Wayne and G Roberson that managed Kanye. To be managed by Hip Hop Since 1978, it’s a great family to be a part of.

Complex: There was video on YouTube with the Young Money crew backstage at a show, and Nicki Minaj said something to effect of “Drake gets the most stage time with Wayne.” Are you the front runner in the crew?

Drake: I came to Young Money genuinely, meeting Wayne, forming a friendship and making great music. I didn’t come into this as a Young Money recruit. I would say Young Money is a great thing to be associated with, it’s beneficial to everybody, with Wayne being the number one artist in the world. But Young Money, right now, until Wayne finds the time—because he’s very busy and he has a lot of projects in the works—to really get a home for that label and develop that label into a real entity, until then I think it’s something to just be associated with. I know Wayne wants to executive produce my album, so the affiliation is there and I rep Young Money. It’s the same way I rep Octobers Own, I rep it because it’s people that I care about.

Complex: There was also a rumor going around that you ghost write for Wayne.

Drake: [Laughs] You know, we’re all great artists, great minds, and we all just contribute to each other, there’s been times when Wayne has helped me out, and I’m sure, I hope, I’ve influenced him to do or say things on tracks. We help each other out, that’s part of being two artists who respect each others creativity.

Complex: We all saw him spit one of your verses at the MTV awards.

Drake: Yeah, at the VMA’s. That was just a spontaneous decision on his part. He used to always tell me, “I love that verse,” and just came out on stage and rapped that verse. [Laughs] And the wildest part was I was stuck outside of the Awards. I couldn’t even get into the award show ‘cause they didn’t give me the right pass, so I was stuck outside listening to my verse. It was my Hilary Swank moment.

Complex: You brag a lot about different clothing brands. Which brands are you currently into?

Drake: One day to day that I always represent is Ransom. Matt George owns a clothing line along with Oliver, I represent them to the fullest. I love Comme des Garçons I wear that a lot. Helmut Lang, Nom de Guerre. Public School’s dope. I wear a lot of Marc Jacobs stuff. I really just wear whatever—I’m not really a hipster fashion dude, I wear wild shit like Jordan sweats and socks and sandals. I don’t get dressed up to get my license renewed, but when I step out I like to look presentable and I like to dress up, I like to wear nice Armani suits. But those are some brands I definitely like.

Complex: Where do you like to shop?

Drake: My favorite place to go shopping would probably be Barney’s. I shop at Nomad here in Toronto. I don’t want to start talking to crazy about clothes ’cause I know there are some guys who are super into it and they’re going to read this like, “Aw man what the fuck?” I know I rap about that shit, but it’s just cause at the moment I really might be about to put on a Margiela tux. I like YSL, too, I like YSL a lot. But yeah, I just don’t want ’Ye to read this and be like, “What the fuck is this dude talking about?” I like clothes, it’s just something to spend your money on like champagne. I have a passion for champagne. I love champagne.

Complex: That’s what you drink on the regular? What are some favorites?

Drake: Krug Rose, Dom Rose if I had a good week. If I spent too much money at Barney’s, we’re drinking Veuve. I want to really start a genuine champagne company. Or be a silent partner in one.

Complex: What gadgets can’t you live without?

Drake: Blackberry is one that I can not be without. Anything that has to do with Mac, I’m a Mac head. That’s it, my Blackberry and my computer. Navigation in a car is a big one. I’m not really a gadget person.

Complex: Which websites do you always check out?

Drake: I read Nah Right all the time; Kanye’s blog. Really one I can credit that I check everyday is Nah Right.

Complex: Before we go, who has the better groupies, rappers or actors?

Drake: [Laughs] I don’t know, I don’t talk to the groupies. I talk to nice, upstanding women. The groupies don’t get my attention. It’s the women that I like.

i HEART u. Soul Kitchen Singles this Sunday w/ Tevin Campbell [at Blvd Room] + My P.S. Things I Don't Get About Women...

2009-02-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

What's up?

Happy Family Day Long Weekend. And Happy Valentine's Day.

I'm really, really tired, but in a really good mood. You know when you're looking for something, but can't find it? That's where I am. I've looked EVERYWHERE. And the joke is, I think I hid it from myself. And with my luck it's hidden in plain sight *(like when my dad is looking for his keys that are in his hand... or my mom with the glasses that are on her face...).

Anyway, I just talked to TEVIN, and he's ready..... Over the last couple of days, since Diddy made the DJ comment (I still have to finish my thoughts on that), and I wrote my email, there's been tons of discourse on whether records can be "broken", meaning made known to the masses, in the environment of the club. So, just now, when my phone rang, and the phone was handed to none other than Tevin Campbell (with whom I've never spoken), I told him that I've been looking everywhere for and instrumental for "Alone" - one of my favorite Tevin songs. He said that "funny enough, I never really perform that song - it wasn't a single or anything".

"Alone", is... as Jon B's "Keep it Real", Terry Ellis' "Where Ever You Are", and BlackStreet's "I Can't Get You Out of My Mind" - TORONTO songs. When Jon B. came for the Soul Kitchen 3.5 (2 years ago May), he said that he didn't ever perform that song... "That soundtrack song? Nah... I never perform it". Toronto is a TRUE musical city...

This weekend, I hope that my vision of bringing TRUE talent - new and emerging, and classic to the city is embraced...

We start with the first vocalist from the "BMU - You Will Know"... Remember that one?

You know you're not really doing any work on Long Weekend Friday anyway...Let's take a trip down memory lane with a few videos to get you in the mood...

*********************************************

2 Gold Albums. 1 Platinum Album. 1 Double Platinum album.

TEVIN CAMPBELL.

Tell Me What You Want Me To Do... Tevin.

Alone With You... Tevin.

Confused... Tevin.

Can We Talk... Tevin.

Strawberry Letter 23... Tevin.

Look What We'd Have... Tevin.

I'm Ready... Tevin

Always in My Heart... Tevin.

8 time Grammy Award Nominee. Soul Train Music Award Winner. 2 time American Music. Tevin.

Tevin Campbell is coming to the Soul Kitchen. In the tradition of those before him such as Jon B, Dwele, Glenn Lewis and Ray Robinson. And trust me, he won't be the last leading up to Soul Kitchen 5 Year Anniversary in May which I've aptly entitled A Dream Deferred...

Stay tuned.

And look out for next weeks email with details on Dr. Jay's Return Fete (March 7th), Amnesia (March 14th) and more.

Just a note: There are no advanced tickets... It's $20 - just come to the door, smelling nice, looking great and with your attitude open and ready to entertained.

Tell a friend.

Real music lives. F what you heard.

Plus all the usual Soul Kitchen goodness - Aaliyah to Zhane and all points between including but not limited to...

AALIYAH AARON HALL ADRIANA EVANS AL B. SURE ALISHA KEYS ALLURE AMEL LARRIEUX ANGIE STONE ARETHA FRANKLIN ASHFORD AND SIMPSON BABYFACE BEVERLEY KNIGHT BILAL BILL WITHERS BLACKGIRL BLACK MEN UNITED BLACKSTREET BOBBY BROWN BOYZ II MEN BRANDY BRIAN MCKNIGHT BROWNSTONE CAMBELL BROTHERS CAMEO CARON WHEELER CARL THOMAS CASE CASSERINE CHAKA KHAN CHANTE MOORE CHAUNCEY HANNIBAL CHUCKIE BOOKER CLYMAXXX CODY CHESNUT COLOR ME BADD D'ANGELO DAMIEN HALL DAVE HOLLISTER DAVINA DEBORAH COX DES'REE DEVOX DONELL JONES DIONNE FARRIS DONNIE DRU HILL DWELE EARTH, WIND & FIRE ELLIS HALL 3 EN TOUCH EN VOGUE ERIC BENET FAITH EVANS FLOETRY FORCE M.D.'S FOUR TOPS GABRIELLE GEORGE BENSON GEORGE MICHAEL GINUWINE GLENN LEWIS GRENIQUE GROOVE THEORY GUY HEATHER HEDLEY H-TOWN INDIA.ARIE INTRO JADE JAGGED EDGE JAGUAR WRIGHT JAHEIM JAMES BROWN JANET JACKSON JAZZYFATNASTEES JESSE POWELL JILL SCOTT JODECI JOE JOHNNY GILL JOI JULLY BLACK KEITH CROUCH KEITH SWEAT KELIS KELLY PRICE KENNY LATTIMORE KOFFEE BROWN LAURYN HILL LEVERT LIONEL RICHIE LISA STANSFIELD LUCY PEARL LUTHER VANDROSS MARVIN GAYE MARY J. BLIGE MAXWELL MICHAEL JACKSON MINT CONDITION MISTA MONA LISA MONICA MONIFAH MUSIQ SOULCHILD NEXT NICOLE RAY OMAR ORAN JUICE JONES PRINCE PROFYLE R. KELLY RAHSAAN PATTERSON RAPHAEL SAADIQ RIFF ROBERT PALMER RODNEY JERKINS RUFF ENDZ SADE SAMUELLE SAUKRATES SHAI SILK SIMPLY RED SOUL 4 REAL SOUL II SOUL SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS STEPHANIE MILLS STEVIE WONDER SUNSHINE ANDERSON SWEET SABLE SWEETBACK SWV SYBIL TANYA BLOUNT TANYA VAUGHN TAMIA TAMMY LUCAS TEDDY RILEY TEMPTATIONS TERRENCE TRENT D'ARBY TEVIN CAMPBELL THE DEELE TIMEX SOCIAL CLUB TODAY TONI BRAXTON TONY RICH TONY TERRY TONY TONI TONE TRIBE CALLED QUEST TROOP TYRESE UNCLE SAM UNV USHER VIVIAN GREEN WHISTLE WHITEHEAD BROTHERS XSCAPE ZHANE

p.s. Since it's Valentine's day... I've always had a few questions about women...

- how come you guys like to sleep with our shirts?

- why you can't just order some fries at the drive thru? why you have to be all up in mine when you said you didn't want any...

- and why do you ask questions you don't want the answer to like "do these pants make me look fat"?

- and why do you think that "down" is the natural position of the toilet seat, when "both down" is?

- is it true that you know whether you'd ___________ a man in the first fifteen seconds?

- and if no one would know, and there was no double standard, would you sleep with nuff people?

- and how come "indecent proposal" doesn't bother you? It should...

- and why do you have to nag... and don't look at the screen that way... you know you do... or will...

- and why when we "give it a label, does it become unstable"?

- and what are you talking about for so long on the phone with your girls?

- and really... after I meet you - why is it not possible for me to have another female friend again?

- why can't any woman get along with a mother in law? or an ex for that matter?

- and why do I have to remind you 10 times to check your tires, or your oil or pay that bill, but you remember to harass me about some irrelevant thing?

- and why do you over analyse my words? I mean what I said..

- and how come you can make a joke about us getting fat or flopping in bed... but if we do it........

- and why do you stay with someone that treats you badly then complain?

- and why do we have to plan everything... ever hear of spontaneous?

- and why must you hold on to things that happened ages ago & spring them today when I don't know what you're talking about?

- and why do you want to talk to me about your monthly visitor or auntie flow? You see me here squeeming right?

- and why do you want your man off facebook...

- why if you've been sick for 2 weeks, don't you just go to the doctor instead of complaining? You're getting on my nerves...

- why can't you drive? (just kidding... but why do you have to be so aggressive Napoleon...)

- why don't you tell your friend if her face and neck don't match?

- and why do you insist on hugging me if I'm wearing white and you know you're wearing makeup?

- and why do you lie about your shoe size by a half size?

- when I call ahead and LIE that I'm downstairs, why does it still take you another 15 minutes to get down?

- does size really matter? I don't have the problem... I'm just asking...

- why do you want someone to "take care of you", but then when we get in a fight, you want to tell me "this is why I don't like anyone doing anything for me"... Pick one - you can't want to be romanced, but then when I pick up the cheque you're insulted because you've been listening to Beyonce talking about independent ladies...

- speaking of B... why do you guys sing stupid songs that make no sense "if you like it then you should have put a ring on it"... I would have, but you gave it up. Kidding. Sort of. LOL.

- why do you have a menu for what you want in a man... let me give you a piece of advice - look for someone that makes you laugh, is nice, and kind and forget all this good looking, must have good credit, nice job and hot car - cause that's why he's not nice.

- and why are your washrooms in the club nasty? What the heck are you guys doing in there?

- why do you think I can read your mind. If you have to ask me if I don't know why you're mad, then I don't.

Out...

I achieved...

2009-02-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

something great today.

It may not be a big deal for anyone else, but one of my life mantra's is to get up everyday and do something significant. In the last 24 hours, I did something that I've promised myself that I'd do for just over 3 years.

I'm no where near the end of my journey - but I took the first - second step towards a goal.

So - say 5 years ago, I decided that I would learn flash, the stuff that makes websites, ummm, for lack of a better description, move. And those evites that I like to send too. Finally, about 2 years ago, I spend an absurd amount of money for a 2 day course and learned, well - a little. After getting the software, and losing it on my desk (blank discs go missing on graphic designer's desks daily), and getting it again, I finally - finally installed it. And I actually did something with it.

Over 48 hours later - with the majority of the work done within the first 8, with the remainder going to tweeking etc, I created my first EVER flash evite.

Tell me what you think... You can be brutally honest - I realize that I have 97 in a 100 metre race left to go.

Here's the product...

CLICK THE IMAGE TO VIEW...

See the original post at >> ianandreespinet.blogspot.com

Cam'ron - I Hate My Job...

2009-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness I love mine. This is some FUNNY ish.

I

Real Talk. Please read, discuss, forward & reply. Soul Kitchen +

2009-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

What's up?

I'm going in. How'd Drake say it? Like a life sentence. Right off the top of the email.

For the last few months, I've been going through it. Of my own admission, I'm dope (despite not having used that word in years). I'm the living, breathing definition of fresh (another throwback). And all for one simple reason. I dance to my own drum, like what I like, don't like what I don't like and LOVE people for loving what they love even if I don't like it - like most people wish they could. And because I don't care if you think I'm dope, cause I'm still dope. Dope.

I LOVE music. As you know. As my girl Amanda says, it's my other religion. I love old school. But I'm an R&B dude. I'm a B-Boy. I love soca. Old, new, all music. I love Phil Collins, Wonderwall and Jack Johnson. I love Cyndi Lauper, LSG, The Roots and Nadia Batson.

I quote Jay-z and Biggie lyrics in everyday conversation, and talk about the "musicality" of Tamia singing "the way that you make me sweat... make me want a cigarette and I ain't no smoking chick, but you got me wantin' it...". I wait for the drum to come in on Monica's "Before you Walk out my Life" and pound down with my fist while making a face - like its nasty and I've never heard it before. Despite hearing it 10,000 times. Approximately.

I float through crowds at my own parties and break into the Roger Rabbit at Amnesia, or the A-Town stomp to Usher, or better yet run my outstretched hand up my 45 degree angled leg like Usher at the end of Burn. I do a mean chain spin from the Yeah video and argued that the choreography where he danced out of his shoes was stupid. But the choreography from "If It Isn't Love" was genius. As was the Cab Calloway inspired Janet Jackson, Alright.

I'm a music purist. But I argue the importance of Will Smith to hip hop and on behalf of Soldja Boy - or however you spell it - in barbershop conversations. I get Kid Cudi, all day and all night, but didn't think Lupe Fiasco was the second coming. I'm currently in love with a Canadian artist by the name of Melanie Fiona and constantly walk around singing that I'm not afraid of Lions and Tigers and Bears... or "How It Was Supposed to Be" by Ryan Leslie.

But lately, in all things, including music, I've started to feel like the girl in the Massenfril... massengil, commercial. Not so... fresh. I hear records, and I'm not sure if I'm loosing my ear or if everyone else is crazy, or if they're all liars. For instance. I liked a few of the Kanye records, but really, didn't see what all the fuss was about. Everyone around me was loosing their minds. LOOOSING THEIR MINDS. It's revolutionary. It's incredible. It's amazing. I was like... ahhh... not so much.

I've found myself at a cross roads - and like many times before, I feel like I must go straight at the fork in the road. I've found lately that there's a trend - healthy or unhealthy is not for me to decide - where everyone discusses and disects and pontificates about music, but doesn't FEEL it like - like how a child knows right away if they like it or not... It's broken down - for why it's different... why it sounds the same... why it's fresh, but the raw - KRS ONE explanation of "50 cent is MORE hip hop.. boom bap... than Kanye to me" is lost. When I hear a record like "The Sweetest Thing" playing in the background, I know IMMEDIATELY. I knew when I heard Ryan Leslie's "How It Was Supposed to Be - Version 2"

"Fresh like the kiss of morning dew... that's how it felt that day when we met and I first laid eyes on you... "

And so I find myself in a precarious place with my baby - Soul Kitchen...

A place I've never felt myself in before. One where I want to do MORE, but am afraid that I'm the only one who feels as I do. I want to find a place for artists like Melanie Fiona, and Jazmine Sullivan... for Ryan Leslie... but also for the Sunshine Anderson's, the Tevin Campbell's, The Chante Moore's and Rashaan Paterson's. I want to be able to bring an Erro, a Monifa, an Amel Larrieux or an Eric Benet. You get my drift.

BUT. Something's changed. I sat on the phone with Jem the other day - let me interject: friends are a mirror and sometimes show you right from wrong when you can't see clearly (thanks Jemmi) - reminiscing about when Jonathan Ramos brought unknown acts to the Bamboo on Queen Street. Long ago... and ooooh not so far away, when you were in a room and an artist performed and you LOVED music, if they were good, you ENJOYED the music. You didn't stand up with your arms crossed until a song came on that you KNEW. This is the legacy of the Bump and Hustle's and the Amnesia's.

So when I read Puff say that the DJ killed hip hop the other day, I felt relieved that in some way, despite the fact that he was shooting the messenger who had limited choices, that he was also shedding some light on the truth. VERY FEW play album cuts anymore... VERY FEW are brave enough to BREAK records, and although we live in Toronto, a city now plagued by ONE TOO MANY old school parties, VERY FEWremember anything about an artist that doesn't have a current hit. In the process too, we no longer appreciate the merits of seeing an artist that either WE DON'T KNOW or HAVEN'T HEARD IN A LONG TIME...

To me, there is no such thing as seeing an artist you love too many times. So if House of Blues brings Brian McKnight (my favorite male vocalist whom I've seen EVERY time minus once) now and I have money to see him again next year, I'M GOING. Jonathan Ramos shouldn't feel that there's no market to bring BACK Brian cause the audience will say "ahhh... saw him". Other markets - other audiences see the Rolling Stones a cabillion times... Tight pants there still rocks the half-time show and knee slides his crutches (yes... on purpose to not set off filters) into the camera. And they support and love it.

Bruce can still put out music without anyone saying "but he hasn't had a hit in years" and not listening. The absence of this mindset is the reason that amazing albums like Tamia's and new music by artists who haven't been out for a while like Chante Moore go unheard - without being given a chance.

I first started hearing a phrase in the soca market a couple years back "I don't need to see Machel... I already saw him". I used to screw my face. Too much Machel?

Let me explain. I saw Prince on the Wednesday when the concert came here last year. If I had HAPPENED to see Prince on Tuesday, I would have seen him AGAIN on Wednesday. When Scratch toured with Usher, I went to the Toronto show. In all honesty, I went to see Scratch, (and money was tiiiight like a metro's shirt), but when I got there, I was like I FORGOT HE'S FRIGGIN USHER. One bad decision (making love in the club) doesn't a flop show make. He was INCREDIBLE. I went to see Floetry and came out a fan of Goapele. I went to see Kelis and came out a Floetry fan. This is what this city is BUILT on... A music knowledge and love unparalled ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

Now - back to the DJ's... the one's who get blamed when it's not their collective fault. Completely. The audience often times has the attention span of a 4 year old, and the tolerance for things that are new akin to getting some of my friends to eat "raw fish" or try different things off the menus at Winterlicious. Let's just leave it at - they audience is often inelastic and don't like to try new things. Consequently, you HAVE to play the same records. This is frustrating to the djs, and to a small portion of the audience that WANTS more. I want to bring India.Arie, Maxwell, d'Angelo, Music Soulchild, Jill Scott. And in time maybe I'll grow there. BUT I also want to bring Rahsaan, Donnie, Anthony Hamilton, (he hasn't had a hit right?), Vivian Green, Joe etc. - and it's frustrating when its John Legend or Robin Thicke or nothing.

So.

THIS FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND SUNDAY... (Monday is the holiday)...

In celebration of Valentine's weekend, I proudly present the first in a series of SURPRISE GUEST APPEARANCES at Soul Kitchen. It won't be every month... maybe not even every couple of months - BUT once in a while, when the mood catches me, I will put on someone that in the spirit of Soul Kitchen represents the PURITY AND PASSION of the artists that built the genre. I refresh the Soul Kitchen mantra of Aaliyah to Zhane and all points in between including but not limited to...

It doesn't matter if the artist has been here before or not. It doesn't matter if they're last studio album was 1998 or February 12th (like Ryan Leslie). It doesn't matter if they're 50 or 16. If they're TRUE musicians... vocalists like Johnny Gill or Deborah Cox... play the piano like Jon B. or the guitar like Babyface... sing ballads like Tyrese or David Hollister or are a group or duo.

Sometimes there will be an incremental increase in the price of the affair, but I hope that you will trust in my decision making and understand that together we can enjoy MORE than the obvious artists (that too are amazing...).

Back to Jemeni. Jem said... "I like Kid Cudi... but don't care if care if he's number one on the charts - cause Lions, and Tigers and Bears is number one on the JEM chart. Maybe you're evolving. Maybe your role isn't JUST to do big shows in front of 2500 people... but to do intimate Soul with wicked artists that either people don't KNOW are wicked or FORGOT are wicked".

{Make a} Family Day Long Weekend Sunday - Soul Kitchen Valentine's Edition :: BLVD Room

For family day long weekend Sunday, The Soul Kitchen Valentine's Edition shifts from it's usual Friday night slot for an event for single people and their friends with significant others. {Meaning if you have a girl/man, you can come still, but it's all about the single people lol}.

Valentine's day. Everybody knows that single people don't like Valentine's. Especially women. The fairer sex are some real haters. They don't want to go to the club to see all them lovey dovey couples when they don't have a man. But you know what? Couples don't go to clubs for Valentines. And if they do, they leave early to go get some bad Valentine's love making. You know Valentine's love making sucks. You expect too much and it never lives up to the chocolate, flowers and dinner. It's like New Years and birthday lovemaking. But that's another story.

Jester and Kid are ready and special guest Skimpy will be in the house WITH A VERY SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE BY A PIVOTAL 90's VOCALIST.

Soul Kitchen Valentine's Edition: Family Long Wkd Sunday February 15th 2008 - Monday's A Holiday.

THE 2008 THANK YOU LIST... AND MY PERSONAL INVITATION TO CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY.

2009-01-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my annual THANK YOU LIST...

Capricorns, being the serious people we are, are never happy near our birthdays as we don't ever feel that we've achieved enough. Ever. For me personally, the 1st day of the year (day ONE), represents not only my birthday - but the beginning of my birth year cycle, but the end of one, and a chance to reflect.

After a life changing trip to Cuba a couple years back, I came to understand that we tend to complain in Canada A LOT, and generally unnecessarily. I started to reflect on how ungrateful we all often are, for the things that we have, the people around us and for another day...

With that said, one of my traditions for the last couple of years is the incredibly ridiculous task of thanking everyone that made my year what it was... Often, people send me an email that says something like "you really made my day with your email" or "I loved that party last night and I hope you know we appreciate the hard work". Those little emails - the little "I feel silly saying this and I'm sure you hear it all the time - but I LOVE YOUR EMAILS" - all of those little things, the love that you show when you support not only my efforts but REAL music and real events, I appreciate to the bottom of my heart - and they keep me going.

This list is a part of my dairy of the PEOPLE THAT HELPED ME GET THROUGH the successes and failures, the joys, the pains, the good and bad. I think of those who have not been as fortunate to make it, and I take time to greater appreciate the gifts of friendship, as well as the little things that have made this life bearable - especially in a year as difficult as 2008. Where the first day of the year - my birthday - used to be a marker of my relative success, it is now a marker of the LESSONS learnt over the year, new friendships kindled and old re-connected, the laughter, the achievements - as big or small as they may have been.

This list also acts as my personal invitation to YOU - if I’ve touched you directly or indirectly - through my words, actions or events - or if I’ve been blessed by your support, words or love to celebrate my birthday at The ONE - my most personal event - as it represents ONE degree of separation and an opportunity for me to THANK YOU - the friends and acquaintances, who without knowing, have become a part of my personal story - teaching me, and inspiring me to continue striving to achieve. The THANK YOU EMAIL acts as a PRE-AMBLE TO THE EVENT... for those who can't make it.

I strongly believe in starting the year as I’d like it to continue - surrounded by friends. My birthday party is the rare occasion that I get to see all my friends, old and new. THE ONE brings together everyone from all of my events - Amnesia to Soul Kitchen, Big People Fete to GroovEssentials, ICON to re:connect and all points between.

This year, I refuse to work at the party. I plan to enjoy every moment. More preparation work than ever has been done to ensure that it runs itself - or someone is there to run it - apart from me lol.. I plan to share the night with you, my friends...

OH... AND I HAVE ON 2 PHOTOGRAPHERS... I'll be standing in front of the backdrop to meet EVERYONE (unless you come after midnight in which case - catch me dancing in the middle of the dancefloor lol).

With no further adieu, I PRESENT "THANK YOU FOR 2008"

If I missed you, please know that I appreciate the effort that it takes to even smile and be friendly in this cold cold world - many weren't lucky enough to be here with us and so I say THANK YOU. (and please realize I'm doing this freestyle from memory and it was that memory - not my heart that forgot (I've always wanted to say that lol).

I appreciate everything that you've done to enhance my life, whether it was a kind word, a smile, an email, some advice, something you taught me, by supporting or attending one of my events, by telling someone about me, or by simply reading or listening to me on the radio.

Gratefully, I remain,

Yours...

Ian Andre Espinet - THE ONE.

THANK YOU.

100 MILES GARIE,
AARON "BUSINESS MAAAAN" HASTINGS,
ABBY CARREON,
ABBY TOBIAS (WE NEED TO DO A PROJECT TOGETHER. MAZAL TOV),
ADISA LAPIERRE,
ADRIAN DE PALA,
ADRIAN MCCALLA
ADRIEN KING (GOOD CATCHING UP, DYING TO TASTE THAT COOKING YOU TALK ABOUT),
AFIYA (THX FOR STEPPING UP),
AGILE (THE AC’S STILL BETTER LOL),
AHMAD HAYNES (YOU'RE AMONGST THE FUNNIEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET),
AIESHA MURRAY,
AISHA GRANT,
AISHA MARSH (MY SECOND FAVORITE DREAD… WHATUP JEMMY?),
AJAY & LEGACY SOUND,
AJAY (BRIGHTER DAYS),
AKILA MATTHEWS,
AKUA MENSAH,
ALAIN AND ROYETTE,
ALANA MERCURY (IT’S A SMALL WORLD – HE WAS A GREAT MAN)
ALANA MERCURY,
ALEAH MARTIN,
ALEXA DE PARIS,
ALISA LEWIS
ALISA LEWIS,
AMANDA JOB (HURRY UP AND COME HOME - FORGET IT DA#( IT. I'LL JUST REACH...),
AMANDA L
AMANDA ODEI (MY GIRLFRIEND IF I WAS TALLER LOL),
AMANDA PANDA HENRY,
AMANDA TINEY WINEY,
AMOL
ANDRE CHOO QUAN & TRINIJUNGLE JUICE,
ANDRE PAUL (WHEN’S THE MOVE HOME?)
ANDREA JUPITER,
ANDY COWARD,
ANSON WILLIAMS (CONGRATS... I HEARD),
ANTHONY MORRISON
ANTHONY REDDS,
ARLENE CONSTANTINE,
ASABI AND SASHA (MY GIRLS FOR LIFE... I LOVE YOU GUYS), SHAREZ, KAREN, HEIDI, MICHELLE,
ASHA GIBBS (THX FOR PLAYING COURIER),
ASHA LAPPS,
ASHEER SHARMAN,
ASHLEY BARNES MCKENZIE (OUR BDAYS APPROACH),
ASHLEY JOHNSON,
AUDREY DWYER,
AVALON DRAKES,
AVE MAREEAH, NINI RUBY, JANELLE DUNKLEY,
AVION BAPTISTE,
AVRIL + MAYDAY (INSPIRING),
AYAH,
AYANA MCLEAN (DOES THAT PHONE MAKE OUTGOING CALLS?),
AYANNA CROPPER,
BABA KAHN (YOU'RE STILL THE BEST PARTNER I'VE EVER WORKED WITH)
BANDIT,
BARBARA PETERS,
BARRY & MELISSA MALCOLM,
BERNISHA LEBRON (THANKS FOR ALWAYS HELPING ME OUT) & CHRISTAL,
BEV CRANDON (NICE TALK EARLY IN THE YEAR),
BEV MCGUIRE (I HOPE YOU FIND YOUR "MANLY MAN"),
BIG C,
BIG KEVV,
BIG MIKE (GOOD SEEING YOU – I’LL HOLLER WHEN I’M IN THE A),
BOACHIE (WHERE YA AT?),
BONES (IT GETS BETTER IN 09),
BOOGEYMEN (FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN MARTYR AND SAVIOUR – I RESPECT AND ADMIRE YOU),
BOONAA (MY NUMBER 2 DRAFT PIC - NEXT TO FUTURE THE PRINCE)
BRANDI STYLES,
BRENDA ACEMAH (ONE SIGHTING AT THE BAND LAUNCH LOL),
BRENDON PRECISE (HAPPY CAPPY BDAY),
BRENTON ALLEYNE (WE NEED TO CATCH UP),
BRENTTON B (THANKS FOR EVERYTHING… IT GETS BETTER – TRUST ME… SILENCE IS THE KEY – LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS),
BRIAN MANGUBAT & MRS. ROBYN MANGUBAT (CONGRATS)
BROTHER NOEL,
BRYAN B,
BURGHER (NORMAN),
BYRON PANTHER (THANKS FOR BEING RUFF)
CAMILLE CLYNE,
CAMILLE PERROTTE,
CAMILLE YUSEF,
CAPITAL ENTERTAINMENT (YOU DID IT THIS YEAR)
CARL ALLEN,
CARL MITCHELL (THANKS FOR THE GREETINGS ALL THE WAY FROM GUANGZHOU)
CARLA BABBZ (CONGRATS BABES... BIG PEOPLE FI HAVE BIG TINGS (THAT WAS FOR THE ROOTS GIRL IN YOU) & TWIN (YOU'RE A REAL GUY - GOOD MEETING YOU),
CARLEEN BAILEY AND JESSICA MARRS (THANKS FOR SOME OF THE BEST MEMORIES IN T&T),
CARLOS OBEROI (THANKS FOR THE "IF YOU CAN NAME 5 PEOPLE" SPEECH...),
CARLOS PROMO
CAROL ALLEN,
CASEY SKEETE,
CASPER,
CASSANDRA LINDSAY
CASSANDRA SKEETE,
CATHY PARKINSON (GREAT RUNNING INTO YOU AT THE "METRO"),
CHAKA COMRIE,
CHAMBERS (TAKE YOUR DESERVED PLACE... HUMILITY NAH MEK IT IN 2009... SEIZE THE MOMENT AND OWN IT – JUST IN CASE YOU CHECKED YOUR LAST NAME FIRST LOL),
CHANTAL KNIGHT, NIGHT NURSE, MOUSEY,
CHANTAL SENECHAL
CHARITY KABANGO (THANK YOU FOR DRIVING THE DISTANCE)
CHARLEEN ADJAYE (AKA AUTO-REPLY LOL),
CHARLENE ALLEN (ALWAYS SMILING - THANKS),
CHARLES KABBOUTH, JAMEEL, JEFF, YUNG HO, AND THE AND THE STAFF OF INK, KOOLHAUS,GUVERNMENT
CHASE PARSONS,
CHAYPHET,
CHE (BIG IT UP),
CHEL SABI (WHERE THE COOKIES AT?),
CHENELLE MCGILL
CHERYL LINTON,
CHERYL MORGAN,
CHERYL WILLIAMS,
CHIEF (YOU’RE STILL FAMILY – ANY NEGATIVE IS LOVE. SEEN?),
CHOCLAIR,
CHRIS NICE,
CHRISTINA FROM WOODBRIDGE (MONOLITH ASSOCIATED? LOL),
CHRISTINA SAN,
CHRISTINE KELLY,
CHRISTINE TAMPOYA,
CHRYSSOULA,
CINDY WOOSAM,
CJ SAUCEY,
CLAYTON JOSEPH (CONGRATS MAN),
CLAYTON MAX (MR LOVA LOVA 08 LOL),
CLINT MURPHY (THX FOR THE FAVOUR),
CLINTON SPARX,
COLIN RICHARDS (THANKS FOR ALWAYS COMING THRU FOR ME),
CONRAD HAMILTON,
CONROY JARVIS,
COREY MITCHELL AND BRIAN (CONGRATS),
CORWIN,
CORY MITCHELL (HIP HOP),
COURTNEY REMEKIE (PLEASED TO MEET YOU),
CPG,
CRAIG CHUNG,
CRAIG COLDFUSION,
CRAIG MANNIX (THANKS FOR TAKING TIME OUT THE TIME FOR ME – IN 09 I NEED TO EXECUTE),
CRISTOS COX,
CROWN GRAPHICS,
CURT GREENIDGE (GLAD YOU ENJOYED YOUR B-DAY AT SK),
CURTNEY,
CUT CREATOR CREW – KEITH, CHRISSY, DEVO,
DALIAH PITT,
DAMEON ROYES & THE BIG IT UP FAMILY(YOUR CHARITABLE NATURE, AND YOUR BUSINESS ACUMEN INSPIRE ME... YOU'RE GREAT),
DAN (H-TOWN),
DAN AND MELANIE,
DAN MURRAY,
DANE CLARKE (LUNCH THIS YEAR),
DAN-E-O,
DANI SCOTT,
DANIELLE KNOX (WE CELEBRATING AGAIN?),
DANNY PRECISE,
DANROY,
DAREN ALI,
DARREN AND COCO,
DARREN W,
DARRYL MCFARLENE AND FAMILY (SAME AS EVERY YEAR... THANKS FOR ALWAYS CHECKING IN),
DAUREN SIMMONDS,
DAVE & MARSHA MATTHEWS,
DAVE MCTEAGUE (LOOK FOR DOPE SOUL KITCHEN STUFF IN 09),
DAVE SABATINO (SOORRRY MAN... FIRST THING IN 09),
DAWN GORDON (CONGRATS ON FINDING WHAT YOU NEED),
DEAN D'AGS (TAKE A DAY OFF MAN… EVEN TED DID)
DEBBIE HOUGHTON,
DEE (WESTSIDE - EASTSIDE NAILS LOL),
DEE DEE CRICHTON,
DELILIAH BARKO (WHAT UP SCRAPPY),
D'ENFORCAS,
DENISE AZEEZ (I'M GONNA WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP LOL),
DENISE CHANG KIT,
DENISE CHUNG (AKA BRIDEZILLA LOL),
DENISE JEREMY (YOU'RE CAPABLE - NO TALK IN 2009 - NIKE TIME),
DENTON MITCHELL,
DEREK JUNES ANDERSON,
DESIREE HOPE,
DEXTER (LET’S WIN THIS – IT’S TRIBAL KNIGHTS IN 09. DON’T GET IT TWISTED),
DEXTER LANGLEY (THANKS FOR THE HELP WITH THE G4 - WAS THAT THIS YEAR?),
DIAMOND MAHIT ROBINSON (THANKS FOR THE WORDS MAN),
DIAMOND (TELUS),
DIANA IORFIDA,
MRS DIANNA ROSTEING (THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE. I APPRECIATE IT),
DIJA CHANG KIT,
DIONNE BISHOP (CAN WE TALK LIKE TEVIN?),
DIONNE CLARKE (THANKS FOR THE OPINIONS - I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THEM),
DIRK DIGGLER (SEAN DWYER) LOL
DIRTY DALE,
DIRTY DEZ (THANKS FOR THE TALK IN THE POLICE ASSOCIATION PARKING LOT),
DJ HERBERT (HOLLER),
DJ REMEDY,
DJ SPICE (THANKS FOR COMING THRU BIG PEOPLE),
DJ XTC (THE ONLY PERSON TO EVER PUT "IN A RELATIONSHIP" AND "LOOKING FOR DATING" AND LIVE),
DOC (CAPRICOOOORNS),
DON BEEZY,
DONNA RANKINE & DEBORAH,
DONNA SISNETH (ARE YOU FLIRTING WITH ME? LOL),
DONNA WALROND (THE COUNTDOWN TO THE NEXT ONE),
DOUG SHINDE,
DR JAY (THANK YOU FOR THE LECTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE AND OUTLOOK... IT WAS WAY BIGGER THAN BUSINESS… YOU’RE A GREAT PERSON AND I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE CONTRIBUTION THAT YOU’VE MADE TO MY LIFE),
DR SIMMONDS,
DREW DAZZLE (NEW LEAF?),
DRUNKEN CHOIR (AKA THE 1/3RD BLACKBERRY SQUAD - I'LL EXPLAIN LATER LOL),
DUANE BOBBSEMPLE,
DUANE BROWN,
DUANE LOVELACE,
DUSTY LLEWELLYN,
DWAN “SHRINKING” BRANTON,
DWAYNE AND SUSAN MATTHEWS (THANKS AGAIN FOR T&T),
DWAYNE AND TRACY ASHLEY,
DWAYNE MATTHEWS (IN 09, I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE CULMINATION OF YEARS OF PREPARATION)
DWAYNE MATTHEWS, SUSAN, AND THE MATTHEWS FAMILY – THANKS FOR T&T…
DWAYNE MORGAN (I'M PROUD OF YOU - YOU'RE INSPIRATIONAL...
DWAYNE WATSON,
EARL CHARLES (CONGRATS ON YOUR DECISION),
EARL LYONS (WE HAVE TO DO DINNER THIS YEAR… NO EXCUSES),
EDDIE LEWIS,
EDDIE WILLIAMS (THANKS FOR THE CONVOS),
EDWARD BUNHAI,
ELARON SKEETE (CAN I GET AN INVITE? LOL)
ELISIA JOHNSON (HAVE A GREAT VACAY AND THANKS),
ELKA GRAHAM,
ELTON BALCOMBE,
EMAN (I HAVE INFO FOR YOU… TAKE YOUR PLACE THIS YEAR TOO),
ERICA WALROND (THE MOST PININGEST EVER LOL),
ERIKA REYES,
ERIN GIBBS,
ERIN NOBLE (QUITTING THIS YEAR?),
ERROL (AND THE LITTLE GUY)
ESSEN CHAVEZ,
ETIENNE LIBURD (WELCOME BACK),
EUGENE TAM,
EVERETTE AND PETRA
FABIAN WILLS (WE'LL CATCH UP SOON)
FAITHLYN HEMMINGS (CONGRATS AND CONGRATS AGAIN),
FATIMA & JAE BLAZE (PROUD OF YOU GUYS),
FATS,
FAYOLA EDWARDS, SWAINE, CASPER, GRANT, MITZI, AND CREW…
FEEL GOOD ENT,
FIONA BAPTISTE (CAN'T WAIT TO WORK WITH YOU),
FIONA KNIGHT (ANY CANDY THIS YEAR? LOL)
FLASH (KEVIN GORDON) (WELCOME TO THE CLUB... ITS THE BEST THING EVER),
FLO KING (TOFLO.COM - I KNOW YOU HAD A SUPER TUFF YEAR - LIKE MOST IN OUR CAMP HAVE... BUT YOU HAVE A GREAT (BRASH) HEART, AND YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY, AND THE SUCCESS THAT WILL COME WITH DOING WHAT YOU KNOW YOU CAN),
FUDGE,
FUTURE (SOMETIMES WISDOM COMES IN THE STRANGEST FORMS - EAT A LITTLE AND LIVE LONG… YOU’VE GOT A MENTOR. COPY THAT. 10-FOUR),
GAIL PHILIPS AND UNTITLED,
GALA AND NADIA (THANKS FOR TAKING CARE OF ME IN T&T),
GARETH B-BOY NORONHA,
GARVIN,
GATES (NIAGARA),
GEOFF AND VANESSA,
GEORGE - SHAKEDOWN (COULDN'T HAVE MADE IT THROUGH THE YEAR WITHOUT YOU - THANKS SO MUCH)
GEORGETTE CHARLICOMBE,
GEORGETTE POLLACK,
GERALDINE BELLA (WIII!!!!),
GERMAINE CROWN GRAPHICS (STILL MY FAVORITE DESIGNER)
GETTI (YOURE DOPE),
GIONA PAUL AND FAMILY, (CONGRATS ON A GREAT YEAR),
GISELLE BISHOP,
GLENN LEWIS,
GOLDFINGER (THANKS FOR THE CDS),
GRANT GREENWOOD,
GREG RUSSELL (YOU’RE A GREAT GUY),
HADI AND CHRIS BOSH,
HANCE CLARKE,
HELLER (THE HEBREW HORSEMAN... YOU KNOW - ALL THESE YEARS, I THOUGHT YOU DIDN'T LIKE ME? (PS. THANKS FOR THE PEACE ARTICLE),
HENRY MENSAH & FAMILY (THANKS FOR THE CONVERSATION... IT'S A LOST ART),
HUGH (HAOT - HERE AND ALWAYS ON TIME),
IAN GARRETT,
IAN KAMAU (GREAT MEETING YOU IN FEB... AND YOUR DAD TOO - YOU'RE DOPE),
IAN SUTHERLAND,
ICE, THE 4 HORSEMEN (ALLANS PATTIES RUN DE TING) AND THE HEBREW HORSEMAN TOO ILLKIDZ,
INGRID ST.CYR & KIRK (YOU'RE SECOND CAUSE YOU DON'T RETURN CALLS LOL),
INTRO UNTITLED AND THE GROUP,
IVANA SANTILLI (WE STILL NEED TO DO JUMBO ESPLANADE),
IVY PROSPER (GREAT SEEING YOU MID YEAR AT SOUL KITCHEN)
JACKIE KAYE (CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS),
JACQUI SPENCER & MARSHA MAZZOCATO (A BIG $#*% YOU. WASN’T THAT OUT OF CHARACTER FOR ME? THESE 2 CLOWNS RUINED MY WEEK, AND DIDN’T EVEN HAVE THE COURTESY TO CALL TO SPEAK ABOUT THE VENOMOUS WORDS THAT THEY SPIT. I’VE ACCEPTED EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM I’VE EVER GOTTEN SINCE I STARTED, AND NEVER RESPONDED LIKE THIS. EVER. – BUT THIS INDUSTRY WILL MAKE YOU POLITICALLY CORRECT – BUT WHEN YOU’RE WRONGED, POLITICALLY CORRECT MAKES YOU TWIST AND TURN AT NIGHT… MY MEMORY’S LONG. IN 09’ I HOLD YOU TONGUE FOR NO ONE … IAN)
JAE BLEEZY AND FATIMA (I'M PROUD OF YOU GUYS),
JAHMAL SANG,
JALANI (GLAD YOU’RE MOVING UP – STILL WANT THOSE JON B. PICS),
JAMAAL MAGLOIRE, KARLON & THE TORONTO REVELLERS (THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY),
JAMES ALEXANDER (HOW COME I HAVE TO GO TO TRINIDAD TO SEE YOU),
JAMES HOU,
JANAY SIMPS & KELESHEYE
JANELLE STEWART,
JANET BRISCO,
JANET HAN,
JANINE BRANCH (CONGRATS),
JASON ABRAHAM (THANKS FOR THE ART - I'M STILL NOT SURE WHERE IT'S GOING),
JASON CHAMBERS (THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE… GREATER OR EQUAL FOR 09),
JASON PALMA, NAV (*AKA TORONTO'S #1 DJ), EUGENE, DONNA, PLAY DE RECORD FAM
JAY DEVONISH (AND I THOUGHT YOU WERE A THUG ALL THESE YEARS LOL),
JAY MARTIN (IF THIS IS J.A.Y. M.A.R.T.I.N. PLEASE PRESS ONE... AND DO SOMETHING!) LOL,
JAY-ME WOODS,
JB JONOLO
JEAN PAUL (STILL WAITING ON THAT CALL FUNNY GUY),
JEANELLE JULIEN (SEE YOU SATURDAY),
JEF (TORONTO-LIME: ONCE AGAIN, MY CHINESE BROTHER, YOU HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE BRIGHT SPOTS IN A YEAR OF DISAPPOINTMENTS SHOWING ME THAT SOME PEOPLE DO INDEED STRIVE FOR HONOUR AND LOYALTY... IF YOU EVER NEED ANYTHING, I HOPE THAT I CAN BE AS GOOD TO YOU AS YOU'VE BEEN TO ME)...
JEFF AND TASHA MARTIN,
JEFF CUT ABOVE,
JEFF JAM,
JEFF LYONS (WE GOTTA HANG OUT THIS YEAR...),
JEFF MARTIN (ARE YOU ALLOWED OUT? LOL),
JEMENI (YOU’RE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS EVER. I’VE GOT YOUR BACK IF EVER YOU SHOULD NEED. THAT’S WORD TO K.),
JENN JENN,
JENNIFER INNISS (WHEN YOU COMING BACK TO LIVE? I MISS YOUR SMILE),
JENNIFER PAGE,
JENNY JONES & THIONNE,
JEROME SIMON,
JESSE OHTAKE (THX FOR EVERYTHING THIS YEAR - AAAAARGH. I'LL CALL YOU AFTER MY BDAY PARTY)
JESSE WALKER (I’LL GET THERE THIS YEAR… PROMISE. THAT’S MY WORD. AT LEAST ONCE)
JESSIE T (MOUNTREAL),
JESTER (YOUR GRIND IS AMAZING... TAKE THE NEXT STEP – YOU CAN PICK A HIT – I KNOW YOU CAN MAKE ONE),
JINELLE (SYLENA JOHNSON)
JO ANN D'SOUSA + CAMILLE,
JOANNE AND CAREY (I THINK I GOT YOU IN THE FIRST HALF),
JOANNE LAVOIE,
JODY LARAYA, WISDOM BUNITALL, GARTH, CLICK,
JOHN CAVILIERI,
JOHN J.,
JON JAY (I'M NOT GETTING INTO ALL THAT “ORIGINAL” STUFF),
JONATHAN RAMOS (MY MENTOR THAT DOESN'T LOVE ME ANYMORE - I STILL HAVE NEWS),
JONATHON SHAW (THANKS FOR THE TALK... IT INSPIRED CHANGE),
JOS LIMAS (WHERE YA AT?)
JOY LAPPS,
JR PALMER, BYRON & THE TOIKA FAMILY,
JR. FLO (I'M PROUD TO SAY I WAS THERE IN THE BEGINNING (SORT OF), CAUSE I SEE HOW HUGE THAT PROJECT'S GONNA BE... AND CONGRATS ON NYU TOO),
JR. JAMES,
JR. PALMER (THANKS MAN),
JUELZ (CONGRATS BABES),
JULES BEDEAU (I’M IN FOR ROTI JUDGING IN 09, AS LONG AS IT’S NOT ON CARIBANA SUNDAY),
JULLY BLACK (MY SISTER, MY INSPIRATION, MY AMAZING FRIEND... AND I GET TO BRAG THAT I KNOW SOMEONE FROM E-TALK AND IDOL... AND GREAT ALBUMS AND...),
J-WYSE (EVERYTING IS EVERYTING)
KAI KARI
KAJMERE (THE DEMISE OF DATING IS BI#CHA$$NESS),
KALIFA JONES (I CAN’T SEE YOU… YOU PREGO’S?),
KALIFA, SHANDELL, SHANI,
KARDI (THX FOR THE INSPIRATION... LETS PARTY TONIGHT),
KAREEMA BECKLES (I STILL HAVE THAT MUFFIN PAN),
KAREN & ANSWERD,
KAREN BISHOP (AND MY LITTLE FRIEND LMAO - I HAVE A SNAKE YOU KNOW) & JANAY,
KAREN GRANT,
KAREN KELLY,
KAREN MEWA & FAM (WHEN’S THE NEXT OAKVILLE VISIT?),
KAREN RICHARDSON (THE BLACK HISTORY MOMENT WILL RETURN - THX FOR THE WORDS)
KARLA CT WINT,
KARLA MCRAE,
KARLA MCRAE,
KARLON MAGLOIRE,
KAY WALCOTT,
KC (I NEVER TOUCHED YOUR WIFE LMAO),
KEICHA MCLEAN (MISS YOU… WHERE YOU BEEN?),
KEISHA LATA (I STILL CAN'T SPELL IT ALL LOL),
KEISHA LATIBEAUDIERE,
KEISHA MCLEAN (LUV YA GIRL),
KEITH GULSTON AND THE CUT CREATOR FAM,
KELLY L (YOU OWE ME A PICTURE STILL),
KELLY-ANN JONES,
KEMEL AND THE ENTIRE ISLANDMIX FAM,
KEN MASTERS,
KENYATTA,
KERENSA (HEY HUN – YOU DON’T LOVE ME ANYMORE?),
KERWIN ADAMS (THANKS FOR BEING A HUGE INSPIRATION THIS YEAR WITH YOUR FEARLESSNESS - DON'T GET ME WRONG - SOMETIMES AN OFF SWITCH FOR YOUR TEMPER MAY COME IN HANDY LOL),
KERWIN DUBOIS,
KESHIA GRAY,
KESTER & TASHA WASHINGTON (CONGRATS),
KEVIN ASH (KAMOYA),
KEVIN DIGITAL PHOENIX (THANKS FOR THE GREAT, PROMPT WORK)
KEVIN MOSELEY & THE WRESTLER CREW,
KEVIN MOSELEY,
KEVIN PRESCOD,
KEVIN PRESCOTT,
KEVIN RAMLAL (YU SKUNT YU),
KEVIN TOPPIN (THX MAN),
KEVIN WHING (YOU'RE STILL ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. EVER),
KHADISHA THORNHILL,
KHARY GIBBS (THX SOOOO MUCH... THAT'S HISTORY),
KID C,
KID C,
KID KUT (THE #1 PAIN IN THE GAME),
KIM DAVIS, AYAH,
KIM NG A MANN,
KIM TULL (I ALREADY TOLD YOU. CONGRATS TOO BTW),
KIM TULL (THIS YEAR - CALL FOR DETAILS LOL)
KIMANI (NUMBER 21 ON THE 34 LOL - NO REALLY. I FOUND THE PAPER),
KIMANI LEWIS (YOU MOVED UP THE 34 THIS YEAR LOL – WHAT NUMBER? CAN’T TELL YOU),
KIMMY MCKENZIE,
KIRK MILLER (WHERE YA AT?),
KIWANA,
KIWANNA
KLC,
KOJO, WAYNE, AND THE DO DAT CREW,
KOLIN - SOCA VIBES,
KRISTY BURLI, ANGIE ISAACS AND THE BURLI CREW (THANKS FOR THE GENEROUSITY AND THE LIFTING),
KRYSTLE LAING,
KWAME & JANELLE HILLS,
KWAME MENSAH,
LADIES AND MEN AND WUK,
LAKEISHA (YOURE A SWEETHEART... GLAD TO KNOW YOU),
LANCELOT (MC),
LATOYA ALS (ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME? LOL),
LAURA MAGNOLI (I THINK IT’S THE SPORTS… NOT THE MARKETING OF SPORTS),
LAURA MAGNOLI,
LAURA MCNEIL (GOOD SEEING YOU AT GROOVEESSENTIALS),
LEA “FOOD DRIVE” PASILABBAN,
LEE-ANNE LYON (CONGRATS BABES... YOU DESERVE IT),
LEIGHTON JONES,
LEIGHTON WALSH
LENNOX LIVERPOOL (YOU'RE LIKE MOSES ZNAIMER THESE DAYS... UNSEEN AT YOUR OWN BUSINESS. SEE YOU ON
LENNOX LIVERPOOL, EUGENE & 6 DEGREES,
LEONA ATKINS (THANKS FOR TEACHING ME ABOUT GM - AND DRIVING FAR FAR FAR - I KNOW YOU HEAR ME STAR),
LESLEY LOWE (I ONLY GO TO SOCA FETES IN THE EAST LOL - I HAD TO START DOING ISLANDMIX JUST TO SEE YOU
LESLEY MONIQUE,
LESLIE GRANT (GET A DRESS?) & SHARON,
LESLIE RAYMOND,
LESTER (*BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME) MENDOZA & ISLANDMIX,
LETICIA MCNICOLLS,
LETRICIA GORDON (HEY YOU),
LETRICIA MCNICOLLS,
LINCOLN BLADES (CELEBRATING CAPRICORN?),
LINDO P (JUST ONE HIT AWAY – SEE YOU ON MY BIRTHSTRONG LOL),
LINDSAY JUPITER,
LISA AND NICOLE LLOYD (GOOD SEEING YOU FOR 2 MINS IN THE VERN LOL),
LISA JONES (YOU AND R.B. ARE CUTE)
LISA LOUIE AND MATCHSTICK (GOOD LOOKING OUT ON THE ZUNE),
LISA MARIE BOOGIE (THANKS FOR SAVING ME IN THE PHONE SITUATION),
LISA MARIE (THANKS FOR THE WORK AT THE CLUBS),
LISA SHAH,
LISA WALKER (CHALLENGES? WOW... CONGRATS)
LISSA MONET,
LIZA AMLANI,
LOLA,
LOVE THOMAS,
LUTHER BROWN AND WAYNE (SO PROUD OF YOU MY BROTHERS... YOU GOT IT IN THIS YEAR)
LYRIC GYLES,
MANSA (I THINK I GOT YOU, BUT, YOU'RE MY GIRL)
MANSA TROTMAN (THANKS FOR EVERYTHING... ALWAYS. AND CONGRATS ON THE BOOK),
MAR B (SOUVS),
MARA JEFFREY (SOUL KITCHEN)
MARABAI (MIRA MIRA?)
MARABAI (THIS YEAR?),
MARC MADILSON AND DARREN YOUNG,
MARC POWELL (WHATUP BIG SCARY SECURITY PAL?),
MARIA LONGAGNANI (GREAT REUNITING),
MARIE COLLINS,
MARK 2PHAT LEWIS,
MARK MIGNOTTE (YOU CAN DO… THEY CAN HELP – BEST LINE OF THE YEAR),
MARK SALDEBA (LOVE THE JERK HOT DOGS MAAAN),
MARK TONE,
MARRISHA & NATASHA WILLIAMS,
MARSHA AND MONIQUE MORRIS (YES I SHOULD HAVE PUT YOU SEPARATELY)
MARSHA MATTHEWS,
MARSHA MORRIS AND MONIQUE PRINCESS,
MARSHA WILLIAMS,
MARXMAN (ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL),
MATT (CUT CREATOR),
MAX B (YES MAX = DAAAAAMN MAX B WITH YOUR NEW ____),
MAX GREENE,
MAYDAY, AVRIL AND THE NEW EDITION,
MEGGY (GO FOR IT),
MEL BOOGIE (WHEN WE CATCHING UP SO YOU CAN TELL ME THAT STORY…),,
MELANIE BIRZE (YOU CHANGED MY LIFE BY MAKING ME UNDERSTAND STRENGTH),
MELANIE LONGBOAT (TEAM AMNESIA?!?! THAT'S DOPE)
MELANIE MOYER,
MELISSA RAM,
MHAIRY (THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT GIRL),
MICHAEL AND SEAN CHATRATH,
MICHAEL BRADY AND KAREEM MCLEAN,
MICHAEL COOMBS,
MICHELLE CHEONG & NICOLE MCFARLENE,
MICHELLE COWAN, NEELY MOSCA,
MICHELLE GRANT,
MICHELLE REYES (PROUD OF YOU… 08’S OVER… AND NOW IT BEGINS),
MICHELLE SIMON,
MIGNOTTE (YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION. ONE BIG JACKASS INSPIRATION),
UNCLE MIKE ROSTEING,
MIKE JANSEN (LUNCH BEFORE YOU GO?)
MIKE MALCOLM,
MIKE MANAGO,
MIKE SAMLALSINGH,
MIKE WEBLEY (SUNSHINE - THANKS),
MIKE Z, CLICK AND SYN,
MIKEY JENSEN (LUNCH IN 09... MY FAULT),
MIKYLA,
MINESH (YOU CAME HOME AND I NEVER CAN TO VANCITY)
MISHA AND SASHA,
MITZI BOGLE (LOVE YOUR ENERGY - HOW COME I DIDN'T NOTICE IT THE FIRST TIME I MET YOU LOL),
MOIS AND THE STAFF OF LEVEL, BLURR, SUITE, WETBAR AND BLVD,
MONA (LADY LUCK),
MONIQUE MASCOLL,MYANA (THX LITTLE SIS) & JINELLE,
MONIQUE TAYLOR (OR WHATEVER YOUR SASHA FIERCE NAME IS),
MONIQUE WINDSOR,
MRS. ROSTEING (I OWE YOU SOME CONDENSED MILK… LOVE YOU LOTS),
MS. JOHNSON (CONGRATS - I'LL BE WATCHING KINK)
MUSTAFA AND CREW,
MYANA (HEY SIS),
NABIL VELJI,
NADIA & RAYMOND,
NADIA BATSON (I’M CALLING… SORRY – IT GOT CRAZY. CONGRATS ON THE STORE AND HAPPY BELATED BABES),
NADIA CAVEA (I MISS YOU ALREADY),
NADIA SKIRTZ,
NADJA BABB (I LOVE THE GROWTH... GO FOR IT ON THE PHOTOG FRONT),
NAOMI JEREMY (SORRY I COULDN'T EAT THE CAKE),
NARKU & CREW,
NATAKI CHRISTMAS (IN ALL HONESTY, THERE'S TOO MUCH TO SAY HERE - BUT THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTION THAT YOU'VE MADE TO MY LIFE. AGAIN... TOO MUCH TO SAY HERE),
NATALIE AND COOKIE PHILIPS,
NATALIE DASH (DESPITE BEING ONE OF THE BIGGEST FLOPSHOWS EVER),
NATALIE ELLIS, NATASHA ELLIS, TEREENA AND INTRODUCING (THE NEW LY NICKNAMED) SMILEY (CONGRATS),
NATALIE PHILLIPS AND COOKIE
NATASHA AND KESTER (CONGRATS... BLUEPRINT FOR LOVE)
NATASHA CAESAR (WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR EARLY YEAR CALLS?),
NATASHA JOHNSON (IF I WAS… I WOULD HAVE LOL)
NATASHA MENDONCA (NO MORE CIUT DROPPINS?),
NATASHA PEART (GOOD TIMES IN T&T GETTING LOST),
NATASHA REASON (THANKS FOR THE EMAILS),
NATIFA ROBERTS (THE B-GIRL LOL),
NAUGHTY BY NATURE, TREACH, VINNY, JEFF AND THE COMPANY,
NAUGHTY V (YOU COMING TO PLAY FOR ME THIS YEAR? THE MOST UNDISCOVERED DRAFT PICK),
NAUGHTY V,
NAVIN AND THE RENEGADE SQUAD, FABIAN WILLS (GREAT CATCHING UP),
NAZIR & PRIYA (ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITE COUPLES - ARE WE PREGO'S YET? PLEASE?),
NEDDY NYCE,
NEEKS $,
NEEKS NEW $,
NEELY-ANN AND MICHELLE,
NGARDY CONTEH (WHEN WE DOING THAT INTERVIEW?)
NICHOLAS BARHAM (REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU - IF YOU EVER NEED GUIDANCE),
NICK SINGH,
NICOLAS CHAI,
NICOLE 11TH HOUR
NICOLE ALEXANDER,
NICOLE ALI (WHERE'S MY CAMEO IN THE MAGIC BULLET COMMERCIAL?),
NICOLE BARHAM,
NICOLE CHUTNEY,
NICOLE CRICHTON,
NICOLE LLOYD (IS IT HERE YET?)
NICOLE MORGAN (MY FAVORITE ROOTSGIRL... OR ONE OF THEM ANYWAY LOL),
NICOLE MULAN (416.425.)
NICOLE MULAN (THANKS FOR THE GOOD TIMES IN T&T - NEXT TIME LET'S TRY AND STICK TO THE SCRIPT LOL),
NICOLE PERSAUD, MIKE & TROPIX,
NICOLE PIERRE
NIRVANA SAVOURY,
NIRVANY SAVOURY (GO GIRL),
NIYA MELODY (WE'LL BOND AND B$%H THIS YEAR),
NORY R,
NOVA (CONGRATS ON YOUR MOVE),
NUNU (WHERE ARE YOU?)
NUNU,
NURSE KAREN AND JD JOHNSON (LOVED THE LIME IN T&T),
OASIS,
ODESSA AUSTIN (LOVE YOU GIRL - AND I KNOW I OWE YOU A CALL - HAPPY BELATED),
ORVILLE ROBINSON (ON THE HOT AMNESIA AIRBRUSH - THX MAN),
PATICE (MISS THE CONVOS)
PATICE ROMEO,
PATRICIA JUGGERNAUTH (WHERE'S THAT INTERVIEW I DID AT STYLUS?),
PATRICK LEWIS (THAT'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE FRIENDSHIP EVER.. BUT WORTH IT. I THINK LOL),
PATRICK SPARKS (MUSIC MAN)
PATTI JAY,
PAUL (BOYWONDER... WHEN'S THE CONNECT 4 REMATCH? YOU STILL HURTING? LOL),
PAUL PALELE (THANKS FOR SHOCKING ME LOL),
PELORI (FORMERLY OF CUT CREATOR),
PERRY,
PETRA JEFFERS (YOU ALREADY KNOW - YOUR TEXT MESSAGE RIGHT BACK ATCHA),
PETTAH SPARXX (NO CONSULTING FEES SEE?),
PETULA,
PHIL VASSELL (THIS YEAR?),
PHIL VASSELL,
PLAY DE RECORD - EUGENE + DOOOONNNNNAA + NAV + JASON,
PLAYHOUSE,
PLAYHOUSE,
POLARI,
POW POW (I MISS YOU LIKE MAD... IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT PARTIES YOU KNOW),
P-PLUS (UNDERGROUND… FORGET IT. LOL),
PRESTO,
PRISCILLA BARKS (THANKS FOR BEING A PART OF MY YEAR),
PUNJI (CAN'T LEAVE PROMO ALONE… THE GAME NEEDS ME LMAO)
PUNJI PANICKER (MY INDIAN GO TO GUY LOL),
RACHE M (STILL WISH I WAS A LITTLE BIT TALLER)
RACHE,
RAE RAE (DO WHAT WITH THE WHIP?),
RAELAENE (PARANG RAE),
RAHIM ULTIMATE,
RAISHA (LOVE YOU... AND THANKS FOR THAT FAVOUR - ALWAYS),
RAISHA (THANKS FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE WHEN I NEED YOU... LUV YA),
RAMONA ALLY,
RAVI SINGH (RECORDING ARTIST, REAL ESTATE AGENT, ETC ETC. SURE YOU'RE NOT JAMAICAN?),
RAWLE AGARD (PROUD OF YOU MAN),
RAY REID (WHERE ARE YOU? YOU STARTED THE YEAR WITH ME, THEN DISAPPEARED),
RAY ROBINSON,
RAYMAC (CONGRATS ON THE RESTAURANT),
RAYMAC,
RED ROSE (CLUE?)
RED ROSE COLIN,
REDDY FOX,
REG ALBINO (EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON - TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY),
REGGAESUTRA (MARRIED FOR 16 YEARS? REALLY?)
REGGAESUTRA,
REMY,
RENEE RAWLINS,
RENEE RAWLINS,
RENEGADE SQUAD,
RENELL (ALWAYS REMEMBER - THE CHOICE IS YOURS TO BE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN BE TO BE EVERYTHING THAT'S MISSING...),
REZ DIGI,
RHONDA MCLAREN (THANKS FOR THE DC DIRECTION... I WISH I WAS GOING LOL),
RICARDO JONES (THANKS FOR ALWAYS COMING WHEN I CALL),
RICARDO MCRAE (I WANT TO HAVE THIS MUCH FUN IN LIFE)
RICARDO MCRAE,
RICHARD ANTHONY (HOLLA... I NEED SOME WORK DONE AROUND HERE),
RICHARD BRAITHWAITE,
RISHI (I'M SO PROUD OF YOU DR. NARINE - FROM SWEET PARADISE TO SCARBOROUGH TO ARMOURY TO MED SCHOOL, THE CEREMONY IN ARUBA, AND A MILL AND A DOT IN THE OAK? - YOU'RE MY HERO),
RIYAD & FAMILY :),
RMOI ROGER,
RO DOLLA (CONSISTENCY IS KEY IN 09’),
ROBERT GOPAUL AND FAM (CONGRATS),
ROBERT OKINE,ROMEO (LOL BITC#1$$NESS),
ROCHESTER JUICE, STERLING, MEDHIK, AND JAYVON,
RODEO,
RODNEY AODAN (ROCKIT),
ROMEO (NUFF SAID)
ROMERO (MONTREAL)
RONNIE ROBINSON (SAME AS EVERY YEAR... THANKS FOR BEING A GREAT FRIEND - AND THANKS FOR THE TORONTO STARS. STAR),
RONNIE ROBINSON (THANKS FOR THAT PIECE OF HISTORY.. AND JUST FOR BEING A GREAT AND PATIENT FRIEND),
ROSE,
ROXANNE,
RUSSELL PETERS (I KNOW RUSSELL… I REALLY DO. LOL),
RYAN BABBZ,
RYAN GODDARD,
RYAN LOWE,
RYAN PINTO (MAYBE WE’RE ALL NOT SPEAKING THE RIGHT LANGUAGE – BELIEVE IN HIM),
RYAN PINTO (MAYBE WE'RE NOT UNDERSTANDING HIM PROPERLY),
SABRINA HEADLEY,
SAM JAGAN,
SANDRICE,
SARAH SHARPE (I’M A TERRIBLE FRIEND EH?),
SASHA AND MICHA,
SASHA HALL AND ASABI (LOVE YOU GUYS),
SAUCY (CJ MERCON)
SAUKS,
SCOTT BOOGIE,
SCRATCH (THANK YOU FOR CONSTANTLY INSPIRING... YOU DID BIG THINGS THIS YEAR AND YOU DESERVED ALL OF THEM),
SEAN BRAITHWAITE,
SEAN PERKINS (SO TALENTED),
SEAN RIBEIRO,
SEAN SAX,
SEAN SEURATTAN,
SHADOW,
SHAFFY AND NANDOS,
SHALISE G,
SHALON JEFFERS
SHANAH PITT (AKA SOUL KITCHEN DAUGHTER… LOL. JES TOLD ME YOUR DAD COLLECTED THE SOUL SELECTIONS – I’LL HAVE TO WORK HARDER KNOWING THAT),
SHANAH PITT,
SHANE STERLING, ROCHESTER JUICE, JAHVON, & THE FOUNDATION FAM
SHANE WEEZY,
SHANETTE (SORRY I DIDN'T CALL BACK THAT DAY... THANKS SO MUCH FOR CALLING EVEN WHEN I DON'T),
SHANI LEATHAM (I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU – ASK KIM)
SHANIKA,
SHANNAE INGLETON IS THE OTHER 2008 WHAT MEN WANT (MICHELLE OBAMA IS THE OTHER) LOL,
SHANNAH TAYLOR,
SHANNON ALVARES (NO ALCOHOL FOR YOU IN 09),
SHANTELL PERRY & AARON (ONE OF MY FAVORITE COUPLES EVER),
SHAR SHAR HILL (I MISS YOUR SMILE LIKE SHANICE),
SHARON AARON AND THE B-GIRLS,
SHARON JOHNSON (AMNESIA LOVES YOU TOO)
SHAUN BABY WARNER,
SHAUN BABY WARNER,
SHAUNA CALLENDER,
SHAUNETTE (THANKS FOR STAYING IN TOUCH... EVEN NOW THAT YOU'VE GOT A MAN LOL),
SHAUNNA LEE,
SHAW HARPER,
SHAWN ALLAN (CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS),
SHAWNA GRIFFIN,
SHELDON HINDS (CONGRATS),
SHENELL WHYTE,
SHENNEL,
SHERWIN MUNGO,
SHERYL CHYNNA BROWN,
SHIKA,
SHIKERIAH
SHIKERIAH,
SHORTY SHEPPARD (CONGRATS BABES),
SHURMAN W,
SIMONE HOLNESS (THANKS FOR EVERYTHING THIS YEAR... I REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP),
SIMONE, TISHA, LEE-ANNE
SINGLEFOOT,
SKIMPY (I THINK I GOT YOU IN PART 1 - I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS WORTH IT (YET), BUT SO FAR, THIS IS THE
MOST EXPENSIVE FRIENDSHIP I'VE EVER PAID TO DISCOVER... SO FAR, SO GOOD LOL),
SKINNY AND ISLANDSOUNDS FAM,
SLAMMER CUTTER + FARM P,
SOCAMONARCHS,
SOPHIA SMITH,
SOULA (CHRYSOULA),
SPECIAL ED,
SPEX (DE BOSS WITH THE POLITE BABES),
STACEY STAR & TIFFANY,
STACIA,
STACY PHILIPS,
STACY Q BLOGGER LOL,
STASIA OSBOURNE,
STEFANY SMOCZYK,
STEPH MALO (AKA DISAPPEARING ACTS),
STEPHANI ALICIA (SHORT MAN CAN GET IT... STILL LMAO - THANKS FOR THE SMILES),
STEPHANIE
STEPHEN CHARLES – YOU’RE THE MOST EXTRA PERSON EVER… I CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE FRIENDS – BUT I APPRECIATE YOU… STUPID.,
STEPHEN CLEMENT,
STEPHEN CONDUCTOR,
STEPHEN RETRO CITY (HOLLA FRONT),
STEVE ALEXANDER (KEEP YOUR HEAD UP - I'LL ALWAYS BE HERE),
STEVEN LACISTE & PATRICK BELGAR,
STRETCH DE REAL TING,
STRETCH MCNEILLY (YOU'RE A GREAT PERSON AND A WICKED DJ),
STRIZZY (24 APPROACHES. AND IT BETTER BE BETTER THAN THAT MADE FOR TV. PROUD OF YOU MAN),
STUDLEY... IS ANYONE REALLY NAMED STUDLEY?,
SUBLIMINAL AND NADINE,
SUSAN AUSTIN (THX FOR THE KIND WORDS),
SUSPENCE,
SUSPENSE (MY YOUT),
SUZAN BARRETT (NICE MEETING YOU IN T&T),
SUZANNE JOHNSON
SUZETTE JEFFERS,
SUZETTE RAMCHARRAN (LONG TIME)
SWAINE,
SWEETS WATSON,
SYN (THANKS)
TABOO,
TAJ, X, RAHMEL,
TALLIE,
TAMARA ALLEYNE-GITTENS (HISTORY),
TAMARA MALONE (HAPPY BDAY),
TAMARA MOONA,
TAMAYA DAVIS AND THE TTC CREW,
TAMLA MATTHEWS (WE NEED TO HANG MORE... THE CONVO'S ARE GREAT... MY HOUSE IN 09?) PS. THANKS FOR HENRY),
TAMLA,
TAMPOYA (FORSAKEN ME? – NOTHINGS CHANGED IN 08 LOL)
TANESHA JONES,
TANIKA JONES,
TANISHA SCOTT (EVERY VIDEO AND MAGAZINE. THAT'S WORD),
TANYA SHORTY JONES,
TANYA SMITH,
TANYA TUCKEY,
TARA CHASE,
TARA MULDOON (FASHIONABLY LATE LOL),
TARRELL SAMUEL (LITTLE BRO FOREVER),
TARVIA,
TAS VISRAM,
TASHA LOVE,
TASHA ROZEZ (THE THING I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT AT MY BDAY PARTY),
TASHA THOMAS,
TASLIM THE 4 FOOTER
TATEM "I DON'T KNOW YOU IN T&T" PRINCE,
TAT-EM A-IS-H-IA PRINCE (I GUESSED)
TAUREAN,
TAUREAN,
TAZZ (I'M SO PROUD OF YOU),
TECHNIQUE THE KINGPIN FROM VANCOUVER (LOL),
TEINEISHA RICHARDS (MODEL)
THANE & TRIXIE,
THE 34 (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)
THE ARUBA CREW (HANCE CLARKE (THX FOR THE WISDOM IN ARUBA), WAYNE, BO),
THE CASINO TRIBE,
THE ORIGINAL JON JAY,
THE RATTRAY (LOVELACE, PINNOCK) CLAN,
THE SALDENAH'S,
THE STAFF OF THE SOUND ACADEMY,
THEA & MR. JACKSON,
THOMAS NASTYHABITS (GOOD LUCK OUT THERE),
TIFA,
TIFFANY COOMBS (GOOD SEEING YOU - WHAT WAS IT? 15 YRS?),
TIM TURKALU,
TIMELESS CHUNG,
TISHA
TISHA HAMID,
TONA,
TONE,
TONEY WILLIAMS,
TONI DIROMA,
TONI TEE MARIE" (GOOD SPEAKING TO YOU... BEFORE THEN, I DIDN'T KNOW YOU DID LOL)
TORSHA CORNIE,
TOYA & CHERYL,
TOYA ALEXIS,
TOYA,
TOYA, NAADI AND VIRGINIA,
TRACY BURKE + TARA JOHN,
TRACY MOORE (BIM - TRY TO CALL MORE OFTEN THAN WHEN YOU NEED A NUMBER LOL),
TRACY MOORE (CITYLINE - WHERE ARE YOU GIRL? DAMN... DID THE BABY EAT THE PHONE?),
TRACY WILLIAMS AND
TRACY WILLIAMS,
TRAVIS ANDERSON (SO YOU GOTTA BE SHOWING OFF THE MUSCLES EVERYWHERE EH? THAT'S WHAT'S GOOD?)
TRAYNIX (THANKS FOR EVERYTHING THIS YEAR - TIME TO DO IT),
TREV FERNANDEZ & THE TRINI KOCH CREW LOL (THX),
TREVOR MASON,
T-REXXX (BOUNCIN ON THE HIGHWAY SWITCHIN FO' LANES - WHAT'S ALL THE NOISE ABOUT?),
TREY NIX (THX FOR TREATING MY ISH LIKE ITS YOUR OWN... I HOPE I RECIPROCATED...),
TRICIA GRIFFIN,
TRICIA KANHAI (YOU DON'T WANT IT WITH MY ROGER RABBIT... DANCE OFF?)
TRICIA WALKER,
TRICKY MOREIRA,
TRINITY CHRIS,
TRIXX,
TROY PHILLIPS (WELCOME HOME),
TYRONE NOEL,
ULPIA (I'MMA TRAVEL LIKE YOU NEXT YEAR),
ULPIA,
UNCLE B (THX FOR THE GUIDANCE),
VANESSA + FELICIA DAISY (THX FOR BEING GOOD TO MY DAD),
VANESSA FUNG QUEE, SHAUN AND THE BEAUTIFUL FAM,
VANESSA LEE,
VEE ONG,
VERO,
VIC CRYSTAL VIBEZ,
VINA MAYERS,
WALSHY FIRE, WILLY CHIN & BLACK CHINEY,
WAN LUV (I'M SO PROUD OF YOU FOR DOING NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, BUT WHAT YOU NEED TO),
WAYNE GREENAWAY (THE DON),
WAYNE LEWIS,
WAYNE MY SOON TO BE LAWYER LEWIS,
WAYNE WARNER (THE OTHER BLACK REPUBLICAN {I USED TO THINK RAPPING AT 38 WAS ILL, BUT LAST YEAR ALONE YOU GROSSED 38 MILL', I KNOW YOU AIN'T QUITE 38 STILL, BUT THE FLOW SO (SPECIAL) GOT A (38) FEEL} – GETTING BETTER WITH TIME LIKE OPUS 1 - THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION),
WEAZY HARDKNOCKS,
WENDY JOHN (T&T AGAIN?),
WHITEGOLD (CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE GAME PLAN),
WRISTPECT (BRIDGING THE GAP WAS ONE OF THE MIXTAPES OF THE YEAR)
XLNC,
XXX GREG (I REALLY THOUGHT THAT WAS YOUR BABY)
XXX,
YELLOW "EARLY MAWNIN" BLACKMOON,
YULANDA JULIEN (I'M CALLING BACK JUS NOW... JUS NOW...)
YVONNE KAI,
YVONNE LAI,
ZAUHER,
ZEETA,
ZEPHRAH...

and if you didn't see your name, please understand AGAIN that I do this from memory and that I DO appreciate the contribution that you've made to my life. (Oh... and please ignore the duplications and misspelled names... I try my best).

Love you.

Ian