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    Sunday, July 5, 2009

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

    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

    Thursday, June 25, 2009

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

    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.







    Friday, June 5, 2009

    JAY-Z KILLS AUTOTUNE: DOA - DEATH OF AUTOTUNE

    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....

    Saturday, May 16, 2009

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

    "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.

    Friday, May 15, 2009

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

    ..."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 <<< 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.

    Friday, April 17, 2009

    The Drakeover... Drizzy takes over Hot 97

    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.