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.