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.

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.

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.

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

Officially missing you...

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.

I

Yours sincerely,

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

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

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...

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.

I

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.