Hollywood

To iFLY or not to Skydive…

1 Comment

I’ve contemplated skydiving for the past 10 years, and at this stage of my life I’m on the NOT side of the fence.  There’s a few things that make me hesitate, #1 I don’t want to sh*t myself while riding tandem with a handsome risk-taking hunk.  #2 what do I have to prove, that I’m not scared of heights, I’m fearless or I just do pretty dope stuff?!  That’s typically the story I hear from most people that’s done the real thing.  So to test the waters a few friends and I got sauced up on mimosas and someone randomly came up with the bright good idea to do iFLY.  (DISCLAIMER: I do not encourage any one to try this while under the influence of alcohol or any drugs.  Concentration and following directions are critical for the experience)

Universal City Walk is considered the entertainment capital of LA, it’s full of tourists, SoCal teens and first dates.  When first approaching the iFLY contraption, there was a crowd of folks watching in awe as the instructor put on a show of amazing back flips and tricks.  Once I paid for the experience and signed the waivers, our group was quickly ushered inside to watch a 10 minute video chopped up with instructions and safety tips.  We were given cool one-piece suits, helmets & goggles prior to entering the high-powered skydiving simulation.

IMG_5904

Overall the experience definitely gave me a rush!  However, having a oversized fan forcing you into the air and blowing up your nostrils isn’t the most pleasant feeling.  I had a hard time remembering all the instructions and moves to maintain balance to allow the air to take me higher.  My mind was still a bit hazy and all I could concentrate on is not getting my jaw latched on the fan below.

It just so happened a few friends actually took the plunge to jump out of a plane and shared their experience with me.  Some mentioned the feeling of serenity, awe and just empowerment.  Others was high off the rush and have even started planning their second jump.  Most people that I’ve met, that’s actually leapt off a plane, truly felt it was a life altering experience and highly recommends it.  I’ve honestly amused myself with the idea and may come to a crossroads in my life that may push me over the edge.  Until then, iFLY will do…  In the meantime, feel free to share and even encourage me with your experience of the real thing.

Gallery

‘Red Tails’ star Tristan Wilds attends JoiStaRR’s ‘Magic Monday’ launch event

Leave a comment

…And I had the pleasure of being in attendance! It was a great night, the launch for JoiStaRR was pulled off quite classy and everything was in abundance. One of my pet peeves is to go to an event and the food runs out or the ‘open bar’ ends at an undisclosed time. But My Block Records definitely held no stops with making sure that ‘Magic Monday’ launched to a packed house of satisfied attendees. The event was buzzing with camera crews filming the premiere season of WeTV’s Mary Mary which is slated for March 2012. The uber-cute and sassy Erica Campbell was just un-phased by the swelling crowd and in some rooms hot & humid conditions. The food was absolutely DELISH, with unlimited servings of jerk chicken skewers, mac & cheese, crab cakes and even cute fun shaped PB&J. I conveniently positioned myself in arm’s length to sample the comforting bites.

Peach Bellini’s topped with Ciroc was the drink of the night. With endless bottles of Ciroc and Moreno, champagne cocktails are always a hit! The cute studio was equipped with an analog SSL board and vintage hardware to compliment, as the patio area was transformed into a seasonably chic lounge with all white furniture and white trees slightly frosted by blue up lighting. To my surprise a youthful Tristan Wilds was spotted looking effortlessly stylish rocking a Tuskegee t-shirt in support of his new film ‘Red Tails’ that opens in less than a week on Friday, January 20th. Also spotted was 90’s vocalist, Shanice Wilson ALL smiles. PJ Morton was in attendance whom JoiStaRR collaborates remixing the Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo classic duet ‘Nothing Even Matters.’ The host of the night, Warryn Campbell is the CEO of My Block Records and a Grammy award-winning producer. He is the husband to Erica Campbell, which they are expecting the birth of their third child.

The night was very eventful with a short performance by JoiStaRR and PJ Morton. Each room was filled to capacity as everyone gathered inside to see the performance. I was able to see a few familiar faces and network with music insiders and artists on the grind. I would definitely rate this event: B- (Due to the flow of traffic in the venue, everyone was cramming into a room that everyone couldn’t fit. The bars did not have variety, Ciroc was the only liquor and the inside bar was stocked with cheap Barefoot wine chardonnay and Cabernet. PLUS, I didn’t meet any cuties).

 

Ms. Badu’s DAMN Birthday JAM – House of Blues Sunset Strip

1 Comment

First of all, I LOVE Erykah Badu!!!!  I have all her albums and truly believe her music is spiritual and for the conscious soul…  Not many people will agree with me, but I think any music virtuoso will share the same sentiment.  So of course when I got a last-minute invite approx. 2hrs before her Feb. 24th show I was SUPER SICED!  This particular situation was extra special, as a dear friend and mentor hit me up w/ VIP access to attend (so I humbly obliged).

We arrived fairly early and was able to secure prime positioning on the balcony level stage right, without any visual obstruction.  Food of choice catfish nuggets + quesadillas, libation = Makers Mark.  Ms. Badu hit the stage approx. 2hrs later than expected, but DJ Eque kept me partying to infamous 90’s East/West bangers.  The show started in the vain of a jam session with various artists taking the stage, one by one.   There was quite a soulful line-up, such as N’Dambi and Mayor Hawthorne.   Biz Markie and even Dave Chappelle made a surprise appearance.  Chappelle hit the stage and even went in on the keys, Moonlighting the Sonata…

Apparently, Erykah Badu turned 40 this year and I’m literally shocked!  She looked good, of course eccentric but definitely HOT!!!:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Her performance consisted of a full band, in addition to Ms. Badu on a Roland drum machine…  The set was HOT, but took a little warming up before she really turned it out.  The last time I saw Erykah Badu perform was 2001 at the Soul Beach Music Festival inside the Miami Orange Bowl and I definitely prefer the intimate non-pregnant set best.  She hit my favorite love mantra “I Want You,” the infectious chanting and simplicity of words embodied in the Worldwide Underground album. *whewwwwww*

The night was one to remember, I was in good company and ran into a few familiar folks…  Aside from the chicken bone in my quesadilla and partying a little too hard w/ a gay dude (who knocked my drink over the railing onto some poor soul below), it couldn’t have been any better.  Ecstactic I was able to share the moment w/ Ms. Badu to celebrate her 40th Birthday.

I also want to shout-out a few folks that I had the pleasure of seeing:  Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) & Laz Alonso (DC native @lazalonso – Avatar & Miracle at St. Ana) were both mesmerized by Ms. Badu’s ass-piring performance.  The homie Eddie Goines (@EddieGoines) the leading man for N’Dambi’s new music video, was with the director Matthew Cherry (@MatthewACherry – whom’s hustle I truly admire).  B’more K (Karron Johnson), always fun chopping it up & talking sh*t.  Ms. Wanzer, I miss you girl!  Paul (@PDiesl), it’s funny how twitter creates alliances.

The Dogg House presented by Adidas, HVW8 and Snoop (Feb. 16, 2011)

4 Comments

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I had the pleasure of attending the Snoop Exhibit at the HVW8 Art Gallery, 661 N. Spaulding off Melrose in Los Angeles and I must say I truly enjoyed myself.  Initially, I was taken aback by artists taking swigs of Colt 45 in paper bags but soon came to realize that it went all too well with the theme of the event (the paper bags were actually insulated to maintain the coldness of the malt liquor).  To bring the event full circle, there was FREE fried chicken catered by Dante’s Fried Chicken truck which washed down well with the Colt 45.  Making my way to the bar, the beautiful hostess’ greeted me with a choice of carton water, classic Colt 45 or the new Colt 45 BLAST in Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry Lemonade (which hits shelves April 4, 2011).  I festively decided on BLAST Strawberry Lemonade which really got me feeling NICE!

As the place began to pack out and I realized there was not ONE familiar face, I sparked conversation with newlyweds who were just sooo sweet & cute.  The DJ was jamming and Dam Funk hit the mic, giving a full out performance of Pasadena grown “west coast – FUNK.”  This was an authentic LA experience, and I couldn’t help but dance.  Computer Jay started out the party BUT Dam Funk definitely ended it, a truly talented musician he went from DJing, singing, electronic vocoding and even the keyboard guitar.  Snoop eventually hit the mic and seemed a little modest in terms of performing.  But the audience was not having it!

I met a few cool folks Anthony (DC native & music producer), Claudia & her husband, KG, Tyrin Ford of Ethno Brands and of course THANKS to the homey Slav K.

For info on the gallery go to:  http://hvw8.com/2011/02/16/adidas-hvw8-and-snoop-present-the-dogg-house/

it’s Holiday Season… PICS: Tony Rock’s ‘My Rock Foundation’s’ 3rd Annual Toy Drive

2 Comments

soooo….  I’m not really in the holiday spirit.  Unfortunately, I will be spending the second Christmas away from my family and it’s raining like a monsoon in California to boot.  Last year, a dear friend and I served food to families for the Union Station Shelter in Pasadena.  It was a beautiful 75degree afternoon, with hundreds of positive people beaming & buzzing while greeting families with hearty servings of holiday cuisine.  We closed the festivities at a friend’s beautiful home and left w/ quite a buzz.

This year, I will go back to my friend’s house with a few new friend’s in tow.  My spirit will definitely be with my family on the east coast as I know that I will be in theirs.  The next two weeks will be a little rough, but I hope to be productive and upbeat.

Happy Holidays!

P.S.  I’ve posted a few pics from Tony Rock’s “My Rock Foundation’s” 3rd Annual Toy Drive casino event which was held on Thurs. Dec. 16th at the beautiful W Hotel in Hollywood.  The event was a success with plenty of comedians & activities. [

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

]