These pics make me wildly happy. Big love to the Manifesto team, Nino Brown and Dre Ngozi for having me, and the whole Toronto fam for making it so joyous, sweat drenched and memorable.
caribana/ovo fest toronto
The Prodigal Daughter returns! Very excited to be heading to my hometown of Toronto for some summertime fun. Catch me Caribana/OVO Fest weekend at special editions of two very dope parties - Brunch N Beats and High Power. Saturday July 30th will be a full day and night of tings pon toppa tings!
vh1 live!
I'll be DJ'n and providing social media commentary while getting in a quick pop culture fix with Marc Lamont Hill and guests, our studio audience and YOU! Tune in weekly to see what we're chatting about and use the hashtag #VH1Live to drop us a tweet Sundays at 10/9C, live or catch the episodes on demand at VH1.com
Voice Your Vote
When I was asked to participate in BET's Voice Your Vote campaign, I knew immediately it was something I'd be proud to be a part of. I don't consider myself a hyper-political person, but I do believe in being aware of important issues and the people who are chosen to represent our communities and lead our country. I believe in the responsibility we all have to exercise our rights and make our vote count and our voice heard.
The stakes of this election are higher than ever and as the current socio-political landscape, recent history and escalating events of today continuously show us, silence is no longer an option. If you aren't already, register to vote now at BET Vote 2016
#bodyrollparty
The June edition of my fave monthly was something special. The babes behind the body rolling - Melissa and Annie (2AB) and Cayla (The Red Lip Club) always bring out good peeps who are down for the cause, and this time the celebration vibes were extra poppin as we hosted Ashley Outrageous' birthday party. The pics of all these smiling, dancing faces really do bring me so much JOY. More at bodyrollparty.com
complex live
Our friends at Complex asked us if we wanted to come by on a Friday afternoon to play some tunes, kick off the weekend proper and stream it live to you on Facebook. It was vibes!
the refresh radio | show no. 61
After visiting with on December 2015, I was delighted to reup on the refresh vibes at their new LES new location The Late Late. Have a listen to the live mix and peep the candids (along with my impromptu rebel photo shoot) below.
Photos by Jordan Tempro & Sajato Jarrett
heineken house rivalry week
The good folks at Heineken hosted a very cool few days of music, soccer and fun with friends in Los Angeles for MLS Rivalry Week. Starting to feel a lot like summer!
liv 4 it
First time for everything! This was a trip. Definitely a marker in time for me, and so much fun.
sauce | spring fling
Our holiday party at Soho House NYC was so much fun, we decided to ring in spring with another gathering of our favorite party people. Real flavor, no artificial ingredients. Good source of vibes.
AO! Girls Night Out
Love love love that one of my favorite gals Ashley Outrageous came up with the idea to throw the ultimate girls night - an all boss babe overnight party to celebrate Women's History Month. Nine ladies convened at The Patch, a fressshhh brownstone in Brooklyn designed to host creatives and their endeavors, sponsored by Sour Patch Kids. First up was pretty things with MakeUp ForEver and Martine Ali. DefJam artist and my fellow Torontonian Jahkoy stopped by to give us an exclusive listen to some of his new music, after which we hopped in our Lyfts to the sold-out Webster Hall, where he opened for the talented sweetheart Tinashe. After the show, it's the afterparty...which for us meant back to The Patch for all the full on slumber party action. Yep, it was onesies (thanks Onepiece!) facials, girl talk, twerk practice and of course, a pillow fight.
But it was the collective energy of the ladies; all amazing, all following their dreams, leading with passion and giving the best of themselves that made the night really special. I know we'll continue to support and inspire each other, and that's something definitely worth celebrating.
birthdays are the best days
I really can't express the gratitude I feel for all the birthday love I received this year. Every call, message, and token of affection I received left it's own sweet imprint on my heart. And especially to those who were able to snuggle into 142 Sullivan with me: there is no better feeling than when folks just show up for you - with very little notice, in the pouring rain and for nothing at all elaborate or pressing. Some didn't even know if they were walking into a home, a dinner party or a bar, but there they were, hangin, toasting (and roasting!) singing a terribly off-key Happy Birthday with their amazing energy and gorgeous faces. I am so so thankful for everyone and everything that made this birthday so blissfully simple and so totally extraordinary. That's love.
NBA All Star Weekend Toronto
This year, All Star Weekend descended on Toronto, and although it would have been great not to contend with the extremely frigid temperatures, the cold didn't seem to affect any of the fun. I was particularly delighted to see my hometown get a little shine.
I deejayed events with Jordan, at their dope interactive pop-up 306 YONGE; and with my Beats family at THE SHOP, a lounge/barbershop where athletes dropped in to chop it up with OGs Ebro Darden and Paul Rivera, and also at HOUSE OF TINGS, an epic fantasyland house party hosted by Lebron James and Drake.
Wellvyl launch
When I was approached to deejay the launch party for Wellvyl, I was intrigued by their ethos and enthusiasm, and very curious to see how they would pull it all off. I knew their Meet. Mingle. Be Well. concept would be well received, but I really had no idea I'd see the level of participation and FUN that went down at the inaugural hangout party. I love what this "new kind of wellness community" is doing in the fitness, health and social spaces. Be sure to check them out at Wellvyl.com
The Refresh Radio Show #40
I spent this past winter solstice visiting The Refresh radio show with my gals Jasmine Solano and Martina McFlyy. Big up to everyone who came thru and brought vibes to the live broadcast at Meridian 23, and to Kieran Meadows for having us. It may have been the longest night of the year, but time flies when you're having fun.
Stream/DL the full show below. // Photos: Andre Power
Jinglin' Baby
Myself and my sistren Martina McFlyy and Jasmine Solano got together to throw a lil holiday jam for the NYC fam, and our puorty peeps showed up and showed out in especially joyous form. The Soho House Vinyl Room was in fact jinglin' with the spirit of the season, and all was truly merry and bright. Thank you all!
art after dark
Once a season, New York's Guggenheim museum hosts ART AFTER DARK, an event that invites members and the greater community to convene inside the famed Frank Lloyd Wright building for an evening of art and music appreciation, socializing and sometimes, as demonstrated on the night I deejayed...a lil dancing, a lil conga line and a lot of fun. 'Good Time Guggenheim' is what we're calling it from now on! // Photos: Stephanie Mei Ling
Holidays at The White House
Sometimes, in the midst of all the craziness of my everyday hustle - deadlines, meetings, gigs, auditions, rehearsals, late nights, early morning flights...there comes an event that shakes things up and offers some genuine perspective. Attending the White House holiday party with my great friend Robin Thede is one of those things that is too extraordinary to not express complete awe and delight for. And it's those moments when I stop and really acknowledge how infinitely blessed I am to have incredible people, experiences and opportunities in my life that are my most treasured. I am so grateful for reminders like this one to never take any of it for granted, to really see the world with wonder and enthusiasm, and to embrace my own humility and humanity.
ready to rumble
My friends at Jordan Brand hosted a special boxing and training session at Terminal 23 to celebrate CREED, a movie I am super amped to see, as a longtime ROCKY franchise fan. The Jordan trainers definitely put us through our paces, and the other Jordan - Micheal B. - stopped by to offer pointers, moral support and a smile. CREED hits theaters Thanksgiving Day.
S E E N
Safe to say that Soho House NY had never seen the likes of SEEN, party brainchild of my brotha from anotha, honorary Trini and bonafide bacchanalist, Jonathan Mannion.
We took the opportunity to baptize the House Vinyl Room in true Caribbean style, with food, drink, good vibes and big chunes! Much love to all the beautiful people who came out and made the night so special.
photo by Jonathan Mannion
feeling it with Stephanie Mei Ling. photo by Jonathan Mannion
bear hugs for Rupee. photo by Jonathan Mannion.