Bounce Rock Skate - Friday Jan 2, 2009

The word is out! Bounce Rock Skate at the Blue Velvet Lounge in Downtown LA is the city's sexiest party!

Come party with the hottest progressive soul and hip-hop sounds in the ultra-luxe surroundings of Downtown's chic Blue Velvet. The First Friday of every month this is definitely the place to be.

Resident DJs Kaleem, DJ Destroyer, Loslito and 7 will be spinning the perfect mix of future soul and eclectic beats

Admission is FREE with an RSVP to rsvp@bouncerockskate.com

Respect the dress code: Keep it sexy and classy

Bounce Rock Skate
Friday January 2, 2009
Blue Velvet Lounge
750 Garland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
9pm-2am
21+
Valet Parking available
www.myspace.com/bouncerockskateclub

Mark Gebhardt photoshoot

I finally got around to posting these. I did a shoot with Mark Gebhardt in the San Francisco Bay Area which was a lot of fun. I got some shoots that showed off my physique as well as captured my personality. Thanks, Mark!








Mark Gebhradt's website

Cayman Islands press trip

In the month of December I accomplished something really major for myself. I was invited to attend the Cayman Islands Jazz Festival in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. I have been on many press trips but this was the first time I was representing myself and my own publication, Nu-Soul Magazine, on an all expense paid trip. And to the Caribbean, no less. The main focus of the trip was the Jazz Festival which featured performances over three nights by Anita Baker, Micheal Bolton, Robin Thicke, Angie Stone, Cassandra Wilson, Algebra, Esperanza Spalding, and many others but the highlight of the experience was chilling with the other writers as we explored the island.

The coolest thing I go to do was to swim with stingrays out on a sandbar where the water was just 3 feet deep. I was nervous at first since there were so many but they are quite gentle and they feel like velvet underneath when you touch them. What a beautiful experience! We also got to see a turtle farm, the beautiful botanic park, and chill at a quiet beach on the north end of the island called Rum Point. Check out the photos and the video of Stingray City.
















Check out my review of the Cayman Islands Jazz Fest Here

The Rurals - Farming Grooves review

The Rurals are back for another set of sexy house, seductive soul, and soothing downtempo. Read my review of Farming Grooves.


Artist: The Rurals
Title: Farming Grooves
Genre: Soul/House/Nu-jazz
Read the review

Bounce Rock Skate Encore - Friday Dec 12

The first was so nice, we're doing it twice! Bounce Rock Skate at the sexy Blue Velvet Lounge in Downtown LA was a success so we decided to do an encore on Friday December 12.

Bounce Rock Skate is hip-hop, soul, classic beats and progressive sounds in the gorgeous environment of the Blue Velvet Lounge.

Experience the vibe of DJs Kaleem (Plei), Destroyer (Strictly Social), Loslito (Rootdown), and 7 (RK Entertainment)

This event is FREE with an rsvp to rsvp@bouncerockskate.com

Bounce Rock Skate
Friday December 12, 2008
Blue Velvet Lounge
750 Garland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
21+
9pm-2am

www.myspace.com/bouncerockskateclub
www.bluevelvetrestaurant.com

Strictly Social Holiday DJ Extravaganza Dec 17

Come join Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union on Wednesday December 17 for A Strictly Social Holiday DJ Extravaganza!

Some of LA's best talent will be spinning an assortment of progressive soul, nu-jazz, and future beats to keep you warm for Christmas. Come dance the holiday blues away at one of the cities best vibes!

Guest DJ sets from:

DJ Moonbaby (Moonbabyradio.fm)
www.myspace.com/djmoonbabysplanet

Michelle Q (Qmunity/Ladies First/Awthentik Vibes)
www.myspace.com/photorock

Seven5Seven (Soul People)

Puffs (Little Temple)

&

LP

Plus our residents DJ Destroyer, Milky Wayne, and Myxzlplix will be serving up a heaping dose of the patented Strictly Social sound.

This event is free all night with a RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
$5 without

Strictly Social
Wednesday December 17, 2008
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 660-4540
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
www.littletemple.com

Flyer design by myxmedia (myxmedia@gmail.com)

Atlantic Connection Interview

Since the late 1990s Nathan Hayes aka Atlantic Connection has gone from drum & bass DJ to label owner and multi-genre producer. After years of establishing his name as a purveyor of sexy, soulful DnB, AC has morphed into an artist of the highest caliber with his genre-defying album Tomorrow’s Not Enough.

Read the interview

Strictly Social November photos

The beat went on for Strictly Social in November at its new home Little Temple. The holidays may be coming but that didn't stop the talent from coming out to perform for us. Jamila started out the night with a rousing Erykah Badu cover before sliding into her sexy and seductive original material. Then DJ Daz took to the decks with a glorious and diverse set of tunes. Then Q Dixon and with DJ Spark took over with some hot beats and assured vocals, but not before Q could deliver a sweet accapela that paid tribute to all the great artists that came before her. Our resident main man DJ Destroyer closed things out with that signature Strictly Social sound.

Big thanks to everyone who came out and supported the artists, our promotional partners, and the staff of Little Temple!





Q Dixon: www.qdixon.com

Jamila: www.myspace.com/jamila3

DJ Destroyer: www.myspace.com/djdestroyer

Strictly Social: www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial

Little Temple: www.littletemple.com

10th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit - Wed 11/26

Every Thanksgiving Eve Los Angeles comes together for Thanksgivends, a wonderful charity event that finds every crew in the city joining forces. This year the event will be held at the Bell Tower in Downtown LA and will feature DJ sets from Paenut Butter Wolf, Vikter Duplaix, and Strictly Social's DJ Destroyer to name a few, plus a live performances from Gina Rene. Full lineup on flyer.

Get the full details at www.myspace.com/thanksgivends

Stanton Warriors Interview

Check out this interview I did with the very cool DJs Stanton Warriors.



London’s breakbeat duo the Stanton Warriors have got it made. With a rabid international following, several acclaimed and top-selling mix CDs, killer remixes that are played by the world’s best DJs, and a popular night at famed nightclub Fabric, these boys are living their dream.

Read the interview

Future Sound of Breaks LA review

The Future Sound of Breaks touched down in Los Angeles in November 2008 with a massive lineup. While the turnout was not as big as FSOB's Miami events, this was surely one of the most memorable nights in recent memory and the music was some of the best around. Unforgettable sets from Jackal & Hyde, Hydraulix, Deekline & Wizard, Krafty Kuts, Shortee, Supernaut and local hero Eva had Los Angeles dancing until 4am. The beats were hot and the bass was knocking! Thanks to Glyn & the FSOB crew, and the V2 Events team for presenting LA with a solid lineup representing the true sound of breaks and a solid production that included killer sound and gorgeous visuals.

Photos taken by Gzus
www.myspace.com/gzuskills

Additional photos and Video by Norman Mayers

















Jackal & Hyde rocking it at FSOB LA


www.myspace.com/futuresoundofbreaks

Dancing @ Future Sound of Breaks LA

I was seriously feeling this beat and just had to let loose! The Future Sound of Breaks LA party had all the vibe and level of production that we have come to expect from FSOB. So many dope artists inclduing Krafty Kuts, Deekline & Wizard, and Jackal & Hyde. Here I am dancing to Miami's Hydraulix with them spinning in the background. Enjoy the vibes!

Strictly Social returns to New York City - Tuesday Nov 18

We are bringing the vibe back to NYC and returning to Sutra!

Nu-Soul Magazine, The Bloom Effect, & Soul Union present a special STRICTLY SOCIAL event in New York City on Tuesday November 18, 2008.

We will be honoring of the beautiful and talented Wayna as we premiere the video of her current Billboard hit "My Love"
www.myspace.com/waynamusic
Download Wayna's music at Itunes

Plus we will have a listening session and CD giveaways for the new Strictly Social Mixed Vol. 2 by DJ Myxzlplix, one of our very own residents.
www.myspace.com/djmyzlplix

Sounds provided by Bagpak Records' Zilvinas and Yellowtail
www.bagpakrecords.com

This is a FREE event
7pm - 10pm
21+

Sutra Lounge
16 First Avenue @ First Street
New York, NY 10009
sutranyc.com

www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com

We Did It!!!

Like everyone else in the world I watched history, no, I created history yesterday.

I watched the American Dream come back to life in the form of Barack Obama.

I saw every group that has been held back within this nation - women, blacks, hispanics, the youth - come together for a single purpose and realize that their collective power could topple the old world.

I watched as America reclaimed its throne as the most progressive nation in the world by elected an African-American President, a feat that just a decade ago none of us thought we would see in our lifetime.

I watched and I cried as I released the pain and struggle that has characterized the last eight years and prepared to enter a new phase of life.

Our goal achieved, the question is what shall we do next?

While this is a moment to celebrate, everyone must hold true to the values that got us here. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is of the utmost importance!

Obama is the president but we all possess the REAL POWER since we put him there. Let's keep this momentum going and continue to be the change that we want in the world.

The Economy is in trouble - Spend less, get out of debt, and find creative ways to supplement our income

The Earth is in danger - Become more green, drive less, use public transportation when it is available, recycle

Our education sucks - Educate yourself, read more, try new things, talk to people outside of your comfort zone, grow

Health Care is in shambles - Be healthy, eat well, exercise, get off your lazy ass

There is so much we can all do to make Obama's dream of a new America into a reality and it starts today!

What are you doing to better yourself?

Nu-Soul Presents Strictly Social w/ Q Dixon, Jamila, Daz - Wed. Nov 19

After a successful October Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union are back with another evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion at Little Temple.

Come join us at STRICTLY SOCIAL on Wednesday November 19, 2008 for the best in progressive soul artists and one of the best vibes in Los Angeles.

Featuring Live Performances by:

Q Dixon
www.qdixon.com

Jamila
www.myspace.com/jamila3

Special Guest DJ DAZ
dazdillinja.podomatic.com

Plus arrive early for a special Video Screening of Wayna's Billboard charting single "My Love"
www.myspace.com/waynamusic

Show begins at 10pm

Our resident DJs Destroyer, Milky Wayne, & Myxzlplix will provide the perfect selection of progressive soul, forward-thinking hip-hop, and future beats

Free with RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
$5 without

Strictly Social
Wednesday November 19, 2008
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 660-4540
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
www.littletemple.com

Halloween 2008 Photos

Halloween 2008 was something special. More than just an excuse to run around the streets in silly costumes, this year's festivities marked a massive exhale for the American people. On the eve of the biggest election of a generation, we celebrated our freedom to BE! Hundreds of thousands of people descended upon West Hollywood, LA's gayest neighborhood to partake in the massive Halloween carnival. Gay and straight alike sexed it up and let it all hang out! The beauty of Halloween is that you can be as crazy as you want and no one gives a fuck. There is probably someone crazier than you walking around. Enjoy the eye candy!