Let the Music play!: So about Saturday night, or the night Theo Parrish...

Let the Music play!: So about Saturday night, or the night Theo Parrish...: Ok, let me start by saying it's been a mighty long time since I've put pen to paper. - I'm sorry y'all....

So about Saturday night, or the night Theo Parrish was JUST Theo~Parrish

Ok, let me start by saying it's been a mighty long time since I've put pen to paper. - I'm sorry y'all.

I have been blessed enough to work with a few of Detroit's movers and shakers in the House music scene., but Saturday September 19th I got to co-host the livest party no one knew about. An impromptu set by 3 Chairs ( yes all of em)!

Moodyman straight off a flight from God knows where. Marcellus from somewhere, Rick straight outta wherever he came from., and then there was Theo Parrish.-this was his baby

I first met Theo at The Grasshopper Underground, which not only has one of the coolest set ups and sound systems ( IMO) but also THEE finest club owner in the metro Detroit area- yeah Troy, I'm talking about YOU!

Hot, sweaty, full of life and energy. I took a picture of both he and Marcellus- and for the record I hate it when people call him Malik its., M-A-R-C-E-L-L-U-S Pittman! Marcellus!! HOW THE FUCK DO YOU GET "MALIK" OUTTA MARCELLUS Pittman. Maybe its just me?

Anywho...back to the Theo thing! Sooo.. anywho I meet this overly cheesy guy smiling like he had just won the lottery. Just a happy camper., wait not so much!

In my observation, Theo is complicated, complex, passionate, a talker, a thinker, a doer a musical genius. This Cat has more layers to him than an onion. He loves hard-if he loves ya, he is an educator, conscience of who and what he is. 

Now I don't know him like THAT but what I have observed is all that I have mentioned above. Jazz, funk, disco, soul, influence him and his production prowess. Again, Theo is a musical genius, a madman( and I say that with much love and respect).

He seldom meets a stranger but do NOT be fooled into thinking he is your friend. You are an acquaintance, he'll kick it with you, chop it up even. But he is always ALWAYS trying to figure out what YOUR real motive is. ( again... just my observation) 

 I got better antiquated with Theo at The Motor City Wine. Oh Lord, that dreadful day. I have to say I was in my happy place, and The Motor City Wine was the place to be! Everyone was there, including a lil white kid named Rennie Foster ( a dynamic DJ in his own right).

Now what I'm about to say is PUBLIC knowledge cause everyone who was someone was there. ( cept 2 people- who where just there via happenstance).

So back to ( what I term, the Theo incident). This Cat just wanted to met his musical idol, and Mr. Parrish was NOT having it. Cause just in case ya didn't know Theo is sooo not afraid of, "gettin you together"!   

I see Jason Garcia trying to keep these two cats from going to blows, now shout out to Rennie cause lil dude held his own. Jason, the peace keeper was doing his very best to keep them to a dull roar, and Rick and Marcellus just looked on! I wanted to say, "yall get cha boy" but I also know my place, so I kept my mouth shut! David A-P was on guard watchful, but kept his distance. I mean we ALL know the REAL muscle is Melissa, and she was floating in and out of the wine bar all smiles and rainbows!

It pained me to see these two do this during such a beautiful time. (MOVEMENT weekend) After the melee was over I decided to do the "PJ" thing and give them both a little TLP ( tender loving Paula).

It was at that moment I realized that all he wanted to do was just be Ted, Theodore, Teddy, we talked at length and I understood the measure of this beautifully flawed complex individual! I mean, yeah I know all of the chairs...but I don't know them know them like that. cept Rick ok and maybe Marcellus (M-A-R-C-E-L-L-U-S) and Kenny aka Moodyman, well... I mean its Moody, the man that with one look can make a God fearin C.O.G.I.C.  woman drop her panties in the middle of a sermon and let him have his way with her. Yeah, Moody got it like that!- Not to short the others but Rick is like a brother and Marcellus (M-A-R-C-E-L-L-U-S) is my baby! and thinking of them any other way is gross lol I mean I know they have had their fair share of pantage ( panties) but they have never dipped into my fantasies on the other hand Kenny aka Moodyman has dropped by on more than a few occasions- ok, what was I talking about..oh, oh yeah, the "Theo" incident. So I'm talking to this Theo Cat and I look him in his eyes and I could see and tell everything he was thinking. He felt bad ( he may never admit it, but he did) but at THAT moment in time he just wanted to be Ted! His eyes are indeed the window to his soul. So many things were running through that complicated mind of his but all he wanted was autonomy. 
We hugged and ended our conversation. Fast forward again, The Motor City Wine., again the passionate individual we all know as Theo Parrish was in the zone! Again we talked and I do believe it was at that moment Theo wanted me down with his team and honestly I wasn't going to turn the man down. A few months later I found out that Theo overheard me having a convo with ( insert anybody) and his exact thoughts were. " That Bitch is smart" I know cause he told me., hence the quotation marks. I was SO not offended by the "bitch" comment! 

I mean the 1st time I heard him I KNEW he was special, the 1st time I met him I was starstruck and then I had a conversation with him...yeah I was pretty ampt about that shit right there! He told me about something he had coming up and wanted me... ME to be a part of it!!! yaay me-( insert big cheesy grin)

AND IT WAS AMAZING!!! 
The venue was dope as shit, anyone and everyone who was someone was there. It was invite only it was private, it was at an art gallery, it was simple, sexy, and the sounds were by Marc Duncan so you know it was real like really right! 

Now let me take a moment for a PSA, People if you are going to a party PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use some soap and water- cause them kids were funky as SHIT!! I know your parents taught yall nasty asses how to hop in and out the shower and use soap whilst ya in there.

Rule #1 Do NOT take pictures! You will get put in ya place!-unless authorized
Rule #2 If Theo turns the music off, the party is not over, he just wants to tell you something.. listen!
Rule #3 Do NOT drag an already drunk guy and expect to get in the party!
Rule #4 Refer to the PSA above!

Theo played like I think ALL DJs should play...with intensity, passion, love, a musical education. You don't get the top 40 House we hear week end and week out! I know it makes us feel good and I know we like the same ol'shit but House is more than what we hear! As Tomika Murry put it., Theo Parrish gives you LIFE!
Theo didn't want to be Ted that night he wanted to be Theo Parrish, he wanted to give you all he had to give as a "thank you" he wanted to do what he was born to do. He is both gifted and talented. 

The Huckaby's were there... BOTH of em, - damn I HATE I didn't get a picture with those two.. Alton, Keith, Malik ( the REAL Malik) and his lovely wife, one of my all time favs John Collins and a host of others. It was swank, classy, funky, hell the A-P's even dropped by... and stayed. I kept thinking, well who in the hell is watching the wine bar cause these two are getting their gig ALL the way on. 

Will this continue, well that's yet to be seen. Will you get an invite? ( I have NO control over that) Will you get way more than what you bargained for... indeed! Will I be a part of it? God willing.

What I DO know is Theo, while complicated, complex, and passionate is all that and more! - just please don't take a picture of that man lol! unless authorized-again, LOL!

Im going to end with this.. A few months ago both he and Rick played at a local spot, in two DIFFERENT rooms... that my friends is a NO-NO. While each member is a phenomenon by themselves they work best when they play together! If you have them on the bill they play together NOT separate.

....and THAT night, Saturday September 19th those who were there got a chance to see what and who we are all about..taking this House thing to another level. Educating and showing love through music. No ego's no "hurry up and get off so I can get on" just doing and giving people want they want...and the people danced!

Let The Music Play
P~

..and now something I know you'll REALLY love.

https://youtu.be/yMpWm9kjMh8

Let the Music play!: MOVEMENT 2015..the parties...the bullshit!

Let the Music play!: MOVEMENT 2015..the parties...the bullshit!: Well my friends, another MOVEMENT weekend has come and gone! If you were lucky enough to get to any of the parties, consider your...

MOVEMENT 2015..the parties...the bullshit!

Well my friends, another MOVEMENT weekend has come and gone! If you were lucky enough to get to any of the parties, consider yourself lucky.

There was an ere of distinct difference this year, as I drove through the city I did not see the long lines of people waiting to get into whatever club was hosting a gig. With the exception of a few.

Friday night belong to 3 Chairs Berts com'on now we ALL know this one was going to be a hit! Josh Milan started the night off and Marcellus and Theo, as Tomika Murry put it, "that damn Theo Parrish gave me life" finished it off! In between the lines of people kept coming, the music was beyond phenomenal and we all got to experience what it feels like to be a part of their playing abroad. ( no top 40 House hits played)!

The Blueprint, while the line up was great the party was a dud! Teamwork and a concentrated effort always makes for a successful event, here is another reason why I feel this MOVEMENT was NOT one for the record books. Even if the event was not pushed as it should have been, the walk ups should have made up the difference... it didn't sad but true..

I hate I missed the Linder's annual barbecue, I hadda work(insert sad face) but the Detroit Techno Militia put it DOWN this weekend, hats off to all of you. Angie, way to keep those fellas in line.

Tina Nelson's International Vinyl gig.. awesome party and she laid it OUT for the internal line up that included the one and only Alexander Robotnick. Rennie Foster,  Claus Bachor and everyone's favorite kid... Thomas Detune, the lady that had the crowd on their feet was Dayna Himot. She is small but has a mean ass punch with an ear for good music and the soul of an angel.

Who I did not get to do was see my all time fav( don't act like ya don't know who it is) but word on the street is.. many people had to go to the podiatrist after Norm Talley's set at MIX~

TV Bar always has an overflow crowd. My only concern is they always put the brothers in the back. Now I understand "why"...and just in case YOU don't get it let me explain. Listen Tree Graves ain't NO fool, ya may like him or dislike him, but he KNOWS who brings the loot so I "get it" I just don't like it! One things for sure and two is for certain, I'm goin to homeboy for a small business loan cause I KNOW he made a killing!

Not to be shut out.. the A-P's annual weekend barbecue and great ass DJ overload was a winner as well. Yeah um, David.. Melissa, I need a small loan, or a bottle of wine cause you guys were on maximum overdrive. Here is why The Motor City Wine continues to hold a space near and dear to my heart, there was NO cover, Theo played a 4 or 5 hour set then came Carl Craig. Dave let them stay until the wee hours of the morning.. and his closing set Monday night gave me a new found respect for the lil stud muffin ( no disrespect Melissa) . He is REALLY a good DJ!

Now, my choice for party of the weekend was EXCURSIONS I mean people KEPT coming, they came at 3am 5am 7am some even walked in at damn near 8.  The music was off the meter and that DJ Uchikawa aka Loftsoul put it full throttle musically! I was SO nervous about meeting him. I didn't know if I should greet him in the traditional Japanese custom or just say, "what up doe" I opted for the latter not the former. Cause that's what we say in the D...what up doe!!

MIX Drunkbrunch one of thee (yes!!! "THEE) most creative parties, was once again a hit and the red velvet waffles were the bomb. DJ Lynda Carter and my sweet faced Rebecca Goldberg keep it popping on that day.. again, that overflow crowd just wasn't what I thought it would be, not MIX fault I just do NOT think we had as many people this year.

The Formula, ( now I'm about to get a little nasty)

I walked in on Minx set as always., when I hear her play all I can say ( in my head is, "winner winner chicken dinner"). She played her tall ass heart out! I love my Suga ( what we refer to each other as when we see each other)
Now, Minx is not only a fab DJ she is smart and sexy she is what you call a "dime piece" WOW ( woman on wax) is the perfect acronym for her. Now here is why I have SO much respect for her.. 1. she is not going to swing off any one's nut sack and 2. PAY her, if it don't make her dollars it don't make sense. Quentin Harris oh LORD that man is a monster his set was energetic to say the least. He played a cut that I'm sure you will be dancing to in the very near future.

Now, here is were I get a lil freaky.

Karizma... ( we are all grown here so I will speak freaky er..freely) ya know when you are getting it in.. sexually, and he pulls it out ( not all the way) but just enough to give you that deep thrust that make your eyes pop open and be thankful that you have a big dick man tearing your insides up!?!?! but you stay extra moist cause you know whats coming next, yeah...it was like that! It's well known that Karizma will take his shoes off during his set. Well that night he left them on, no time to get comfortable just time enough to give it to us slow with a build up of passion. His tune selection hard and funky like good love mak...ok like a good fuck on a steamy night. My vote for best set of my party experience!

Stomp the House, Dee Jones, let me say personally I am so sorry I missed all the others. You bring some fiyah with your line up. That night belonged to Mustafa Do Brazil. He gave much respect to his crowd and he made us all feel like we were at Carnival. I understood what he was laying down. I guess you CAN play House at a slightly faster pitch and still bring the funk! Kudos my Brazilian friend.. I'm sure you will be back.

The highlight of my weekend was FIRST and foremost meeting DJ Uchikawa, he is as kind as one can be. All business behind the decks and a pleasure to converse with. He plays with so much skill and his selections are just incredible. He kept em on the floor at Excursions. ( oh yeah, Cordell you hit the mark with this one).

Second.. A certain DJ/Producer, ask ME.. me, wow ME how I thought their set was.. and this person has some of the hottest tracks out. That my friends was an honor, I started to cry but I did not want them to think I was no punk, so I sucked it up., and cried like a lil bitch when I got to the car.  They made me understand that what I do in this thing of ours...and its not a whole lot, matters and people hear and respect me and what I have to say. That my friends is a blessing.

Now., on to Paxahau ( the views and expressions are solely PJs and do not reflect the opinion of any of my friends and/or family).. Y'all ain't shit!!!!!!!!!!!!! How in the hell do you put some of Detroit's hottest DJs in the back right across from the toilets, with the speakers facing the water, and that lack luster ass tent that you had them play under. The light show a epic FAILURE! Not to mention.. you all didn't even have an effective waste management team to clean up after over 100,000 people. Oh, wait, its Detroit so "fuck it" let's use her like a toilet and let the niggas clean up. You SORRY BASTARDS/ this is MY Blog and MY thoughts so any of you nut sack swinging DJ's want to run and hide when I speak the truth go for it.  Now I will have a few kind words for you.. only a few. You did come in and save the festival. Nice to have been born with a silver spoon in ya mouths and parents that have great connections. But understand THIS, if it wasn't for a few notable dj/producers NONE of you would be where you are today. See, maybe their parents didn't have the resources to purchase expensive equipment so they earned it.. worked hard for it. Perfected their craft. Only to be put in the "nigga section" so to that I say...FUCK YOU VERY MUCH! Also, what was up with that long ass 27 hour line you had people in!! I'm going to need you all to show a lot more respect to my Detroit Players!  oh, DJs yall are SO NOT off the hook. Stop swinging from their balls they give you a small plot of land to work and tax you for promoting yourself.. that's that Willie Lynch mentality. Stick together!!! Yes, I'm sure it was nice to play at MOVEMENT but compare your spot to others compare your crowd to others. My thought they fucked you with no vaseline. Bring on the Charivari picnic where Detroit is represented proper like. Where there is no nigga section just good music played by all.. I am willing to bet at least one of my kids, they didn't pay you your worth! Not only THAT but...how you (some of you) gonna let a bunch of trust fund bastards dictate where you can and can not play pre and post MOVEMENT! Do not allow yourselves to be played like an indentured servant!! Don't get me wrong I like a few of the Paxahau DJs but come ON people PLEASE wake up! Do the party after party gigs but please do not allow yourself to be played like they played you on that sixth stage.

Nancy Gavoor, what a beautiful soul you are. Laura would be so proud of you. I loved being your PA during MOVEMENT! Tina Nelson, thank you for trusting me to give the folks the 411 out the house!
Earl McKinney, for you I'd just about do anything., working for you can be a little trying but I would not trade you and all of your Scorpio ways for nothing; Your friendship is priceless. I love you Skipper!

Anywho~ from NYC, Fort and Green..to the Chi, the city where "House" began to the streets of Detroit where all this Techno started. How fly this life is...
Put ya hands up for Detroit... a lovely city... but next time pick up the trash when you leave.. ya momma does not live here!

Let the Music Play,

P~

It's a cold 2015, but the music in the D is 100 degrees and rising

Ok, so I'm sick in bed! So I decided to Blog ( I feel my mojo coming back)-yaay me!
The year ended with a fizzle but the New Year began with a bang. So far every party has been a banger!

Let's start with the House Head New Year..aka Al Esters Birthday party. Robert Troutman did his thang for ya boy. TV was packed to the 9's and Tree was smiling. The Sonic Natives showed up and showed OUT for their brother. Earl's set was so fucking powerful ( yeah, I had no other word to describe it, so there ya go)- I love it when Earl plays like he has something to prove.. yeah, he left House for a few, but now he is back where it all started and my lil big bro hasn't missed a beat. Although I like it better when Earl spins vinyl ( my Blog my thoughts- so STUFF it Earl, I can say what I want to say!)

Al took the crowd back to his early years after he played one of his favorite tracks.."Its your world" by Jennifer Hudson, written and produced by Wayne Williams-yes, the same Wayne Williams I  made a complete fool outta myself a few years back. Bet I wont ever forget him again! Terry Hunter ( THAT man is a friggin GENIUS) and my homeboy ( in my head)- R. Kelly! Al played that song for "us", to remind "us" that it is INDEED "OUR" world! He and others like him are here to make the world go round.

DJ Magic and our newest member Steve Miggedy Maetro, gave us that Disco infused Chicago style House., they kept the party going. Two rooms 5 DJ's and I proudly serve each one of them.
 Im going to take a moment to acknowledge Lady LaRonda Maestro. Now if EVER there was a woman who supports her King..this Lady right here is IT! Always by his side, always having his back and he treats her like the Queen Lady she is. Strong, confident, proud and my newest sister.  Mad shout out to the both of you..much LUV!

Rounding out this rowdy bunch of Cat's is the baby..Christopher "Kidbibs" (although I call him the Boston Banger) Habibian. I 1st heard this Cat at L!V (now M!X)- from the moment my ears heard him, I KNEW he was something special. Someone to look out for. One to watch. He is also a vinyl purest. 

He, like many others, prove that music knows no color, ethnicity, city, or class boundaries! Armenian in decent, body like a Greek god, face of a Hollywood leading man, and the soul of a brother who grew up in them streets. He put it down!

That night the music was 100% surround sound, and it was hot as fish grease on a slave ship in that place!

Those Aquarians KNOW how to get the new year off to a great start, because the following week, The God Mother- Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale had a birthday party at M!X. Joining her to help celebrate her birthday were fellow Aquarians Eric Johnson (no relation) and RayBone Jones. 

A sexy tent party was held in our Lady's honor and we dance to and for her! It was hotter OUTSIDE than in! She was all smiles and damnit she just did the damn thang. all while looking over those glasses-smile!

Now..Got Mixes, The DJ, The House Head...and you! One warehouse.. ultra cool venue to celebrate.. dressed up in sexy red, black, and silver! A excellent menu provided by Kelly Mcbride(is that his last name?-somebody correct me if it isn't), a champagne toast, and birthday wishes from DJs around the country and the globe! Word on the street is, one DJ got the surprise of his night when the lady who started it all showed up! SHE was the crowd favorite that night, and he was all smiles! Thank you Mrs. Jones, you gave us a gift so it was only fitting that you be there, since it was you who started him on his way. DJ Ron White showed up and gave us an impromtu beat beating..I LOVE the way that man plays, and he is a true gentleman in every since of the word. 

Eric Johnson had the floor on FIYAH! He played like it was his last night on earth..Mondo Blaze brought his flavor and got the mood off right! My sister DJ Create Rogers brought that noise, that funk, she brought the heat!

RayBone, played like he always does...3 sets even, set 2 was a straight out the box bangin set.. set three was, OH MY GAWD.. FABULOUS!! (if you missed it...your bad,) cause that man GAVE it to us! Kevin Dysard and DJ Taz had a outstanding set. Kevin played like he was back at the YWCA (where I 1st heard him) and his 1st lady, the lovely Iris Renee Cole danced all night. Its so good when a man can make his woman smile. When he shows her that SHE is #1 ( all others are just cowards) Top notch playing from those two that night!
---have to stop and give shout outs to the following..to my DJs who love Detroit so much, and took the time out of their busy day to send birthday wishes via video ( dont ya just love multi media devices) CloudMaster Weed. Mustafa Da Brazil, Rennie Foster, Thomas Detune, Dayna Himot, Tina Nelson ( who kept ME together) 
Al Ester, Earl McKinney, Melvin "DJ Magic" Tuck- my Sonic Natives family, Tink Thomas, Norm and Kelley Talley, Al Heath and HIS 1st Lady ( and promoter extraordinaire) Kim Allen. Hank Garwood, Fish, Mark, Randy, Jackie, Angie Slate, Simone, LaTonya..Bruce, Phil and the BEAUTIFUL Doris Bryant..Malik Alston and his ride or die the quiet beauty Mrs. Alston ..it was a who's who as we lifted our glasses to toast the birthday people! My BFF sumed it up nicely (and NO I did not pay her to say it) "P, that party was off the chain! You and that Kevin Dysard did the damn thang"! We are doing it all again next year!

..imma take pause here and mention someone who is VERY special to me. He is always around with a smile, a laugh, and a magnanimous personality..my brother from another mother Harry C. Todd, his 4th Fridays at the Historic Alpha house have been the talk of the town as of late. He too, is also an Aquarian. 

Last night I ended my week..and got this stupid cold at The Motor City Wine. Dave and Melissa fresh off a trip( Dave is an Aquarian-that explains a lot)  stern exterior yet lovable oowee goowee inside. (but he needs to grow his hair back) lol..hosted yet another Beautiful Sunday- the night before they hosted The House Gallery( I fear if I don't get my ass to one of their sets they are going to kick me out the family)...

ANYWHO, about last night, Rick brings in 2 Cats from the Chi. One I have had the pleasure of meeting ( both he and his lovely family) Jerome Derradji and Michael DJ Whyout St. John. Now, there are some blue eyed soulful DJ's, Powder Blu, Todd Weston, the Incredible Hulk aka Adam Francesconi but that Whyout had me in complete awe..not to diminish the others THIS Cat went HARD from all over the place. He fit a round peg in a square whole with ease. Jerome just reached into his Mother Afrika bag and pulled out some deep in the jungle tribal beats! My lovely ladies of House were there to keep it sexy! and the people danced!

If you noticed a theme here, its not all the people mentioned in this Blog are black.. some of the coldest Cats I know don't have an ounce of black blood in them., but I'm SURE if you shake their family tree hard enough a nigglet or three will fall out! Here is the reason I bring this up. Music knows NO age, race, sexual orientation, class, city or other boundaries. Music transcends all.. THIS music is one of our ancestors..( its black history month and just so ya know...we are ALL decedents of Mother Afrika . So No matter the color, you just feel the beat of your ancestral home pulling at you.. calling you, leading you to dance! I want you all to remember we are a family, we are all 66th cousins ( look it up if you don't believe me) . Let's try to love each other the way we love the music. DJ's ( YES..YOU!!!) imma need you ALL to shut that whole in your FACE the next time you fix your punk ass mouths to say something negative about another DJ!-newbies without Vets..there would be NO you. Vets STOP hatin on the Newbies cause they are the one's keeping this thing going. Being a DJ means you need two things, a good ear, and some good hands. and you Vets are getting up in age. Arthritis and hearing loss come with old age, you need to remember that! Let's build bridges and mend fences...if WE don't do this, the world doesn't stand a chance!

Let The Music Play

P~

History, The present, the Future, my mother and the music!

As most of you know I lost my mother September 19th funny how my last Blog was one about my life., and the affect she had on it. 

Our history was not the loving one that I share with my own children, BUT it made me the woman I am today, for that I'm thankful. I don't write half as well as she did..my words don't flow effortlessly. But the passion behind what I believe in is a direct result of Anita Johnson being such a big influence on my life. Good and bad! 

So I dedicate this Blog to my mother, my nemesis, my hero- you will be forever in my heart, I love you and am very proud to be your daughter, again.. sorry I did not live up to the woman you wanted me to be.. I did not become the dancer, the pianist, the singer, the violin player that you wanted.. You did leave me the gift of writing the ability to have my words reach people. My speech, not as eloquent as yours, my diction..needs improvement lol but like you I have something to say. Not on world events, injustices both in history and present times... my love for writing falls in the realm of the world of music and the DJs that play!

Like you, if I don't like something/someone I say/show it ( although I never mastered the art of cutting someone down with ONE look) or the ability to make someone feel like cash shit without uttering one swear word. (im going to work on that). If I believe in something/someone I support it/them 100% like you!

My mother actually liked House music- one DJ in particular she loved- heffa wouldn't even give me the CD back and got mad as hell when I took it back! She liked Delano Smiths mix that I had (before they stole my CD collection) - Terri Johnson had made me a CD full of his mixes.

Before I go any further let me thank those who kept me sane ( musically that is) Earl Mixxin McKinney, Wayne Williams, Brett Morrison, Rick Wilhite, and Jon Easley but mostly it was Alan King- thank you thank you thank you ! After my mom passed I FINALLY got my car back, and I happened to play a CD that I'd gotten from one of the Charivari Detroit crew members- who was a very good DJ back in the day. Judging from the CD I have he still is. Steve Dunbar I must have played that CD 150 times..please make another ASAP!!!

Ok, I'm going to get to the heart of the matter, just allow me a little latitude for a moment! 

I ran across a stat today by Craig Loftis- Nu Bang, in that stat he talked about history..I'd commented on the stat and what I said in a nutshell is, history in short is the truth as individuals see it! We may have shared experiences but our individual view of history is bias based on what it meant to us.
My view on the history with my mother is different than others different than her own opinion-but it was history none the less. Interpretation is based on ones own perception/experience. 

She taught me to NEVER let anyone write YOUR history! So to those of you who were at the forefront of, "this thing of ours" we thank you! Write the history tell us the story, but remember new stories unfold daily.  For those of your who are recent to the DJ/Party goer game..make up your own history but do NOT dismiss or diminish the history of those who came before you. Understand they took something from EVERYTHING and turned it into a musical genre that has spanned more than 30 + years. To the vets I say, give the youngins their props ( but ONLY if they are good)- if someone scews the history call them to the carpet, but do it with respect and love for the music..

I didn't go see my mother in the hospital before she got to the point of no return.. HOLD ON I know you are thinking, "what the hell is wrong with you"?! "HOW DARE YOU NOT GO SEE YOUR MOM"?!...well I'll tell you, we had such a strained relationship that I did not, was not going to be the reason my mother would stroke out. I just figured I would see her when she came home..but she didn't. In the end, I was there and she knew it. My mother (prior to her taking that long walk to meet the Father) told my son she loved me. I can count on one hand and three fingers how many times my mother told ME she loved me. Although I know she did!

In the end none of that mattered. She knew I was there, and it was me that uttered the words, "let her go" it was me that prayed/begged for a miracle as I watched her heart rate slowly fade..it was me who helped prepare her body to be walked to the morgue and said how proud I was of her and that I loved her., and it was me who walked with the staff as I said my last goodbyes to the only woman who was strong enough to take me and all my madness, who never understood my humor/wit and love of people. Even though I tried my hardest not to, I DID understand her! I didn't like her but I loved and respected her.

You may not like the people in this circle but you should respect them, and I'm talkin to the youngins here! They are the REAL reason YOU are! This is your "present" DO NOT lead into the future with negativity. Add your history but don't subtract theirs.

I said that to say, no matter how scewed our history was our present at that time was one of forgiveness, love and blessings. Make your present count!

 I don't really know who the "yougnins are" BUT... IMO, if you started DJing AFTER 1990 you a youngin, and I could be dead ass wrong, but that's my story and Im sticking to it!

The future, not sure what my future holds I DO know that I will walk a little differently, because at the time she passed over it seemed as if all she wanted me to be, I became. I got her strength, I got her dignity, Cause you got to be a strong muthafucka to tell the Dr's to let your mother go! 

The youngins are keeping, "this thing of ours" relevant, vets...LET THEM! but pull their coat tail if they fuck up! Call em to the carpet if they speak on history that they were not a part of. Teach them/us.

Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Ken Collier, Dwayne Montgomery, Aaron Carl.  Those brothers shaped and molded the music as my mother shaped and molded me. They are no longer here. She is no longer here.. but they all live on in us! It would be a shame if we let all they did go for not! Know the history, make new history, dance in the present...consider the future, and make it better!

Music is the diary of our lives, let the memories be fond, allow the beats to bang, tell the people who and what they are and why they are., and as Always

Let The Music Play!!

P~

PS., I love you mommy

Vacation Day with Osunlade

Vacation Day with Osunlade