Drop The Needle [FILM]

I bought tickets so many events here. I sold tickets for event through here. I bought music here. Drake and I bought a DJ starter kit from here because we had to have DJ equipment to launch a career in Hip Hop. Play De Record was ground zero for Toronto vinyl lovers and the documentary Drop the Needle recounts Eugene Tam’s role in developing Canada’s hip-hop and dance music scene through his Toronto store Play De Record.

Helmed by first-time director Rob Freeman and conceived by freelance sportswriter Neil Acharya, the film provides a fascinating look at the evolution of the underground urban music scene that was all but ignored by the vanilla Canadian music industry, and Tam’s role as a catalyst in its development through Play De Record.

Now screening. Get your tickets HERE.

Henry's Photography Flagship Creator Space [COOL]

Henry's new flagship location at 185 Church Street in Toronto is a more open, interactive retail experience. The  location features a dedicated studio space that photographers, videographers, and content creators can use to meet, learn, record, and collaborate. Mark Diker from Henry's puts it best "We want to create a space for creators to gather, collaborate and share. Plus why not use some of our great gear before buying!"

I personally love the concept, and look forward to using the space personally. It's super cool to have something like this from a company that has the kind heritage and creditability that Henry's has not only within the space, but in the city. Learn more here.

Drake x 21 Savage - Her Loss [ALBUM]

Honestly Nevermind is still marinating and ringing off in Ibiza, things are getting Sticky yet still. Drake & 21 Savage have announced a joint album for 2022. Check the video for Jimmy Cooks which serves as the promo drop as well. Available everywhere October 28th 2022 November 4th 2022... quick math (The) 1 + 21 = The 22 ah lie?

Sean Brown x The Council of Fashion Designers of America [INTERVIEW]

Toronto's very own Sean Brown sat down with CFDA to discuss Compact Disc rugs, wearing Sean John like it's Prada, life evaluations, and answers if his work's been picked up by any museums, and if not, which ones he'd hope to be in one day?

Sean Brown: For me, the real win is seeing younger people and younger Black creatives caring about their spaces at home now. I’m not necessarily trying to be a part of social constructs and institutions anymore. I look at a lot of things holistically. Many arts you see in museums are stolen from us, and then they charge us to come to view them. Now I say that, but I can’t sit here and say I wouldn’t be appreciative or honoured to see my work in a museum. I wouldn’t turn down a chance to be a part of that, but I would want to be a part of the narrative.

Read the full interview HERE.

Drake - What's Next [MUSIC VIDEO]

Drake has dropped the Scary Hours 2 EP, as promised. 

It’s three songs  "What’s Next", "Wants and Needs" featuring Lil Baby, & "Lemon Pepper Freestyle" featuring Rick Ross. The lead off song "What’s Next" also got a new music video (see above) directed by Theo Skudra that can easily double as the dopest Toronto Tourism advert ever.

Last night was also a relaunch of OVO Sound Radio—formerly an Apple Music Radio show that’s now on SiriusXM—on a new 24-hour Sirius channel SOUND 42.

A new album from Drake called Certified Lover Boy is expected for release some time this year. Tonight on OVO Sound, he offered an update without giving a specific release date. “CLB is currently being cheffed in every way possible,” he said, noting that he’s been working with his regular collaborators Noel Cadastre and Noah “40” Shebib. “I don’t have an exact date, but it’s in the pot and it’s coming soon.” The record was initially set for January 2021, but it was postponed after Drake sustained a knee injury.

The new EP follows the first Scary Hours EP in 2018, which featured “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity.” The A-side was later released on Drake’s album Scorpion.

Kennedy Rd. - Still Luv EP [MUSIC]

Kennedy Rd. makes her return with a new EP titled “Still Luv”.

Playing off the title of her 2019 Valentine’s Day debut “Good Luv”, Kennedy Rd. leads the project with her single ‘Afraid Of‘ which she premiered in May already surpassing 250K streams.  Its very clear that the Toronto artist is ready to go up as she oozes with soul across the seven songs starting off with an intro titled ‘Nighttime in Toronto’ which transitions into the title track.

With the 90’s imputed in the fabric of her artistry, she releases stirring lyrics with warmth in her naturally soft vocals with relatable stories and experiences across slow-tempo’s even mixing in some lyrics en Francais.  Producer ‘itsashleetho’ shows up on the title track as well as the conclusion and standout single ‘Give U Luv’ which has Kennedy experiencing unconditional love as she gives all of her soul, heart and love away.

A great project that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of today and the golden era of R&B. Available on all streaming platforms now.

via Music Group

Virginia Black Whiskey [BUSINESS]

Be one of the first people in North America to taste Virginia Black Decadent American Whiskey, the long-anticipated collaboration between Brent Hocking, founder and creator of DeLeón Tequila and the LCBOVO boys.

Virginia Black is a rich, smooth bourbon available at a decidedly reasonable price (because its founders believe that "everyone should have access to glamour, swagger and soul").

Pre-order your bottle online here to have it shipped in advance of the product launch later this summer.

Harbourfront Centre DJ Skate Night 2014-15 [WINTER]

Harbourfront Centre’s DJ Skate Nights will once again drop the beat on the winter blahs for 11 straight weeks, inviting a stellar lineup of local party-starters and legendary international DJs to ramp up the scene on the Natrel Rink. No cover charge. No line-ups. Just beats, blades and good times from December 13th–February 21st.

December 13 – DJ Skate Launch/30TH Anniversary of House Celebration with Jellybean Benitez & Groove Institute

December 20 – 1LoveTO Holiday Skating Party with DJs Dlux & Lissa Monet

December 27 – Ladies’ Night with DJs L’Oqenz & MelBoogie

January 3 – Dutty Skate with DJs Choppa Chop & Paul E Lopes

January 10 – Electro Swing on Ice with DJ Medicineman

January 17 – Shake Rattle and Skate with Bangs & Blush

January 24 – Motown Party on Ice with DJs Steve Rock, Misty Rock ‘n’ Roll & Sean Caff

January 31 – You Gots to Chill featuring Never Forgive Action with DJs Numeric and Dalia presented by
FLOW 93-5

February 7 – Soca on Ice with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince

February 14 – Yes Yes Y’all Valentines

February 21 – MNFSTO SK8

For more detailed information on each event click HERE

Dickens Beverages Co. [DRINKS]

The organic wave is splashing with full force! We've got Whole Foods popping up like Starbucks, plus it's never been... more cool to a vegan. The folks over at Dickens have taken up this mission and have crafted 100% organic, locally sourced drink mixes. A Toronto based company that have created there own brand of ciders, caesars, and bloody mary's. Co-founded by trained and chef and mixolist, Dickens Beverage mixes are known for merging high quality Organic Ingredients with Craft Brewing to produce nectars of the Gods.

Let's hope they bring on an organic penis colada mix... see what I did there?

Visit www.dickensbeverage.com for more info.

TOPSHELF Resto-Bar [TORONTO]

You may have thought to yourself at one point or another; well, this is it… there can be nothing more. You’ve seen it all, done it all, won and lost it all. For those who hung up the towel, this night is not for you. This is for those who demanded more! To see higher, to taste higher, to reach higher! For you, this is the TOPSHELF!



DINE | DRINK | DANCE

GRAND OPENING: Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Soundtrack by DJ JB …aka Sean JB aka me.


7PM - LAST CALL


612 College St W, Toronto, ON


RSVP ONLY: rsvp@topshelfyourself.com

TWITTER: @TOPSHELFYours

The LD WEST® Holster [ACCESSORIES]

LD WEST® was born out of necessity. We have all experienced the discomfort of having our cell phone and wallet in our pockets - especially when sitting down. The folks at LD WEST® have created a stylish and secure solution to a problem we all face on a daily basis. LD WEST is a holster. One side carries your cell phone while the other side provides a pouch with a sleek wallet... now you're the urbane Jesse James.

The Original LD WEST® Holster can accommodate any size phone on the market, as we offer three distinct cell phone pouch sizes to choose from. These include the most popular and current hand held device brands such as: the iPhone's, Samsung's, HTC's and BlackBerry's and much more. Please consult the size chart below to see which pouch size fits your phone.

DOPE.

Orders yours HERE.

Beyoncé x Jay Z: On the Run Tour [CONCERTS]

It's official: Beyoncé and Jay Z have announced their summer stadium tour. They've altered the name somewhat, freshly dubbing it "On the Run Tour". Check out the full list of tour dates below. Toronto is  July 9th by the way!

Beyoncé and Jay-Z:

06-25 Miami, FL - Sun Life Stadium
06-28 Cincinatti, OH - Great American Ball Park
07-01 Foxborough, MA - Gillette Stadium
07-05 Philadelphia, PA - Citizens Bank Park
07-07 Baltimore, MD - M and T Bank Stadium
07-09 Toronto, Ontario - Rogers Centre
07-11 East Rutherford, NJ - Metlife Stadium
07-15 Atlanta, GA - Georgia Dome
07-18 Houston, TX - Minute Maid Park
07-20 New Orleans, LA - Mercades-Benz Superdome
07-22 Arlington, TX - AT&T Stadium
07-24 Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
07-27 Winnipeg, Mantioba - Investers Group Field
07-30 Seattle, WA - Safeco Field
08-02 Pasadena, CA - Rose Bowl
08-05 San Francisco, CA - AT&T Park

Rick Ross x Sound Academy Toronto [CONCERT]

This should be fun! ...you just know Drake is showing up, right?


FLOW 93-5 presents
Rick Ross
Sunday June 15th, 2014
Sound Academy
Doors: 9pm

#TheMasterMindTour

Tickets go on sale Friday April 25th: http://bit.ly/1lESROZ

The #WeTheNorth Campaign [RAPTORS]

This is Toronto through a basketball-glass darkly. It points toward the future of how the Raptors will project themselves onto the NBA landscape.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment took the first real step in its promised rebrand of the team on Wednesday with the release of a campaign entitled We The North.

The first video spot has an old-school Nike-feel - plus fire, snow and wolves. It’s Game of Thrones minus the nudity.

Hot Docs Film Festival 2014 [FILM]

The 2014 Hot Docs Festival, April 24 to May 4, will feature 197 official selections from 43 countries, and will open with the international premiere of Brian Knappenberger’s The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story Of Aaron Swartz. I have list of another 47 films I want to see this year, notably Advanced Style, You Won't Regret That Tattoo, Ai Weiwei The Fake Case, and The Notorious Mr. Bout.


Find films online, or download a printable version of this year’s screening schedule.


Hot Docs tickets, packages, passes, can be purchased online, by phone at 416.637.5150, or in person at the Hot Docs documentary Box Office, newly located at 2 Bloor Street West (Cumberland Terrace – Lower Level).


For more information on this year’s Festival, visit www.hotdocs.ca.

'This Is Not A Toy' Exhibition with Guest Curator Pharrell Williams [ART]

This Is Not A Toy, curated by John Wee Tom and DX Associate Curator Sara Nickleson with Guest Curator Pharrell Williams, is the world's first exhibition featuring a collection of contemporary sculptures, figurines and artworks created by artists including Takashi Murakami, KAWS, FriendsWithYou, Coarse, Huck Gee, and Frank Kozik.


The exhibition explores the conceptual toy – a form made solely as an expression of an aesthetic, concept or idea – as an art and design object as well as a contemporary cultural signifier. On display until May 19, visitors dive headfirst into the realm of designer toys as the Exhibition Hall is transformed into a vibrant and whimsical environment, filled with forms ranging from tiny trinkets to enormous free-standing pieces.


This Is Not A Toy is generously supported by Artworkers Retirement Society, Hal Jackman Foundation, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council.


Purchase admission tickets for This Is Not A Toy here.

The Bar Chef [BOOKS]

One of the world’s pre-eminent mixologists serves up the theatre, mystery and science behind his signature modern cocktails.




Vanilla-and-hickory smoked Manhattan, anyone?




`BarChef is a cocktail lounge on Queen Street West in Toronto. Dedicated to the art and science of the cocktail, its beauty lies in the colours and details behind the bar—from apothecary jars filled with bitters and syrups to bell jars and 100-pound blocks of ice. Owner Frankie Solarik holds court in his fedora, chipping ice, talking to patrons (a mix of rockers, hipsters, business people, locals and celebrities) and enjoying his craft thoroughly.




Solarik is a leading figure of the global cocktail renaissance. His book, The Bar Chef, explores the importance of engaging all the senses when creating modernist cocktails. Depth and balance—the ideas behind great wines, and great food and wine pairings—are vital to a magnificent drink. Chapters detail the elements of the set-up, the art and craft of mixology and, of course, include recipes for syrups, infusions, bitters and the cocktails themselves. A chapter for non-alcoholic drinks rounds out the book.




This book is aimed at adventurous mixologists, enthusiasts whowant to hone their skills and taste, and who want to experience something of Solarik’s genius at home. This book is neither comprehensive nor “general.” Rather, it is a carefully curated sampling of Solarik’s creations, featuring recipes that are challenging but achievable, and oh so delicious.




Pick it up on Amazon HERE or stop by the Bar.

Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) Live at The Phoenix [CONCERT]

Fresh off the release of the first single from his OMFGOD collaboration with Cash Money alumni Mannie Fresh, Mos Def, latterly referred to as Yasiin Bey is scheduled to make a stop in Toronto for one night only.

Thursday, Jul 18, 2013 7:30 PM EDT
Phoenix Concert Theatre,
410 Sherbourne Street Toronto, ON
19+

Get tickets HERE.

Kid MK Presents: The iPod Shuffle Vol. 2 [MIXTAPE]

The concept is simple; Toronto DJ Kid MK asked 10 people to press shuffle on their respective iPods 5 times. Then use those 50 chosen songs to creative one of the most eclectic mixes ever!

See below for the FREE download, and check out Vol. 1 if you haven't done so already.

DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne – No New Friends [VIDEO]

No New Friends by YardieGoals

OVO SOUND!