So yeah its been a minute since ive posted on here but i recently had the opportunity to visit the land of cheesesteaks and freeway look a likes….yup you guessed it Philly. The occasion, the highly anticipated Roots Picnic. The setting, a scorching 102 degree day at the Festival Pier. The artists, The Roots, Gnarls Barkley, Sharon Jones & Dap Kings, J Davey, Cool Kids, Esperanza Spalding, Jazzy Jeff and the sounds of Diplo. Aside from the blistering heat and occasional issues with the mics (Sharon Jones), there were some standout performances.

The opener, Esperanza Spalding is the absolute truth! She’s an extremely talented singer that plays a variety of instruments. J Davey followed with a blazing set, accompanied by Questlove on the drums doing tracks off their mixtape, a cover of the classic Police track “S.O.S.” and the newest Questlove produced track “Turn the lights out”.

A barefoot Sharon Jones took the stage shortly after with the Dap Kings and stole the show in usual fashion by doing traditional west african dances, calling fans onstage and performing with an incredible level of intensity. The Cool Kids had a respectable performance and Diplo kept the crowd hype in the side tent. Gnarls Barkley was stellar even though the fans were not familiar with some of the newer songs off the album prompting Cee-Lo to ask, “damn do y’all have the album?? “.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The best part of the night came towards the end of the show when Black Thought brought Leonard Hubbard on stage and did the classic “Proceed”. Cehck the video above! Seeing the Roots perform is always good but seeing them perform tracks off Do You Want More?? IN PHILLY?? Classic. Best concert of the year up until now, well see how the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and Rock the Bells compare. Shouts to my DC Empress crew!

So yeah, its about that time of the year again when Miami is invaded by out of towners dressed in their skimpiest, most creative costumes all while moving their waists and chonks (freshbasil term for booty) at speeds even the trained human eye cant fathom….ah yess Carnival!!!!

For those who haven’t been it is quite an experience. All chonks aside, Carnival brings a combination of good music, food, and people. The official Carnival takes place on Sunday October 8th at Bicentennial Park from 9am-11pm but there will be a slew of related parties all weekend that you should definetely check out. Put a thong on, glue some feathers on your head and WINE UP YUH WAIISST!!

List of Events Carnival Weekend:

October 5th
Collie Buddz @ Madhouse in Key Biscayne

Jouvert International Flag Party w/ Machel Montano @ Bayside Hut, Miami

October 6th
Elephant Man & Kymani Marley @ Chakra, Miami

Blink with sounds by Black Chiney @ Big Fish, Miami

October 7th
Ninjaman, Beenie Man, JR Reid, Cocoa Tea, Sizzla, Mad Cobra, Gregory Isaacs @ Soho Studios, Downtown

Papa Keith Bash w/Bounty Killer @ Marabou Cafe, Pembroke Pines

How can i describe Janelle Monae and her music? Thats kinda tough….but those who are familiar with her sound know that she has incredible energy and brings something different to the table. Making notable appearances on Big Boi’s Got Purp Vol.2 and Outkast’s Idlewild album, this ATLien has developed quite a following.

Aside from her natural talent and array of styles, her live show is bananas! If you missed her the first time around at The Bohemia Room where she tore it down a couple months back your in luck! Janelle will be performing September 28th at The Fifth (1045 5th St. in South Beach) courtesy of Courvoisier. This will be a free event but you must RSVP! Make sure to check the site later this week for additional info….freshbasilbitch!

Click here to view the embedded video.