AJ Dance Legacy

Lucky I’m Black

Osunlade Gets His Flowers

“Happy birthday to you.” A chorus sings across the expanse of fluorescent and exchange.  Thereafter, an elder directs those gathered to belt the livelier soul-stirring rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.”

“People always forget the lyrics to the second verse.” Everyone’s Favorite Photographer mentions over the growing serenade.”  The time reads 9:30 pm.  Wait!… Continue

Next Level Shit

Mr. Flip tells tales. Howbeit, those accounts are based on a materialistic premise.  Newports, Chucks, and other capitalistic pursuits.  By track number three,” Flip already brags “sold out shows gettin’ lots of dough.”  The lyrics are nowhere near lofty. However, Mr. Flip’s fantasies are. 

Next Level Shit breaks ground, not for weighty content but for collaborative muscle. … Continue

Time to Holy Ghost Stomp!

2315 

“DO YOUR PARENTS KNOW YOU SMOKE?”

Everyone standing in line can’t help but to overhear. 

“I’M INDIAN. He continues, “YES.”

Why must their voices yell directly into your ear?  From behind you a queue stands twenty deep. 

“AT LEAST, THE LINE MOVES QUICKLY,” Agrees the guy who must be heard above all else.  His accent hurls across the frigid air on a balmy Friday.… Continue

The Ritual 

2350

Your thoughts trail off.

Feeling the chill in the night air.

Your all white outfit drips.

This Big Game Weekend.

You wanted to go out dancing.

Somehow you ended up in L.A.

Rock The Park DC 

Rich Medina

Day 2 

Exit the McPherson Square Metro Station, at the corner of I and 14th Streets.  Watch out!  Carefully, look both ways before crossing the bustling intersection. Turn right onto the walkway.  That leads to the fountain, the epicenter of the greenspace named after a Founding Father.  Forward north is the performance stage.  A steel beam structure with canopy top protects the music equipment from torrential elements.… Continue

Rock The Park DC

Miguel Migs

Day 2

2000

“Oh, I did aight.” Kenny Dixon Jr jokes with you the following afternoon. He walks arm and arm showing off his lady around Franklin Park.  You marvel, he appears refreshed, his skin polished in the glowing sun.  

Later that evening, Hostess Reesa Renee reminds the people.  “Give it up for Moodymann last night,” with microphone in hand as if she is ready to spit bars.… Continue

Chaka Khan Hacienda 

Grows Up

Ree De La Vega ain’t new to this. The Chaka Khan Hacienda curator has been at it for years, close to two decades. There is no time for the celebrated planner to party.  She commands attention. Her signature black bangs, shoulder length mane, black stunners, red jersey dress and legs for days, struts across the hardwood to surprise someone with a heartfelt hug.… Continue