LaQueena decided to go on an adventure and what an adventure it was, read on:
In the beginning, there was Rakim. He ruled in the temple of lyricists for ions. Then, came HOVA. He was the truth, the way, and the shine in lights. There was no one “King of America” before him. The deciples of the Rolling Stone Temple chose HOVA as such. In his lifetime, he beget many sons. He gave the world his only loyal and humble son, young Simba. HOVA set young Simba off to bring Skullcandy to his nation at the HOVA temple of 40/40 on June 16, 2010. And what became of young Simba during the night? I now share my eyewitness account with the followers of HOVA…and all who wish to know “Who Dat?”
pictures by: Rashana Martin
When I arrived in New York Wednesday afternoon, I was met by the CEO of Grand Royal Music Group: Mr. Daniel Azure. I was told by Mr. Miglani that I would be in good hands…he was NOT kidding. Daniel Azure and his partners James Raphael & Dan Rush have recently embarked on business ventures such as artist and producer management and Grand Royal Music Publishing. He became my liaison to several elite members of Roc Nation and Skullcandy. The handsome, well connected, London native was the director of my first adventure to “the city.”
I asked him, “Where is the 40/40 club? How far is Marcy from us?” immediately BEFORE I found out where J. Cole’s secret show would be held. Even though he is fresh from London to New York, he made my wish come true in less than thirty minutes. We arrived at Broadway and 6th Avenue early to see lines of people wrapped around both sides of the building. Entering the club was surreal. We were give an express entry without having to join either of the staggering guest and special guest cues via Daniel Azure's association with Ms. Jennifer Citron, VP of Live Events for Roc Nation. I felt like I was floating on the Roc Nation Sea of perfection. The lights were flashing J. Cole, Roc Nation tees bumbling here and there, and an anxious mob of people were waiting for Cole to take the stage. I was still pinching myself anywhere I still had feeling when Daniel Azure consulted with another business associate, Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith (SVP of Roc Nation-A&R). We were then moved to the VIP area right next to the stage. Shortly after, I was introduced to Alexis Jordan (she is even prettier in person). We were so close; Cole gave a quick handshake to Daniel. We rocked and rapped along while absorbing the synergy. The 40/40 club was packed wall to wall.
Surrounded by live Skullcandy artwork, J. Cole’s performance had me speechless and in tears. The guy is pretty hilarious dappin' out an imaginary Wale and Miguel after he performed his portion on “Beautiful Bliss” and “All I Want is You.” There was an effervescent glow in my eyes as I was mesmerized by his passion; I had to keep cool considering I was directly in front of one of the live stream cameras. This performance made my dreams tangible. Personally my 1st and it was unforgettable. The vibrations from his voice, the insatiable tracks, and the ultimate venue for any fan of Jay-Z (Roc Nation, Skullcandy) just set the entire performance into a league of its own. Still humble with hit after hit that the crowd was ever so anxious to complete with or without Cole’s prompt, J. Cole collected even more avid fans of his art. Hard-core fans were dodging cameras, record execs, and even a steep set of stairs to get as close as possible to the stage. Amazing how Daniel and I are in this video from the stairway...no I didn't know the camera man, but it looks like it huh?
Immediately after the performance, Daniel accompanied me to the ESPN lounge upstairs “…at the 40/40 ESPN on the screen.” While trying my best to contain myself during J. Cole’s (Fayetteville, NC’s own Hip-Hop savior) performance, Daniel Azure and I connected with the president of Skullcandy, Jeremy Andrus. There was an immaculate display of the Aviator Skullcandy headphones with Mr. Andrus and Clarke Miyasaki planted right beside it chatting with Daniel and some admirers of the display (including myself). There were two sets of the Roc Nation Aviator Headphones on display (Aviator Brown Gold, Aviator Black). I HAD to try on the Brown.
Ultimately, all the “who’s who” were a grounded, friendly bunch that made this the night that dreams are made of for me at our King’s 40/40 Club. J. Cole’s sincere efforts to restore Hip-Hop to quality not quantity were matched by a welcoming, family-orientated atmosphere at Jay-Z’s 40/40 club.
This adventure was a symbol of gratitude for J. Cole choosing our home, Fayetteville, NC, to shoot the video for "Who Dat." I was never fond of my city; always acknowledged it as my hometown but never proud as I am now. Thank you, Jermaine, for showing the world the best Fayetteville has to offer...Dreamville let's GO!
“I’m not a business man. I’m a business, man!”
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