Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 11 years this month since me and Kid Cudi were bored one Friday night before heading out to my party (“Open” at Santos with Q-Tip) and decided to have some fun with the video camera on my Macbook.

Those days were much simpler; social media was limited to Myspace/Twitter, but even then – we weren’t focused on it. The scene was also way smaller, like literally there were only handful of people in NYC/Worldwide who were known by each other for their art (unlike Instagram, where everyone has a platform and a following).

But evolution is good. I love that Instagram has allowed other lesser known people to have a reach with their art. I have also evolved. Back then I didn’t even own makeup, let alone wear it. Nor did I ever show much skin, rarely my arms. Even though I still gravitate towards my tomboy fits, I have also embraced more feminine styles and looks.

Vashtie, 2006 (no hair or makeup)

Vashtie Kola 2019 (lots of hair and makeup)

We had more time those days to enjoy each others company.Now, I’m lucky if I get to see a few of these people in passing. I long for these days, but seeing everyone on their own journey is very beautiful!

Anyways, we made this unscripted video for fun and had no idea how it would turn out.

Some Fun Facts…

1. I was, actually, writing a concept to direct a video for his then song “Heaven At Nite” (which, I did end of up directing – but despite the video being scrapped, it is still found on the internet).

2. Elle Clay was on set and actually gets that Blackberry thrown in her face. It made for a funny blooper, that had to be cut out, but you can almost see a portion of Cudi’s laughter still kept in the cut. This was also pre-“How To Make It In America” when all of our friends learned how incredible of an actor/comedian Cudi is.

If you have seen this, then this might be a throwback delight. If not, get ready for some giggles!