January 26th, 2018.
About a week prior to the event, I got a call from Lyor Cohen (the man, the legend – himself) telling me that he wanted me to DJ his party and that our mutual friend Q-Tip recommended me. I was floored. I mean, I still get chills when moments like this happen, because in my head, I’m still just a girl in the hood, burying myself in music (including the genre of Boom Bap) to escape my reality.
Not only is Lyor an absolute hip hop god, but he was asking me to DJ his event which was centered on the genre of Boom Bap (which I adore). AND…the other names affiliated? Well, just Q-Tip, Fab 5 Freddy, Chuck D, Nas and more. The DJ roster started with me, then D-Nice and then GrandMaster Flash!!! I mean, what?! I would have paid him to have me on this bill.
Vashtie & Lyor Cohen
The night could not have been more perfect. I was super nervous, but Joanna and Edwin gave me the funniest pep talk – which ended with Joanna saying “Vashtie…you walk it like you talk it”! After that, my jitters turned into laughter and I went into focus mode. The scene was appropriately decorated with a retro theme to represent the era of Boom Bap and I quickly went to work on stage. I only had one hour and decided to play 80’s/90’s Boom Bap mixed in with 80’s/90’s R&B for the ladies. Once I saw the crowd dancing, I relaxed.
Quiana Parks came to support and even got to meet her long-time idol Fab 5 Freddy! It was exciting to see. Fab has always been mad cool and a progressive entity in hip hop.
Quiana Parks & Fab 5 Freddy
Diplo came through…also, Quincy Jones, Daddy Yankee, Kurtis Blow, Ralph McDaniels, Bevy Smith, Lala Anthony and lots more.
Adesuwa Aighewi & A-Trak
GrandMaster Flash tearing it down.
Normally, your girl is in and out after her set. But, how could I NOT stay?! Needless to say, I went to bed very late!
xo, va$htie.
