Months ago, local artist King TJAY asked if I would be part of his event and if I would host it. To be honest, I’ve thrown many events and I NEVER get on the mic. I’ve done it once at an outdoor art thing, but never at a big party with performances. I’m outgoing and definitely not shy, I used to even DJ when I was younger and hosted my own radio show… but for some reason, ever since I started Chicpeajc, I’ve been very insecure about holding that mic.

But for Tjay, I said yes. I said to myself, “If there is a time to step outside my comfort zone, it was for him.” Why Tjay? I’ve been following his journey for two years now. I believe in him. I see the hunger in his eyes and his love for music and culture, and I wanted to support him and his crew. If these kids are constantly putting themselves out there, so can I.

It’s 8:30 am the day after as I write this. I’m sitting next to mini me nursing a mini hangover with a huge smile on my face. Last night was one of the best nights I’ve had since I started ChicpeaJC.

I arrived to Cafe Sole around 8:30pm and was sort of freaking out about holding the mic. I am a huge dork and was nervous of what people may think. Also not to mention, I am 10 years older than the average age of all the people who came to the event. Suaso, our hip hop columnist/writer of “The HeARTist,” was my co-host but this guy came in two hours late. I wanted to kill him.

So I had to start the show alone. I did it. I was awkward as fuck, but I made some jokes and overcame my fear. I gladly handed Suaso the mic when he came in, and of course he shut it down.

Last night was the first and last time I will ever emcee an event.

So why is it the last time I will ever emcee an event? Because there are people who are better at it than I am. I know what I am good at. I am good at connecting with people, I am good at planning events and making sure everyone is having a great time. Nonetheless, I am glad I did it and I am so thankful for Tjay for giving me this opportunity and wanting me to be part of his event.

What an amazing night. I can’t even do it justice with words. The love in the room was amazing.

Let’s talk about the performances. I can’t even begin to describe how talented these kids are, and they are all pretty much under 23 years old. Johrell the Starchild started the night with a very energetic performance, he came off the stage and did his show with the crowd. DJ Robcast, DJ Alaska, and Plugged Up kept the vibes going between performances. It was wild!! Everyone was moshpitting, dancing up a storm. I am old, and my era is 90s hip hop, so this whole moshpitting to hip hop music is definitely new to me. Suaso knew this and announced on the mic to grab me and put me in the thick of it. I never laughed so much in my life. I felt like I was 19 again.

My fav duo Petey x Kraze did their thing which I expect at this point. I love these guys so much. They exude positivity and anytime they go on stage the crowd goes crazy. GANG GANG

070 Beheard performed right after and I really dig his music, it definitely had an old school vibe to it and I felt at home. This kid is crazy talented. I was a total groupie right after and hugged him for a job well done. I’m so corny….

After The Starchild performed, this guy Chrome Crowns did a live beat set and it was pretty f-g sick. Not sure if it was the jungle juice, but I was really feeling his beats. He grabbed the mic and said I love woman. It was hilarious. I think he also had too much of that juice. HAHA.

Anyway, Mateo Ahki did his thing and his whole crew went on stage. His confidence is pretty amazing and he is only 21 and already taking the city by storm. When he performed, I noticed how everyone in the crowd knew the words to his songs. This is what I love about Jersey City, is how much people support each other. It’s pretty f-g incredible.

Sensei, Lord Kazi, and Freddoe where up next and I loved their set. It was my first time meeting Sensei. I felt like I knew him already, thanks to Suaso’s interview with him. Such a cool dude, he has a very unique sound and style and I am excited to see what’s in store for him.

Special shout outs to all the shooters in the house; Andy Mac, Sonny Shoots Waves, Ben Reese, and Chip the plug who showed amazing skills by holding a drink with his mouth, a light, and a camera… He got some great footage of me in that mosh pit (cough cough)

Last but not least. King Tjay performed with 070 Phi. Let me tell you something about Tjay, for some reason he has a special place in my heart. I know that he is only at the start of his journey and I am so thankful to be part of it. This event he put together with his crew is an indication of what is coming for him. Tjay is only 19 years old and he managed to put together an event that was one of the best I’ve ever attended. It really was all about the love. No money in the world can buy that type of energy. I throw events for a living and I can only hope that they have half the amount of good vibes I experienced last night.

I also need to say this: the amount of love and respect I got last night was incredible. I met so many people and heard so many encouraging words. Thinking back, I kind of want to cry (ok maybe that’s my hangover speaking). It feels really good to hear from young creatives that they support what you do and they accept you for who you are. It motivates me to keep going.

Special shout out to all the local vendors at this event who were at the event selling their amazing gear. 01 Free Clothing, Four fountains , Szn , Developed , top shelf kicks.

“The Culture” is alive and well in Jersey City and has been before I even came to the scene. I did not discover it, it is not anything new.  I am thankful that I get to write about the culture and be involved in any way I can to help keep it going and thriving in an ever changing community.

I reached out to TJAY and asked if he had anything to add “When I first started planning the event I wanted to display and put on everybody that really inspired me and my artistry. We couldn’t involve everybody but there definitely be more. The successful turn ou  really showed me how powerful our culture in Jersey City is im truly thankful to everybody involved. Scott and I already have the gears turning for out next event, Stay tuned!”

I’ve been feeling down the last month; stressed and overwhelmed almost to a point where I wanted to throw in the towel. I really needed last night, it was a gift from the universe. The amount of love I felt was exactly what I needed to push me to keep going.

My heart is full.

Thank you King Tjay and Special Executive for allowing me to be part of your event.

Here is an album of about 800 photos! enjoy haha.