My Toronto VIP

Sunday, September 23, 2012

EVENT: Jay Deala Album Listening Session For "Sincerely, Jay Deala"

TORONTO, September 17, 2012 – Mainstream urban desi artist, Jay Deala (http://www.jaydeala.com), is set to release his international debut album, Sincerely, Jay Deala. Known and respected throughout the Indian community, Deala has created a loyal following that defines him as the first mainstream hip-hop artist from the Canadian Indian community. Best known for his international hit in North America, India and Europe, “AJAA” featuring Deep Jandu in 2010, it’s now time for Jay Deala to release his debut album.

Sincerely, Jay Deala is a letter based on Jay’s life. An album of self-expression that exposes the true essence of Deala through a personal narrative style and the rhythmic style of hip-hop, Jay Deala reveals more than he ever has in recent mix tape projects. With every song speaking about a different personal issue connected to Deala, Jay feels that he can connect with “everyone someway or somehow, even if it’s only one track on the album,” says Jay Deala.

Standing out from most hip-hop artists in the Canadian market, Jay Deala truly represents the balance between working within both the corporate world by day; then by night a hard working hip-hop artist always trying to perfect his craft and move beyond the times. Sincerely Jay Deala will be considered one of the most notarized albums to date from the South Asian urban music industry.

“Yes, I work in the financial industry. Yes, I am a hip-hop artist in Canada. What’s wrong with that? This is me. Sincerely, Jay Deala tells the story about my day-to-day life and how it’s not all about the cars, the women and the smoke and mirrors of the industry. This album is reaching out to my fellow hip-hop artists who work a nine to five job and also hustle in the music industry,” says Jay Deala.

On October 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Jay Deala, alongside comedian Quinn Martin will host the Sincerely, Jay Deala media and VIP album listening session at Screen Lounge, 20 College Street, Second Floor in Toronto sponsored by Desi Urban Music.

Tracklisting

01. Intro
02. Like This (Produced by DJ APS)
03. Serious featuring Kat Eyez (Produced by Phantom Beats)
04. Ghetto Boy (Featuring A-Kash & Jay NY produced by Nach)
05. Stress (Featuring Hannah Brown, produced by Nach)
06. Shake That Ice (Produced by NAwtiks
07. Summertime (Produced by SycoTrax)
08. Sincerely, Deala (Produced by Nach)
09. Vida Tropical (Featuring Carlos Cruz produced by SycoTrax)
10. Bedroom (Produced by Phantom Beats)
11. When I See You Again (Featuring Jay NY and produced by Nach)
12. Burn It Up (Produced by Nawtiks)
13. Revenge (Produced by Nawtiks)
14. Cobra (Produced by Byg Byrd)
15. Lately (Featuring Geek and SF Merlo, produced by Phantom Beats)
16. White Collar Pimp (Featuring Just Gita, produced by SycoTrax)
17. Outro

About Desi Urban Music

Desi Urban Music (desiurbanmusic.com) is the world's leading online portal that showcases premium urban influenced South Asian music videos and artists. Launched from the success of desiFEST (desiFEST.ca), D.U.M features the most extensive catalog of premium music content from across the globe, from music partners and music sources to deliver an unique platform to showcase desi urban music and artists.

For more information, images or to schedule an interview, please contact: CHRISSY NEWTON, VOCAB Communications/ Chrissy@vocabcommunications.com - 416.705.9523

Friday, August 3, 2012

FILM SCREENING: "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" - Toronto Urban Film Series (Sat. Aug. 25th)

On Saturday August 25th, 2012 come laugh and enjoy the classic 90s movie, A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE & HATE, starring Martin Lawrence, Bobby Brown, Regina King and Lynn Whitfield. The film is being brought back to the big screen in Toronto, for the 1st time in over 15 years! You definitely have to be a part of this historical event. Hosted by: TEKNIQUE The Kingpin with Music by: DJ Reddy Fox and a special stand-up performance by comedian TRIXX! Get your tickets now.

THE PROJECTION BOOTH
(1035 Gerrard St. East - between Pape & Jones)
Show starts at 7pm.

Evening Hosted by: TEKNIQUE The Kingpin
90s Hip-Hop/R&B Soundtrack by: DJ Reddy Fox

Special Comedic Performance by: TRIXX

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW, this event will sell out! Early bird tickets ONLY $10 while quantities last!!!
Advanced tickets available securely online at: http://TicketGateway.com
(VISA, Mastercard, Interac/debit etc.)
or at these locations:
-------------------------

DOWNTOWN TORONTO:
Play De Record - 357 Yonge St. north of Dundas (416-586-0380)

YORK/NORTH YORK
Sunshine Sound & Lighting - 1659 Eglinton St. West, one block west of Oakwood (416-781-6111)

SCARBOROUGH EAST:
2 Lined Music Hut - 31 Tapscott Rd. inside Malvern Town Centre (416-264-3999)

SCARBOROUGH CENTRAL:
Broadway Fashions - 300 Borough Dr. inside Scarborough Town Centre (416-296-0609)

MISSISSAUGA:
Broadway Fashions - 100 City Centre Dr. inside Square One Shopping Centre (905-848-4823)

BRAMPTON:
Shine Hair Salon & Barber - 50 Sunnyvale Gate at Bovaird (905-790-3031)

FILM SYNOPSIS: An observable, fast-talking party man Darnell Wright, gets his punishment when one of his conquests takes it personally and comes back for revenge in this 'Fatal Attraction'-esque comic thriller.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

FILM SCREENING: "House Party" - Toronto Urban Film Series (Sat. July 21st)

On Saturday July 21st, 2012 laugh, dance, party and enjoy the classic hip-hop movie, HOUSE PARTY, starring Kid 'N Play, Martin Lawrence, and Tisha Campbell. The 1990 film is being brought back to the big screen in Toronto, for the 1st time EVER in Canada! You definitely have to be a part of this historical event. We're gonna turn the place into the ol'skool party of all parties, with the best of early 90s hip-hop and R&B! It's going to be maaaaaad fun.

THE PROJECTION BOOTH
(1035 Gerrard St. East - between Pape & Jones)
Show starts at 7pm.

Evening Hosted by: TEKNIQUE The Kingpin
90s Hip-Hop/R&B Soundtrack by: DJ Reddy Fox

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW, this event will sell out! Early bird tickets ONLY $10 while quantities last!!!
Advanced tickets available securely online at: http://TicketGateway.com
(VISA, Mastercard, Interac/debit etc.)
or at these locations:
-------------------------

DOWNTOWN TORONTO:
Play De Record - 357 Yonge St. north of Dundas (416-586-0380)

YORK/NORTH YORK
Sunshine Sound & Lighting - 1659 Eglinton St. West, one block west of Oakwood (416-781-6111)

SCARBOROUGH EAST:
2 Lined Music Hut - 31 Tapscott Rd. inside Malvern Town Centre (416-264-3999)

SCARBOROUGH CENTRAL:
Broadway Fashions - 300 Borough Dr. inside Scarborough Town Centre (416-296-0609)

MISSISSAUGA:
Broadway Fashions - 100 City Centre Dr. inside Square One Shopping Centre (905-848-4823)

BRAMPTON:
Shine Hair Salon & Barber - 50 Sunnyvale Gate at Bovaird (905-790-3031)

FILM SYNOPSIS: Young Kid has been invited to a party at his friend Play's house. But after a fight at school, Kid's father grounds him. None the less, Kid sneaks out when his father falls asleep. But Kid doesn't know that three of the thugs at school has decided to give him a lesson in behaviour...

We decided to do an "offical" mixtape for the throwback film screening of the classic hip-hop movie "HOUSE PARTY", happening on Saturday July 21st, 2012 at 7pm at The Projection Booth (1035 Gerrard St. East) in downtown Toronto. Enjoy the FREE download of all these classic 90s R&B and Hip-Hop joints!

Click Here => FREE DOWNLOAD :: "House Party - The Mixtape"

TRACKLIST: ----------

01. Intro - TEKNIQUE The Kingpin
02. Cutie - 911
03. Love Thang - Intro
04. Booti Call - Blackstreet
05. So You Like What You See - Samuelle
06. Dial My Heart - The Boys
07. Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown
08. Gotta Know Your Name - Malaika
09. I Like Your Style - Bubba (Big Bub)
10. That's The Way Love Is - Bobby Brown
11. Is It Good To You (RMX) - Teddy Riley & Tammy Lucas
12. Do Me (RMX) - Bell Biv Devoe
13. I Want Her - Keith Sweat
14. Baby Be Mine (RMX) - Blackstreet
15. I Just Can't Handle It - Hi-Five
16. Word To Tha Mutha (RMX) - New Edition
17. She's Dope (RMX) - Bell Biv Devoe
18. Groove Me - Guy
19. Ain't My Type Of Hype - Full Force
20. Jinglin' Baby - LL Cool J
21. Iesha - Another Bad Creation
22. She's Got That Vibe - R. Kelly
23. Alright - Janet Jackson f. Heavy D
24. Motownphilly - Boyz II Men
25. I Get The Job Done - Big Daddy Kane
26. Fun House - Kid N Play
27. Do This My Way - Kid N Play
28. Outro - TEKNIQUE The Kingpin

Click Here => FREE DOWNLOAD :: "House Party - The Mixtape"

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

EVENT: JJisJeni.com Relaunch Party On Thurs. May 17, 2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012

FILM SCREENING: "Love Jones" - 15th Year Anniversary (Fri. June 15th)

On Friday June 15th, 2012 experience or re-live the urban love story classic film, LOVE JONES, starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long. The 1997 film is being brought back to the big screen in Toronto, to celebrate it's 15th year anniversary!

THE PROJECTION BOOTH
(1035 Gerrard St. East - between Pape & Jones)
Show starts at 7pm.

Evening Hosted by: TEKNIQUE The Kingpin
R&B Soundtrack by: DJ Reddy Fox
Special Poetry Performance by: Dwayne Morgan

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW, this event will sell out! Early bird tickets ONLY $7 while quantities last!!!
Advanced tickets available securely online at: http://TicketGateway.com
(VISA, Mastercard, Interac/debit etc.)
or at these locations:
-------------------------

DOWNTOWN TORONTO:
Play De Record - 357 Yonge St. north of Dundas (416-586-0380)

YORK/NORTH YORK
Sunshine Sound & Lighting - 1659 Eglinton St. West, one block west of Oakwood (416-781-6111)

SCARBOROUGH EAST:
2 Lined Music Hut - 31 Tapscott Rd. inside Malvern Town Centre (416-264-3999)

SCARBOROUGH CENTRAL:
Broadway Fashions - 300 Borough Dr. inside Scarborough Town Centre (416-296-0609)

MISSISSAUGA:
Broadway Fashions - 100 City Centre Dr. inside Square One Shopping Centre (905-848-4823)

BRAMPTON EAST:
Shine Hair Salon & Barber - 50 Sunnyvale Gate at Bovaird (905-790-3031)

BRAMPTON CENTRAL:
Loc 'N Twist Natural Hair Studio - 182 Clarence St. at Kennedy Rd., next to Tasty Bites (905-463-1747)

FILM SYNOPSIS: Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they have got a love thing or are just kicking it they hang out with their friend, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius and his feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

R&B Album Review: DRU - "On The Brink"

DRU - "On The Brink"

What makes up the composite of an artist? Some say talent. Other's say resilience. Many may say versatility... Well how about adaptive! This is the best way I can describe Toronto's R&B and now POP artist DRU. From listening to this major label debut solo album (DRU released his frist album "The One" independently in 2008), he has learned to adapt to the current state of popular music.

Last night, I personally had the pleasure of getting invited to the "official" listening/release party for the long-awaited solo debut album by Andrew Grange artistically known as simply DRU, called "On The Brink". Thank you to the team at Universal Music, who I go back with and consider fam, for the access to what I would say is the birth, or better yet re-birth of a solo singing force in R&B and POP music in Canada. I've been in the company of DRU on occasion for a while now and have seen his growth as an artist. I'm proud to say without bias and not because he's my peoples, that he has flourished in his completeness as an artist.

This night of release started with DRU opening himself up to a very supportive crowd of dedicated fans, friends, peers and record label reps. You could tell by his personable attitude that he has waited for this "debut" moment and was sincere in his display and the hard work he put in to reveal his dream. DRU did a complete set of features from the album, including the runaway hit and first single "Gettin' It In" (track #1 on the album) in complete acoustic format. No back-up singers, no drums, no keyboards, just himself and a gutarist. A very different look for the former lead singer of award-winning R&B group In Essence, who's hit's include "Friend Of Mine" and the buzzworthy underground hit "You'll Never Find" over Mobb Deep's "Quiet Storm" beat released in 2003.

This was DRU's shining moment! His chance to not only prove himself as a solo artist but to introduce his first solo effort "On The Brink" to a sample audience and industry folk. I believe he did it and did it well. Following the very crisp acoustic performance, DRU played tracks off the "On The Brink" album for everyone in attendance. Standout songs include "Give Her What She Wants", "Win Your Love", my personal fav "She Can Ride" and the possible second single "She's Danger", which DRU told me himself. The album is an array of POP & EURO beats to start off, and slowly smoothes it's way into DRU's R&B roots by the end of the album. I personally think listening to the album though the transition is too apparent by it's arrangement. I would have love to have heard more of a mesh of the styles together instead of the feel of one to the other, however it's still a good effort on first display to show the versatility.

Overall, this is a good album for an artist like DRU who I believe took risks with the songs on it, based on his previous work. It's a testament to the current state of popular music and the diversity that Canadian artists have access to that not many artists from any other countries have. So why title this album, "On The Brink"??? I believe, if we're talking about the brink of success, then I must disagree. This album is already there, it's only up to Tanjola, Effortless Entertainment and Universal Music if it will reach commercial success because the music is there! However, if we're talking about on the brink of reaching the next step by introducing a solid first effort as a major label debut solo album, then yes, it's on the brink of musical growth for the future.

DRU, congrats bro! I support it. Time to shine brother... LET'S GET IT!

GO COP THE ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW!!!

CLICK HERE TO BUY ON iTUNES!

www.DruOfficial.com

written by: TEKNIQUE The Kingpin

Thursday, September 1, 2011

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Toronto's own, singer/actress Anna Cyzon

My Toronto VIP's TEKNIQUE The Kingpin sits down for an exclusive with the multi-talented Anna Cyzon to talk music, fashion and "balls". The two have lots of fun going back and forth in this convo that we had to have a separate blooper reel, coming soon. Enjoy...

www.AnnaCyzon.com

www.TekniqueTheKingpin.com

Production: Chara Hunter and Teknique The Kingpin

Director: Alberto Swagg for A Swagg Vision

Sunday, June 5, 2011

PHOTOS: The 2011 Pioneer Stylus Awards Nominee Party At Mod Club (Toronto)

On Sunday May 29, 2011 at the Mod club in Toronto, the industry elite came together to celebrate the nominees for the 2011 Pioneer Stylus DJ Awards. In the house were DJs, producers, managers, publicists, singers, rappers and more in the house that enjoyed performances by Glenn Lewis, Untitled, JD Era, A-Game & more. Special recognition goes out to sponsor HP (Hewlett-Packard) who gave some really nice gift bags and prizes.

Friday, June 3, 2011

INTERVIEW: DJ Queen Of Spades At The 2011 Pioneer Stylus DJ Awards Nominee Party In Toronto!

TEKNIQUE The Kingpin got a chance to catch up with the longtime homegirl for an interview in the VIP lounge at the 2011 Pioneer Stylus Awards Nominee Party held at the Mod Club in Toronto on May 29, 2011. Top Canadian female DJ, Queen Of Spades, talks about being a female in the industry, the importance of social networking and her current releases.

Shoutout to Intro from UNTITLED that fully highjacked the interview, LOL!!! Jokes...

INTERVIEW: Art Of Fresh At The 2011 Pioneer Stylus DJ Awards Nominee Party In Toronto!

At the 2011 Pioneer Stylus Awards Nominee Party, TEKNIQUE The Kingpin connected with these 2 humble dudes that rep "real music" by the name of Art Of Fresh (D.O. & Slakah The Beatchild). Thanks much to them! They had a talk about a bunch things... Check it out.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

INTERVIEW: Grafh At The 2011 Pioneer Stylus DJ Awards Nominee Party In Toronto!

Our host, TEKNIQUE The Kingpin, got to interview New York rapper GRAFH at the 2011 Pioneer Stylus Awards Nominee Party... Grafh was real cool and gave a direct interview. Shouts to him! It all went down at the Mod Club in Toronto, with performances all night along with a few awards dished out.

Peep the video!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO - The 2011 Stylus Spinfest DJ "Invite Only" BBQ! (Part 1)

Our own “executive producer”, TEKNIQUE The Kingpin, held it down for HipHop.ca at the 2011 Stylus Spinfest BBQ to network and celebrate for the DJs. The event took place Sunday May, 29th inside the very fly Ballroom in downtown Toronto. The “who’s who” in the Canadian entertainment industry was in the building from label reps, producers, managers, artists, and of course DJs.

A big shoutout goes to The Stylus Group and all their staff for a dope event and for letting the team doing our thing on the footage side… Peep both videos featuring:

Kwajo Cinqo
Trixx
Famous
Jester
DJ Dames Nellas
Jimmy Auto
Rich Kidd
Son Real
Smash Brovaz
Queen Of Spades & more

Contact TEK for that VIP footage experience: www.TekniqueTheKingpin.com

Special shout to Craig Brooklyn on cam and edits!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Interviews With Rapper/Producers RICH KIDD & SMASH BROVAZ At The Rah Digga Concert 02/26/2011

On Saturday FEB. 26th former Flipmode MC, Rah Digga, came to Toronto to showcase her fierce skills on the mic to an audience thirsty for "real hip-hop". On hand as one of the opening acts was Toronto's talented rapper/producer RICH KIDD as well as the dynamic duo the SMASH BROVAZ. MyTorontoVIP.com correspondent, Craig Brooklyn, sat down to "pick the brain" of both of these artists on the rise.

Monday, January 24, 2011

WHEN SISTERS SPEAK - St. Lawrence Centre Toronto (Jan. 15, 2011)

MyTorontoVIP was onsite for the 11th Annual WHEN SISTERS SPEAK spoken word concert in Toronto. Poets from Toronto, Brantford, Edmonton and Indianapolis graced the stage to showcase their skills. What an uplifting and sensually deep show! Checkout our coverage hosted by Toronto's own TEKNIQUE The Kingpin, and special thanks to show creator Dwayne Morgan.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Gift Of Music charity event @ Hard Rock Cafe 12/01/2010

On Thursday Dec. 2, 2010 the urban industry in Toronto came together in unity to celebrate success and the importance of music via Music Counts Canada. The room was filled with talent and those that came to witness it. Everyone from singers, rappers, producers, DJs, media, managers to label reps and more came out to support Kid Kut and IV Play on their event.

There were amazing performances by Toronto's best artists like Saukrates, Jully Black, Kim Davis, Daniel Daley, Aion Clarke, Melanie Durrant and more. Hosted by Toronto's international ambassador , Kardinal Offishall. Take a look at a bit of our coverage!

Find more pics and video on our Facebook page (http://fb.me/Ml4x6dnS).

VIDEO: Gift Of Music at Hard Rock Cafe (Toronto)