Yuk Yuk's All Black Sunday

Over the holidays I was able to catch the All Black Sunday Comedy Show at Yuk Yuk's (downtown TO - happens every last Sunday of the month). The night's events were hosted by long-standing comedic legend Kenny Robinson. There were some familiar faces in the crowd, Subliminal, Trixx, Jay Martin and Marc Trinidad to name a few.

Something different from the regular club night... ah YEAH! If you haven't been I am highly recommending that you do. I swear laughing for a good 2 hours straight has to do something for the mind and soul. At the very least, give you a sore face and an achy belly. The venue, wellll if anyone would have said that the place smelled like 3-day old wet socks I wouldn't believe them. And somehow, someone found the formula to get the right scent up in there. Other than that, the evening was the ultimate gut-buster. Perfect for a first date or any date for that matter.

To check the schedule for next month or reserve your seat visit YukYuks.com.

NEW! JamPack MP3 Holiday Download mixed by DJ Manifest

Just in time for the holidays, DJ Manifest has taken the liberty of giving as another dose of snow-blasting music!

Perfect background music for the family Christmas dinner tomorrow. Who says we don't know how to take in the holiday spirit?

From all of us here at TOFLO.com and the Toronto Morning Live crew we want to wish everyone a happy holiday and a safe New Year!

Take a listen now!



Or download it here.

Want more?

Check out Toronto Morning Live's PodCast site.

Keshia Chanté to Play Aaliyah in New Movie

Well would you look who it is? We haven't heard anything from Keshia Chanté's camp in ages. Since her flop 2006 CD release 2U that was available in Canada and Japan only , she has kept herself on the deep-underworld-low-low.

And for good reason. She recently landed the lead role of Aaliyah in a new autobiography movie about the young dancer/singer/actress set for release in 2009. Good choice??!! We think so (side eye roll). I am glad Keshia is finding other things to do then sing.

Want more?

Contact Music for Official News Release
Sandra Rose blog

TOFLO.com's 11th Annual Kardinal Offishall Christmas Party Ticket Giveaway!

TOFLO.COM IS GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO WIN
TICKETS TO THE 11TH ANNUAL KARDINAL OFFISHALL CHRISTMAS PARTY
TAKING PLACE TUESDAY DECEMBER 23RD 2008
proceeds going to support Multiple Sclerosis and the Alexandra Park
Community Centre

THE FIRST 11 WINNERS TO EMAIL IAN@AMNESIA.CA
WITH THE NAME OF THE ORIGINAL SONG IN THE EMAIL (HINT: FEATURING KERI HILSON)
WILL RECEIVE A SINGLE TICKET.

Tuesday December 23rd
Konvict Music & BlackJays International
in association with Ian Andre Espinet proudly presents

Strength In Numbers
The 11th Annual Kardinal Offishall Christmas Party
proceeds going to support Multiple Sclerosis and the Alexandra Park
Community Centre

Doors Open at 9:30pm

inside the beautiful and unseen:
Parklane Nightclub - 180 Pearl Street

Music by:
DJ STARTING FROM SCRATCH
Canada's Number 1 Club DJ :: Flow 93.5fm :: Amnesia :: Tour DJ -
Russell Peters & Usher :: Redemption :: Sweet Tears]
SKIMPY
The Ever Passionate - [Originals, Warner & Associates Events, The Soul Suite]
JESTER
Canada's Most Versatile ~ 2008 Stylus Award Winner :: X-Caliber
Entourage :: Smash Squad DJs
[Soul Kitchen :: B-Boy Document :: Icon :: All Ah We :: 89.5fm/Flow 93.5fm]

The Kardi Claus giveaway tradition continues... ALL NIGHT LONG

Dress code: Semi-Formal
21 and older

Info: 416.293.4812 or ian@amnesia.ca

Advanced $10 Tickets available at all

EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: 31 Tapscott Rd - Malvern Town Centre :: Scarborough
:: 416.754.2030

WEST
Big It Up ~ Square One Shopping Centre :: 100 City Centre Drive ::
Level 1 :: Mississauga :: 905.803.8407

CENTRAL
Big It Up ~ Yorkdale Shopping Centre :: 3401 Dufferin Street ::
Entrance on North side by The Bay/Pickel Barrel Doors
Located adjacent to Sony Store & Town Shoes :: Toronto :: 416.785.3770

DOWNTOWN
Big It Up ~ Eaton Centre :: 220 Yonge Street - Level 1 :: Toronto ::
416.597.6773
Play de Record :: 357A Yonge St :: 416.586.0380

BRAMPTON
Shine Salon :: 50 Sunnyvale Gate :: Brampton :: 905.790.3031

SUPPORTED BY TORONTO-LIME.COM :: TOFLO.COM

Yours sincerely,

IAN ANDRE ESPINET

ian andre espinet
ian andre espinet entertainment +
black star graphic design & communications
canada's leading urban graphic design studio. period.
ian andre espinet 2008

RE:VISION
In September 1999, we revolutionized the way you viewed events with Amnesia. Since then, we have listened to you, our patrons and friends, and changed to suit your lifestyle. In the orchestration of our flagship event, Amnesia, we have stayed true to our goals. In the creation of other signature events such as Soul Kitchen, Big People Fete, B-Boy Document, X-Factor, ICON, re:connect, Socaholics, The ONE, Music Cafe etc, we have continued the mission.

With more than 2/3 of the urban nightlife scene attending Amnesia and/or one of the our signature events in the past 6 years, we continue to prove that success takes more than VISION. It takes RE:VISION. Stay tuned as we hone our online presence - www.amnesia.ca coming soon...

NEW! JamPack MP3 Download mixed by DJ Manifest

Our newest addition to the MP3 collection. CHRY's Toronto Morning Live! DJ Manifest has taken the liberty of doing an exclusive mix with tracks handpicked by the TOFLO.com crew.

Don't get it twisted folks, strictly hits and we're not talking about the ones played on main stream radio stations LOL. You can listen now!



Or download the latest installment here.

Want more?

Check out Toronto Morning Live's PodCast site.

Crash the Inauguration in DC

Ahahaha, if you are one of the 4 million people that didn't win the ticket lottery for the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Obama and like me... plan to crash the inauguration, you aren't the only one.

Don't worry, the officials in Washington DC have made arrangements to accommodate as many anxious on-lookers as possible to witness the most historic event of our lifetime. So you won't be left out in the cold!

And just in case you are, a website has been set-up strictly for "CRASHING" the inauguration. It has all the information you need to get around the city and hey if you are looking for a chair, table or blow-up doll to sleep on... they have that too!

You can check out the website at www.crashtheinauguration.com. For cheap flights to DC via Baltimore, Maryland check out southwest.com.

Heartbreak Drake Mix Tape

Drake seems to be on a roll these days. With not even an official studio CD release yet, this dude has a Best of Drake mix tape out.

If anything this man definitely epitomizes the term "hustle hard". Go head Drake - Tdot representing correct on this one.

Listen now or you can download it here.

Blackbird New Web Browser for Black People

So I am on Twitter and @AroundHarlem sends out a link to a new web browser called Blackbird. Based on the original Firefox but designed specifically for Black or (African-American - as they call it) content. And usually I am all for multiculturalism, hell I am from Toronto - one of the most diverse cities, culturally wise, in North America.

But shit, do we really need to be segregating the web population by tagging online content for black people. What about everyone else?

I think this is really shitty and I hope that they don't come with a Yellowbird...

Check out Around Harlem's blog entry for more insight on this bs.

Want more?

Visit the Blackbird site

Jesus... really? Autotune and all

Just when you thought you seen it all, these asses put out this TTC track. Thanks IAE for the link "I get on the T... TC... on on the TT...C... on the TT...C... on on the TTC, I get on... eastside... get on... westside... get on... northside... get on... southside...."

NEW! Heartless Kanye West Remix featuring Jenna

Apparently this Jenna is someone to look out for - ghost writer for the likes of Lloyd, Britney Spears & Amerie (Thnx WRG?!). Mixed by DJ New Money, straight[fill in blank] shit. More auto-tune...hmm... We first in this!



Want more?

Check out Jenna's Official MySpace page
Download the MP3

Unauthorized Biography Series: MUHAMMAD ALI

Here, have a history lesson on us!

Courtesy of Toronto's finest Mr. Shaun Boothe, here is the third installment of his 12-part Unauthorized Biography Series.

TheLegendsLeague: A Piece For RJ

Excerpt from The Legends League:

TheLegendsLeague: A Piece For RJ
A fundraiser for the recent heart surgery undergone by our homey, RJ Nepomuceno.

TheLegendsLeague will be selling ladies American Apparel baby rib tees for $25/cdn to help raise money for our homey, RJ, who recently underwent emergency surgery to replace a valve in his heart. ALL the proceeds will go towards the costs of the surgery which was performed in California while he was away on a trip.

To purchase a shirt, visit:
www.thelegendsleague.com/apieceforrj

Want more?

Read the details on their Facebook note.

What the F Jay-Z?

I am not a big fan of celebrity gossip - and by no means is this post endorsing that, but I just thought I would put this out there because there really isn't an excuse for looking that ratty. You're a ka-gillion-aire for goodness sakes, do something with your hair man!

More Freeness: Admission to AGO

If you plan on going to the newly renovated Art Gallery of Ontario, text the word WHOA to 246246 and get a FREE admission ticket to the AGO (valued @ $18). You've got from now until December 23, 2008 to text for your free admission, and the "ticket" (which is just the text you'll receive in return) is valid until January 18, 2009.

The AGO is located at 317 Dundas Street West in Toronto.

P.S. Thanks Jenn Jenn!

The Fine Print

This offer is only valid for Ontario residents and there is a limit of one ticket per mobile device. After receiving your initial Free Ticket text you may opt out out future text updates from the AGO.

Want More?

Visit the official AGO website

P-Plus presents: Best of the Best of Deborah Cox

Mixed by the oh-so talented P-Plus, this CD is packed with all of Cox's hits since she first came on the scene in 1995. With her newly released album "The Promise"out now, what better way to compliment it with a FREE mix MP3. Download it now!

Want More?

Visit DC's Official Website
Visit Deborah Cox's Official MySpace

NEW! Social Networks Browser

Holy sh*t! Exactly what I have been looking for since the dawn of online "social networking". If you're like me, and have a million-and-one social tools logins and just can't seem to get a handle on all of them - lead alone remember all the damn passwords. There is a new web browser that incorporates all your accounts into one neatly wrapped browser. Even better, it's based off of Firefox's framework - so no Microsoft auto-steal-your-info bullshit.

Check it out at www.flock.com

New! Drake & Lykke Li - Little Bit (Remix)

Big thanks to www.thelegendsleague.com for the track!

For people who don't remember, Drake comes to us from a long run on the hit Canadian TV series "Degrassi". Having left the set sometime ago, Drake has been hidding away, busy honing his craft as a MC. We don't come across this type of multi-faucetted, driven, motivated, doing-good-shit type individual often. But when we do W-E we gotta put this shit on B-L-A-S-T!

Check out his latest Little Bit (Remix) featuring Lykke Li!

F&F 50% off Costa Blanca and Urban Behaviour

Clearly, I know we are in a recession, but with these F&F things flying through my inbox every other day I couldn't help but share the wealth??? Ok not wealth but hey who doesn't like to get the homeboy hook-up once in awhile. For all the ladies and the people who have ladies to shop for. Enjoy!

We First: 2000 Til 2 Year Anniversary Downloads

Our good friends at Roundtable are celebrating their staple party "2000 Til" second year anniversary (wow has it really been that long?) next Friday at THE DRINK.

So in the spirit of good music and the love of life, here are two heavy downloads for your MP3 asses.

The Chill Edition

Download now

The Club Edition

Download now

Want more?

Check out TOFLO.com for more event details.

Never Too Early for Holiday Greetings

Here's another video of the Obama's for the holiday season. Whewww... his team is pumping out these videos as if their lives depended on it. Merry early holidays people!

The Obama's on 60 Minutes

Just when I thought I couldn't get enough of Barack and the family - here they are on 60 Minutes with their first post-election interview. A real, candid interview that really gives you insight on how Michelle and her man interact.

Points of the day:

1. "You're not getting any more outta me!"
2. "Barack, you slept in!"
3. "Harold's chicken shack... car with the hole in it... and you could see the sidewalk???" WTF & LOL?
4. "Sleepovers!"
5. Michelle: "Since when was it ever soothing for you to wash dishes?"
6. Michelle: "Like what???"
7. Michelle: "I wouldn't go with you..."
   
8. Barack's barber now has to come to an undisclosed location rather then him go to the barbershop to get his hair cut W-O-W!
9. Can I add the title "MOM-in-chief" on my resume?
10. Barack: "She's serious when she talks about being a mom!" Thank-you!
11. Barack: "I don't tell my mother-in-law what to do... I am not stupid!" Say it again...
    
12. "I am not going to compare my mother-in-law to a new dog", is Steve damn stupid?
    

Watch the clip, you'll see what I mean.

Q-Tip Finally

Since Q-Tip hinted at the idea of dropping a new album, we have been anxiously feeding off "leaked" tracks coming from all ends of the web. After his 1999 release "Amplified" which didn't gain a lot of public or media attention, his new studio release "The Renaissance" surely makes up for that like a first-born child.


His solo tracks "Johnny Dead", "Gettin Up", "Official" and "You" are all very cool, laid-back and dare I say straight "head-banging" (in this day in age, go figure?), not in the literal sense though (we aren't talking about Guns n' Roses here). And as we all know we haven't heard music like this since the late 1990's when Tribe was still alive! Even his collabos are kept to the bare minimum and has teamed up with the most notable unlikelies like jazz sensation Norah Jones in "Life is Better", "new-to-the-scene" (well-kind of) Amanada Diva in "Man/Woman Boogie" and "where the hell have you been hiding?" D'Angelo in "Believe". Damn good album from front to back, and shoot his "couldn't-help-but-notice" style isn't too shabby either.

Want more?

Listen to Q-Tip's "The Renaissance" on imeem.com

F&F @ Old Navy / Gap / Banana Republic Canada

Time to get up on that Christmas shopping grind... 30% off everything at Gap and all its sister companies. Go head go crazy!

Click on the image above and print it out.

NEW (sorta) Alicia Keys

Manifest and I were having a discussion about artists who re-release their album. To be completely honest, I don't think it should be allowed. Why is it that an artist feels like they can record 1 - 2 new tracks throw it on an already released album and then re-package it like it's completely brand new? Unacceptable... in my books. If I didn't buy your CD then, why because of new tracks that I can easily find for F-R-E-E would I lay down another 10 - 15 bucks to buy your CD again?

It's a recession! Remember that. And on that note here is one of three new tracks off her RE-release album "As I Am - The Super Edition". :-P

Obama is Just So Cool!

I've been meaning to post this video a long time ago, I just couldn't find a quality version of it. But just to reiterate how President-Elect Obama is just so cool (sorry I don't have any witty come-backs for it) I thought it would be worth while to post it up for reference.

And like Jay-Z, Barack just had to brush his shoulder off!

And So It Is... History Begins...

Well there you have it folks, when faced with adversity, together you can CHANGE. Finally the USA has smartened up and have collectively voted for the first-ever black President.

While in the restaurant with my 6-year old son I could just feel the energy of everyone around us hoping and praying that something would be different come 11pm that night. As it did when they announced that Obama had just won the state of California with 55 electoral votes... pushed Obama's seat count to 297. He won, fair and square - no recount, this was it.


America had voted Obama as their 44th President. Words could not describe how everyone felt, tears, dancing and yelling and from the mouth of a 6-year old "did the black guy win?". Outright granted this is a day that everyone in the world has been hoping for and finally it is happening. I am grateful to have shared it with my little guy!

So now on to planning my trip to DC to witness yet again another historic moment for the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20th, 2009. And in the good words of my friend CS "finally, someone our kids can look up to who's not a rapper or an athlete!". Couldn't have said it better myself.

Happy history/Obama/finally-change-is coming day!

I Like to See Stuff Like This

I just thought I would share this video clip of this man who thought it was important to exercise his right to vote in battleground state Virginia that for the most part has been Republican. Vote for Change!

NEW! Saukrates feat. King Reign & Drake "Fades Away"

Yeah a bit late... but as they say better late... Here's the latest from Tdot's Saukrates featuring King Reign & Drake. I am actually feeling this track. Very smooth mellow type shit I think it's worth a listen.

Voting for Change is Amoung US

In case you have been sleeping under a rock for the last 2 years, today will be the day that will forever go down in history as the most highly publicized, most anticipated and the most critical to all man kind around the world.

Just think, Democrat Barack Obama could become the first African-American president (talk about a statement). Republican John McCain could become the oldest president elected to a first term (umm... not so much). Sarah Palin could become the first woman elected vice president (scary! And that's not because she's a woman - don't get it twisted). A lot at stake, wouldn't you agree?

For this historic event I will be at Island Mixx in Pickering, and to all my fellow Canadians who wish to witness come on over and join us. Pics and video will be posted shortly.

And in case you were wondering, here's a little something that made my morning.

Halloween Bonanza!

My people today is Halloween. The only official day of the whole year when you can dress like an ass and look normal. So with my ASS-suit on @ my office I have been asked where am I going tonight? You can check out the events at TOFLO.com (yes shameless plug and so what?) or if you're too damn lazy read below.

Our Halloween Favorites

Happy FREAKING!

T.I. Put On The Spot in Talk Show Interview

Damn... as if going to jail for 366 days wasn't pressure. This chick got all the jokes in the world and if I was T.I. would have slapped the bitch... but hey that's just me. If anything, it's a good laugh!

SALE: Parasuco with up to 80% off!

Yes that's right kids, Parasuco warehouse sale at the International Centre - Hall 4 (6900 Airport Road). Sale continues until Sunday November 9th. Happpy early Christmas shopping (for all those that care!).

Yes, YOU CAN!

With the American election drawing near, I think it's important as Canadians that we take notice that we are indeed witnessing history in the making. Will.I.Am has put together a pro-OBAMA video that seeks to inspire at the very least. To our American counterparts "Get off your ass and vote please!"

NEW! Q-Tip feat. Eve "Gettin' Up" remix

This just in... Q-Tip feat. Eve in the "Gettin' Up" remix. Ummm not a big fan. And since when was Eve back in the game? Sorta sounds like a real bad Diddy sample, listen for yourself. Now back to work!

NEW! "NOTORIOUS" Movie Trailer

Check out the new "NOTORIOUS" movie trailer. Not one of them low-budget, rap-chasing dream movies. Can't wait to see this one in theatres.

WE [heart] Family & Friends

So Christmas has come early for some... depending on where you shop. Here is a coupon for Family & Friends day at FootLocker. A full 30% off everything for the entire weekend. Shop hard and know that we love you!

If you can't print off the coupon up top, view the original.

Try Something Different: "A Raisin in the Sun"

And no I am not talking about the Diddy movie.

I just finished having lunch with a friend who happened to mention that I should check out "A Raisin in the Sun" [live theatre] play. Outside of the hoopla of Fashion Week and other celebrity-stricken events around the city... I thought to myself why not try something new and DIFFERENT.

I will be going to check it out next week and I hope all you other people will take the time to experience something outside of the box. Check back for the review.

Sidenote: thanks Addis for the insight!

Want More?

Visit soulpepper's official website
Buy tickets to "A Raisin in the Sun"
See what others had to say about the play

What the f&%^?

As if this shit weren't strange enough, you got the kiddies running around the place AND it's a damn baby shower for god's sakes.

WWW's Literary Journey

This weekend was the first ever sold-out What Women Want "Literary Journey" event. And for someone who doesn't enjoying reading, much to my surprise the book "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin was a real page-turner and the follow-up book discussion / lunch-on was a huge success.

The Rundown

The venue 1 King West was very classy and made for a very intimate and cozy experience.

The food was decadent, starting with a fresh garden salad to a healthy and satisfying serving of baked chicken breast with potatoes and vegetables. Then to end off they served a not-too-sweet apple crumble (that could have used a side of vanilla ice cream) but you know was delicious nonetheless.

The guests made for a very interesting discussion of the book which was lead by Shannae Ingleton, Yvonne Kai, Rachel Hale, Christa Jea and Catriona Smart. At one point it got a little heated with one guest telling another "to cool it down..." and "how about you take it down a notch..." in regards to a disagreement in the way the novel's characters were behaving. Jerry Springer like? Not so much, but did add a little excitement to the afternoon.

View pics from Sunday's event below:

Concert Announcement: JOHN LEGEND

Alright, you know John Legend is my husband and as a faithful wife does, she tells all her friends when he's coming to visit.

In anticipation for his 3rd studio album release "Evolver" he will be performing in Toronto at ROY THOMPSON HALL on Friday November 28th.

Don't sleep tickets go on sale tomorrow!

Have you seen "So You Think You Can Dance Canada"?

If you didn't know, Canada has jumped on the "So You Think You Can Dance" band wagon, now in it's 2nd installment - I have to say it is sooo much better then it's American counterpart.

Yeah you have the salsa, the contemporary and hip hop numbers - that's a given. But one thing the US doesn't have that we do is the wide range of dance professionals and eclectic styles.

Last night for the FIRST time ever they had Dance Hall. DANCE HALL bitches! Where on national television have you ever seen a multi-million dollar broadcasting company showcase a dance style only known in the deep boroughs of a small island known as Jamaica... ok fine and Eglinton West? N-E-V-E-R!


Kaitlyn & Izaak definitely put on their best dressed and ripped up the choreography. Ok not so much Izaak but Kaitlyn threw it down. And as hard as it might have been for her to adapt to a dance-style that she probably had no experience with she made it hers and showed her talent ranges far beyond just contemporary. Luther Brown was a bit harsh and that may very well be because that's "him" per se - but credit is definitely due.

Go head Kaitlyn with your wig and your black, shiny tights!

P.S. I am searching for the clip on YouTube and once I find it you damn well know I will post it.

If you missed it, it re-airs on MuchMusic Saturdays @ 2:00pm.

Want more?

Check out the SYTYCD Canada official website
Watch what the contestants had to say about their performances

Peep the Sneaks

Ok I am not one to brag and boast about my own shit but I came across this blog and wouldn't you know it look who it is. The damn Dora sneakers made it into thisisu.com. Peep the pics!