NEW! DROP x Jahvon feat. Kardinal Offishall

Straight outta the Foundation Group, Jahvon's DROP featuring Kardinal Offishall. Check it out now or download here.

NEW! JamPack "OBAMA Salute " MP3 Download Mixed by DJ Manifest

In honour of the inauguration of the 44th president, this is our musical tribute with an all-Toronto hip hop JamPack edition. YES WE DO! Listen now or download here.

TO Remix Bus Trip to DC Delayed 7 Hours at US Border

You know given the magnitude of the events for the inauguration I would expect that the wait times at the border would be long and tedious. I crossed the border without incident and I can thankfully say that my encounter with the US Border Patrol lasted all but 2 minutes. Unfortunately Tyrone Edwards, a good friend of mine and his bus group could not say the same.

Plagued with racial profiling and a bad case of power control, the customs officers put these young people through hell and back. I didn't hear the whole story as of yet, but The Star did write an article about it. Read it now.

Want more?

MuchMusic Blog Article

If you have any other press / video / photo coverage please send the links to info@toflo.com.

NEW! Shaun Boothe's Unauthorized Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama (Special Inauguration Edition)

How fitting that while I was in DC for Obama's Inauguration I received this from my good friend Shaun Boothe. Now on it's 4th edition Boothe presents the Unauthorized Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama (Special Inauguration Edition).

If only my highschool history lessons where this engaging, I would have learned so much more. Big shout out to Shaun for educating our community. Watch the video below.

DAY 2: Presidential Inauguration Swearing-In Ceremony / Parade

Words cannot fully explain the energy and the aura that was felt by actually participating in today's Presidential events. With no ticket in hand we called our cab and made it down to Capital Hill at around 9:30 AM. The crowds of people were definitely in the millions and even with tickets, not everyone was able to get in behind the barriers. The army was in full force checking and double-checking every single person that was let on to the grounds (and I mean not even within ear-shot of the loudest speaker on the entire premises).

After witnessing about 10,000 people jam down into a 4-lane street into a 1-door enterance, we decided that we would head down to the Canadian Embassy to possibly see some sort of TV screen and if we were lucky a snippet of Obama's speech. That much we were given and we moved on to the next point of interest - the parade.

No surprise, the parade route was completely locked off and we had to wessle our way through another heard of humanity. This took about another hour, but in the midst of all the action we seen a few celebrities Wyclef, Anne Hathaway and Lynn Whitfield. TOFLO them up and moved merrily along.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 44th President, we stood in -5 degree weather for about 2 hours. I think I just had about enough until we were graciously engaged with several individuals all from different states talking about what Obama being President meant to them. Interesting conversation that made time just fly right by. And before we knew it, Barack and Michelle Obama were walking down Pennsylvania Avenue hand-in-hand. I-N-S-P-I-R-I-N-G, is the only word that could truly describe what the crowd was experiencing.

Through the cold, tears, screams, long lines, pushing, shoving and well you get the picture this one moment truly made it worth today's angry and at times patience-testing pursuit of history.

DAY 1: MLK Day

So I was suppose to volunteer to pack care packages for Military folks down by RFK Stadium... thought I would be slick and leave a half an hour before check-in. Unfortunately, the METRO was packed like roaches on a breadcrumb, got caught up in a 100-person line to buy a special edition Obama METRO card, and then got extra hungry. Before you know it, it was 4 o'clock and we were off sight seeing in downtown DC.

Check out some pics below, more to follow. For now, we about to get ready to go to someone's ball.

You gotta love the homeboy t-shirts!

"What is past is prolonged" monument, yes we are trying to get on the top of it.

Franklin Roosevelt tombstone perhaps?

Woohoo my favorite, men in uniform.

And of course, my first day wouldn't be complete if I did't do the cardboard Obama.

Check back for daily DC updates, we're editing the video as we speak!

NEW! Jester presents Trish ft. J.Diggz & Oh! "Don't Watch Me"

New comer to the R&B circuit Trish releases her first-ever video "Don't Watch Me". Produced by Lil'X (haven't see him in awhile) and features a whole lota Toronto cameos.

Bringing it back to the house party days...

STIRLING's TOP 10 Videos for 2008

A innovative leader in our Canadian video director pool, writer is now another title to add to his long list of professions. Shane Stirling contributes his list of Top 10 Videos for 2008 to Format (an online magazine for the artistically inclined). Read here.

A pretty accurate and comprehensive list that includes Canadian Shad K with his rendition of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

More down low.

STIRLING™

Cool, calm and cultured, STIRLING™ directs the pack, who lead the masses. He’s so far ahead of the eight ball he’s changed the game it’s used for. STIRLING™ does not subscribe to culture, he defines it. He has risen to cultural prominence by setting benchmarks so often they become standards. - Jonathon Brown

Designer for the TOFLO.com OBAMA, STIRLING™ also continues to create /think / and lead with unprecedented originality and grace.

TOFLO.com OBAMA

Courtesy of STIRLING

In commemoration of the most anticipated inauguration of the first ever black president of the United States, TOFLO.com has created a special edition TOFLO.com flyer.

You are welcomed to use and distribute amoung all your social networks. If you don't make it to DC, represent Toronto by posting the image as your profile pic. Your energy will be seen far and wide.

We (the TOFLO.com team) will be there for all of the inauguration events and festivities, so stay tuned for daily updates and pictures.

And if you love us that much we will be Twittering live and direct at www.twitter.com/toflo.

NEW! JamPack MP3 Download mixed by DJ Manifest

Because we know you have nothing better to do at work, make sure to download this week's JamPack. Or if you're extra lazy listen below.

NOTORIOUS and All That Hype

Thanks to the great people at Warner Music for the invite for what apparently was the only Toronto pre-screening for the much anticipated movie of the year "NOTORIOUS".

So with out further adieu, I am not trying to hurt anyone's feelings but after the movie was over I still felt like there was a lot missing from this depiction of what may have possibly been the most publicized hip-hop icon in my life history.

The young Christopher Wallace was graciously played by his very own son Christopher Jordan, which I thought was a great choice. He played out his dad at age 8 to 13 convincingly and made for a great beginning. Into the later years when BIG's highschool hustle transformed into the big-time drug dealer personna, Jamal Woolard carried his weight and I am not just talking literally. As an MC himself who grew up in Brooklyn just doors away from Chris, he knew how to rock the party just like Biggie Smalls had been known to do. His love for the rap game was apparent but more importantly he subdued himself to portray the genuine love he had for his mother played by Angela Bassett. Who wouldn't have been my first choice, but as a seasoned actress it goes without saying, she did her job as expected.

Lil' Kim was played by Naturi Naughton, who once was a part of disbanded 3LW. With not much success then, has come back to the scene making her feature film acting debut. She looks like Kim when she was a brown-skinned chick wayyy back in the day. Her rhyming skills were tolerable and her body did her justice. What did your mom have to say about all that up on the big screen? Anyway, once Faith popped on to the scene that's when the drama began. Played by Antonique Smith, former New York Broadway cast member of "Rent" her musical background played into her benefit when she belted out Faith's Billboard Hit "I Remember".

Anthony Mackie was Tu Pac Shakur and this is where I get angry. Not sure if this was an inside job but seriously... I know about 5 regular-looking dudes on the block that look exactly like Tu Pac and with a little coaching could have done a better portrayal of the late great. Lastly Derek Luke as Puffy Combs. I wish I had something nice to say and really being hand-picked by Diddy himself, I am sure must have been the most flattering endorsement ever. However...., I can't agree with Diddy. His tendencies and charisma did not translate at all of what I've come to know Diddy as and made it extra hard to believe the hype.

Without putting it all on blast, I would have loved to see more of the background headlines surrounding the life and times of Mr. Wallace and about the brewing beef that had the East and the West coasts at each other’s throats which inevitably lead to his murder in Cali. An interesting bio-pic that I am sure will have you thinking about what you were doing when all of this was on every North American music channel, radio station and magazine cover.

NOTORIOUS out in theatres this Friday January 16, 2009.

Want more?

Visit the official NOTORIOUS website
Read bios of the cast at imdb.com
Get tickets, showtimes and theatre listings at cineplex.com

NOTORIOUS Soundtrack Give-a-way!

Bad Boy Records presents the upcoming release of “NOTORIOUS: MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE.” The musical companion to the hugely anticipated Fox Searchlight motion picture event features timeless Notorious B.I.G. classics like “Juicy” and “Hypnotize” alongside never-before-released demos and new tracks by some of hip-hop’s biggest stars, including Jay-Z and Jadakiss. The album arrives in stores and online on January 13th, while Notorious hits theatres nationwide on January 16th.

TOFLO.com along with Warner Music are giving away copies of the NOTORIOUS Soundtrack. For your chance to win email us a name of the NOTORIOUS cast.

Two Black Guys... Remember Them?

Wow, I was actually thrown back when I received this. Two Black Guys back in the mix? Talk about retro / throw-back / old-school! I haven't seen much from these guys since their big break in 1994 when "Above The Rim" was the hottest movie known to Hip Hop. It seems though after 14+ years they've been working hard at the seams (literally). I can just see the attention I would get if I was wearing this down Yonge Street. Check out their latest addition to their "I Heart" collection.

Made from 100% cotton with a 6.oz ringspun/combed jersey.

Want more?

Check out TBG website

NEW! 50 Cent Release Ain't In With Me

You know I've probably said it a thousand times, but the state of Hip Hop music is right in there with Wall Street. Straight recession! 50's new song "I Get It In", doesn't get anywhere in on this side of the world. Sorry folks, I will be throwing this out along with last week's trash. Take a listen and comment.

NEW! JamPack MP3 Download mixed by DJ Manifest

Here's this week's installment of our JamPack... mixed just right by yours truly DJ Manifest.

Listen now!



Or download it here.

Want more?

Weekend Run Down!

Whoa what a weekend. Coming off of MTL celebrations for New Year's only to get back into the thick of it for the first official 2009 weekend in Toronto.

Word on the street Wayne Warner's event at Lobby Friday night was a nice vibe. A lot of beautiful looking people (as per quota) and Obama poster posting. For all those who follow you know what I am talking about (wink).

I actually made it out to Toika for Junior's FREE post-New Year's gathering with Starting from Scratch. Felt like I was back in MTL again (which just so happens to be Scratch's home town). Not too many people, but if you stuff them in a 500 square-foot room it makes for quite an evening to move around. Too much house music for me, but one thing's for sure Scratch is one ver-sa-tile baddddd ummm hmmm.

After, tried to make it out to Ashley Barnes Low-Key Birthday Soiree at Dragon-I. It was about 1:30 am and still the venue was at capacity. We were told by the bouncer that if we wanted to wait around then we could. -15 whattt??? Umm hell no! Sorry girl I tried.

Now Saturday, one of the most anticipated events of the new year Ian Espinet's The One Birthday Celebration at 6 Degrees. Reached there with the crew at 12:00 am. The line-up was CRAZY. Weaving in and out of the club's covered garage all up Yonge Street. Felt like I was waiting in line to ride the Behemoth. Yeah it was like that! Once we got in though, the place was packed to the rim. I seen people literally hanging off the railings of the stair case. A few blips through out the night, one fine young man thought it would be cool to throw his bucket of ice cubes on some chick right in the middle of the dance floor. Seriously, who does that? Straight ignorance!

Due to capacity issues line-ups were common for all services... dance floor, bar, washroom, coat check, 1st floor, 2nd floor... I think you get the picture. The urgency of just trying to get from the bar to the dance floor when "your" song comes on, took a good 15 minutes of pushing through herds of people... just HILARIOUS! The DJ line-up was covered by all genres from Hip-Hop to R&B, to Soca then Reggae and even the W/P-music. Lindo P threw on the Pink and it was over. A lot of familiar faces in the crowd (I love all my Toronto people). The party hands down was off-the-hook... Happy Birthday Ian! You deserve it.

TOFLO.com THE ONE IAE Ticket Giveaway!

.:: in this email ::.

TORONTO'S NUMBER ONE URBAN SITE
TOFLO.COM
IS GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN TICKETS TO
CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF CANADA'S NUMBER ONE PROMOTER
AT THE PREMIER FORMAL EVENT OF THE NEW YEAR...

WE ARE GIVING AWAY...
5 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE FIRST 5 LADIES THAT CAN NAME
5 OF IAN ANDRE ESPINET'S PARTY NAMES...
Here's a hint: Big People Fete.

GO
ian@amnesia.ca

Only 3 DAYS 2...
THE ONE
Saturday January 3rd 2009
Ian Andre Espinet's
Annual Capricorn Birthday Celebration
6 Degrees Nightclub - 2335 Yonge Street
just north of Eglinton
Featuring the biggest DJ lineup ever assembled for my birthday yet...
in 2 environments..
representing the signature events
Amnesia... Soul Kitchen... Big People Fete... ICON... re:connect... GroovEssentials... et.al
Floor 1
Jester :: Starting from Scratch :: Tasha Rosez [Gunz and Rosez] :: Lindo P.
Floor 2
Dr. Jay de Soca Prince :: Soca Sweetness
and hosted by friends from my past, present
Jason Chambers, Wan Luv, Winston Fleming and Future [the Prince], Brenton B.

Info/Ticket Information/Bottle Service Reservations:
ian@amnesia.ca or 416.293.4812

BOOTHE & BOTTLE SERVICE/PRICE LIST

===================
The Premier Formal Event of the New Year.

$15 ADVANCED TICKETS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
EAST
Cut Creator 1 :: MALVERN TOWN CENTRE
:: 31 Tapscott Rd :: 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 Brampton
:: 50 Sunnyvale Gate :: Brampton :: 905.790.3031
...............................................................................................

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

NEW! JamPack MP3 New Year's Download mixed by DJ Manifest

Happy New Year people! It's 2009 and DJ Manifest is on the job to deliver the hottest music known to US. Why? Because we know good music.

Here's the latest edition of our weekly JamPack download.

Listen now!



Or download it here.

Want more?

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...