It was just a few months ago that we left House Nightclub after more than two years there. It has been our history to do long running events at a given location. With that being said you're probably wondering why did they leave Utopia so quickly. Before I get into that I'll say this, Utopia was a good looking venue for the young professional crowd. It was asthetically pleasing, but that's all the good I can say.

     Our first night at Utopia was July 11, 2008 and we tore it down right off the bat. The talk around town was how did we pull off a move so quickly ... I'll never tell. By 10:45pm (45 minutes into the event) we were receiving praises for generating such a massive crowd so quickly. So fast forward less than (4) months later and we arrive at this? I can say point blank that we're not at Utopia because of Donnie Mui (the owner). There's no other reason.  There were (3) major incidents that showed his character and his business principles.

INCIDENT 1:

  Some time around mid August we had a huge night. The regular line was massive and the VIP lines was massive. I received a text from a staff member telling me we had a breach at the back door. There were people walking in without paying at the back door. When I went back there I learned that Donnie had booked a private party in Shangri-La without our knowledge (a violation of our contract). I didn't even trip over that. My main concern was to know if he had a list to differentiate people in this private party vs people looking to enter for FREE. I was aggressively told, "Do your job! Do your job!" while being slapped in the arm in heavily accented English. It took everything in me to restrain myself. First of all I don't work for anyone. Secondly, a promoter/owner relationship is a business venture. By generating a huge crowd I've done my job. By him booking private parties and then causing a breach at my backdoor i.e. loss of revenue he was violating my contract and fucking with my money!

INCIDENT 2:

     It's mid September. We had a deal where we received a percentage of the bar revenue at the end of the night. Tiwa and myself are waiting for this payout when we were called over to the table to sit with Donnie. I attempted to introduce Donnie to my VIP Coordinator/girlfriend Candy. His response was, "I don't have time for that shit" while waiving his hand over his head. Once again wooo-sah. He then starts banging the table and accuses us of false advertisement and being liars. Rather than asking a single question he jumped to this assumption. I was infuriated at this. I'm very meticulous about being consistent with my business to avoid this isssue. We go as far as laminating our birthday special and dress code to avoid people saying we make it up on the fly. Back to Donnie. He tells us we have a month to get out. At this point I'm fed up. I told him he could have sexual relations with himself and I walked out. Tiwa and Candy attempted to have an intelligent conversation with him while I sat in my car.

    At this point I recognized something significant. I realized that this business relationship was doomed. It's one thing to disagree, but in two incidents with this man it was quite clear that he had zero respect for me or Tiwa. It took much convincing from Tiwa and Candy for me to stay there at this point. Donnie apologized to Tiwa and said he lost his head. At this point I made a point to avoid contact with him because I sensed a ticking timebomb.

INCIDENT 3:

     It's early October. I'm outside working the door and Tiwa is inside floating. Tiwa sees the Utopia staff collecting emails from our crowd. When asked about it Donnie says it's to help promote his Tuesday event. Tiwa told him that that wasn't cool how we've built this crowd over years of hard work and that he should do the same to develop his own database. Donnie's response was, "It's my restaurant. I'll do whatever I want. Matter of fact how about you guys get out at the end of the month." As I said ticking timebomb. This was supposedly diffused as he came at us with a bullshit contract for us to sign a week later. Tiwa and I looked at it and that's all we did. We said we'd discuss a new contract after Tiwa got back from Nigeria. Fast forward to last Thursday and I'm checking my bulk mail and I receive this from Donnie "Attention: Sean and Tiwa             

                Thanks for your promotion in the passed few months, I am sorry that our joined venture had not been very pleasant. I told Tiwa two weeks ago that our joined venture will end on last Friday of October. This is a reminder! Thank You!"

     I tried to make this situation work despite blatant disrespect and bad business. As promoters we make our money primarily at the door. If you get a percentage of the bar that's a bonus. At 10pm we have the door meaning we begin a cover charge for entry. As time went on at Utopia Donnie began booking his own birthday parties and making money off of them that was supposed to go to us. Furthermore the valet parking situation was crazy. We received numerous complaints about the prices fluctuating from $10 - $20. We finally got that stabilized to a flat $10. We were generating so much traffic to that area that people began using the Georgia Tech parking lot (a FREE parking lot). I was told by Donnie to advertise that lot. I began doing so in my emails only for him to block off that same parking lot (that wasn't his) weeks later in an attempt to make customers spend on valet parking which goes into his pocket. In my opinion he became very greedy. His venue went from literally having 60-70 people on Friday nights before we came to having 500-600 people every week. He lost sight of how his venue became so popular, but trust me I'm better than lasik at restoring vision ... ask Krista.

     As I write this we stand on the verge of history. We're two weeks away from a Black President! Barack O'Bama is points ahead in almost every poll imaginable. He's the first African-American to win a presidential nomination for either party. MAJOR! This is the moment WE never believed was possible growing up as children, right? Well ... kinda.

     Barack Obama makes me feel the way I imagine the generation of the 60's felt about JFK, MLK, Malcolm X, or RFK. He's captivating. He's a great speaker. He galvonizes the attention of those who typically never pay attention to politics. He's different. He's not just a politician and he's BLACK, right? Well here's where it gets deep. Barack is the son of Kenyan father and the son of White American mother, but he's Black, right?

     In America if you have a traceable amount of negro blood you're Black. You're Black not because that's the full identity of your genetic racial identity, but rather you're Black due to a racist ideology that has persisted for centuries. We deny the fact that this man is just as White as he is Black because we've been taught to think that way. Well I've never been one to think the way I was told to think.

     Let's apply some common sense. It's clearly evident who Barack is racially. He's mixed, but everytime I turn on the television or read the newspaper they refer to him as African-American. We embrace Barack ... we being the Black community, but the White community seems to deny him. The old racist thinking believes that anyone containing negro blood is contaminated or therefore Black. In the old days you had the "passable" Blacks; those who looked White, but contained negro blood. They looked White in every way; hair, cheekbones, noses, skin color, etc, but they had traceable negro blood so they were denied the privilege of being White. I say privilege because the time I speak of had overt societal advantages for Whites over Blacks. Well the time of overt societal advantages has passed, but the acceptance of mixed people like Barack Obama into the white community hasn't occured yet. That is why he's our Black President!

I've been in the promotions game for nearly (5) years and I've learned a lot about people in that time. Behind these shades I'm observing you all and watching so many intricacies you would never imagine. I have also seen some things that are somewhat disturbing. Don't get offended by this, instead take some notes.

1) VIP - There are way too many people running around saying, "I don't do lines" or "I'm VIP." Let me explain how this works. Promoters typically let people in FREE that we deem as having value i.e., VERY attractive women, celebrities, strong supporters. If you're not one of the above and you don't believe in lines there's a simple solution ... pay the cut line fee which leads me to my next issue.

2) Bargaining - If you believe you're VIP it's a bad look for you to try to bargain prices at the door. Those same chicks that would've been impressed by you breezing in the club without waiting are now giggling at you standing around hastling the promoter. And that leads me to my next issue.

3) Appreciation - I have a great birthday special and there's always a way to get in FREE via email passes or text messages. There seems to be an overall lack of appreciation at the fact that you DON'T HAVE TO PAY. As promoters we don't have to do this. We offer this as a benefit to our list members and as a way to generate early arrival. All I ask is for a little appreciation and STOP complaining so damn much. Come to the club looking to have fun and I guarantee you you will. My parties are always poppin'! All the elements are in place for you to have a good time if you stop looking for issues.

4) Tipping - This one should've been number 1 to me (Biggie reference). Do it ALL THE TIME. We as BLACK people look really bad because there are too many of us who don't understand gratuity. You're not doing anyone a favor by tipping. A service is being provided and it's up to you to provide a gratuity of 15 - 20%. These people work for $2.25 an hour + tips. If you don't want to tip maybe you should stay home and make your own drink or serve your own food. Part of dining, clubbing and nightlife in general is the experience. I do an OPEN BAR every Tuesday at Django + NO COVER + FREE Parking and STILL some people refuse to tip. Cut that out ... for real. It's making me sick!

5) DRESS CODE - I'm grown and have been so for quite a while. I dress the way I do for a few reasons. First cause I love to be fly ... LOL. Second because the way you dress outputs an image of how you want to be perceived. If you're 25+ pull your damn jeans up. If your jeans are at your knees you and I both know that shit is uncomfortable. You couldn't run 15 feet if you had to. Ed Hardy and Aflliction t-shirts need to be deaded! Sorry, I said it. Women coming to the club in sneakers or flats ... STOP IT! Guys if you haven't had a line up this month CUT IT OUT!!! Ladies if you haven't had a relaxer, weave, haircut or a comb through your hair this week ... STOP PLAYING! Looking good makes you feel good. No wonder we got so many anti-depressants.

6) Behavior - I don't do kiddie parties so I fully expect each one of you to act like the adults that you are. If you bump into someone please politely say, "excuse me" or "sorry." If you spill someone's drink please apologize or even offer to buy that person another one. This will enhance your experience and will keep the very burly security we employ from ending your night early.

Sincerely,

The Party King

1) Disrespectful ownership - after complaining about the b.s. that occurs at The Underground I was hung up on twice by the owner of House and told, "if you don't like it go somewhere else." ... never bite the hand that feeds you. If you make someone damn near a million dollars and all they need to do is staff the venue, supply the liquor and turn the lights on they should have some respect ... what do you think?

2) Conditions at The Underground - I've seen it all from promoters trying to steal your crowd with wristbands, chicks scheming on your line and collecting emails at the entrances. I've seen security at The Underground help promote other clubs in the underground ... wow! Now they're charging to get into The Underground ... bananas!

3) Improper Handling Of The Venue - The bathrooms were constantly dirty or just out of order. The Upstairs VIP bathroom was closed for nearly (2) months! Beyond that I've had females complain that the tissue dispenser is STILL broken and that rolls of tissue sit on the floor in urine and that the toilets are clogged with tampons ... I know ... nasty as HELL and of course the door to the bathroom stall has a gaping space that allows full visibility to others in the bathroom. The club wasn't cleaned throughout the night so by 1am it was full of napkins, cups and other trash on the floor. The security overall was horrible. There were a few good ones, but you know your security is bad when the head of security chokes out Terrence J from BET's 106 & Park. Yes! Real talk! They choked Terrence J of all people because they thought he was fighting when he was dancing with his brother. I complained about that same security guard numerous times to no avail. He was finally fired weeks later after choking another person whose girlfriend was a lawyer! I've seen security sneaking people into the backdoor then complained to ownership and nothing was done. HOT107.9's Rashan Ali complained about the feedback caused by the wireless mic. I noted the complaint to ownership who never made a change. I was told the microphone worked fine. The end result ... Rashan had to stay in the DJ booth because if she was in any other part of the club the mic would give feedback. At the end of the day I got an overwhelming vibe that ownership had zero respect for it's patrons which over time made me look bad to my crowd. I work too hard for someone else to damage my reputation.

4) The Hood - When we began at The Underground in June 2006 it was a blank slate. Nobody was really doing parties there so it seemed like it could be molded. They had the ability to serve liquor later than anyone else so it seemed like the future ... WRONG. The proximity to MARTA had all kinds of vagrants in the underground unnecessarily. I can say with all honestly we had very few incidents at House on our Fridays and they were all minor incidents, but I've seen some shit go down in The Underground when we were there.

5) Better Opportunity - I have a better deal, a better looking venue and a better location. It's damn near unprecedented for a promoter to uproot such a successful night and move it, but trust me you'll see how smart it was shortly. UTOPIA is just that. 3 Sexy Environments in one venue (ICE, Shangri-La & Utopia). When you see it it will explain everything. When you party there you'll come back again and again. A new Era has begun!

Yesterday the news broke that Mike Vick would accept a plea bargain agreement for the federal dogfighting charges he faces.  It appears as if Vick will have to serve between 12 - 18 months in a federal penetentiary and then face an NFL suspension when he is released.  Now, I don't know Vick personally.  I've run into him a few times out and about but this whole case is very unique on many levels and raises some eyebrows.

First, it's my opinion that the government pursued Vick because obviously he was committing a crime, but more specifically because he has an extremely high profile which would raise awareness on dogfighting as well as help to further the career of the prosecutor (wink wink).

Now my opinion is that dogfighting is an ugly activity.  I agree that it should be illegal, but that makes me question other activities that are legal in this country.  I can get a permit to shoot wild game who have absolutely no chance of defending themselves and then drive home with let's say a deer on the hood.  Why is the life of a dog so much more sacred than the life of that deer?  Is it because one is a pet?  What I'm getting at is that our laws are very subjective .  It all depends on the public opinion.  Years ago there were no laws against dogfighting.  With the emergence of groups like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) there are now laws that have criminalized such activity.  Now I'm not making any excuse for Mike Vick.  He knew what he did was illegal.  Now not only has he sacrificed his freedom, but he can lose up to 83 million dollars!!!!  That troubles me more than anything.  The fact that a cat who has the world in his hands would surround himself around people who encourage such activities.

It's a tough lesson to be learned, but we as Black people in this country need to realize that us having tremendous wealth has never been accepted by the white mainstream and with that being said DO NO FUCK UP because you'll go from being praised to persecuted in a matter of minutes.

     I recently went out to LA on vacation.  On my way back I had an awakening as to how I wanted to project my life over the next few years.  I'm approaching 30 years old and as most people hit this milestone physically they seem to be progressing downwards.  You know how it goes beer belly, 20-30lbs overweight, a shadow of who you were in high school or college.  Not me!  Amongst exercises and activities to keep my mind sharp and to become even fly-er I decided to rededicate myself to fitness.

    I started working out in 1997!  Yes, it's been 10 years so I know the dedication it takes.  I've been in the gym 5 days a week for years, but over the last few years I've been slacking.  No more.  I signed up with a personal trainer (Breyz Fitness) a couple of weeks ago and decided to get after it.  One of the first things Breyz asked me was "what are your goals?"  I said I wanted to maintain my size, but to bring my 8pack abs back out.  Well he has the formula.  What is it?  A 90 day diet consisting of either berries and nuts, wheaties or raisin bran, egg whites turkey bacon, protein shakes, plenty of water, low sodium, low carbs, grilled chicken, tilapia, brown rice, green apples and salad, oh and NO ALCOHOL.  It sucks!  But I'm very strong in regards to willpower.

   I'm almost 2 weeks in and I haven't cheated yet.  I'll keep you posted on my progress, but know this.  When early July rolls around I'm posting a pic with my shirt off.  My abs will blind you!!!! LOL

I get asked all the time, "so what do you look for in a woman?"  You asked and here you have it my top 5!

1) Looks ... let's skip the bullshit.  I like bad chicks.  Sorry to sound superficial, but who are we kidding?  It starts there.
2) Style ... I can't stand a fuddy duddy chick. I took it there ... I know, but a woman who knows how to dress and be fly will always earn points with me.
3) Personality ... Behind the scenes I'm a foooool.  I can do more voices than anyone you know.  I love laughing.  If she can make me laugh she's a great look.
4) Confidence ... I love confidence.  It's a major element in what I define to be sexiness.  One thing though, I don't like cocky chicks.  That's my lane.  I drive in it well.
5) Cool Factor ... What's that?  The ability to fall back.  Don't trip over dumb shit. Don't sweat the small stuff and play your position.

I've never been one to run around hollering about the HATERS.  It seems to be a played out catch phrase used all too often, but the more successful I am the more I notice the hate.  First and foremost I was born with the utmost confidence.  Some will say cockiness.  One thing for sure though I'm not arrogant.  If you understand who I am you would understand my confidence.

I was that dude in school.  Gifted and talented, all honors classes, all AP classes with the ability to attend practicially any university in the country (I took the scholarship to NYU).  Anyways my father is very similar to me in regards to confidence.  He's a Trini which explains where I get the party from.  He's a great dresser which explains my sense of style.  He's bragadocious which explains ME!

My pops is that dude with the tailor made suits, the custom cuff links, and the Bruno Magli shoes and I'm just like him.  Fast forward to current day and it's clear I do HOT ASS PARTIES.  Well some people don't like that.  Some people don't like the fact that I'm not humble.  Some people would like me to disappear.  I got NEWS for you.  I ain't going nowhere!!!  I'm not going to act like I enjoy HATERS.  I truly don't.  I'd prefer to get along with EVERYONE.  One thing is for sure though ... HATERS motivate me.  I will shit on HATERS time and time again with my success.  So HATE if you choose, but be warned you're making me better!

Last week the boy P-Nero and myself hit up Strip. It was my intenton to keep it insde that night, but you know how it goes.  First drink at P's spot. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Strip.  We skate and head to The Royal.  Top down in each individual whip running around Atlanta; P pulls up to me at the light.  He gives me the smile so I know what it is.  Let's race!

At first he's beating me and next I'm breezing past him.  Is that sirens???  Oh shit!!!!  DWI + reckless driving = weekend in lockup / intelligence = some dumb shit.

The officer comes over barking at me and P.  "THAT WAS FUCKING STUPID!!!!  WHAT WERE YOU IDIOTS THINKING!!!"  I felt like I was 12 again ... matter of fact we both felt like we were 12.  The officer is letting us have it.  I'm not trying to argue with him this night.  If taking some yelling = going home ... I'll take that! 

So we're sitting there like, "you're right officer.  That was stupid.  There's no excuse for that dumb shit."  He goes, "if I was a white officer I'd be hauling your asses to jail.  You're lucky I'm getting off shift!"  Gotta love my Black peoples!  I slap him a FIVE like good looks homey.  Off to The Royal for more drinks ... hahaha.   

In late May me and my boys from college traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for my boy Frenchy's (Francois') bachelor party.  If you don't know about Cabo do check it out.  It's a damn desert oasis!

Okay so fast forward to day two.  We take a quick taxi boat ride to the beach from our hotel.  We find our spots on the beach and begin to chill.  Most of my boys are laid out in chairs chillin' in the sun.  I like to hit the water so I automatically get in.  After swimming for a while I get out of the water.  When I'm getting out there's a Mexican couple chillin' on the beach and she's taking photos.  Okay .... now I notice the camera keeps moving in my direction.  So I point at myself and ask, "are you taking photos of me?"  With the Lil' Jon/DJ Drama gangsta grizzzillll mouth she smiles and says jesss .... jurrr muscles.  I'm thinking that's weird but I ain't stressing it.  Five minutes later her boyfriend or husband or significant other calls me over and asks me in some broken English if he can ask me a question.  I'm like "what's good?"  He's like," ummm ... she wants to know ... ahhh ... how big is jur dick?"  This shit is weird as fuck.  I just walked away but now my mind is in analysis mode.  I'm thinking why the fuck are they asking me that.  I'm not mad or anything just trying to understand their mentality.  So I put 2 and 2 together and see how I'm viewed.  I'm 5'10 200lbs, muscular build and BLACK!  Oh so that must equate to being a fucking STALLION with a dick as BIG as the aforementined STALLION.  Personally I didn't find the shit flattering.  I found it offensive and just an indication of stereotypes and ignorance.

I was one in few Black people out there as a few of my boys were Indian, some mixed and I'm the only negro.  I was clearly and distinctly the darkest person there and it was just weird to see Mexicans look at me like a some rare species of human.  I'm just the personification of darkness people.  The real deal ... the one not afraid to be Black.  The one that celebrates it.  The one that will shut down all the ignorance and stereotypes associated with it.  I'm just like everybody else except smarter, better looking and funnier .... jokes!