Ok…so now I’m in recovery mode from all the excitement and events surrounding the BET Hip Hop Awards. And since I had just pulled an all-nighter at the BET BBQ Kickoff Party at Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall, I seriously needed a day (or two) to recoup. So, I estimated that by the coming Monday morning, just after the BET Hip Hop Awards would have ended, and all the surrounding festivities were officially in not-to-distant memory status, I (and the “luggage” that had begun to form under my eyes) would be due for a much needed trip to Sleepytown USA. But, as the saying goes, “You snooze, you lose.”, so, I guess I had better reschedule my travel plans since the weekend hadn’t even gotten started and there were yet a plethora of award related activities on the radar.
Nikka Shae with the fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR
Fly urban apparel at FlyKix ATL
So what’s next on the agenda? Hmmm… The choices were endless, BUT, thanks to a few well timed invites by the uber-fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR, I was able to attend several of the hottest events leading up to the awards ceremony.
Next in the lineup…
The BET Hip Hop Awards Nominee Block Party!
Hosted by The Garner Circle PR at FlyKix ATL on Peters Street in the Castleberry Hill District, this event was set to feature a slew of celebrities who were scheduled to drop by to pick up some and “fresh” and “fly” gear. Ok, ok… I know. The word “fresh” has undoubtedly been stricken from the thesaurus of Hip Hop vernacular since 94’, but hey, I’m reminiscing a bit 😀 so bear with me a moment.
FlyKix's urban-esque ambiance sets the tone
Fly Kix on display like fine art
So upon entering FlyKix I could not help but be captivated by the eclectic setting. With its graffiti art covered walls acting as the canvas, the sneakers and urban apparel were displayed with this abstract and colorful backdrop like Basquiat originals. The urban-esque ambiance stayed true to capturing the Hip Hop culture in style. FlyKix is a concept boutique that houses custom fitting stations, an in-store lounge, and market specific limited edition footwear and apparel. FlyKix’s merchandise represents a collision of lifestyles and subcultures infusing the arenas of music, skateboarding, sports, street art, and original style.
Espada's natural lemon based premium tequila
Nikka Shae and the fab Kenya of You Bored Bish! enjoying Espada daquiris
As I made my way around the shop mingling with the attendees, I met the fabulous Kenya Williams, who blogs under You Bored Bish! (no typo) ;-P. Kenya is a hoot! Of course I had to know where she came up with the name “You Bored Bish!” for her blog. Kenya said that the name came out of being literally “bored” out of her mind one day. And, the “Bish” part; well, I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself. 😀
So, while Kenya and I were hammin it up, we were introduced to the most fab tequila-based cocktails I have ever tasted by Espada Tequila. Shinobi Muhammad and Marion Skinner, who represent Espada, handed us a few of their signature drinks to sample. Ok. If you have never tasted Espada Tequila before…let’s just say you WILL thank me later! Espada is an Ultra Premium Tequila with natural lemon flavoring. Now, I’m not a tequila kinda gal since most tequila-based drinks tend to have a bitter undertone that leaves a bite worst than a rabid Chupacabra. But let me tell you… Espada tastes nothing of the sort.
And with its lemon liqueur flavoring and smooth taste, it will have you desiring another sip…and in my case three! 😛
Espada Tequila Models with Shinobi Muhammad (Espada Tequila), DJ Trauma & Marion Skinner (Espada Tequila)
DJ Don Cannon, Too Short, and DJ Drama
So, Kenya and I tried several mixes of Espada based drinks such as the Yellow Diamond which is Espada on the rocks with a splash of Sprite…d-lish!, strawberry and mango daiquiris blended with Espada…(OMG!), and Espada Tea which is Espada mixed with tea…classic Long Island iced tea drink, but with a bit of flair. So, after a few trips to the Big Apple :-P, Kenya and I were ready to catch a few celebs. A few notables spotted in attendance were Too $hort, Plies, DJ Don Cannon, and DJ Drama.
Courvoisier was also on hand to serve their new Rose Courvoisier flavored cognac.
Very, very smooth taste with a “rosy” finish…perfect on the rocks. 😛
Special thanks to the fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR for the invite!
Bravo Nicole for putting together such a great event! We had a lovely time!
Ok divas…it’s time to skedaddle (actual word) and try to get some rest from all the BET Hip Hop Award events…
Besides, I have a flight to catch later. I’m heading back to Long Island (thanks Espada)!!!
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