The conference:
I wasn't always an introvert but in the last few years the stress of a rough transition period has caused me to sink inwards and find a home in myself. As excited as I was about this conference, the idea of having to be my best outgoing self for four days in a row from 10am-3am was terrifying. A panic attack was avoided when I realized a college friend would also be attending the conference alone. At least I could have a familiar face to associate with when the idea of having to sell myself as a normal human being became daunting. Look at God. I arrived in my best airport chic fit, and with the exception of my rose water spilling in my suitcase,
it was a smooth first day in a beautiful city.
Despite the smooth introduction to Miami...
I don't deserve nice things. Day one i was already almost late because I couldn't find my shoe, and ya girl didn't even need to be at the conference until one. As I got outside to get into the uber it immediately started to rain. I had no umbrella and no jacket. This would not be my last L this weekend.
I made it to the venue just in time for the talent show. It was supposed to be som fancy contest for aspiring artists to possibly get a deal or sunthin from Puff Daddy himself and company but aside from celeb judges like “The Dream” and Andre Harrell it was mostly a talent show. Earlier that morning I had received an unexpected email from revolt saying I had been selected to be in the show. I obviously declined that suspect invitation but upon seeing the “talent” that performed I was like shyyyyttt I could have spit something real quick. Out of all the “talent” only 3 actually impressed me (obviously my opinion matters) and they actually both won in a tie. One of them was dressed like a farmer and played the guitar. Farmer bae was lit though. Truly I should have been a judge. They were going SO easy on the contestants. Where was American Idol Simon days when we needed him.
The rain never stopped and the outdoor awards show had to be delayed while they set up the back-up room inside. This was inconvenient considering Miami weather is known to be unpredictable but we weren't trippin too hard. Regardless, to calm us salty black folk down they provided us with an open bar. You already know Ciroc was the only thang on the menu and ya girl indulged. Tbh I was quite tipsy when Sharon and I arrived at the opening ceremony. And after some salt over having to switch seats a few times for pseudo celebs to get good seats I was excited to see the show. The opening ceremony included performances from French Montana and Diddy's twin (I mean son) and I was thoroughly entertained. Once it hit 2 am though ya girl was ready to go. They call me lights out Roddy Jr (shout out to pops) and a downside of the industry is people just like to be up. EVEN OLD PEEPO. Like you ain't tired? Needless to say I slept well.
Friday was the first real busy day of the conference and I literally dragged myself out of bed because the first event started at the unGodly hour of SIX A.M. I knew these folk would be on CPT so I arrived at seven and it still had barely started STRIKE ONE DIDDY... I DIDNT GET OUTTA BED FOR NUFFIN. Anyway, it was for the breakfast club live and you know your girl loves some good shit talking, but Charlemagne wasn't even there. Despite this, I was fine settling with Angie and DJ whatshisname but I wanted to see the trifflin himself Charlemagne so I was a little peeved. The next panel was one I was looking forward too as it was an AR panel and that's totally my jam as an aspiring AR exec. I recognized two people on the panel which consisted of Orlando Whartonberg (of Atlantic Records) , Brandy’s Ex...I mean Ryan Press, Kawan Prather and Brookyn Johnny. It was great hearing them talk about their success, but their advice was a little underwhelming. In 1 million different ways they suggested we “Hustle” our way to success and its like...duh. But also trueeeee.
Next was the keynote speech done by Andre Harrell as well as Kevin Liles who honestly could be a body double for Russell Simmons. This was probably one of my favorite parts of the whole weekend due to the man Andre Harrell. Every time a snippet of music would play his hand would fly up in a sassy snap and his face would contort itself into the most serious stank face you have ever seen. It was an aesthetic like no other and so entertaining in and of itself I had to fight with myself to listen to Kevin's speech. The premise of the speech essentially, was that he wanted black folk in the industry to win and we gotta help each other out. I ain't mad at that. I believed him...enough. I tried to see him after the speech to ask to hold a dollar but he disappeared. Smh... and to think he was for the people!
The rest of my Friday was filled with panels which were great, but very unorganized. The lines were so long because everyone was pushing to get in to get a good seat and it was like y'all didnt think of getting dividers? I had an elite wristband and wanted to be the bougie bih the price of the wrist band should have allowed me to be... but what we didn't know was all the talent and Diddy's sons had huge entourages which had priority over us. They STAYYED taking up the good seats. But alas you do what you want when you pawpin.
Anyway, this sentiment foreshadowed the evening because as we arrived to the yacht party we could clearly tell something was wrong when a crowd had formed in front of the entrance. We were informed by some stressed ass looking employee that the boat was over capacity and despite us being paying customers we couldn't get on. This really sucked for me and Sharon as we (she) had finessed our way on to a list to sit in VIP with some big execs so it was a big networking opportunity missed. Apparently the boat owner wasn't very happy with all these young people turning up on his boat. I wonder why… Anyway, before I left and had to take off the makeup I SPENT AN HOUR DOING... I got a view of the owner and he literally looked STRAIGHT out of scarface. I scowled at him.
Due to the trifflin tom foolerly of friday (we caint have nothing) I was going into saturday on an annoyed note. They had ONE MORE TIME to play with “my money” before I sent an angry email.
However, to my delight the panels on saturday were amazing!
The first one I attended was called “Watch the Throne” which had panelist such as Diddy's manager, Janelle Monae manager (who was truly the coolest guy ever) and more. They probably had the best advice and were actually entertaining to watch.
I was tired by the time I got to see Bozoma St. John speak but I'm so glad I took a caffeine pill in lieu of a nap. SHAWTY WAS FIRE. When she stepped in the room it could have been Beyonce. She was the most eloquent bootyful woman I ever done seent and she is truly a force to reckon with. A goal. A vision. A inspiration. After her I was so pressed for the next panel (those damn lines)
I missed my girls Leikeli47 performance. BUT I made the most entertaining of panels Hip Hop vs. Trump.
It had everybody you could think of on the panel including Joey Baddass, David banner (no comment) and my favorite Uncle TI. I'm tired of talking about Trump so I honestly didn't want to go but TI is my best friend so I had to make my way right to the front of the audience with the pseudo celebs.
On my way out I literally ran into Orlando the AR Exec from the panel on friday so I decided to “network” with him. AKA find random shit to talk about so I could give him my card. Upon departure he went to shake my hand and I shakingly gave him my card at the same time...
Smooth bih smooth
Im sure he used my card as a coaster later but it's the thought that counts
Did I mention I hate networking?
We barely made it to the closing ceremony which was so packed I saw Joey Baddass himself standing in the back and I was sitting next to the senior correspondent to Billboard who I didn't recognize until after FAIL DENISSA FAIL. Mostly Diddy told us that we need to again...hustle.. and most importantly SLEEP, as always he was entertaining.
Me and Sharon met back up later for the gala honoring Queen Latifah aka the SZA concert featuring Lauryn Hill which started TWO HOURS LATE. This means it didn't get out until two. Why Lordt.
I was exhausted, but still managed to attend the 90s party beginning promptly at 2:05 am. Me and Sharon Milly Rocked the night away as we watched our peers sneak into VIP. On the way out we saw Andre Harrell and complimented him on his moves from earlier in the conference. He was much shorter and nicer than I imagined. On the way out somebody's manager gave me and Sharon hugs and told us we were beautiful which made my night.
Despite the trifflin debauchery the conference had brought into my life the day before, Saturday was really what made it a fulfilling experience.
I mean... who could hate Diddy?
I would give the whole thing a 6/10.