TOK's ALBUM RELEASE/LISTENING PARTY

Well it was early Monday morning (October 29, 2001) when I received an invitation for an Album release Party for TOK in honour of their debut album entitled "My Crew, My Dawgs" presented by LOY Records, VP Records in association with Jacqueline Rowe & Associates. This was to be held the same Monday night at Negril Restaurant, Manhattan's famous Jamaican eatery.

Upon getting this email; I pondered two things, this is too short of a notice (I am not going anywhere) and how are they gonna fit people in the overly small restaurant ........but after passing up on all the weekend events such as Q-Club Friday night with the showdown of Links and Tony Matterhorn (which Links was no show and I heard was waste of time) and Saturday night's blast affair at Dubies Palace featuring Bounty Killer, Richie Stephens and Wayne Marshall; along with not having anything else special to do that evening, I ended up making a grand appearance.

I arrived at Negrils shortly after 8 (starting time at 8PM) in the evening to be greeted by a slow moving line and as I made way to the back of the line (cah i am a man that doesn't really cater for the special treatment) I sight Mr. Reggae Web himself "Dion". Being that this man only makes rare special occasions and I see him once year, I join him on line and proceeded in the venue only to be met by the "Cyber Paparazzi" (who I have not seen since dog years also ... weh us Jamaicans seh?...since saltfish ah shingle house top) as we are about step through the entrance.

Upon entering, I squeezed my way through the tight venue to find some space in the back to just cool out and listen to some music and hold a vibe. I was then greeted by some of Negril's staff that was serving patties, bammy, jerk chicken wings and other fine complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and liquor. This night seems to be more of a listening party as I was being entertained musically by an onslaught of mainly TOK's material not to mention the sign that the proprietor put on the wall, which stated "NO DANCING". What was he/she thinking; it is not like nowadays people dance anymore anyway. It was about 10 PM and TOK had yet to show up. So far it had been a night of mingling/socializing under a mellow crowded vibe. Shortly after 10PM, the men of the hour showed up and spent a half an hour or so taking pictures and then joining the overcrowded socialization.

All in all, it was cool night of mingling with friends and always meeting new ones, nothing over hyped or extravagant but still good mellow relaxation. I must send a big up to certain people who came to give TOK their support like Barney and Rory from Stone Love, the ever lovely Pat McKay and Squeeze and the Link up Crew from 93.5 FM. I must give personal large up to Mr. Ajamu the "cyber paparazzi", the always special guest "Dion" and Gwen, nice to have met you...... One Love to ALL..... Unnu large up every time!!!!!!!!!

Text: Silver
Photo: Ajamu

Preview T.O.K's My Crew, My Dawgs