Jay Rags birthday

With so many things going on in the world it's hard to take time out for yourself. Well October 18th was my(John Johnson) 36th birthday and instead of being modest and not wanting to make a big fuss over my birthday as usual, I decided to celebrate "me" and my day like I wanted to. For the last 8-10 years I went about this day as if it was any other day. Especially after I hit 30. I feel embarrassed when I am the center of certain situations. I usually say to family members "just get me a card or say you love me". But this year is the year that the beast of the Balto/D.C. House scene gave me plenty of places to rejoice, stop being modest, and be proud of being my age. It's all about going out with the purpose of hearing House music now and one can never be too old. Another day on this earth is something to celebrate and this is how I did it.

I couldn't wait until Friday the 17th because this would be the next "Good Vibrations" party at Street Folks. I knew at midnight my celebration would begin in an environment where my other "family" would be. That's the Underground family y'all. After getting a gift from my family I head out to Street Folks. Another place where nobody cares about what kind of car you have, job you have, jewels, etc. It's a family atmosphere and we never really get tired of being around each other. At least that's what it is for me as GV has almost become bigger than the music for me. I didn't even feel like bringing my camera, which prompted me to miss a shot of Vonita White, of the Jasper Street Company, giving an impromptu performance of "Praisin' his Name". I get to Street Folks a little after midnight and get greeted as usual by dj Biskit's lovely wife Tracy. How sweet is it to walk in a party and have someone smiling and saying happy birthday. I knew my weekend would be nice after that. Thank you Tracy and the whole GV crew. So of course I dance and get my life, but I also enjoyed meeting new people like I often do. I sat down and noticed that a dream of mine almost came true. I looked around and, except for a few people I know who had prior commitments, notice a lot of players instrumental in the Baltimore House scene was at this party.....This night was a birthday celebration for dj Spen(Basement Boys) and Thommy Davis(founding member of the Basement Boys). If we had more hours we could have had a Baltimore Winter Music Conference. I would probably cry if I saw 5 or 6 of our top dj's playing on one night with vocal performances in between. Anyway, here's some of the peeps who came out for the celebration....dj Biskit(of course), Jason of the Soul Providers, Kim(Élan records), Geoffrey C, dj Chuck of handzonradio.com, Henry Da Man, dj Soulgiver, KW Griff(played), dj Spen(played), Thommy Davis(played), Junie Jam(from the old Numarx crew--played), Dukeyman, Teddy Douglass(Basement Boys), and so many others that I know and I just can't remember at this moment. But last, but not least, was all the dozens of soulful House headz who just love to dance. They are all around town, at all the parties, creating a soulful vibe that would be missing if even 8 or 10 of them didn't show up.

Then Saturday(18th) night came and the party continued. I went to the movies and headed out to the Sonar Lounge to hear my dawg Karizma play afterwards. No matter where I go, if I am around a few core House headz with a bangin' ass dj things will be jumpin'. I had a damn good time as usual. It only took one drink for Kelli Bigelow to get me out on the floor, like a fool, break dancing. When I got tired I had the pleasure of watching the Balto House lover, Kisha, do her thang on the floor. After the Sonar was closing, I help Jason Din pack up his congas in my car and we head for club Red in dc to continue the party with dj Oji. A few of the Baltimore crew was already in the House getting their party on and I join right in. I leave one Baltimore party with Kisha doing her thang in Balto to go to another one in dc to see Rita do her thang in DC--very flexible. For those who don't know, she is Sam 'the man' Burns' wife. For those who debate what is spiritual or deep, I can only say that I heard Karizma and Oji play on my birthday. They have 2 different styles, yet I saw 2 of the most spiritual House headz I know, feelin' it!! I felt fortunate to be a part of both parties. I get home almost 7am on Sunday morning just like back in the days of Baltimore's Club Fantasy. I thank you all for helping me feel 21 again for one night only. So this is my birthday weekend....how many people can say they heard 3 past or present Basement Boys play(dj Spen, Thommy Davis, dj Karizma), dj Oji, KW Griff, and Juney Jam(Numarx) play in less than 2 days. Dozens of House tracks!!!!

I want to give a Happy Birthday shout out to Thommy and DJ Spen. I also want to thank the following people for giving me birthday shouts and making my night at GV a family affair and whole weekend special.......dj Karizma(undying support), Geoffrey C, dj Chuck, dj Biskit(thanks for the family atmosphere), Tracy(you know I wuv' you girl), Sabrina, dj Pope, dj Oji(my fellow Libra), Tony-Kojak-and the guys(thanks for the wine), Craig, Lyn(mmmmhh!), Tradawn(always supportive), Basse(do ya' thing "Tracey Chambers"), new friend Adrianne from nyc(nice meeting you & keep those big feet off the Street Folks coffee tables ☺), Kelli(can't say enough girl!!had me in Sonar breakdancing), Andre(Dre) & Crystal, Willy, David G.(yeah!yeah!yeah!), Jason Din(thanks for the mix), Kisha[Balto.] and Rita[D.C](2 of the most inspirational House dancers I've ever seen), The woman who gave me a cute & unexpected peck on the lips at Sonar, Staycha from Sonar, Sonar mgmt for the free drink, and Kimberly Johnson for being so secure and letting me have fun and be me(you can't hang anyway☺). Lastly I want to thank God for letting me live another year to contribute to this thing we call House.

Sonar Lounge in Balto