It’s been a minute since I hit the city streets of New York, so I figured I’d mark my return to the Big Apple with a trip to Luda’s Private Album Screening (it wasn’t that private, lol). Since I spoke to Luda several days ago, I had no intentions on even requesting to speak with Luva Luva, I just wanted to enjoy the festivities…and I basically did just that.

I hit downtown about 30 minutes before the venue opened it’s doors, but of course there was already a hefty line to get inside. Since I’m not TOOO Hollywood, I waited in my designated position and chopped it with a couple of my industry cohorts. The homey Somya arrived shortly after I did and refused to wait in line, so she proceeded to strong arm whoever was in front. Surprisingly, she got inside within the next 3 minutes (lucky punk). As it began to rain, I pondered doing the same thing. Luckily, some of my Def Jam comrades spotted me in the crowd and pulled me right inside (ok, so I’m a tad bit Hollywood, but who isn’t?).

Once inside, I located the nourishment (food and liquor) and got busy. The venue, which was at a decent size, filled to capacity about 10 minutes after my arrival. I talked to my homey Melo for a bit (she kept bragging about Sean Pecas’s B-Day party last night at TAJ….Jay-Z, Nas, Fab and Swizz came out) Packed, to say the least, I scooted my light skinned behind to the back of the venue since everyone and their MOTHER was on the hunt for VIP access. See, the DJ was set up upstairs, and obviously, that’s where Luda would be hosting the nights festivities. Before the man of the hour arrived, the VIP area looked like the general area; packed like a sardine can.

Before the listening session commenced, LA Reid, Young Sav, Steve-O, Miss Info and a couple other important industry personnel made their way to the VIP corner. Shortly after, Luda snuck his way in and got down to business. He played several records from the Lp which included; “MVP”, a track produced by DJ Premiere (Primo’s first track with a southern artist), “Last of a Dying Breed” co-starring Lil Wayne, “One More Drink” co-starring T-Pain, and “Everybody Hates Chris” co-starring Chris Rock (sh*t is funny as all hell). Since the speakers kept cutting in and out Luda cut the session short and instructed everyone to the two theaters (you needed either a blue ticket or red ticket to gain access. I had both, lol).

We (me and Melo) grabbed some popcorn and made our way down to the front since the back of the theater was already packed. I copped a squat and began chomping on my pizopcorn. Miss Info, who was sitting about 7 feet away from me, yells over, “Yo Low, did you hear your shout on Hot97 earlier”. I replied, “Nah, what did you say”. If your not familiar, Miss Info is Hot 97’s, News Director. Every night she does the “Celebrity Drama” report on Funkmaster Flex’s show and last night LowKeezy got a nice lil shout for some information I posted yesterday.

After our mini quarrel (she wouldn’t tell me what she said on her report), Luda, MTV’s, Sway, Chaka Zulu and the rest of the DTP/Def Jam family made their way into the theater. Sway took some time to introduce the man of the hour and Luda took a couple seconds to introduce the film we were about to watch. In the clip, they showed some behind the scenes footage of Luda’s first single, “What Them Girls Like” and also his new clip, “Undisputed” featuring Floyd Mayweather. While watching “Undisputed”, I whipped out my apparatus and recorded about 2 minutes of the video. As to whether or not that should’ve been done, who knows, but it sure was a good video (check out some of it RIGHT HERE). 

During his Q&A Luda discussed being extremely underrated, his pool house burning down the other day (he was actually laughing about it), being financially stable and resolving his beef with T.I., a process that’s been going on for quite some time. All in all, the night was well put together. Good food, free drinks, a couple honey dips and great people. Shouts to the homies, Young Sav, Nicole (Lenny S’s assistant), Tim (fool!), Mazzi, Tapemasters Inc (welcome back), Steve-O, Nigel D (prick), Melo, Miss Info (watch your back) and everyone else I missed. Of course, pics are below! ENJOY (Good LOOKS, D)

Sincerely

Low “I have this sudden urge to go to the movies, tonight” Key 

Luda’s movie poster for Theater of the Mind.

Ludacris arrives in style at Tribeca Cinemas. 

Young Sav (in the blue sweater) and Steve-O (in the green sweater) look over the crowd at last night’s event. 

Ludacris walks us through some of the tracks on Theater of the Mind.  

Luda’s blue ticket for the Theater of the Mind Q&A session.  

Ludacris shares a laugh with the audience during his Q&A session at Tribeca Cinemas last night. 

One thing is obvious, Isaac Hayes was and still is a LEGEND. Check out what some of his peers had to say about him and the mark he left on R&B.  Quotes via A.B.C. Associates, PR Marketing Firm

Mr. Antonio “L.A.” Reid shared with us this morning – “Isaac Hayes was a true pioneer. His originality as an American icon will be sorely missed. He was bold, he was unique, he was brave….he was genius.”

Teddy Bishop expressed:

“When you think of Isaac Hayes, you think of the embodiment of soul music… He was a man with a unique expression to the art of music that pulled from his creative soul… He will be greatly missed but his light in music will live in my heart always… In the words of Isaac Hayes, ‘Music could use a little more substance like we had back in the day…’ These words will continue to be an inspiration to me in my art-form of making great music.”

Bryan-Michael Cox stated:

“Isaac Hayes’ contributions to music, his community, the world and his family are legendary. By leading through example, he was an aspiration to many young black men in the music industry, like myself. The life he lived, both professionally and personally, will remain a positive example for black men, black fathers and black entertainers. We lost a great one! “

An official statement from, Isaac “Ike Dirty” Hayes, III

“I spoke to my father just recently about working on his album, and he was excited as though this were his first project. I want people to remember my father for the creative, soulful, inspirational force that he was to music and African American people. He was legendary and shared his genius with the world. I also want to thank all of my peers and music industry colleagues who have reached out to express their love and prayers.”

Ike is following in the footsteps of his father as a music producer who has worked with other chart-toppers like Redman, Keith Murray, Chamillionare, KeKe Palmer, Too Short, Blaque, Ruff Ryders, Black Coffey and Raz-B too name a few. Ike reached his first milestone in achieving a top hit single with Lil’ Scrappy – Money in the Bank and recently produced The Ying Yang Twin’s single, Drop.

Ike posted his feelings regarding his father’s death on his blog – Dirty N The Beest http://www.dirtynthebeest.com: “I’m sad, I’m angry, I’m happy all at once right now. I have so many memories of being my father’s son. Little things that make all the difference. Things that help me maintain right now. I can’t be too sad though. My father did great, great things as a Musician, Humanitarian, a Father and a Black man. I’m so happy he touched and inspired so many people in a positive way. I am more proud of my father than anyone could know.”

As of right now, funeral arrangements have yet to be made, however, you can send flowers and condolences for his memorial to the address listed below.

Isaac Hayes III
c/o Jo Blo Entertainment
P.O. Box 18900
Atlanta, GA 31126

Sincerely

Low “RIP Isaac” Key