This mix is a celebration of Black joy. I wanted to bring forth the musical spirit that is Black joy, honoring all of its nuances and power, reflected in the selection of artists and the vocal recordings from my community of friends. I hope this mix can act as a portal and sonic messenger to all who listen, wherever they may be physically or mentally.

I started DJing at some underground parties around 2013 when I got my first apartment in New York. My roommates and I threw a ton of parties in our space, and that was kind of my entry into it all. Inviting artists to come to play and watching them and getting really excited about it. I think it was very organic as my love for music was always there. I made a playlist for just about everything in high school, thinking about what collection of music goes together and all that. I just needed to learn the system of putting it all together, finding my flow, getting access to gear. Honestly, virtual DJ is free and a great and accessible resource to begin with. I was definitely using that before I got my hands on more "advanced" software. I didn't see my first CDJs until 2016.

My first gig was playing this party for Know Wave, who I was working for at the time (and quit shortly after regarding some very shady leadership, accounts of sexual assault coming to light, and overall boys club energy). I played b2b with my friend Chu. I was extremely nervous. It was at this Chinese restaurant off Canal St and they served Lucky Buddha beer, which I was excited about. Our set was amazing and just really fun, the people loved it. As I was leaving I ran into King Krule, as he was performing after all of the DJs. It was a special night. At the time all I remember thinking was how tired I was going to be for work the next day for staying out so late and agreeing to DJ on a weeknight while having a 9-5 corporate job in midtown.

I loved playing for Mena Sachdev's (Ushamami) party CREWLESS at Mood Ring. I was playing b2b with my friend Ladin, and I just remember it being a super vibrant and loud set. It was also our friend Salome Asega's birthday so everyone took the train from a dinner at Lee's on Canal to Mood Ring and it was super special to have all our friends there dancing and smiling and getting their best life, just so much energy. Some other very honorable mentions: playing Playground After Dark, Fruity Papi for Papi Juice, playing the Lot Radio's annual BBQ, the countless parties at No Bar.

Asmara, br0nz3 g0dd3ss, BAE BAE

Nídia, Equikknoxx, anyone off the PRÍNCIPE label, Ikonika, Anz, Crystallmess, FAUZIA, BEARCAT, Tygapaw, DJ Lag, Rudeboyz

When the CDJs become your enemy

People always ask me for song names during every set so at least I know my taste in music is fire

Notting Hill Carnival on a massive sound system

All of my artistic practices weave together, whether it's music, curation, or amplifying my community. I am the Co-Founder of Chroma, a cultural agency & creative studio centering the work and perspectives of women of color. We put together some musical compilations on Bandcamp last year that also served as a form of mutual aid. I feel very proud of curating these projects. I'll leave the link here: https://chromanewyork.bandcamp.com/