And they say Ottawa isn’t poppin’… truth is, behind the strip malls of commercially driven establishments, as far as the eye can see, lies small gems of passionate independence. Places like Flavor Factory, a new dance studio space and the only studio space of it’s kind, geared towards street dance and supporting events within that community. I found myself hanging out there last Saturday night, in lieu of the momentous reunion of the Fresh Format bboy crew, who all reached down from Montreal, Ottawa, and even as far as from out west in Alberta.

[TFHOUSE at his last show of 2011. Sneaky Dees, if you were there, youuu knowwwww]

What a frickin’ year for TFHOUSE and the DSTRY team. We went from Teddy’s show at Nocturne where he performed hits from his On My Way mixtape, to Teddy opening up for MacMiller in July for like 5000 people, to Teddy opening up for Wiz Khalifa on September, then The Weeknd in London, ON, and then him closing off the year with his show OUTRO SUPERIOR at Sneaky Dee’s. What an amazing run!! I couldn’t be more proud of the fam, especially my sister Beetle Brit, aka April Management — TFHOUSE’s manager. They really did the ground work this year in order to prep themselves for what’s to come in 2012… and if my intuition is correct, it’s about to get reeeaaallll hectic.

[the shot tasted like garbage.]

This is very late, but let’s get real here, my life was in a black hole vortex gone to an alternate reality all of September. Here are the pics from the last Fundamentals party that took place back in mid Sept. Hollerate!

A whole new line up of performers and the release of Ritchie’s latest mixtape. Held at Revival, Ritchie held it down as per usual on the mic, jumping into the crowd and waving his towel around and sweating on everyone. God, I love the Kidd. Check below for the polaroid recap photos!

Nobody could’ve asked for better weather, for a better turn out of loving friends and family, for a better location right in front of Trinity Bellwoods, or for a better studio/gallery space to foster creativity and inspire brilliant ideas. Miracle Thieves, the creation of Miss Tiffany Naval and Jennifer Maramba, is a multi-disciplinary space that the two artists work out of, as well as invite all to (re)discover the inner child within themselves. Workshopping, gallery/retail spacing, open studio-ing are just some of the things that Miracle Thieves offer — the rest is up to your imagination.

[Lady Shabazz]

It seems like we had all been waiting for this forever! For the past year I have been seeing/hearing this group prepare for the release of their first album and to see it live on stage was beaaauuttiful! Apollo givin’ so much energy on stage that his veins look like they were about to pop outta his neck, Lady Shabazz and her gorgeous sequined lace poncho and obviously, her buttery buttery voice, and producer Unlimited’s nasty beats makin’ the jam live… it was amaaazing.

Here are the pics from the night. Hollerate!

[TFHOUSE, beeeeeetch]

Last Saturday was a mind trip. Imagine one second chillin with your best friend, homeboy who spent almost everyday two summers ago at your crib shootin’ the ish and doin whatevaassss all day errday, to seeing him become an overnight celebrity. We’re talkin’ signing autographs and takin pics with hot chicks. So nutty. So UNREAL!

[Left to Right, Cole, Christine, Ben, myself, Regina]

A couple of months back I was asked to be part of the Tales From the Flipside Festival, hosted by the Carlos Bulosan Theatre. It was a really dope experience to get back into acting. I haven’t done it since… oh Grade 11 when I got kicked out of Theatre Company in high school because my drama teacher was a CRAZY. (Long story. She was crazy, though.) Nevertheless, I really loved acting in this play reading, and have hopes to do it again in the future!

[Super photographer Angie Choi, Bboy Assault aka Hansome Clint, and Birthday Girl.]

I know, I know, it’s been a week since my epic birthday party, but for those of you who were not in the loop as to what went down in terms of the most unreal celebration I’ve ever experienced… well, well, lemme show you.

[hott gyals!]

As per ush, if you weren’t there last Friday… I honestly don’t know what was more interesting. Mensa and Big Jacks held it down, and our special guest DJ Kariz was a treat to have on the decks! I was thoroughly smashed and enjoyed capturing the night, especially considering there were so many beautiful people there. I actually never stop surprising myself with how good these pictures turn out and how awesome everyone looks. Ya’ll make my job too easy!

Check em: