Black people and Black creativity literally make this Earth spin around. Of course, it would be a DJ D-Nice dance party that would help save the world.
In case you may have missed it, the Coronavirus has the whole world self-quarantining. As a result of the global pandemic, folks are looking for any way possible to harness their collective joy and stay positive during this unprecedented crisis.
Earlier this week, one lone soldier stepped up to save us all – DJ D-Nice. Apparently, not all superheroes wear capes. The celebrity DJ, producer, and photographer D-Nice, born Derrick Jones, began his career in the ‘80s, working with legendary hip hop label, Boogie Down Productions, producing for various artists and building his name in hip hop. He worked his way up through the ranks, cementing himself as a music aficionado and spinning all around the globe, even playing at one of the last parties at The White House for the Obamas in 2016. The popular DJ started his “Club Quarantine” via Instagram Live just 5 days ago, with only 200 people tuned in. By Saturday night, a little after 10 PM EST, over 80,000 people were tuned in.
This was no ordinary live stream. Celebrities from all over came to the “club,” everyone searching for community and some reprieve from the constant media onslaught of gloom and doom. The “Homeschoolin’: Social Distancing Dance Party,” very quickly became the biggest party in the world. Missy Elliott, director Ava DuVernay, LaLa and Carmelo Anthony, Oprah Winfrey, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Steve Stoute, the legendary Quincy Jones. Chaka Khan, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Rihanna, Tina Lawson, stylist Ruth E. Carter, and NASA…yes NASA, were all in attendance.
If you didn’t know any better, you would think you were at an actual club. In the comments people were “buying out the bar,” looking for their tables, asking club attendees not to bump the DJ table and sending shots and actual money via CashApp to the DJ.
Nice kept the club-goers entertained by shouting out his celebrity attendees, playing into the fantasy club world, split screening the stream with influencers showing off their dance moves, and keeping up with his hat changes nearly every hour on the hour, all while accepting liquor deliveries from the likes of mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Lenny S. of Roc Nation. Diddy is the promotion KING, so we’re not surprised.
By the time it was all said and done, more than 100 thousand viewers were tuned in and Forever First Lady Michelle Obama had even checked in. It was truly a sight to behold!
Because D-Nice has superhuman strength, he’s probably still spinning. If you want to check in to the fun, follow D-Nice here and wait for the party to begin!
Salute to you D-Nice! We are forever indebted to you and we are so grateful that Black creativity is here to relieve the pressure during these tough times. It’s proof that above everything else, our culture will always prevail.
Catch you at the club!
Writer Veracity Savant is an entertainment consultant, writer, and DMV native. Shall I proceed, yes indeed! She is the mother of a beautiful Black boy and the long lost member of Bad Boy Records. Follow her on Instagram @VeracitySavant