Hennessy Artistry Tour Finale: The Art Of Mixing & Blending

When I think of what a really good drink should taste like, many thoughts come to mind. But I’m not talking about your average beer, malt liquor, spirit or wine – I’m referring to what I like to call a “real drink”. And when I happen to have a taste for something on the stronger side, I usually reach for a bottle of cognac. Not just any old cognac though, ONLY THE BEST. It has to be the kind that has a beautiful amber color, rich aroma, intense flavor and full body. And in my opinion, only ONE cognac embodies those characteristics, which is Hennessy. Say what you want…but I consider myself a “cognac connoisseur”. Not only that, but the name “Hennessy” just exudes a certain level of sophistication and status – two other components I look for when searching for the perfect drink.



Similar rules apply when I attend certain events within the industry. It has to be exclusive, preferably upscale and highly sophisticated. Thankfully, the good folks at Hennessy are on my level. They have mastered the art of crafting a perfect drink and planning the hottest events at the most prominent locations, creating one of the best concert series of the year. Hence the reason why their catchphrase for the Hennessy Artistry concert series reads: “The art of blending”. Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the invite only Hennessy Artistry Tour Finale, which took place at one of New York City’s esteemed Cipriani Restaurant and Ballroom locations on Wall Street. Thursday night was the last stop on their five-city tour featuring an eclectic mix of the music industry’s hottest stars as well as some old school legends. I’m not sure what was more impressive; the ambiance of the grandiose venue, the delicious hors d’oeuvres [including mini beef tenderloins, chicken croquettes, and bruschetta], the extremely tasty cocktails [The Hennessy Berry happens to be my favorite] or this year’s killer line-up. Either way, this was by far, THE BEST event I have EVER been to. An invite to The Hennessy Artistry Grand Finale was indeed the hottest and one of the most difficult to attain. Fans and media that were lucky enough to get inside were not disappointed even for those unable to attend. Hennessy offered a live stream of the concert through UStream while several artists and guests gave a play-by-play on Twitter.



The Roots, Q-Tip, Bobby Brown Ron Isley, Eve, Mary J. Blige, Mike Posner and Erykah Badu were among the names of talented performers who graced the stage that night. An hour or so before show time, fans along with some of the top influential industry movers and shakers, such as Andre Harrell, BMI’s Ian Holder, former male model Tyson Beckford, actor Dennis “LA” White, actress Joy Bryant, former video vixen Melyssa Ford and BET’s Tocarra Jones had an opportunity to mingle, grab a bite to eat, quench their thirst and even bust some signature moves on the enormous dance floor. Because I am super friendly and very approachable, I somehow managed to form a mini cipher with two other people: local New Jersey tastemaker DJ KC and New York journalist Pheonix Carnevale. We ended up reciting classic hip-hop verses to some of the most popular songs as the legendary DJ D-Nice seamlessly orchestrated a perfect blend of Old Skool vs. New on the wheels of steel. And it wasn’t until right then and there, I understood why his name is “D-Nice”…’Cause dude is just that nice!!



For the first time ever, Hennessy is introduced a new component to their concert series called Artistry GIVES. This charitable partnership with Americans for the Arts (AFTA) recognizes and fosters arts education. It supported local emerging artists and art organizations, and in New York, creating an opportunity for local artists Alta Berri and Dister of the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) to display their work. This year’s program focused on the understanding of how these unexpected blends of talent and art help bring more fulfillment to life.



Hennessy also blended and incorporated an interactive element for consumers in the Artistry program with “DJ Mixer”, the top selling music mixing application available for iPhone. The Hennessy Artistry Music Mixer is a full-fledged DJ mixing station, packaged with hot, new music from some of today’s most promising hip-hop and R&B artists. The app will be offered as a free download on Apple’s App Store. In addition, Hennessy premiered several new V.S. bottles that were designed by curators The Roots and Q-Tip. The bottles, which will not be commercially available, featured the elements of hip-hop, including the signature boom box in the design. If I’m lucky, I’ll have one delivered to me in the mail.

The show finally started just before 11pm with Philadelphia born emcees Eve, as the hostess for the night and The Roots as the shows curators. They kept the crowd’s energy level to a maximum while they announced each act right before they came on stage. I knew the show would be a certified hip-hop classic when Q-Tip got on stage and started performing some of his biggest hits like “Excursions” off The Low End Theory and “Sucka N***a” and “Electric Relaxation” from Midnight Marauders. Shortly after, DJ D-Nice jumped on stage to spit a verse at his side.



Then, Mike Posner graced the stage for a quick performance of his smash single, “Cooler Than Me”. I had to remain calm and try not to kick anyone’s ass for making ignorant comments while he had his moment. Apparently, not many black folks in New York got the memo on just who Posner is, causing them to look at me and my best friend like we had four heads as we sang the words verbatim to his song. Eve ripped through her set, wearing a white corset paired white black leggings. She looked absolutely amazing while performing the crowd pleasers “Who’s That Girl”, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and “What Y’all N*ggas Want”. Ladies: Not only did she kill her performance, but her shoe game is crazy!! The night slowed down when the smooth triple OG Ron Isley aka “Mr. Biggs” strolled on stage sporting a black and gold plated cane along with a band and three background singers [including his wife from former girl group ‘JS’] as they performed my personal favorites from his catalogue of soulful hits including: “Footsteps in the Dark,” “Between the Sheets” and “For the Love of You”.



The show heated back up when the tongue-wagging Bobby Brown performed his 80s classics like “My Prerogative”, “Every Little Step” and “Tenderoni”. While he may not be in the best shape, it is clear that he still knows how to make the ladies croon no matter what age they are. After all, he’s still an icon and his music is timeless even if he can no longer hit those high-notes like he used to back in the day.



Some of the shows highlights were toward the end of the night as The Roots’ Band quickly transitioned into a surprise performance from the Dallas bred Neo Soul singer, Ms. Erykah Badu. Blown away by her eccentric sense of style, I found myself a tad bit distracted by her outfit. She wore a blonde bowl wig, a thick brown-striped dress matched with white-striped tights, and fabulous gold winged bracelet cuffs attached to her wrists causing me to mumble to myself: why the hell is dressed like a hybrid that resembles a space cadet and an Egyptian goddess? I could’ve sworn Halloween wasn’t for another couple of weeks. But then I remembered that’s what makes her Erykah. Her unique sense of style and her distinctive voice are a wonderful combination putting her in a class all by herself. Showing off her dynamic range, she gave me chills as she performed “Honey”, “Window Seat” and “You Got Me” [alongside Eve and The Roots]. Never a dull moment, she teased and caressed the guitar player as he singled-handedly bodied his solo!! If you know me, then you know that its moments like those that I live for growing up in a musical household.



But it was when she showcased her showmanship abilities using what appeared to be a Roland MV-8000 drum machine as a prop before she segued into her 2002 smash hit “Love Of My Life” off the “Brown Sugar” soundtrack that made my night. I was hoping Common would pop out to end the show, but instead it was the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, who had just come from the 10th Annual Gotham Gala at Capitale, as she hit the stage for her surprise performance. The audience praised her and sang along in unison as she performed a medley of snippets to some of her early classics including "Be Happy," “My Life”, "I Love You" and "Real Love." Dressed in a tan cocktail dress, black leather motorcycle jacket and oversized gold diamond chandelier earrings.



I take my hat off the entire Hennessy Staff. Its pretty evident that they know how to put together a great show and it was a night that I will never forget.

Photo Credit: Hennessy and Photographer Rome