This yearβs ONE Music Fest didnβt hinge on new trends or viral moments. It was all about the classics. The festivalβs lineup leaned heavily on legacy acts whose hits still soundtrack cookouts and car rides decades later. From ’90s icons to early-2000s chart-toppers, the energy across both days proved that nostalgia still holds the strongest pull in music.
On Thursday, September 4th, Billboard hosted its annual Hip-Hop/R&B Power Players Awards at Unveiled in Brooklyn, New York.
From 8 PM to 2 AM, the energy inside Avalon was electric. The night blended music, celebration, and artistry in a space that matched the bold, genre-defying spirit ofΒ Leon Thomas’ latest project.
Last week we were at Academy LA, in the heart of Hollywood, for one of the best Grammy’s Afterparty’s. After the most anticipated nights in music, Lucid Motors and Affinity presented “Music is Life | Life is Music” hosted by that nightβs 2x Grammy Award-winning Leon Thomas and Grammy award-winning songwriter Derrick Milano.
Affinity Nightlife is an event, casting, and promotion company based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience producing extravagant nightlife and lifestyle events, they have been able to develop worldwide relationships.
The first host, Leon Thomas, is known for his work behind some of the biggest songs in music. He has worked with artists like Sza, Ariana Grande, Drake, Post Malone, Chris Brown, Zendaya, Jack Harlow, Ty Dolla $ign, 6lack, Ella Mai, Kehlani, Giveon, Jessie Reyez, and Babyface. The other host of the night, Derrick Milano, is also well known for writing hit songs for artists like Justin Bieber, Pop Smoke, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.
The invite-only celebration honored the excellence of musicβs biggest names who are songwriters, producers, creators, and talent. Guests were able to enjoy sounds by celebrity DJs Talon Reid, Dre Sinatra, and Justin Credible with a surprise guest performance by Ty Dolla $ign. Celebrity DJ Talon Reid and Dre Sinatra called Ty Dolla $ign to the stage where he performed and gave congratulatory shout-outs to his friendβs wins along with a congratulatory shot. This surprise performance was a treat for a night that was already filled with music, dancing, and overall good vibes.
More images from the night are below.
You may know him from βDetroitβ, βVictorious, for being 1/2 of βThe Rascalsβ, or maybe even from βInsecureβ β Leon Thomas isΒ a multifaceted artist whose catalog is only growing towards bigger and better things.
Kathryn Bigelow’sΒ Detroit is more relevant now than ever.