🎉 My Birthday Weekend Was One for the Books

Okay, hear me out—if you’re new here, one thing you’re gonna see a lot on this blog is just how loved I am by my circle. And yes, I have multiple best friends. Yes, I get along with women. And YES, they’re my favorite people in the world (outside of my son, of course).

Now let’s get into how they surprised me for my birthday with a trip to see my favorite DJ of all time—Joe Kay from Soulection. Insert me screaming.

I first saw Joe Kay at Art Basel Miami back in 2022 and it was over for me. I’ve been stalking every set, every drop, every YouTube mix ever since. So when I found out this one was in Tampa… baby, the besties flew in and we had a TIME.

First Stop: Casa Cami + The Vibe Was Set

We kicked the weekend off at Casa Cami for brunch, and if you’re ever in Tampa (weekday, weekend, whenever), run, don’t walk. The drinks, the vibe, the weather? Immaculate.

Birthday Churros For the WIN !

Soulection Did What Needed to Be Done

The show opened with T.Couture and let me tell you, she ate. I love a DJ who comes on time and doesn’t make us wait 4 hours to hear what we came for. Her set was a whole moment, and then Joe came on and… yeah. He ran through all the essentials, including my all-time favorite:Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Remix) x Teedra Moses. It’s the way I lost my mind when it dropped.

One thing I love about what Soulection is doing? They’re bringing the joy back into going out. People are dancing again. As a reformed “couch-stander-on-er” from my Atlanta party days, I live for a crowd that’s actually having fun.

Of course, I had to grab some merch before I left.

Back to Palm Beach for More R&B Heat

Next day, we hit the road back to Palm Beach to finish out Memorial Day Weekend. First stop?Call Collect by Flavars—aka the #1 R&B party in the city. If you’re a Palm Beach girl and you’ve never been, I need you to get it together.

And when I say they never miss, I mean it. The DJ lineup was everything, but I gotta give it up for Undrwd, one of the best I’ve ever partied with. His transitions are smoother than a silk press and the track selection? Chef’s kiss. I’ll drop a snippet of him on the boards in this post—y’all deserve to witness the magic.

Thrift Girl Era Activated

The next day we did some retail therapy and hit up World Thrift on Dixie Highway. Someone told me it’s one of the biggest thrift stores in Florida—can’t confirm, but we believe them.

Now, apparently I’m a little bougie because folks say World Thrift is "expensive." But listen, if $10 Lululemon athletic trousers is pricey… then call me bougie and pass me the cart. We definitely came up on some good finds.

Final Thoughts + Next Stop LA?

All in all—this was a birthday for the books. Great friends, good music, amazing food, and unforgettable memories. I’m grateful.

Next trip? LA. Trying to hit up The Marathon Burger and Slauson and catch another Joe Kay set if the universe is aligning. Until then, here’s a Soulection set below to carry you through your day. Vibe out. Love you to Life,

🎧 Joe Kay Soulection Sets