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Drake Phifer

@phifedom

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Detroit-bred audiophile, art collector, true sagittarius, global excursionist.

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Celebrating the 50th birthday of another incredible creative partner, WES FELTON!

A true thespian, creative visionary, and artistic genius!

Back in 2009, Wes and I collaborated on a series of music and video projects, exploring our shared love of art, music, storytelling, and the creative possibilities of the technology of that era.

We experimented, pushed boundaries, and made a little magic along the way! #FUNKY 🎬🎶

THIS IS A SHORT FILM / MUSIC VIDEO from that creative journey.

FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:
https://youtu.be/hFQZDLDHqlI

And the creativity hasn't stopped! Wes has an incredible 51 albums and music projects on Bandcamp! A remarkable testament to his artistic vision, prolific creativity, and dedication to his craft.

Go explore the world of Wes Felton! 🎧
https://wesfelton.bandcamp.com/music

🎵 From the album "Ellington International" (copy and paste)
https://soulofearth.bandcamp.com/album/ellington-international

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Produced by Soul of Earth (Jason Orr & Craig Love)

Music Written & Performed by Jason Orr & Craig Love
Lyrics by Wes Felton
Video Concept by Wes Felton
Directed by Jason Orr
Makeup by Dionne Farris
"Reporter" Interview by Drake Phifer

© 2009. All Rights Reserved.

#WesFelton #SoulOfEarth #JasonOrr CraigLove #SoulMusic by @phifedom

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3 days ago

Chicago’s Sean Alvarez has been setting rooms in motion for 25+ years, weaving disco, house, hip-hop, soul, and jazz into a sound all his own. A regular with Detroit Diaspora Day Fest and the force behind We Love Soul and AfroFuturistic, Sean brings deep roots and next-level vibe session to The D.

Catch his set at Plastic Sofa Sunday by @phifedom

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Poet. Author. Performer. Culture force.

Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care moore — internationally acclaimed poet, award-winning artist, author and founder of the Black WOMEN Rock! movement, joins ArtEx 2026 as the VOICE in our journey through Rhythm. Voice. Story. Legacy.

On Saturday, September 26, the Torch of Wisdom Foundation takes guests through four Detroit cultural spaces for an intimate, curated experience celebrating Black art, music, poetry, storytelling and legacy.

At Irwin House Gallery, Jessica brings VOICE to the ArtEx experience — adding her unmistakable presence to a day that moves through live music, visual art, poetry, conversation and curated wine tastings.

Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Midtown Detroit

Tickets are limited. Link in bio or search “Torch of Wisdom ArtEx” on Eventbrite.

ArtEx 2026: Rhythm. Voice. Story. Legacy. taken in Detroit, Michigan by @phifedom

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a month ago

ArtEx 2026: Rhythm. Voice. Story. Legacy.

On Saturday, September 26, join the Torch of Wisdom Foundation for an immersive gallery crawl through four of Detroit’s distinctive art spaces: Jason Phillips Studio, Irwin House Gallery, The Hendrie and the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore how Black creativity moves through rhythm, voice, story and legacy—bringing together visual art, live performance, spoken word, storytelling, conversation and wine selections from Black vintners.

Acclaimed Detroit trumpeter Allen Dennard will open our journey at Jason Phillips Studio, setting the tone for the day with a special live performance representing Rhythm.

The experience continues with Jessica Care Moore representing Voice, Rochelle Wilson-Ellis representing Story, and a Legacy conversation with George N’Namdi, led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ed Gordon.

Saturday, September 26
Bus boarding begins at 10:30 AM
Experience: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tickets: $75 | $100 with commemorative T-shirt

Join us for a day of art, culture, music and meaningful connection.

Tickets available through the link in bio or by searching “ArtEx 2026” on Eventbrite. taken in Detroit, Michigan by @phifedom

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We know Stephen Henderson has opinions.

Lots of them.

He’s made a career out of asking questions, providing context, challenging assumptions and occasionally making somebody wish they’d prepared a little better before sitting down across from him.

But on August 28, we’re interested in something else:

What’s in Stephen Henderson’s musical DNA?

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, public intellectual, Detroit native—and alleged owner of some jams—takes his turn as Selector for an evening of records, memories and whatever musical surprises he’s been keeping from us.

Will there be Detroit soul?
Deep cuts?
Something embarrassingly funky?
A record that completely changes how we look at him?

We’ll find out together.

Detroit’s Minister of Context.
Distinguished Gentleman of the Hot Take.
Pulitzer Laureate of the Groove.

One night. His records. His stories. His Detroit. taken in Joe Louis Greenway by @phifedom

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2 months ago

Two mothers. Two young DJs. One unforgettable family experience on the Joe Louis Greenway

The DJ Selector Series celebrates the music that connects generations as two dynamic Detroit leaders step behind the decks with their children.

Crystal Perkins—Director of the City of Detroit’s General Services Department, which oversees the city’s parks and recreation spaces—will make it a family affair as DJ Perk-O-Lator alongside her son, Vince.

Ellen Gilchrist—CEO of BasBlue and a longtime champion for education, young people, and community—becomes DJ Ellen G, sharing the experience with her daughter, Ruby.

Together, these mothers and their children will show us what the DJ Selector Series is all about: community, culture, and the joy of passing the music from one generation to the next.

Presented by @jlgpartnership with the @urbanorganic_ as part of Metro Detroit Youth Day.

Come ready to dance. The next generation is on the decks!

#DJSelectaTour #JoeLouisGreenway #MetroDetroitYouthDay #UrbanOrganic #DetroitDJs DetroitYouth WomenWhoLead FamilyOnTheDecks DetroitCulture GenerationalJoy taken in Joe Louis Greenway by @phifedom

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2 months ago

I only pulled up to the Chi for the day, but I got a whole lot out of it.

The 19th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party--better known as the Silver Room Block Party-- reminded me once again why Detroit and Chicago feel like cultural first cousins.

I early arrived early off the road in the rain and ended up serendipitously helping two women unload their gear who I would later learn were @morganelisej and @waldens_block founders of The TRiiBE online magazine. That unexpected connection set the tone for the day...I mean...like my real tribe!

The vendors were outstanding, the phone-charging stations were a thoughtful touch..haha, and the music was 🔥🔥. @gillespeterson put on a clinic, @natashadiggs and @ianfriday delivered fire sets, and @celestethedj closed things out in grand fashion.

It was great connecting with organizers Eric Williams, Rob Mckay (Rob, we got work to do. Everyone has been trying to sync us for years!💪🏾) and my brother, operations and talent guru @djseanalvarez , my bro @soundrotation Detroit expats Heather and @slimshamey1970 , @johnson.cordell —another Drake—and Big Daddy Kane

I also ran into my homie @iamstacypatrice , who always keeps the dance floor going and has made it to Detroit Diaspora three of the last four years.

My Detroit Diaspora T-shirt kept prompting “Whaddupdoe!” greetings throughout the day, and somehow the Chi felt like the crib..

More than anything, the experience reminded me that we’re all connected—through music, art, culture and those unexpected moments that bring us together.

It took me until Year 19 to make it. I won’t wait another 19 to return. taken in The Salt Shed by @phifedom

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Meet Drake Phifer.

For more than two decades, Drake Phifer has been one of Detroit’s most influential cultural architects, using music, art, and community engagement to bring people together and elevate the city’s creative spirit. As the founder of Urban Organic Arts & Culture, he has produced impactful events and experiences that celebrate Detroit’s rich legacy while creating opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood organizations to thrive.

A respected cultural strategist, accomplished DJ, entrepreneur, and visionary event producer, Drake has built a reputation for turning ideas into unforgettable experiences that inspire connection, creativity, and collaboration. His passion for preserving Detroit’s cultural identity while helping shape its future has earned him the respect of leaders, creatives, and community members throughout the city.

Whether he’s behind the turntables, producing a signature event, or championing the next generation of Detroit talent, Drake Phifer continues to make a lasting impact on the people and communities he serves.

This is why he has CLOUT. by @phifedom

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I never had the opportunity to know Danny Simmons personally, but we had many mutual friends and connections. Over the years, I heard countless stories about his generosity, advocacy for artists, and commitment to culture. Sending condolences to all who are mourning his loss. Rest in power. 🙏🏾💪🏾 by @phifedom

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4 months ago

I did this interview the day before Diaspora and in the rush of final preparations, I never really had a chance to share it. Thank you to Rolling Out for taking the time to tell this story and for capturing the spirit of what we’re building through Urban Organic and Detroit Diaspora Day Fest. Now that I’ve had a chance to catch my breath and reflect, I’m mostly just grateful. Like every independent cultural event, we’re still doing the post-event math, paperwork, and lessons learned. But before all of that, I wanted to pause and say thank you.

Despite the weather and a full weekend of superstar events across the city, people still showed up. As I said in the interview, diaspora travels well — even in traffic. DJs, visual artists, vendors, volunteers, photographers, friends, family, and attendees all helped create something that felt meaningful and necessary.

To everyone who bought a ticket, shared a post, brought a friend, set up a tent, hung artwork, played music, served food, worked the door, or simply showed up and added to the experience — thank you. We’re still learning. Still refining. Still dreaming bigger. But this year reminded me that we’re building something very real and very fly.

Thank you. ❤️🙏🏾

📸: @nicoleadamsphotography

Link to article in Bio

#DetroitDiasporaDayFest #UrbanOrganic taken in Detroit, Michigan by @phifedom

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4 months ago

#Whatupdoe! Here is footage from the 8th Annual Detroit Diaspora Day Fest presented by @urbanorganic_. Great times were had! Thank you for your support and see you next year during #MemorialDayWeekend2027

#WeDoItForTheCulture
#DetroitsFlyest taken in The Norwood by @phifedom

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Detroit Diaspora Day Fest - a day dedicated to the music, movement, energy and extended family of Detroit.
✨
This year’s festival brought together an inspired lineup of talent that reflects the sound, soul, reach, and creative legacy of the city.
✨
Some of the greats present:
@bernanbush | CanvasXDetroit
@djnatedabarber | Pittsburgh
@djclevelandbrowne
@djrighteous11 | Unscripted Melodies
@phifedom | Urban Organic
@djseanalvarez | We Love Soul | Chicago
@salahananse | House In The Park | Atlanta
@broshokaid | Cleveland
@djsc1
@jessicacaremoor
@diviniti | Honeycomb Music
@venglish | The Tandem
@reggiedokes | Atlanta
@summerloving71 | Washington, DC
@the_real_djmo | St. Louis
✨
More than an event, Detroit Diaspora Day Fest is a celebration of the D’s cultural imprint - a gathering for those connected by the city’s rhythm, influence, and spirit… wherever they are.
🎥📸 @nicoleadamsphotography
@zoomshoot by @phifedom

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