Written by Famimi, Co-written by Kevin Campbell
Each year, producer, songwriter, and recording artist Rico Love’s highly anticipated birthday celebration commands the attention of the public and the red carpet. The entertainment industry’s elite group of personalities from the world of art, fashion, and music assemble to join Rico in the festivities. Celebrities like recording artist Tiara Thomas, street artist FAILE, DJ D-Nice, New York socialite, Legendary Damon, and fashion designer, Ashton Michael, amongst 200 other invited guests, attended the celebration conveniently synchronized with Art Basel Miami 2013. The invitation-only event was held on Friday, December 6th at Cafeina Lounge in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. The evening began with an intimate dinner followed by an exclusive gallery presentation and cocktail party.
“I am very excited to reveal my first gallery presentation that represents an unbelievable selection of street art by some of today’s most iconic and established names,” said Love. “This shows how art and music can go hand-in-hand as a way of expressing life and culture from the street. I am honored to be able to partner with Allen Benedikt from 12ozPROPHET to present such a unique and diverse range of talent that illustrates the movement’s passion and progression.”
Attendees relished in the opulent and romantic setting of the outdoor candle lit dinner as they basked in the savory scent of street-inspired cuisine prepared by restaurateur and chef, Amaris Jones. The menu included succulent shaved rib eye, chicken skewers, and mini beef dogs, along with a fresh, seasonal Fall salad. The entrée, given a more personal touch in recognition of the honoree, included tasty southern snapper with coconut rice; Cajun spiced poultry and sautéed garlic kale. Guests favored the mini sweet potato biscuits, white chocolate bread pudding, and spiced cheesecake desserts. Halfway through the meal, a box, courtesy of Crown Royal, was presented by Master of Whiskey, Gerry Graham to Love. Honoring the man of the night with an early tasting of their newest exclusive blend Crown Royal XO, Love and his 75 dinner guest were among the first to taste the new variant, consisting of 50 of Crown Royal’s finest whiskies.
Further into the evening, Love unveiled his whimsical gallery presentation valued at over half a million dollars. Featuring the works of street artists Os Gemeos, Interesni Kazki, Finak, Futura, Phil Forst, and Faile, the showcase was a real treat to aesthetes on the guest list. Love also collaborated with coveted art curator, Allen Benedikt, from 12ozPROPHET to bring an artistic vision storyline of his handpicked canvas inspirations sealed together under the name SaveArt.
Legendary DJ Maseo of De La Soul was responsible for the funkadelic tunes that queued guests to the dance floor. As the smooth, vibrant oldies of the early 90’s produced Rico Love hits, the invitees two-stepped the night away under the stars and overbearing 1000 year old Oak tree.
Love is no stranger to extravagant events as last year’s celebration took place at the prestigious and newly opened SLS South Beach Hotel, featuring rare and exclusive fashion show by Roberto Cavalli Spring/ Summer 2013. It was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour on a purpose built runway, specially created over the hotel’s infinity pool and attended by Eva Cavalli, as well as the who’s who of the entertainment and fashion industry.
Whether it’s a personable five star meal cooked and plated by renowned chefs, avant-garde art curated for the select few, or rhythmic beats dancing above the 1000 year old Oak tree, one thing is certain: Rico Love sure knows how to throw a lavish birthday celebration.
