Ask Aaron “When will Charlotte nightlife move past the “Grown and Sexy” ?
Name: We can do better.
Comments: When will Charlotte nightlife move past the “Grown and Sexy” were all rich balling bullsh*t? Take a look around folks the majority of black folks live nothing of the like. We have become so disconnected from reality and our culture its sad. I personaly have already moved on from hip-hop, it has no reflection of actual life. Hopefully the people and this city will wake up soon and make efforts to regain some culture.
Dear We can do better,
I started feeling the way you feel several years ago. I could see the writing on the wall and what I started doing was avoiding events that had “grown and sexy,” or any other variation of that term, unknown models, cars, jewelry, or anything else like that on the flyers. I began distancing myself and eventually cutting people out of my life that were to materialistic or didn’t have values that were close to my own. I’m not the type of person who waits around for other people to make me comfortable. If I’m unhappy, then I’m going to do what I need to in order to make myself happy and that’s advice that I think we should all subscribe to.
The bottom line is that this is one of those times that the change that needs to be made is with in you if you want to maintain your sanity. Make it a point to support the events that you feel represent you and if you don’t feel there are any or enough events then consider hosting/promoting the kind of events that you feel the city needs.
As far as the events that you’re writing about, avoid them. Remember, different strokes for different folks.
The great news is that everything is cyclical and eventually people will get tired of the crazy materialistic imagery and it will no longer be profitable. They’ll also realize that the cost of trying to live a lifestyle they can’t afford isn’t worth it. After all, how many “things” can you own before it gets old?
The bad news is that we’re not there yet. We’ll probably have to deal with a few more seasons of Basketball and Football Wives, as well as Love and Hip hop before people get tired of watching other people “pretend” to live the “good” life and decide to put in more work towards making their dream lives come true.
I hope that you being able to vent was helpful and I hope that I was able to help you out a little bit too. You’re not alone with how you feel. You’re just one of the few who are willing to stand up and say something about it.
Thank you for your question and have a Happy New Year!
Ask Aaron
Helena, 1 month ago
Not trying to be funny but if not “Grown and Sexy” what?
Ask Aaron, 1 month ago
That is a great question Helena. The term “grown and sexy” has been used for the past 7 or so years it’s been over-used by a lot of promoters. I can’t remember the last time I went to an event that used “grown and sexy” and it was actually “grown and sexy” so I avoid them. I guess…it’s time for someone to come up with a new term.
Grown and Sexy is Dead., 2 weeks ago
Grown and Sexy is bullshit! I have been feeling that way for a couple years now. Funny how white folks in the city have plenty of party options of all kinds of economic levels. But here were forced to narrow minded clubs that push the same cars, money, champagne crap.
I would love to see a “Paradise Garage” model type nightclub here in charlotte. Dance, House, with some hip-hop. Where people come for the “Music” and the “Party”. Organized, Cheap Drinks, and water is given away to keep people hydrated on the dancefloor. We gonna party or what folk or are we gonna sit around acting like were rich?
I remember the “Suger Shack” nightclub in the early 90′s where people of all walks of life came together for the music and the party. Now were so disconnected from reality that its sad. $20 at the door, $5 for bottle water. Were in an economic poor state but the parties dont relfect that. Poor folks like to party also. A space needs to be created that welcomes all. From Dirty sneakers, worn out jeans.
We can do better. We deserve more options. More than Grown & Sexy Hip-Hop bullshit. Im glad the backlash has begun.
djsilk, 1 week ago
Funny thing about the Sugar Shack. I almost got shot in there back in 1995. The guy at the door didn’t do a good job searching people. I happened to be walking and a guy pulled out a revolver and shot a guy in the gut. Had I been a step faster then I would’ve caught that slug. The memories.
The 90′s were much different. Flashy was having a new car. Maybe a Pathfinder or Jetta. Now…well we all know what’s impressive to most people and the nightlife scene has followed suit. As soon as people stop supporting high end type of events on a regular basis then things well change. So…do your part and support the events and venues that represent what you get down with.
Grown and Sexy Sucks, 2 weeks ago
@ Helena How about a night spot that focuses on “The Music”, “The Party”, and “The DJ”. Organized, Safe, Welcomes everyone from all walks of life. Black, White, Gay, Str8, Poor, Rich, Dress code not a factor. No V.I.P. No segregation.
Ive been to spots like “Snug Harbor” where the party is insane and people of all types come for the party. The even have a water cooler for the people to grab and drink water for free. They encourage you to “Party”. The poor and lower class do like to escape and enjoy themselves also. Im sick of “Black” clubs treating you like you have to spend and arm and a leg to have fun.
Chuck, 1 month ago
For me Grown and sexy has nothing to do with materialism, when I see that phrase i simply think it means and older more mature crowd;. and music. What did i miss.
Ask Aaron, 1 month ago
Chuck, that’s what it should mean, and what it use to mean 100% of the time. It just seems like anymore you go to an event that is billed as “grown and sexy” and it’s far from it.
It all comes down to personal perspective. For some, what they see at the events like “We Can Do Better” is talking about is fine; for others, it may not be what they personally consider to be grown and sexy.
The bottom line is that there is a focus on materialism in the entertainment and nightlife seen. It’s getting more and more difficult to go to events and not worry about paying high cover charges, or feel like you have to buy bottle service in order to be shown love or get attention. Most people who try to live within their means wouldn’t spend a couple hundred dollars on a bottle on a regular basis if at all. Yet, we’re made to feel as if there is something wrong with you if you can’t pop bottles in the club. It can be very frustrating to be subjected to that kind of stuff if that’s not what you’re not about. I believe that’s where “We Can Do Better” is coming from and if they’re not…well then that’s where I’m coming from.
Spam QC Undergound party icon, 2 weeks ago
@ Aaron
We can do better. I do have my ear to the street on underground scene here in the city. But no space has been created just for the “Underground”.
djsilk, 1 week ago
Have you considered finding a spot to have a couple of events like that? Doing it once a month is enough to get things just right.
charlottevibe, 1 month ago
Speaking of grown and sexy. Is romance dead? I think you should write a story addressing that.
Ask Aaron, 4 weeks ago
Yes…I think that I will go ahead and tackle the question of romance once of these days.
Helena, 1 month ago
How about it’s the club …..people go to relax and escape,if you don’t got popping bottle money they got $2 dollar beer,he being a stick in the mud I’m just saying.
helena, 1 month ago
BTW Romance is alive and well you see all those NYE celebrity engagements! and also Valentines is around the corner :0)
Gemini1namil, 1 month ago
I think club promoters generalize the term meant for celebrities that can afford the lifestyle and make it fit common joe blows to get you in the club. It makes it harder to socialize bc the men deemed ballers buy bottles and women have to almost be groupies to enjoy simple conversation.
Corey, 4 weeks ago
Aaron is right. They need to come up with a new slogan to say “Hey.. This is party for mature people only” To be honest.. I don’t see alot of sexy (women) in the clubs anyway. Real talk!.. Just put GROWN in the front!
Ask Aaron, 4 weeks ago
LOL….no comments from Aaron on this one Corey. Thanks for the comment
Conchitta, 4 weeks ago
Aaron, I think you’re “GROWNANDSEXY”
Grown and sexy is dead, 2 weeks ago
confused to why my comments are not posted?
djsilk, 1 week ago
Just took me a minute to approve and respond. My apologies