PITBULL CRUISE 2017

What better way to start a party with Pitbull than a few a warm up parties! Firstly, thank you to Mango's South Beach for a wonderful experience and taking on the Pitbull Girls and Angel Rodriguez and Alejandro Brooks for joining us. It was an honour to met you both. A very special thank you to Michelle Dennis who threw a great party for us Pitbull Girls with so much love, great food and a themed black and white party and also a huge thank you to Voli 305 Vodka Who surprised us all by sending some goodies for the event.

All aboard the cruise and where to begin! Here goes and in no particular order. It was non-stop, fun, intensive, jam packed on board shows, activities that ran such high energy and Stirrup Cay was party filled yet so breathtaking. I really did have the time of my life. My feet did not touch the ground for those three days but every day above the ground and water is a great day, right Pitbull?

Having boarded the Norwegian Pearl, there was Pitbull music in the hallways. Pitbull everywhere right down to the detail on the serviettes printed 'Pitbull After Dark Party'. The elevators had touch screens with the latest schedules of the day and how to get to the venue which was really helpful. As were daily paper schedules left by each guest room and the frequent announcements by Sixthman Jayne on upcoming events and any changes which were communicated well throughout the cruise. 

Guests were also given a signed Pitbull After Dark photo, wristband, and a special Pitbull After Dark portable phone charger (so thoughtful with phones running out of juice with all the events, thank you!)

Having settled in and on the pool deck waiting for Pitbull for the Voli Sail Away Toast, I took a moment to look around. I saw children, men, women, teenagers, all ages and backgrounds to fans in their 70's and above. With a very special fan who was celebrating her 80th birthday Margarita on board and for whom Pitbull got the crowd to sing happy birthday at a show later on. You're never too young or too old for Pitbull. If you're boxed into listening to a particular genre then Mr Worldwide will draw you out of that and make you genre-less and introduce you to a whole new 'boxless' world of music. I hear it, I know it but today I saw with my very own eyes proof of how Pitbull's music brings people of all ages, backgrounds, walks of life and places in the world together to enjoy and celebrate this wonderful man and his music.

As we all waited for Pitbull on the pool deck we drank, danced to Big Syphe and Laz spinning the crowds wild with the mixes and absorbed the electric atmosphere, met and mingled with new people amongst us until the legendary DJ Laz gets the crowds attention, getting us ready to party with Mr Worldwide with a reminder of what happens on the ship never happened! Shots of Voli 305 Vodka were passed around the crowd ready to take with Pitbull as Laz says "I'm bringing my nephew out here" Just before Pitbull bursts on stage like a fireball of energy.

Pitbull grateful as ever gives two key stories firstly a message to the crowds with a thanks to all and appreciating everyone on the ship. Showing a lot of love to the people Pitbull owes his career and life to such as DJ Laz, DJ Syphe, DJ Chino his dog Mike (C) and all of the Team Pitbull. Going on to acknowledge the fans "I owe it all to you guys and we really appreciate it"

The second story, Pitbull goes on how "My father brought three boats in El Mariel. 547 people so to be able to be a first generation Cuban-American who's father brought over boats in El Mariel and to be able to be on this ship tonight it means the world to me. Thank you so much"

Pitbull was honest, communicated whole heartedly to the fans and said that the show may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances but also said there will be no bad news on the ship and with that said Pitbull got the party started and instructed the crowd to take a shot together, pulled out a the stylish new a bottle of Voli 305, took one long swig straight from the bottle as the rest of the crowd took their shot in sync.  What a moment!

Over the two days we were spoiled with two spectacular Pitbull concerts. One on Saturday evening 'After Dark' of course! And another rescheduled on Sunday afternoon. A #PitbullGirls pillow case thrown on stage, Mr Worldwide's DNA wiped on and thrown right back at the girls! Gracias! A surreal and euphoric experience overall. Mr Worldwide concerts on a moving ship, on a pool deck, in the middle of the ocean, open air. No it wasn't a dream. Pitbull, the stunning and talented Most Bad Ones, DJ Chino, The Agents gave us all they got each and every time and believe me it can't have been a breeze in that outdoor heat.

Pitbull drove the crowd into hysteria, or should I say Pitsteria, with songs such as Fireball, El Taxi, Feel This Moment, Give Me Everything, Don't Stop The Party, Echa Pa'lla, Fireball, FUN, International Love and more including my all time favourite and nostalgic Culo which takes me back to the moment I first discovered Pitbull music all those years ago. On or off a ship, Pitbull runs a tight ship so no spoilers on unreleased songs on Climate Change at that time.

In between song breaks thanking the fans, emphasising his belief that music is a universal language that brings people together and fortunate to see this first hand, how everyone has or had their own s*** to deal with including himself but one thing that made them happy growing up was music. That was their escape. 

Fans from all over the world such as the UK (myself), Japan, Australia, Scotland from all corners of the United States. All united on one ship for the love and music of one man. Pitbull.

I have always believed, unbiasedly that Pitbull does have THE best dancers. The Most Bad Ones dance moves are tight, in sync, with conviction and the expressions on their gorgeous faces that come with the moves, the energy they bring to the stage and always look flawless stunning and make it look so easy (which I am sure it isn't). These talented ladies later also gave us two Dance Boot Camps putting fans through their paces step by step learning choreography on the pool deck to Timber and Echa Pa'lla and inviting fans on stage to join them. 

DJ Chino always giving us his everything too. I always enjoy those air fist pumping moves -Winning! Leo Brooks and Pitbull jamming and air guitaring together is always a favourite part of the shows I enjoy. Papayo kills it on the percussions, Jorge on the keys, Carlos Palmet on the drums, they all rocked the ship and crowds into a frenzy. 

As well as the Norwegian Cruise team that works behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly and within all of team Pitbull and his management team, there is one person I saw snapping away almost all day. People came on and off stage but this rock star photographer was always there on standby capturing moments. The incredibly talented Greg Watermann who brings these moments alive through the images whether we are physically there or not somehow enable fans everywhere to feel that moment.

Apart from two dazzling performances Pitbull hit the stage for a From The 305 to Around The World: A Motivational Conversation With Pitbull About Turning Negatives into Positives. Which also included some questions asked by selected few directly to Mr Worldwide such as the most pinnacle moment in his career, Tony Robbins, discover why Pitbull's mom smacked his hand as be reached for the tape deck while being driven to school as a fifth grader, how DJ Laz through his own early struggles and then going on to achieve what he has today has inspired and motivated Pitbull through helping him break his music into Miami and more. It was Pitbull as I've never seen him before, giving even more than I thought possible and probably the quietest you will get a crowd in front of Pitbull on stage as they listened attentively. I think we got a lot of Armando there too. A very inspiring, motivational, thought provoking and appreciative even more so of his hard work, hunger, tenacity dedication and great work he invests in towards education and the next generation. A MUST watch video below with thanks and courtesy of Bertie @247Pitbull.

There was no escaping the fun anywhere and the DJ City and Globalization DJs were everywhere in different rooms, pool deck, lounges. EVERYWHERE. They just set that ship on fire. All day, all night. Day was night and night was day! Non-stop incredible mixes. Skilled, unleashed, exhilarating. These 'scratchologists' threw you into a trance to just dance. Bringing everyone together to enjoy the music lifting the energy and spreading a wave of high vibrations and not just through the speakers but through their exceptional mixing skills and ability to connect with the ear of the crowd. DJ Laz, Big Syphe, Disko Drew, Phenom, Damaged Goods (Happy Birthday!), Santarosa, DJ Rawn, DJ Soulman, Danny West. I salute you! Thank you for a phenomenal experience.

Believe me there were ladies who must have been above the age of seventy at least still on the pool deck dancing away way in the very early hours throwing some moves down way after the younger ones may be heading for their pillow! I salute you ladies! I said to my fellow Pitbull Girls "That's going to be us one day. Ageless and still rocking to Pitbull music with everything we've got!"

No Pitbull event would be complete without his newly branded Voli 305 Vodka which sponsored the event. It may be a wild weekend escape but there was no escaping the Voli 305.

Behind the bars real bottle displays, in front of the bars we have the giant bottle prop displays. Add to the mix a wider range of appropriately Pitbull and Miami themed exhilarating cocktails (yes exhilarating – the side effects after after just one sip when the eyeballs pop out and a smile stretches from ear to ear)

Cocktails such as Tango 305, ILov Collins Ave, 305 Mojito, Timber, Volito and my personal favourite World-Wide Watermelon with basil, ginger and watermelon which complimented each other so well to tickle the taste buds (see image for full ingredient list) BUT each one was a must try! Each one different in taste from sharp, fruity to sweet one to the other. Either way, all very strong and delectable!

Shot glasses also had a very strong Voli presence on the outside as well as the strength of the contents on it's inside. Add some more Voli in your cup with a special plastic black Voli 305 After Dark Party larger cup available for purchase with the drink too.

Voli 305 also threw two intimate Mixology Sessions at the Bliss Lounge where the team create a cocktail mix, pass around shots of the concoction, invite members of the audience on stage to make a toast and down the shots simultaneously.  Followed by some Voli 305 goodies such as drawstring bags and caps and a karaoke at the end of the sessions. A lot of fun with much tongue in cheek humour. Classy, sassy, funny, tasty a great concept and thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.

Other events on board included Zumba, Headphones Disco (preview of Climate Change included in this part), Austin Mahone including a bingo session and acts such as Electric Avenue and Debbie Deb.

With so much going on onboard I almost forgot we were heading to the Bahamas! Saturday saw the ship pull up to Stirrup Cay. Hit the floor with back to back sessions with DJ Laz, Big Syphe and Disko Drew or get on the sun lounger, join the Flip Cup tournament, run into the ocean, or head for the local market and explore.

Back on board themed nights made it even more fun. Saturday was Pitbull's favourite era The 80's Night Theme which saw party goers dressed from Miami Vice, Madonna and all kinds of neon colours to the Black Tie Masquerade Ball on Sunday. An evening of sophistication with Dale on ice (yes, literally a 'Dale' ice sculpture on display in the Atrium).

Last evening of the After Dark Party was the Sunday evening of the Masquerade Ball. Bobby Biscayne on stage with the DJ City DJ's and also where the 'Gingerbread Man' slipped into the crowds and did one last walk about on the ship surprising fans in disguise. Just try to catch him if you can!

Alas! All good things come to an end. I only wish the cruise was longer. Thank you Pitbull, The Most Bad Ones, Agents,Team Pitbull, Globalization DJ's, Sixthman, Norwegian Cruise for without any cliches, really giving me the time if my life. It was an honour and pleasure to meet most of you. A special thank you to the wonderful Pitbull Girls that I met for the very first time, made it even more special for me and shared the onboard experience and non stop laughter and jokes with Bertie, Chris Blue, Ashley Meyers, Andrea Ellis, Delicia Perez. Remember it never happened!You ladies rock!

Get on the next ship if it comes along! It's worth it, embodies and guarantees to give out a strong Pitbull belief. FUN!

Check out the videos and photos below - enjoy, thank you and dale!

VIDEOS

PITBULL CRUISE: MOTIVATIONAL CONVERSATION SNIPPET- CREDIT & THANKS TO @247Pitbull 

(More to follow stay tuned!)

PHOTOS

(Sixthman Cruises)

Stirrup Cay 

Voli 305 

And some more...

Credit: willbyington.com

CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE!

Writing on beautiful Miami Beach, I say "World! Brace yourselves! Mr Worldwide has caused more turbulence and changed the conditions in the world of music yet again. Pitbull’s tenth studio album Climate Change released on the 17th March which features an enticing diverse collection of hits and blend of collaborations, samplers and already released fiery singles such as Green Light, Freedom, Can't Have, Bad Man, Messin' Around and Options  (Click on titles for full reviews)  Get ready for a rip-roaring, unrestrained ride through one hypnotic album.

Listening to Climate Change for the first time I genuinely felt a ‘shift’. A good shift. Especially the medley of refreshing unreleased songs. A feeling that can’t be explained so much in words other than following since M.I.A.M.I and albums throughout the years and seeing a growth and change in style, genre less movement and flair in each one. That upon reaching Climate Change yet another corner is turned, another avenue of style, sound, collaborations and rhythms are explored- another ‘own lane’ in music paved. The climate in the height of this album has yet again changed and welcomed another direction and more importantly ‘felt’ like another Pitbull era has been born with something new and different yet again injected into music by Mr Worldwide who has again gone and outdone himself on this scorching hot album. I for one am loving it! 'The devil's in the detail' A lot of 'love' going on. Keep digging deep!

Click on the titles above for a full review to those songs we have had the opportunity to listen and dance around like no one is watching to. For now let’s go explore some of the unreleased songs.

First up is We Are Strong featuring Kiesza. "Closed the Grammys (last year) and got the credits settle in". Glad that was mentioned. Something that upset that fans as it was very disrespectful to Pitbull or any artist that would be up there. Airtime, commercial breaks lined up to get in can always be rescheduled and fit around key shows last minute. I know first hand. FACT. But Pitbull is a hustler and you can't get rid of him either. FACT.

Although Pitbull is always exploring the new, going down the trailblazing ‘own lane’ in music, he is also renowned for going back a few decades and taking samplers, bringing them forward from his favourite (and my) era to create his own brand of magic and slide them into the mix like REO Speedwagon's ‘Take It on the Run’ in Messin’ Around with one of his serial Partners-in-rhyme Enrique Igleseas and yet again took another 80’s classic from Pat Benatar's Love Is A Battlefield sample for We Are Strong. "I just wanna welcome everybody to my life. It's HEAVEN on earth but one HELL of a ride" Watching from afar I an believe that along with a lot of fun on the way.

Pitbull touches on 'those topics' religion and politics (politricks!).  Politicians they want to politic and politrick - that's why I call it politricks! Jump over to religion. Pitbull may not be religious but his passport is most likely thick and stamped as big as the bible. Pitbull talks about David the first Goliath a biblical warrior and also known as an underdog- new day underdog, hustling music and business warrior Armando taking over the game.

This song just vacuumed me into a vortex with the beat and Pitbull's hunger and tenacity in the rhymes. The 80's sampler, Pitbull's life in words growing up in the 80's taking over. Creating his own lane. We know Pitbull is addicted to the hustle. Learning from the worst but listening to the best and getting on top of his game. A nod of respect to the fellow players "I like the players but I love the game"

Love is indeed a battlefield as is the music industry. To do battle and accomplish what Mr Worldwide has, from nothing to something. Pave his own lane in music and business and survive in the game with all the other 'standard' lanes around him and get to the top. I salute you! By the way Public trading companies- Armando is coming for you ( if he hasn't already!)

Cos as far as my eyes can see, You Look Better On Me as the song goes. That's the message Pitbull and Ty Dolla $ are sending out. Digging deeper perhaps a little message to the one that got away on who they look better on! A lot of fun 'PitWordPlay' such as "You have to have a VISION to understand love is BLIND" to "My name ain't MAX but I always got HEAD room g-g-g-g-Getit?" A softer dance, upbeat feel.

No Pitbull album would be complete without a JLO collaboration and Climate Change has Sexy Body - perfect title for JLO and Pitbull who we all knows pays homage to JLO's sexiness. Sexy, smooth, dance fuelled future dance floor filler. Reggae Sasha's 'Dat Sexy Body' and a little of Zara Larsson's 'I Would Like' with some more dance samplers thrown in the mix as Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez brings us forward a decade into the 90's. Pitbull in and out of those sexy bodies except no hit and run on this one! Pitbull spells it out for us. Literally.

S for the sex, E for the 'E' in EX ( forget about your ex! X, Y (why) 'cos baby I'm up next!
B for the best, O for the one, D 'cos I'm down (oh my!) Y YOLO- Done, home run grand slam. I'm done. Always with a quick wit and fun word tricks !

"It's BON Armando Bond but if you act right I give you the D" If you don't quite get the last bit then you're too young to listen to the song but don't fret Mr Education and Jason Derulo are here to Educate Ya!

Uncle Luke has a lot to answer for as Pitbull says "I was raised by 2 Live Crew so just imagine what I could do. Not heard the raw enjoyable outright filth that comes out of Pitbull's mouth in a while but he tells you where his mouth is heading over so "sit back, relax and let me lick ya" With ALOT more of HOW Mr Worldwide wants to educate you. If you're feeling dirty, nasty by nature then this is the song so get in the classroom that is the bedroom, there's no need to write notes but get ready to have your hair pulled #PitbullGirls and smacked a little if you don't pay attention.  Look out for the Sofia Vergara innuendo. A marriage of some kind of a little Jacko and a touch of 80's electronic.

Again, one of the many things that I really love and admire about Pitbull’s writing is his play on words, humour, outright innuendos and the hidden innuendos and double meanings that can either slip under the radar, can have the potential to have a group up in arms if noticed or just be plain fun in itself.  Only Ones To Know with the winner of UK’s 3rd series of the X Factor Leona Lewis instantly tickled me. "Keep your lips like the NAVY and SEAL 'em" Going on to say fuck all of social media in the context of not posting everything about a relationship. This is NOT a direct attack on the platforms itself from what can be made out. Just a message of a sense of keeping some level of privacy. Keep it private and be the only ones to know and enjoy all the things you can do when it is under the radar. A fist pumping summer anthem.

Still keeping it on the DL and social media off we move smoothly onto Dedicated.
Dedicated to love and celebrating love! Pitbull? He's always got that vibe and bringing it out yet again with getting R Kelly and a 'Modern day 12-Play' along with him and grabbing Austin Mahone along the way. This was the ultimate surprise collaboration combination. After all how is it possible to conceive the idea of a song with these three on one track? But if anyone knows how to grab artists together and cook up what sounds right, it’s Pitbull.

I, and am I sure along with many other fans, can certainly appreciate the amount of hard work and relentless dedication that must have gone into bringing us this album. Thank you Armando, collaborators and everyone that works so hard behind the scenes who give yet again the tunes that catch me unaware and impulsively to take me away on a crazy mixture of fun and different thought provoking directions and emotions from one song to another – another hypnotic album. Thank you.

Dale!

HARD ROCK LONDON SHOWCASES MR WORLDWIDE TEES ON THE CATWALK - DALE!

Hard Rock Cafe London kicked off its first fashion ever show last night in celebration of London Fashion Week with ten new lucky Hard Rock Fashion Ambassadors showcasing existing fashion wear available at their Rock Shop and a sneak preview of upcoming winter, spring and also a very cool summer collection with their signature Hard Rock trademark glasses filled with cocktails in hand!

The fourth, final and most lively section of the show was their Hard Rock Heals Signature Series Collection and collaboration with Mr Worldwide which began with cheers for Pitbull and an introduction to the crowd in London on more about the SLAM (Sports Leadership and Management) Foundation, SLAM Schools and the work Pitbull does for education and creating opportunities for the youth and how Hard Rock has teamed up with Mr Worldwide to support the SLAM Foundation.

Followed by an increased boost of energy, enthusiasm and a lot of people dancing in their seats in the venue as Calle Ocho blared through the speakers as the ambassadors headed down the red run way in their own style, flair and with a lot of love shown to Mr Worldwide's Signature Series collection, be it a fierce strut, dance or lip synching to Calle Ocho and making the segment so enjoyable.

The ambassadors also showed so many different ways to wear the T-Shirt from tie ups, off the shoulder for women to accessorising with a blazer and pink shorts for men, with sunglasses of course – very Pitbull.

The Hard Rock London Fashion Show was a lot of FUN (something which Pitbull also encourages and lives by) and I only wish Mr Worldwide himself was there to experience this wonderful event, join in the fun and see London flying the flag and supporting the SLAM Foundation with so much gusto.

Thank you Hard Rock London and Hard Rock London Fashion Ambassadors for the hospitality, a great show and showing a lot of love, passion and energy to the Mr Worldwide Signature Series collection and also a big congratulations on the first fashion show and really capturing the fun and energetic spirit of Mr Worldwide and getting the crowd really going.

15% Of each Mr Worldwide Hard Rock Signature Series T-shirt purchased goes towards the SLAM Foundation to re-engage a new generation of kids into education. Not only does it go towards a great cause, the future generation and creating opportunities for the younger generation but they also look fantastic and can be worn in SO many different ways. So please get down to your local Hard Rock Shop or click on the links below to get his versatile super-cool Tee! Thank you.

Check out the links below to purchase a T-shirt, find out more about SLAM and the video for more fun clips from the evening.

Dale!

Purchase Mr Worldwide Tees:
Women’s
Men’s 

SLAM MIAMI 

SLAM NEVADA 

VIDEO

PITBULL & STEPHEN MARLEY OPTIONS

“Let ‘em know what time it is” It’s time for more servings of Climate Change with Options by Pitbull and Stephen Marley as it’s dished out to the fans today! A collaboration with the talented son of the reggae legend Bob Marley.

Pitbull second verse straight in, and straight in favourite with “Been around the game, been around the fame, been around the money, been around some names. But the Chico is still the same. Some things they never change. Here’s a TIP show me your friends, I show you your future. Keep the CHANGE”
Armando knows very well the humble and appreciative kind of man he is, as do us fans. Adding some money analogy and friendly advice going on to stress the importance of surrounding yourself with positive like-minded people with best interests for each other. Be careful of the company you keep as that shapes your future so listen as Pitbull preaches some Bible in his own way (Proverbs 13:20. Solomon” He that walketh with wise men shall be wise - but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”).

Some more things never to change where the boys came there to party and dance. Then we have Stephen Marley smitten because he got options but can’t tell the difference if he’s under the influence of Mary Jane (let you work that out for a minute if you need to) or under a spell, The story of the chorus goes with ‘options’ of ladies to select from but ditch any digits handed as the Stephen selects his ‘top one’ Stephen wants some love from – either tearing up or carrying on his legendary family history with them

Pitbull back in tells her “JFK, mami you out your mind” assassination point,  girl out of mind similarities between John F Kennedy and Donald Trump being crazy for seeking perfection that doesn’t exist? Mr Education gives us further teachings from this chilled song as we are reminded that that ‘misery loves company’ and that there is no such thing as perfection.

A favourite song of Pitbull’s and I think it’s just become one of mine too. Cool, chilled, mellow and just digesting Pitbull’s rhymes. I can only explain how it makes me feel (no Mary Jane involved) this song a natural high. Pitbull may be in a cool ‘arty-like’ sketch pool surrounded by the ladies and palm trees but I imagined listening to it swinging in a hammock chilling out with a Voli 305 in hand looking into the deep ocean.

Dale!

Pre Order CLIMATE CHANGE