(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)
“Last night a DJ saved my life.”
Those aren’t just the words of a 1980’s hit song, those are also the words people partying nowadays during the coronavirus lockdown. But don’t worry, people aren’t partying in a jammed-packed room full of people that could be spreading the virus, it’s actually on social media created by celebrity DJ, producer and photographer Derrick “D-Nice” Jones.
If D-Nice sounds familiar it’s because he has been around for awhile. He’s the DJ behind the 1980s legendary hip hop group Boogie Down Productions and veteran KRS-One.
D-Nice also served as the DJ for the afterparty at the final musical event hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the White House in 2016. It was broadcast on BET that same year and we all loved it!
But now, many are discovering D-Nice for the first time due to his desire to gather people to together during this time of “social distancing.”
In March 2020, D-Nice began hosting Homeschool at Club Quarantine (#ClubQuarantine) on Instagram Live from his home. It was a 9-hour party (yes, nine full hours!) as a way for people to come together and help others cope with the COVID-19 global health crisis. The 3/21 Saturday night dance party ran 9 hours and D-Nice urged people to “take care of one another and wash their hands.” It drew over 100,000 viewers, including notable celebs like Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Lenny Kravitz, Nile Rodgers, Lalah Hathaway, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Dwyane Wade, Janet Jackson, Fab Five Freddy, Mark Zuckerberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Angela Bassett and Sheila E. and others. The following day, 3/22, his stream capped at over 150,000 simultaneous viewers and grew his followers to more than 1.3 million seemingly overnight.
(Photo credit: Instagram screenshot)
Comments from everyone sharing the virtual party ranged from an abundance of “thank you’s” to sheer euphoria of people happy to jamming to good music together–even if it’s not in person.
Oprah gave the DJ a shoutout on Twitter shortly after, dubbing the livestream “the best party of 1 and 100k I have ever been to.” DJ also opened up about why he started the online Club: “I can’t believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected. From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you. Thank you for rocking with me.”
“DNice got the hottest party in the world going on right now on instagram. Oprah, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama in this party. If you’re stuck at home like we all are, join the party and dance and listen to some music. Dwayne Wade in here too” said another partygoer.
People have even started making up stories as if the party was real:
“I was up in VIP drinking some Henny VSOP when Angela Bassett walked in. We locked eyes and I gave her a headnod as we both two-stepped to De La Soul,” said one Instagrammer.
“I sweated my hair out while trying to get over to the bar and order my drink. #ClubQuarantine rocks!” another virtual partygoer exclaimed.
This just goes to show you that life can still be a party if we all just come together. This is heartfelt in the midst of heartbreak. Love you all. Keep dancing!
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