Welcome to the second edition of H+L! When we first launched Toasted Life, we wanted to create an outlet for young Black professionals to celebrate their wins and learn from their equally accomplished peers as they continued to grow, both in and outside of the workplace. A lot has changed since 2013.

While Toasted has always been a community of creatives, entrepreneurs and ideators, in an era of increased uncertainty there's a desire for more content that encourages holistic development, inspired action, and joy! H+L tastemakers embody what we call "Living Vibrantly".

This month, we're featuring America's Champion of New Sound, Brian Henry, as he talks a 24 hour day in LA, lifestyle inspiration, what got him to where he is today plus much more! We hope you enjoy his profile as much as you enjoy our events. Speaking of which, if you see us at the Toasted Life x San Jose Launch Party be sure to say hi!

Brian Henry, is a native of Baltimore, MD known for curating cultural experiences including the annual B-Hen Block Party that draws more than 2,500 guests in Los Angeles and includes tour stops across the country in Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and New York City.

“I’m literally blessed to musically illustrate experiences around the world. I am an entertainer, disc jockey and event curator. I relieve stress, drive excitement, and entice dancing through the manipulation of sound.”

-Brian

We chatted with Brian to get a first-hand account of how he spends his days.

How would you spend 24 hours in Los Angeles?

On a Friday morning, I’m hitting the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a hike up the stairs. Thereafter, I’m refueling with a protein shake and lunch from Simply Wholesome. 

I gotta see my barber AJ for a fresh shape up and my amazing locitian Saniyah Sahar for a re-twist to my locs. While hopping to a few different parts of the cities, I’m taking calls in traffic, listening to new music and whipping out my laptop when I’m still to approve new DJ promotion materials, review contracts and download the latest music. 

In the early evening, I’m hitting Little Ethiopia on Fairfax to enjoy some of the best Ethiopian food in the city at Lalibela.  

Top 3-5 things that helped you get to where you are today?

1. Pray from a place of gratitude for what already is. Gratitude is the highest compliment to the Universe and a prerequisite for additional blessings to manifest.  

2. “Words don’t teach like experiences do…” You can talk about it or read the success stories of others forever, but you’ll never know or appreciate what it takes until you push yourself into action.

What are some upcoming events you’re looking forward to?

If you know anything about me, I’ve completely fallen in love with Brazil and have traveled there 5 times in the last 2 years. Right behind Nigeria, Brazil has the largest population of black people in the world. The culture is so dynamic and rich… and of course I love the music! particularly baile funk from Rio and pagodão of Bahia. So I’m really excited to return for AfroPunk Bahia this November. I DJ’ed during AfroPunk Brooklyn in 2022… and I’d love to spin the festival’s Brazil edition ** putting it into the cosmos** 

My team and I are also exploring spending some significant time on the continent this holiday season. Starting with AfroFuture in Ghana, then traveling to South Africa, Ethiopia and Rwanda.

What does self care look like for you?

Self care is so unique to everyone. I think of it as the process you actively take on to deeply care for your own well being. I’m such a super social person, that self care for me actually requires me to ignore communicating with the world for a bit. It’s prayer / meditation / chanting, eating leafy green vegetables and fish – foods that align with my body type, listening to music that I don’t plan to perform,  physical fitness, yoga and deep stretching, being outdoors, and being in water. I loooove hiking, jumping in random bodies of water, and taking on new adventures in new countries. You can easily catch me off roading in my Jeep or jet skiing off the coast of whatever ocean is closest.

What can’t you leave home without?

A change of clothes for an impromptu workout and a night on the town. Los Angeles is such a massive city, and I hate sitting in traffic. So I always leave home with gear that keeps me ready to punch it to a HIIT workout or last min concert invite.

What does celebration look like for you? How do you celebrate your wins? 

A real celebration is kicking it with my closest friends and criss crossing around the globe. I’ve traveled to 34 countries thus far and I’m excited to explore new territories with any given window of free time. We recently traveled to Stockholm, Sweden for the first time to catch Beyonce kick off the Renaissance tour… where I also played an after party. Then we hit Paris and London for more DJ sets, fine dining and fun.

What, in your opinion, makes for a Toasted Life?

A Toasted Life is living a life of passion and purpose. Losing my Mom when she was only 35 to a short battle with breast cancer, has always motivated me to live a life of passion and purpose. My passion is music. My purpose is to leverage music as a bridge for others to see their light, align with God, and be further empowered to live their own version of the Toasted Life.

TOASTED LIFE UPCOMING EVENTS