"with Rey Navarro: The Unsung Hero Behind Ultra’s Early Rave Revolution"

"with Rey Navarro: The Unsung Hero Behind Ultra’s Early Rave Revolution"

"In 1999, I helped book Rabbit In The Moon for Ultra Music Festival in Miami, tearing up the mic as their MC. That beachside party was pure magic people still talk about it. When Alex Omes, my friend and Ultra co-founder, asked me to return as MC in 2000, I had a bolder vision. Let me bring my reggae-EDM/drum and bass crew, I said, with live musicians, dancers, costumes, pyro the full spectacle. Alex laughed, thinking I was joking about the cost. Kēvens, a whole band? That's a stretch, brother. I know you're talented, but..

Before he could shut it down, I jumped in: What if I bring thousands of fans? He raised an eyebrow. Can you prove it? I smirked. Watch me.

A few months later, I was booked at Zenfest, the biggest EDM event in Miami at the time, lined up at Coconut Grove Convention Center. I invited Alex to see my pull.

Technical glitches pushed my set after the Chemical Brothers. As their crowd started leaving, my live act hit the stage, and they froze captivated. I was wearing my predator outfit for the first time, the lights and visuals were just perfect that night. The Miami rave scene embraced my vibe, but Alex didn't show. No YouTube existed to capture the moment.

Determined to convince him, I invited Alex to my next gig: a Full Moon Party in South Miami, thrown by another legendary promoter, Mike D. The crowd was massive, pulsing with energy. Alex was a no-show again, but Rey Navarro Ultra's secret weapon was there. I was crushed about Alex at first, not realizing Rey was part of Ultra's big three: Alex, Russell, and Rey. After my set, I asked Rey to call Alex. He didn't hesitate. You'd be crazy not to book Kēvens' band, he told him. This crowd is unreal.

Rey respected my grind. Every time he saw me, I was the dread hitting the streets, flyers in hand, hustling to promote my shows.

He admired that fire. He got my live act into his local events and even pushed for me to join Rabbit In The Moon and Hybrid at an epic House of Blues show in Orlando a night for the ages.

Thanks to Rey and Alex, my band lit up Ultra in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 (Miami and New York), 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2018 (Miami and South Korea, with Vello and Risolia's help). Russell held the final say on bookings and funding, but Rey's hustle was the spark and Alex reinforced his decision to include me without any apologies. His promotional genius fueled Ultra's early success without him, it wouldn't have become the global juggernaut it is.I miss them both. The Florida EDM scene would be much bigger if Alex and Rey were around. Rest in peace LEGENDS."