Freeform Hulu's Cruel Summer S2 Premiere Afterparty

Move over, Taylor Swift. There’s a new Cruel Summer in town. After a long-awaited return, the hit TV series is back with a highly acclaimed second season, and I had the pleasure of performing as the premiere event DJ at the Freeform and Hulu “Cruel Summer” Season 2 Premiere After Party. 

The “Cruel Summer” anthology series is a unique television concept, as each season follows a new cast of characters dealing with their own special brand of drama, trauma, and mystery. Season 2 introduces a potentially murderous teen love triangle in the picturesque Pacific Northwest town of Chatham, Washington, circa Y2K. 

To celebrate the launch of the latest installment of the “Cruel Summer” franchise, Little Cinema staged a little slice of Chatham in LA at the Grace E. Simons Lodge in Elysian Park and hosted a 1999 New Year’s Eve bash. The whole night was an impressive activation, complete with Lakeside touches, an air stream adorned with typical teen wall art of the era, neon signs, and even bubble chairs and box TV sets where guests could play classic ‘90s video games. Partygoers were also treated to a concession stand serving sliders, fries, and themed drinks, lovingly named after classic ‘90s concepts like “CTR, ALT, DELETE” and “The Teenage Dirtbag.”

The guest list included countless celebrities, including the cast, crew, and producer Jessica Biel. And, of course, no late ‘90s party would be complete without an appearance from the most beloved stars of the decade, like Lance Bass, Tori Spelling, Paula Abdul, and Mario Lopez. Who better to party like it’s 1999? 

This premiere was all ‘90s NYE glitz and glam, and everyone there totally bought into the theme, making it an unforgettable night of fun. As the Los Angeles DJ on deck, I wanted to compile the most hype tracks from 1998-2000 to keep the crowd in party mode from start to finish. Between the ‘90s music, ‘00s music, pop music, hip-hop, and R&B, my playlist for this event is one of my favorites to date.

My set began at 1 am in a lodge adjacent to the lake, and I came in hot with “Steal My Sunshine” by LEN and “Summer Girls” by LFO. From there, we kept the party going with tracks like “Party Up” by DMX, “Thong Song” by Sisqo, and “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega, all leading up to an epic NYE countdown, for which I played Prince’s iconic “1999” followed by Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” It was truly a celebration to end all celebrations.  

From end to end, I’d be hard-pressed to choose a favorite from my setlist. Every single song was a banger, and every single song had people on the dance floor having the time of their lives (no ‘90s pun intended). Naturally, I closed out the night with “Closing Time” by Semisonic. Bizbash called the affair a “‘90s kid’s dream,” and I wholeheartedly agree — especially considering there’s a picture of Lance Bass standing in front of my DJ Booth!

I feel so lucky to have been included in the festivities for the Freeform and Hulu “Cruel Summer” Season 2 Premiere After Party. I’d like to thank Little Cinema, Freeform, and Hulu for inviting me to party like it’s 1999. 

Swiftie or not, you have to admit the “Cruel Summer” series is one of the hottest titles in the entertainment industry right now. I said what I said.