Love Skillet & Trinidad & Tobago Fundraiser

Anthony McLean is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hello Everyone, I’m DJ Clean,

And I need your support to help me reach my dream of sharing my talent with a larger community. My Trinidadian family roots have always invoked healing, community, care, and a love for music. Growing up in Chocolate City, Washington DC, I fell more in love with music and started Djing at clubs and parties at age 17. After graduating high school, my drive to better my craft of djing only grew when I attended Florida A&M and built long-lasting relationships. Fortunately for me, I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to tour around the country as a deejay and meet some of the most diverse and memorable people that have only deepened as well as multiplied my interest in many different genres of music.

After five months of touring, I moved to New York to pursue djing at a higher level. Six years later, I was ready for a little bit more sun so I moved to LA and even greater opportunities began to happen in my life. My visions for myself manifested quickly, I began DJing exclusive events multiple times a week, touring, meeting great people and started reaching the peak of my career. I was being the best version of myself and garnering the respect that I had always hoped for. I felt very grateful to be in that wonderful position. Then it all came to an abrupt halt when Covid happened. During the height of the Covid era, I figured I would be better off moving back to DC and being close to family. So I got rid of my apartment, packed my clothes, and moved back to the east coast.

Like many of you, I had to figure out a new way to do what I love and make “ends meet” which led to me deejaying online, teaching music production/language arts to children, and random technology gigs. In the midst of surviving and re-imaging my career, I began a secret passion project, an album, Love Skillet.

The name Love Skillet is a homage to black love and a nod to one of the best gogo albums of all time, Skillet by the Backyard Band. A skillet is not only for cooking; it's a catalyst to experience the five love languages. It's where ideas are created, stories are told, and history is made. Even at a young age, I learned how love is sacrifice and beauty, as well time and care. Many nights I would stay up until 3 am hearing my mother’s car door slamming and keys jingling coming in from working the nightshift so that we would have a roof over our heads. My mother never hesitated to lend a helping hand; she supported the dreams of many which made her so mighty to me. The first turntable I ever owned was purchased by my mother. Her love has helped my family be able to purchase homes, pay for college, start new careers, and now produce an album.

This project is imbued with that same care and love. I produced this album to share my love for music and my growth as a DJ. It's a project with dope beats, talented artists, and most of it is written and produced by me. Love Skillet, is my musical autobiography, depicting a five-year journey with my experiences in love and my elevation to the man I am today.

The day I finished Love Skillet, the album, is the day I knew it needed to be expanded as a video to better help the audience see and feel the musical journey. Now it's time for the final step, the visual representation of my album Love Skillet. In my heart, I believe that it’s time to show more images of black love, care, and community With your help, I plan to do just that.

What's an album without videos? Not just any videos, but black cinematic excellence. Not only do I want to create video content, but I would also like to support my native country of Trinidad and Tobago. The pride and joy of the land flow through my veins. My family is there, some of my best memories are there, so it would mean the world to give back to the place I love. Recently, I visited my family for two weeks. During that period, I realized the pandemic has taken an even heavier toll on the residents of the island who need support. While there, I connected with Christie Harewood, an event and TV producer. She's not only helping me execute the content I need but is helping me provide resources to residents on the island. I'm partnering with her and my friend Brashaad Mayweather's South African organization Kicks For Kids to give back. My goal is to raise $20,000. With this amount, I can create the content I need for my upcoming projects and donate to those who lack resources. In addition, 20% will be allocated from the total amount to aid various communities in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.