This is the Art of Living Well, a column from CULTURED that explores how tastemakers think about luxury: the luxuries that are free, the ones that cost way too much, and the little ones that punch above their weight.
Do you go out in New York? If so, Papi Juice should need no introduction. The queer, POC-centered collective has been pushing out a steady rhythm of Brazilian funk, Honduran punta, classic R&B, and more at its parties since entering the scene 11 years ago.
Behind Papi Juice are three co-founders who have deep ties to New York's underground nightlife scene: Mohammed Fayaz, Adam R., and Oscar Nñ. Together they keep the city moving and grooving, throwing a party every month as part of the collective’s residency at Brooklyn’s Elsewhere venue. Performers including Princess Nokia, Juliana Huxtable, BbyMutha, Forrest Wu, Brandon Washington, and DJ Pauli Cakes have graced their decks.
The Honduran-American Nñ regularly DJs Papi Juice's parties along with a stacked list of clubs and raves around the world. This summer, he's keeping just as busy, serving on the host committee for Warm Up at MoMA PS1 (the museum's signature summer electronic music series), throwing a barbeque at Elsewhere, and headlining the BOFFO Festival on Fire Island this weekend. CULTURED caught up with the nightlife savant between sets to discuss haircare, Fire Island-appropriate swimwear, and life’s underrated luxuries.
Do you have a pre-set ritual?
I need to have some good food. Usually it is something simple like a protein, salad, and rice. And then I’ll take a shower and pick an outfit that I feel good in.
What is a Fire Island essential you always bring along with you?
Reading material, camera, sexy swimwear, and lots of sunscreen!
Thoughts on scents while clubbing?
Important and vastly undervalued! There’s something so sexy about a club encounter with someone that smells good.
What’s your favorite smell?
There’s this really special two weeks in June in New York when all the linden trees in the city are blooming and their flowers smell amazing, similar to the smell of jasmine. There’s a big linden tree right outside my window and during those two weeks, I leave my windows open and my apartment smells amazing. It’s the most romantic two weeks in New York. In terms of perfumes, I like musky, woody scents. My favorite fragrance right now is 602 by Bon Parfumeur. It’s pepper, cedar, and patchouli.
What's a DJ trend you think is overrated?
I don’t love it when DJs police other DJs on how to go about their process. As long as no one is getting hurt and people are being cordial, I’m a big proponent of letting everyone do their thing.
You're doing the free BBQ and marketplace at Elsewhere again this year, what's been your takeaway each year that led to it being an annual event?
I kinda see it as a nice offering to our community after pride. Free events are few and far between now in NYC, and it helps to support the different makers and small businesses from our community. Also, who doesn’t love a free summer party on a beautiful rooftop?
What product do you use every day that instantly improves your mood?
My Headspace app! Every morning I do a short meditation after stretching, and it’s helped improve and balance out my mood so much. Especially during periods when I’m really busy and there’s so much going on in the news, my meditations help so much with staying focused.
What is a splurge you reserve for special occasions?
Dinner with a loved one at my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Winona’s.
What do you do when you need to feel grounded?
Cooking a nice meal for a friend or myself.
What is something you’d love for someone to buy for you, but would never buy for yourself?
Healthcare!
What’s a generic that’s just as good as the original?
I used to love drug store brand alternatives but recently read somewhere that the working conditions of the factories where they’re made are horrible? So now, I don’t know!
What’s a luxurious ritual you inherited from someone in your life?
My grandma used to get her hair done every two weeks, and if I don’t get my haircut often I start feeling it affecting my self-esteem!
What is the best thing you’ve put on your face recently?
A little basic, but I’ve been loving my Cetaphil daily facial moisturizer with SPF. I love that I don’t have to put on SPF after I use it every morning, and it also works well for me at night.
What is your favorite luxury that costs less than $20?
Cut-up fruit at the grocery store or from fruit vendors! I usually get it as a snack before I start preparing dinner.
What’s a wellness ritual you think is overrated?
Super complicated skincare routines! A less-is-more approach has been healthier for my skin lately.
What is the most luxurious thing in your life that’s free?
That’s love, baby!
