Leon Thomas, Ty Dolla $ign and more attend Kingpin Bowling’s BET Awards afterparty

Kingpin Bowling Group, the fast-rising nightlife collective redefining the party scene through curated bowling experiences, made serious noise during BET Awards weekend with a celebrity-packed late-night event in Los Angeles. On Monday, June 9, Kingpin hosted an exclusive party at Lucky Strike DTLA, where hip-hop royalty, rising stars, and cultural tastemakers came together to unwind, celebrate, and show off their bowling skills.

The event, co-founded by Jermaine Bush and Brian “Brees” Torres, wasn’t just a party — it was a cultural statement, reaffirming that nightlife can be vibrant, interactive, and inclusive without relying on the typical club experience.

A Star-Studded Night at Lucky Strike DTLA

The BET Awards are always a magnet for Black excellence in music, film, and fashion, and Kingpin Bowling Groupcapitalized on the momentum with an unforgettable post-show experience. DDG, fresh off a new music run and relationship headlines, served as the host of the night, helping set the tone for the laid-back yet energetic vibe.

The celebrity guest list was stacked, with appearances by:

• Ty Dolla $ign, who made time despite working on his latest collaborative projects.
• DJ Drama, the legendary mixtape pioneer and executive behind Generation Now.
• Rising rapper Bizzy Crook, who’s building buzz with his summer releases.
• Leon Thomas, who stole the spotlight not only for his performance but also to celebrate his wins at the 2025 BET Awards for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.

Leon, who recently dropped his Mutt: Heel deluxe album featuring the likes of Chris Brown and Kehlani, was seen bowling with friends and fans while soaking in the glow of his breakout year.

Bowling Over the Competition: A New Kind of Nightlife

In a nightlife landscape often dominated by velvet ropes, overpriced cocktails, and passive standing-room-only energy, Kingpin Bowling is flipping the script. With music-driven, experiential events held in bowling alleys, they’ve created an alternative space where conversation and connection are just as important as the music and guest list.

The Lucky Strike DTLA location was transformed into a full-blown afterparty venue, with DJs spinning everything from classic West Coast hits to new trap anthems. Attendees weren’t just spectators — they were participants, grabbing lanes, exchanging friendly competition, and capturing social moments that didn’t require bottle service.

That fresh energy has quickly made Kingpin Bowling a go-to nightlife destination for celebrities, athletes, and influencers who are tired of the traditional.

A Coast-to-Coast Movement

What started as a unique idea by Jermaine Bush and Brian “Brees” Torres has evolved into a nationally recognized event series, thanks to their strategic approach and authentic community-building.

Kingpin Bowling Group has already made waves in LA, New York, Miami, and San Francisco, with event activations at major cultural touchpoints like:

• NBA All-Star Weekend
• Paris Fashion Week
• Art Basel
• BET Experience

And the momentum isn’t slowing down.

Up next, Kingpin Bowling will appear at Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago — a cultural staple during the summer months — and is slated for another Paris Fashion Week activation this fall. With each stop, they’re not just throwing parties — they’re curating moments where pop culture, music, and sport intersect in real-time.

Partnerships That Elevate the Brand

What separates Kingpin Bowling from other event series is its strong brand alignment and elevated partnerships. Past collaborators include:

• Hennessy
• Rolling Loud
• Homme + Femme
• Lucky Strike Entertainment (exclusive venue partner)

These strategic alliances help Kingpin maintain its sleek, upscale yet approachable aesthetic while attracting the right blend of VIPs and everyday tastemakers.

By creating a curated vibe rather than a clout-chasing atmosphere, Kingpin Bowling has built a reputation for authenticity and innovation, which is rare in the saturated nightlife space.

The Culture Is the Lane

Beyond the glitz and bowling shoes, Kingpin Bowling’s real appeal lies in how it’s reimagining what nightlife can be for today’s cultural influencers.

“We wanted to build a space where you could walk in, see a Grammy-winner bowling with a designer, an NBA player teaching someone how to throw a hook, and nobody’s reaching for their phones because the moment is just that real,” said Jermaine Bush in a previous interview.

In the post-pandemic nightlife era, people are increasingly searching for connection, conversation, and context — and Kingpin is delivering just that. It’s not just about who’s in the building; it’s about what kind of vibe the building creates.

Leon Thomas Shines Again

While the night belonged to many, Leon Thomas’ presence stood out. The R&B singer-songwriter has been on a remarkable ascent, with his Mutt album and Heel deluxe earning critical acclaim and mainstream momentum.

Winning two of the biggest categories at the 2025 BET Awards — Best New Artist and Male R&B/Pop Artist — marked a full-circle moment for the multi-talented performer, who got his start in acting before fully transitioning into music.

His relaxed celebration at the Kingpin event, mingling and bowling with friends and fans alike, was a refreshing reminder that the new wave of R&B is here — and it knows how to celebrate with style.

What’s Next for Kingpin Bowling?

With BET weekend in the books and the buzz from LA still fresh, Kingpin Bowling is already eyeing its next destinations:

• Black Yacht Weekend – Chicago (July)
• Paris Fashion Week (September)
• Rolling Loud Miami (August)

These upcoming events promise more high-profile guests, brand collaborations, and unforgettable vibes. If the June 9 event at Lucky Strike DTLA was any indication, Kingpin Bowling isn’t just trending — it’s setting the standard.

A Strike for the Culture

In a nightlife industry often criticized for being repetitive and exclusive, Kingpin Bowling is rewriting the rules — lane by lane, city by city. With a balance of music, movement, and real community, they’ve made bowling nights cool, relevant, and Instagrammable without trying too hard.

Whether you’re a platinum-selling artist, a fashion creative, or just someone who appreciates a fresh vibe, Kingpin Bowling has made it clear: this is where the culture comes to play.

Stay tuned — the next strike might just be in your city.