Mz.Alia Caffeina headed to NYC to check out the 4th of July action.
DaMatrix Studio with K-Boogie
I ran into K-Boogie at NXNE. I reached out shortly after I touched down in NYC and caught up with the producer/entrepreneur at DaMatrix Studios in the Bronx to discuss music, rooftops, childhood memories, the world of acting in film and the energy that sparks creative movement. I also got to watch Part 1 of his behind the scenes footage from the NXNE festival in Toronto. See if you can find Waldo in the video below.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtiJzeGLMgI”]
DWI: Next up radio with ParCity
When the call came in a day earlier to hang out with Bronx rap group ParCity I headed over to DaMatrix Studios again, while they were being interviewed for Next Up Radio, they discussed their new album Civilized Sessions Vol. II, current affairs, and dropped a couple of freestyles for the people. What I like about this album is that it mostly runs traditional but still speaks to the effect of hip hop today, and it’s got that Bronx grittiness that makes me nostalgic. My personal fave is Life’s Meaning feat. Summer Williams. If you’re a fan of hip hop or just looking for some cool music to vibe check this out.
Scratch Academy with DJ Rampage
After walking by this place a million times I finally decided it was time to check it out. Whether you want to hone your skills or just practice your technique, scratch academy is a great place to get your scribble on. I had the opportunity to take private lessons with DJ Rampage, the Belizean DJ has been featured on 106th and Park, and toured with the queen herself Lauryn Hill. We went straight back to basics spinning traditional vinyl, and working on scratching techniques on the Technics 1200s.
Nas documentary with One9
I interviewed One9 at an Art Kartel party in Manhattan about a year and a half ago, we chat now and then so when he mentioned he’d been working on an epic documentary about the prolific rapper Nas, I jumped at the opportunity to meet up with him to find out what it was all about. Time is Illmatic, is a reflection on the artists life, exploring social and environment impact on him and his family, and his rise to fame despite the odds. The feature includes interviews from Pete Rock, and Olu Dara, among others. This amazing film maker from Brooklyn is also an amazing painter/sculptor/graffiti artist and is currently working on a line of high-end iPhone cases. What about Samsung son!?
Studium space BBQ with The Art Kartel
Imagine a beautiful summers day on a rooftop in Brooklyn, the sun is shining there’s not a cloud in the sky, it’s the fourth of July, and you’ve got an ice cold beverage in one hand, and you’re getting a full sleeve bodypainted by incredible local artist Badder Isreal. After that you’ll get to busting a move to some dancehall mixed by Regent Street, while eating the hearty bbq treats made by The Hood Chef. Hosted by the Art Kartel, the music bumped well into the night as fireworks blazed across the sky all around us. In the distance the Macy’s fireworks display painted the horizon. Great friends and great fun, what more could you ask for on Independence day in America.
Theophilus London @ Prospect Park
Twitter was abuzz with chatter about this free concert featuring Les Nubians and Theophilus London at the bandshell in Prospect Park. I rocked out to hits like Why Even Try, I Stand Alone, and grooved along to Rio. He even surprised the audience with a cover of Usher’s You Make Me Wanna and brought out special guest Jesse Boykins III.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH-i_HpvGqI”]
In case you’re wondering what else I did and on your next trip to NYC you can too…….
Movies: This is the End and Let me Explain, New Rochelle
Pizza: Lombardi’s, Little Italy
Aqua Vitae: Habana Outpost, Moe’s, and Mullane’s Bar & Grill, Brooklyn
Reggae Bar: Tracks Cafe, (Canarsie) Brooklyn
Piano Bar Karaoke: Uncle Charlie’s, Manhattan
Shopping: Bay Plaza, Bronx
Dancing: Cove Lounge, Harlem
