Whats Buzzing in the Streets – Page 81

Just Dance: The Story of Keith Irving

It was probably a little more than a year ago when I had this guy. This guy ended up being more than just a homie I met at school through mutual friends. Me and him were always compared to each other throughout the school, even our professors were asking us if we knew each other. We’re both skinny, black guys from The Bronx who attend Hostos Community College, we both love hip hop, our favorite hip hop group is A Tribe Called Quest, we both wear glasses, except mine are fashion, his are prescription, and we both dress 90’s hip hop vintage. What made this guy stand out to me the most though is his dancing. He’s hands down one of the illest dancers I’ve ever seen and met. His name is Keith Irving aka The Abstract and he’s a 20 year old dancer. His nickname is an influence from the MC himself, Q-Tip. Keith has been dancing since he was 12 years old. His major influences are Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Fik-Shun, Kid The Wiz, and an Korean popper named HOAN. He considers his dancing style to be diverse. He can do more than just one style of dancing. I was even fortunate enough to join Keith in a dance routine when we were both hired as dancers for an old school themed birthday party back in February. It was a great night and we took over the dance floor. Song after song, we danced and even knew the routines to the songs based off the videos we remember watching as a kid. Keith is also in a dancing group called “New Kings On The Block.” You can check out Keith’s dancing on his Instagram account @abstract.__ Homeboy for Legit skills for real. So rare to see dope dancers from The Bronx doing more than just your typical popular kids dance at a family cookout. This is Michael Jackson kinda shit we’re talking about here, that B-Boy, 1980’s Kinda shit. That kinda shit that keeps your attention, wanting more. This dude is the absolute truth for real!

Jadakiss takes over the Bronx

“SummerStage”? Well, over 7,000 park goers and residents from the Bronx can. Sunday, August 6th, 2017 in Tremont park in the Bronx, the weather was mellow, the people was eager. Originally, the concert was suppose to take place in Crotona park at the Amphitheatre in the Bronx, but was moved to a bigger stage a few blocks down the street. Signs were posted “Jadakiss concert moved to Tremont west Crotona park.” People scurried and packed up their chairs and ran over to the other side of the park.

It was old timers day and everybody was there – old, young, family and friends. This was the day every year when people got together from different states or different boroughs. They came from everywhere just to see one another. Crotona park was packed. At 4pm, park goers got the word that the Jadakiss concert was being moved to the Tremont. Why? The Amphitheatre that was going to hold the concert wasn’t big enough to handle the massive crowd. It was already 4pm on the west side of Tremont of Crotona park – a packed crowd of about 5,000 was already there. Jadakiss was not even on stage so it made sense that they moved the concert to the other side of the park especially with all the cookouts and parties that was happening on the other side of Crotona Park. The crowd was still gathering, the DJ spun music for the crowd to dance and cheer to the music. The concert started a little after 6pm. A 14 year old rapper from the Bronx took the stage and turned the crowd on. He was the opening act. Now, the crowd needed some exercise – a local workout group call Bartendaz came on stage to explain how important physical fitness was.

Jadakiss got on stage and the crowd went wild. The rapper brung out his special guest to perform BlackJunior M.A.F.I.A performed some of his greatest hits. The mini concert was like being at Madison Square Garden. Jadakiss began performing his top hits. The crowd rapped along with him. This was a great day for the Bronx Thanks to SummerStage.

SUMMERSTAGE 2017: Jadakiss

Summerstage had yet another incredible and dope show. Jadakiss with guests Lil’ Cease, Black Thought and Tek from Smif-N-Wessun. A scattered crowd that quickly turned into a frenzy with hip hop and hardcore Jadakiss fans bum rush to the front with excitement and their phones in their hands as Jadakiss approaches the stage and his raspy voice is clear and loud on the mic. DJ Technician on the 1’s and 2’s, gives us a medley of old school hip hop classics back to back as he spins, reminisces on the glory days of hip hop. Lots of energy and excitement, everyone has their phones out, going live for Facebook, recording for the Gram and getting as many pics as possible. Jada gives us a lineup of his hits including “Why” and “We Gon’ Make It.” Lil’ Cease then comes out and does his version of “Crush On You”, Black Rob comes out and does his classic “Whoa!” and Tek comes out to do gives us a classic or two as well. Can’t forget about the over excitement after the show of the people hopping over fences and banging on the car windows as the legends make their exit. Another incredible and exciting show for the people. The Bronx always knows how to represent. After all, Jada did say that The Bronx and Yonkers are cousins, well Yesterday let us know that Jada is definitely that cool cousin who when he comes to town, it’s a frenzy.

SUMMERSTAGE 2017: Kid Capri Block Party

Today in Crotona Park, Summerstage returns with another incredible event. The one and only Kid Capri does his thing as he spins and keeps the crowd rocking and gives us a brief history of his past where the idea of “Block Parties” come from and how it all started. Classic hip hop and R&B joints and dope joints only from both the old school and a little bit of what’s current. Can’t forget to mention how beautiful and dope his daughter Vina Love is too. She had a summer hit back a year or two ago when she redid Jay-Z and Mya’s remix of “Best of Me.” She gave the crowd an incredible medley of her music with a line of backup dancers behind her as she struts across the stage singing and pointing, connecting with the audience with such grace. After the event, I was glad to finally meet the man himself. Another dope memory for the books.

Meet Director/Producer Rich McKeown

Meet Director Rich McKeown, a film producer from the Bronx. Mr. McKeown was selected to show his film,“American BeatBoxer“, at the 2017 Hip Hop Film Festival in Harlem. The movie is mainly about the art of beat boxing and its importance in Hip Hop. Mr. McKeown explains shooting and creating content has always been his passion. He recorded the movie on a budget of none – guerrilla style was the way to shoot his film. It help capture the true essence of Hip Hop and its creativity that has impacted people all over the world. Using two video cameras and the rest DSLR, McKeown managed to get the 88 minute movie accomplished with the help of local rappers with guest appearances by Legendary Hip Hop Icon MC Jarobi White from “A Tribe Called Quest“ with other guest appearances from other Hip Hop icons help make the movie become authentic. McKeown, also being a musician, created the soundtrack by using royalty free music and, of course, his own personal talent.

As of now, Director McKeown is looking to pitch his movie as a reality show. His movie, “American BeatBoxer“, can be viewed on the urban movie channel.

Crotona Park Jams: Tools of War 2017

Every year for the past 15 years, a hip hop park jam called “Tools of War” have been happening all throughout the boroughs here in New York. A park jam that’s dedicated to having fun, togetherness, peace and unity and of course celebrates the early days of hip hop culture. Driven with the same energy and compassion as it did back then, Tools of War has an absolute no recording policy, just like back in the day. It’s just you and your memory. No evidence, more about having fun and creating memories without having to capture every moment for social media these days. Always and forever hosted by the legendary Grandmaster Caz of the hip hop group The Cold Crush Brothers and known as hip hop’s very first rapper/DJ. As a Bronx native myself, I’ve been living in the same area for almost the same time that Tools of War has been around but didn’t find out until 2 years ago. Of course, as a heavy hip hop fan, I was absolutely amazed and excited about it when I attended my first Tools of War event. The experience is something I thought I would never get to have but that’s why I’m extremely grateful to grow up in a place where it all started. It reminds me that I am hip hop, even before I knew I was. How dope is it do you get to normally see and meet hip hop heavyweights and legends in your own neighborhood, 2 minutes away from where your apartment building. It’s not everyday someone like me gets that experience. Most people only get that on a lucky day doing downtown shopping and walking around or actually paying money to go to a show but I’ve met most of them right here in my own hood, Crotona Park. Besides Grandmaster Caz, Popmaster Fabel and his wife Christie Z-Pabon, Jazzy Jay, Lord Finesse, Kool DJ Red Alert, Jazzy Joyce, DJ Scratch are just a couple of legends I’ve seen and/or met and then there are guest DJ’s who come out from other parts of town to spin early classic hip hop joints and samples from the 1970’s and 80’s. Sometimes the 90’s, depending on the DJ. Then there are the breakdancers who come around in a large group, the photographers, and of course, the people. We dance, laugh, take pictures, enjoy the music, and have a good time from 4 to 8 in the evening. When Tools of War comes to Crotona Park, they only have it every Thursdays in July. For four hours, it’s a non stop party from back then in the future. To see so many OG’s come together to relive their youthful days puts a smile on my face. There’s a certain level of fun and nostalgia they have, the smiles of their faces, it’s really nice for them to enjoy. It’s because of Tools of War that me and two friends of mine have decided to name ourselves The “Tools of War Brothers” because of our love for the culture. Hip hop brought us together and made us into something that we’ll remember when we’re like the OG’s. The power of hip hop does something to the community that’s amazing and it’s something in the ghetto we all need to forget about our problems in life and remember why we’re still here living and breathing. I’m glad to be an original Bronx Boy of my generation, aka B-Boy. The Bronx keeps creating it!

Panorama Music Festival 2017: A Tribe Called Quest

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have experienced yet another great show. It was the show I’ve been waiting to attend for a while now and I finally got that. For about two years now, I’ve been a heavy A Tribe Called Quest fan and I got the chance to meet them exactly two years ago at a clothing shop downtown. Then, unfortunately, Phife Dawg passed away eight months after I met them and it was very devastating and hard for me, then there was the memorial for Phife a month after that, then there was the street name dedication for Phife and the pop up shop last year in November. Attending all of these things have led up to finally seeing them live on stage, thanks a good friend of mine who had an extra wristband for me to go. I feel dumb now having doubts about going now thinking that the place was too far for me to go but I’m absolutely grateful and thankful to have one of my biggest dreams come true. At the Panorama Music Festival 2017 yesterday, there were people everywhere, food, concession stands, restrooms on wheels, loud music and of course the fans. Fans came out there, including me and my friend, representing with our gear on. A Tribe Called Quest didn’t come out until 7:30 that evening. When they finally came out, the crowd went crazy. It was Q-Tip, Jarobi, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Consequence. Song after song, classic after classic, these guys were amazing. It was a dream come true for me. I’m still numb and in shock from seeing these guys literally on stage in front of me, I just wish I was closer to the front of the stage but I still had an amazing time. Phife Dawg‘s Face was on the screen the whole time too while his verses came on on the songs. I left that show on a different kinda high I never experienced before. It was something powerful that the guys left in me. Something that may spark a new kinda motivation for me to want to be the one on that stage making and performing dope, timeless music. ATCQ forever! Rest In Peace Phife Dawg!

Lisa Lisa takes the Bronx home!

Lisa Lisa rips summer stage in the Bronx. ” I Wonder If I Take Home” was the song and the crowd sang as the 80’s pop star brought her talent to St. Mary’s Park located on 450 St Ann’s Ave, Bronx, NY,10454. It became a disco frenzy. The crowd of young and old danced and bobbed their heads reminiscing how music use to be. A fan screamed out, “Thank you God for real music! I love you, Lisa!” Lisa Lisa belted out hit melodies as the crowd sung along. Throughout the park, the audience’s cheers echoed over the singer. Lisa welcomed it as she looked into the crowd while watching the audience – made up of all ages. Chickie Gonzalez of the Bronx was celebrating her 50th birthday with her family and was surprised by the free Lisa Lisa concert. When she heard that Lisa Lisa was performing, she moved her party over to the side where the concert was. She reported that it was the best birthday party she ever had. The park was packed with thousands of people, no one could barely move. Truly an unforgettable night, thanks to Lisa Lisa.

The City Parks Foundation has been giving free concerts and free events for many years. Log on to http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/ for a concert near you.
Thanks, Summer Stage!

Written by: Street Line

What’s The 411?: The 25th Anniversary

25 years ago, the woman we all know and love today was once a girl who was straight from the projects in Yonkers, New York, also known as the Schlobahm Projects. She signed her deal with Uptown Records at the age of 18 when she recorded a demo tape at a shopping mall after her stepfather overheard the tape. Her stepfather heard the tape and handed the tape to another artist named Jeff Redd who was also signed to Uptown Records and the tape landed in the hands of André Harrell who was the CEO of the label. After being blown away and amazed with this young girl’s voice that was full of joy, pain, grit and soul, she was signed. She goes by the name Mary J. Blige aka The Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Mary started on the label as a backup singer for Father MC in the early 1990’s until she got in the studio with a guy who called “Puffy” who we all know today as Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of hip hop’s biggest moguls, and together both Mary and Puffy created something magical that made history in Black music. On July 28th, 1992, Mary released her debut album “What’s The 411?” Before the album was released, her very first single, which was an underground hit at hip hop clubs and events, was on the 1991 soundtrack to the movie “Strictly Business.” That song was the infamous debut single “You Remind Me.” “You Remind Me” was a song with soulful vocals and a Biz Markie sampled beat. Then the music video came with a remixed version that featured Greg Nice of the hip hop duo, Nice & Smooth. The rest of the album has the same kinda energy, hip hop and soul, combining the best of both worlds to create a whole new genre of music that changed the sound of music forever and influencing a whole new roster of artists for future generations. Other singles like “Real Love”, “Reminisce”, “Love No Limit” and radio only singles like “Sweet Thing” and the remix of “My Love” featuring the late great Heavy D in 1994 were all a success which lead up to the album’s success of selling 3 million copies and a remix album released in late 1993 including a new remix of “You Don’t Have to Worry” from the soundtrack to “Who’s The Man?” Mary’s impact on the industry is still very obvious in many ways. Her street style fashion and attitude mixed with a soulful 1970’s style singing was something convincing to the people and it made Mary into a overnight sensation and legend and she wasn’t ready for it. 25 years later, “You Remind Me” and “Real Love” still captures people’s hearts on the dance floor like it did in 1992. Mary is still touring and still putting out music and staying consistent and still sitting high on her throne. She’s far from her days as the 21 year old home girl with the baggy baseball jerseys, backwards caps and kneepads with the boots and is now strutting her stuff as the woman with the strength to keep winning and keep fighting. She is the strength of a woman. Now THAT IS the 411.

Lowdown Hudson Music Fest: Common

I’ve gotten another dope experience yesterday, downtown, attending this event called the Lowdown Hudson Music Fest. Yesterday’s lineup was this cool chick named Lion Babe and the legendary Common. Common’s show was exactly what I thought it would be. He has the same exact energy on the stage as he does on his songs. It’s political, it’s deep stuff, it’s showing love and appreciation to the ladies, it’s fun, all at the same time. You can feel where Common is coming from. He’s exactly the “what you see is what you get” type, nothing sugarcoated or fake. I wasn’t able to get anymore clips or videos of him when he really started to dig more and perform some of my personal favorites of him but the show was amazing. There’s nothing like a dope hip hop show but it’s even better when it’s the right place and the right people. Felt like there’s a mixed crowd at this show particularly. There’s the hip hop fans and then there’s the people just there just because it’s a show but the messages in Common’s music was loud and clear to everyone. He’s from the South side of Chicago, he’s definitely one of the realest left in the game for sure.