WTF DID YOU MISS: CLUB HIP HOP 50

If you are either a New Yorker, a Bronx native, and/or a hip hop head then you were definitely outside during the month of August. August 11th, as we all know, is the day of the fiftieth anniversary of hip hop culture. This year’s month of the fiftieth will go down in history as one of hip hop’s greatest times in New York and hip hop history. Besides the fact that The Bronx is the birthplace of hip hop, the entire state of New York and its boroughs coming together to celebrate hip hop culture is an unforgettable time. So many fiftieth celebration events happening back to back, it feels like one big party and/or club exclusively for all those who are part of the culture. Everyone who’s an artist, to bloggers, writers, interviewers, hosts, there was a space for those specifically involved in the culture to get outside, participate, and come together for the culture. All of the four elements: dee jayin’, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti, that make up hip hop culture were also fully present at these celebration events. Lots of great performances from our favorite hip hop artists and DJ’s are more in demand, people are showing up and dressing up in their freshest and best outfits and they’re coming out to dance and have a great time. All throughout the month of August, there’s been non stop celebration events happening in The Bronx. Summerstage’s Grandmaster Flash and Friends, The Mill Pond Park celebration, The Yankee Stadium, and most of all the Sedgwick Avenue celebration. On August 4th, 2023, Grandmaster Flash was the star of the show in Crotona Park for Summerstage; Also called the “Birth of a Culture: The 4 Elements Block Party.” He and a couple of other DJ’s including Pete Rock and DJ Chuck Chillout, put on an amazing four hour show that definitely showcased and celebrated the four elements. The show ended with an incredible line up of MC’s who rocked the mic; MC Sha Rock, KRS-One, Melle Mel, and incredible breakdancers who also showed out. On the day of August 11th, the actual day of hip hop’s fiftieth, The Mill Pond Park celebration happened and was the pre show for those who also attended the Yankee Stadium show. Mill Pond Park is on Exterior Street on 150th Street, in The Bronx, close by where the future first hip hop museum will be located. DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell on the music, MC Sha Rock hosting and performances by MC Shan, Milk Dee of Audio Two, Sweet Tee, Peter Gunz, Public Enemy, and more, just to name a few. Hit after hit, classic after classic, the people are clapping their hands, rapping along to the words, and making sure to capture every moment of classic hip hop bliss with their camera phones to savor the moments later on. The celebration continues that day at Yankee Stadium. Lots of people outside of the stadium selling t-shirts, artists rapping out loud to promote their own music, hanging out, and having a great time. Inside of the stadium, it is complete pandemonium. It is the world’s greatest hip hop show happening on the planet. Way more artists from all eras and decades of hip hop are on the stage. The stadium is completely crowded with people all over the place walking around, buying their food and beverages, sticking with their closed loved ones and even running into other loved ones, seats are filled, people are hanging out in the lanes between sections trying to get their way closer to the stage as possible and there’s a huge uproar from the stadium’s reaction to whoever’s on the stage coming from all sides of the stadium. Then there’s August 12th, 2023. The world return’s to the actual and birthplace of hip hop; 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. KRS-One is being followed around in admiration as he is in his element being “The Teacha.” There are food trucks, vendors, graffiti artists, DJ’s, surprise guests and artists, breakdancers, bloggers, interviewers, photographers, grassroots hip hop organizations in attendance and best of all, a stage further up past the 1520 building set for a huge showcase. Upcoming artists and legendary artists both attend the stage. Again, hit after hit, song for song, word for word, the world has attended yet another huge hip hop show and event on the planet. It was the ultimate hip hop show of the year and what better way to celebrate than at 1520. Fat Joe, CL Smooth, Mad Lion, Talib Kweli, Poor Righteous Teachers, Mr. Cheeks, Cold Crush Brothers, The Sugarhill Gang, Public Enemy and more. Anybody that claimed to be a lover of hip hop, a hip hop head, and part of the culture, you were supposed to be there or any of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations. August 2023 was easily the greatest year in hip hop in recent years. So much celebrating, so much fun. If you truly are a lover of the culture, you were granted your wristband or stamp to enter the club called HIP HOP 50. 

Jalen Hemphill

Jalen Hemphill is an aspiring singer/songwriter, dancer, DJ, actor,  hip hop enthusiast, and blogger. He has been entertaining his whole life but didn’t decide to want to do it professionally until he was 14 years old. He is currently a student at Hostos Community College working towards his associates degree in Liberal Arts and after graduating, he will be working towards his dreams of becoming a professional entertainer. 

One of Jalens’ attributes is his clothing line. A true Hip Hop Fan, Jalen aka Jay-Doggz wardrobe represent true 80s and 90s hip hop. Look out for this young aspiring talent actor/singer/songwriter. With many hats on his head theres no telling what he has to offer. He is a brilliant individual with an amazing, headstrong attitude. His fashion style and just the way he promotes himself as a person reveals how socially structured he is. He sticks to his own style, he doesn’t care for opinions against it because it makes up who he is. His charm when speaking brings many in, as he is generally a nice guy and is always willing to help whenever possible. He’s a down to earth young man and to be within his circle of friends would be the best choice anyone has ever made.

His motivation will drive you, just as much as it drives him to become the best version of himself.

He will be great.

 

Reflections of Hip Hop

When Hip Hop was born I was only 6 years old living in Marlboro projects in Brooklyn New York. As I got older, I would write rhymes and perform at the skating rink. When I was feeling down I could always count on Hip Hop to lift me up. I would go to all the shows and sneak backstage to meet my favorite artists. In Brooklyn, In the 70’s we we’re listening to James Brown, MFSB, Chic, and other soulful artists before Rappers Delight hit the world by storm in 79′. After that it quickly became a “Domino effect“, everybody wanted in. The rest is history. The first Hip Hop song I fell in love with was Planet Rock, I got lost in those drums. I played it over and over and my mom use to scream at me “Iris, turn that sh** down!!!!” I remember like it was yesterday. The first years of Hip Hop were the best years of my life with park jams, skate jams and parties. Hip Hop brought everyone together and formed a bond that can never be broken. After 44 years Hip Hop is still in my blood and always will be. I can go on and on but I’ll leave it as “Long Live Hip Hop!!!!”

 

What A Good Look. Kim Goodlook Seabrook

*ALERT*MEDIA*BLOG
It is said that laughter is good for the soul, so when I was invited to a comedy show to hear a Spoken Word Artist, I thought, hmmm this will be different. I had know idea how different…

The Black National Theatre of Harlem housed What To Do Ent. comedy show hosted by JC Best in conjunction with comedians OC the Bus Driver and Kenny Woo.

The opening act was a Spoken Word artist by the name of Kim Goodlook Seabrook. Seabrook is a Bronx native Spoken Word artist and radio personality. You can find her weekly on one of  New York City’s budding internet radio stations, I AXIS Radio. With her show Keepin’ it 100 with Kim and Della.

As the night got on its way and following her introduction from JC Best, Kim seemed to float out onto the stage, very poised and confident. She immediately surveyed the crowd and attached with the audience. Kim performed three pieces that night, Cocaine, A Woman’s Identity and Got Dam. The three pieces were very different in content but the same in rawness and reality.

The first piece, cocaine, as u would guest was creative writing about the opioid drug. It spoke of how it seems to be your friend in a time of despair however, just like all fairweather friends it let’s you down in the end. The twist and metephores GoodLook used was so vivid, at one time I literally felt chills as she performed. The second piece was dedicated to all woman kind. Kim relayed the message of don’t lose yourself being a wife, a mother an employee or whatever capacity it is you’re in day to day. The message was always remember to keep your identity as a woman first.
Ms.Seabrook did not forget about the men who was in attendance, she delivered a bold piece titled Got Damn, which focused on the struggle of the Black Man. Seabrook spewed so many truths and nuances about being a Black Man in America it received a standing ovation when it was over. This piece touched on nagging baby mothers, police harassment and much more, not to give too much away, this piece touches and goes into the depths of trying to survive in Amerikkka as a Black Man. Got Damn!
Once Kim bowed out from her performance, there were murmurs in the audience of wows and she’s deep along with she was a show all by herself. Sitting in the audience and to hear and see people’s genuine reaction to her tells a truth I couldn’t make up. Kim Goodlook Seabrook is a force to be reckoned with in the spoken word realm. Her sensual voice her command of tje stage and her piuse and cadence is unmatched. She is a humble person who exudes great energy. I recommend everyone see her live performance, you will not be disappointed. Until you get a chance to hear her live, listen to her pieces on SoundCloud…

Written by Sugarhill Sky.
*No funds were given or services bartered for this write up.
For event coverage, write ups, reviews etc…
Sugarhillsky13@gmail.com

GO SHAWTY IT’S YA BIRTHDAY

Curtis James Jackson III was born July 6, 1975 aka Boo Boo known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, businessman, and investor. Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of the borough of QueensNy. In 1996 a friend introduced him to Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC, who was establishing Jam Master Jay Records. Jay taught him how to count bars, write choruses, structure songs and make records. His first appearance was on “React” with Onyx, for their 1998 album Shut ‘Em Down. He credited Jam Master Jay for improving his ability to write hooks, and Jay produced Jackson’s first (unreleased) album in 1999 after Jackson left Jam Master Jay, the platinum-selling producers Trackmasters signed him to Columbia Records. They sent him to an upstate New York studio, where he produced thirty-six songs in two weeks; eighteen were included on his 2000 album, Power of the Dollar. 50  founded Hollow Point Entertainment with former G-Unit member Bang ‘Em Smurf also has had a highly successful business career. He is financially invested in a highly diversified variety of industries such as  now involved in artist and talent management, record, television, and film production, footwear, apparel, fragrances, liquor, video games, mobile apps, book publishing, headphones “which I own a pair” health drinks and dietary supplements. His broad business and investment portfolio contains investments in a variety of sectors including real estate, financial market investments, mining, boxing promotion, vodka which is good it’s called Effen Vodka it comes in different flavors, fragrances, consumer electronics and fashion.  He established his own record label G-Unit Records in 2003 following his mainstream success. In November 2003, he signed a five-year deal with Reebok to distribute a G-Unit Sneakers line for his G-Unit Clothing Company. In an interview regarding his vast business empire, Jackson says his businesses have a habit of doing well as he sees all of his ventures both past and present as revolving around his alter ego. Jackson has also started a book publishing imprint, G-Unit Books on January 4, 2007 at the Time Warner Building in New York. He has written a number of books including a memoir, From Pieces To Weight in 2005 where it sold 73,000 copies in hardcover and 14,000 copies in paperback; a crime novel and a book with Robert Greene titled The 50th Law, an urban take on The 48 Laws of Power. In November 2011, Jackson released 50 Cent’s Playground, a young adult fiction novel about a bullied, violent kid and his gay mom.

One of Jackson’s first business ventures was a partnership with Glacéau to create an enhanced water drink called Formula 50. In October 2004, Jackson became a beverage investor when he was given a minority share in the company in exchange for becoming a spokesperson after learning that he was a fan of the beverage. The health conscious Jackson noted that he first learned of the product while at a gym in Los Angeles, and stated that “they do such a good job making water taste good.” After becoming a minority shareholder and celebrity spokesperson, Jackson worked with the company to create a new grape flavored “Formula 50” variant of VitaminWater and mentioned the drinks in various songs and interviews. In 2007, Coca-Cola purchased Glacéau for $4.1 billion and, according to Forbes, Jackson, who was a minority shareholder, earned $100 million from the deal after taxes. e no longer has an equity stake in the company, Jackson continues to act as a spokesperson for Vitaminwater, enthusiastically supporting the product including singing about it at the BET Awards and expressing his excitement over the company’s continuing to allow his input on  products. He joined Right Guard to introduce a body spray (Pure 50 RGX)  50 Cent signed a multi-year deal with Steiner Sports to sell his memorabilia, and announced plans for a dietary-supplement company in conjunction with his film Spectacular Regret in August 2017. his career Jackson has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award, thirteen Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and four BET Awards. He has pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005), the Iraq War film Home of the Brave (2006) and Righteous Kill (2008). 50 Cent was ranked the sixth-best artist of the 2000s and the third-best rapper (behind Eminem and Nelly) by Billboard. Rolling Stone consider Get Rich or Die Tryin‘ and “In Da Club” to be in their lists of “100 Best albums of the 2000s” and “100 Best songs of the 2000s” at numbers 37 and 13.  50 Cent is a very down to earth person his performances are good. 50 Cent has a new album called G to the Street for 2017

Written by Jewels 78

Lets’ bring Hip Hop Back!

I recently attended an old school hip hop show at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. The line up was ban2016-08-16 14.46.14anas! Public Enemy, Stetsasonic, The Alumni, Lady of Rage, Three Times Dope, and Sam The Beast–with over 5,000 in attendance the crowd roared as they heard all of their favorite songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Stetsasonic was one of the first hip hop crews to use a live band. They delivered all our favourites such as “Sally,” “Just Say Stet” and “Talking All That Jazz.” They did not disappoint!!! Next, Phillies own Three Times Dope rocked the stage with “The Greatest Man Alive” and “Funky Dividends.” The Alumni, which consists of Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Dana Dane, Kwame and Monie Love killed it with all of our favorites from each artist. Lady of Rage best known for her collaborations with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog also an actress on Major television shows and movies is described as one of the most skillful Mc’s with her hard core lyrics. Sam The Beast who started off as a DJs transformed into a rapper drawing large crowds rivaling any artists from the 80’s an 90’s. Therefore gaining “Beast” title. Not to mention all the surprise guest and performances by Greg Nice, Schoolly D, Vivian Green and several DeeJays and last but not least street linePublic Enemy known for their politically charged music and criticism of theAmerican media with an active interest in the frustration and concerns of the African American community they gave the people what they wanted as Chuck D and Flava Flav took over the stage to end the night leaving us wanting more. This was a great night for Hip Hop! LET’S BRING HIP HOP BACK!!!

 street line Written by Iris Doveran