Tag: South Bronx

Double Dutch Extravaganza at School I.S. 219: A Thrilling Tournament Unveiled

On Saturday, November 18th In the heart of the South Bronx In a celebration of athleticism, precision, and team spirit, Headed by Jamal Turner and State Rep. Erica Martin. School I.S. 219 AKA X148 Charles Drew Education Campus hosted its much-anticipated Double Dutch Tournament. Set to unfold in the heart of the school’s vibrant community, this event promised to showcase the incredible talent and skills of participating students ranging from places like Connecticut, Washington D.C to Boston Massachusetts to our neighbors in Newark, Jersey City in New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Albany as well as parents, spectators, devoted double dutch enthusiasts and the community as a whole. Students have been diligently practicing their routines, mastering intricate footwork and synchronized jumps, in preparation for this exhilarating competition.

As teams from different grades and backgrounds come together, the Double Dutch Tournament becomes a melting pot of diversity, fostering unity and collaboration. Beyond the ropes, the event serves as a platform for students to showcase their dedication, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of sportsmanship. The entire school community was ready to cheer on the grades from kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade. As they weaved through the ropes with grace and precision, transforming the gymnasium into a stage for the dazzling athleticism of School I.S. 219’s Double Dutch competition. The kids were given a fantastic viewing from one of the founding members of the Fantastic Four.

History shows us that the sport has roots that date back to 1973, where dutch settlers bought the sport to New Amsterdam now New York. The sport is played with two long jump ropes swung in opposite directions so that they cross each other.

Throughout the evening the cheers from the audience and other participants raved and cheered supporting each and every individual that participated. Resulting in an event that bought on the hard work of the participants and left everyone a winner. Handing out Trophy’s, ribbons and certificates. On their downtime participants and coaches were seen free styling and supporting their students with flashy moves and delivering an all around spectacle. An event the South Bronx was proud to host and looks forward to hosting many more and supporting the obvious comeback of the competitive sport of Double Dutch.

Written By Don Anthony.

Director Vera Edwards honored with Citation

Vera Edwards (March 4, 1966) is an American director, screenwriter, producer, and actor. Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York City, Edwards began her career as an author and then graduated to write, direct, and produce television shows on a cable channel called Bronxnet. The show was titled “Street Line.” It was an entertainment show that not only showed what was happening in the streets, but showed celebrities as well as up-and-coming artists, dance, hip-hop, businesses, current events, and politics. The show revolutionized the urban community. In 2009, Edwards and her son Ricardo Cordero (director of photography) received several Beta Awards for their contributions to television.

In 2011 Edwards published her first book titled “BAND OF GOLD,” which was written by Vera Edwards herself. This was the start of her writing career which jumped started her in the direction of making movies.

One of the first female independent multimedia film director and producer in the Bronx, Edwards has captured the essence of urban life by utilizing members of the community by taking real-life experience and turning it into art. She has become a true pioneer in hip-hop culture and urban day living.

Edwards wrote, produced, and directed with her son Ricardo Cordero her first underground independent feature film, Chicken (2013); The film was an urban drama. The entire cast was first-time actors. The film received worldwide praise from parents, children, teens, and several educational institutions ranging from different fields of study that implemented different story elements into their own syllabuses. It was a scripted reality show at its finest. Chicken showcased unfortunate realism that many individuals face in urban communities even to this day. The movie Chicken sold-out not only at the theaters but also sold out as DVDs in stores. It became one of the most sought out underground urban movies till this day.

Her second film was a romantic love story titled “Waiting for 4 Mr. Wright” (2015), which won a Bronxnet Beta Award. It too had first-time actors, Anabel Castillo, and Hip-Hop artist, Mighty Mike C (Michael Clee), from the legendary hip-hop group, The Fearless 4. The film received a standing ovation which was played at the iconic Mist Theater in Harlem, New York; It also was a DVD hit.

This was followed in 2015 by Edwards’s first novella “Perate,” a movie drama that starred Artie Cordel and hip-hop legend Wilfredo “Tito” Dones, of the legendary group The Fearless 4. It was a challenge for Edwards to write and produce the life of a Hispanic dysfunctional family. Her daughter Bobbi Cordero(writer) helped create the movie, which won Edwards another Beta Award. The movie Perate also played in the iconic Mist Theater in Harlem, New York City.

In 2015-2018, Edwards directed her first web series that started out as a small pitch that led to a bigger series of its own name and a powerful relationship drama, “Rodent,” starring Seven and Antoinette “Toni Styles” Vereen. This was a drama that identified with personal relationships amongst friends and family. The web series had twists and turns. Rodent was in high demand on the internet but ended abruptly because of ‘unsettling’ events created only amongst actors based off their newfound popularity that was developed from the success of the Rodent series.

In 2016, Edwards produced and directed “PPRESSED,” based on the everyday life of battle rappers. The movie starred Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton and Michael Deering (Mikey D) from the legendary group, “Main Source.” Since its success and debut, it has become the anthem and blueprint of videography used in today’s hip-hop rap culture within television and feature digital movie format.

Edwards wrote, produced, and directed “A Teenage Story” (2020) starring LA Sunshine (Lamar Hill), from the legendary group The Treacherous 3, DJ and creator of scratch, Grandwizard Theodore (Theodore Livingston), Stevie D (Stevie Lundy), from the legendary Force Mds and first-time actor Justin Hines. The movie was shot during the COVID pandemic and was set for the theaters, but due to the worldwide COVID restriction lock-downs, the 1:49-minute movie was released on YouTube and generated over 800,000 views.

When asked in a recent interview on the podcast “SHO-TIME TV PODCAST,” the interviewer asked Edwards “How were you able to create so many hit movies in such a short time,” Edwards replied” I couldn’t have done it without my son Ricardo Cordero. He is an excellent cameraman. He and I work great together, I know him, and he knows me. He knows my vision. I leave all the camera work to him, and he makes it happen. I think he is the best director of photography I know. To be able to create and share time as a mother and son is priceless. I enjoy those moments”.

On March 26, 2023, Edwards was honored with a Citation by Senator Cordell Cleare for her work with the community as a Film director.

Capital Punishment: The 20th Anniversary

If you’re a true Bronx native, you see this man all the time on the classic mural on the corner of 163rd Street and Intervale Avenue across the street from White Castle. On top of the mural is the sentence that sums up this man’s legacy in hip hop and in The Bronx. Known as the first Latin artist to go platinum is a definitive spot in the “GOAT” discussions with the homies in the barbershop but of course the lyrical ability and word play is also a conversation topic as well. Christopher Rios aka Big Pun released his debut album “Capital Punishment” on April 28th, 1998. Pun started off in a underground hip hop group called “Full-A-Clips” with the name Big Moon Dawg and then later on became Big Punisher. After meeting another fellow Bronx native, already known artist named Fat Joe, in 1995, he appeared on the track “Watch Out.” He also appeared on The Beatnut’s “Off The Books”, which was a success. Then comes the debut single “I’m Not a Player” with the O’Jay’s sample which was an underground success and then a remixed version came along, featuring the singer Joe, which became Pun’s debut successful single and took him to another level. On April 28th, 1998, Pun then released his debut album which went #5 on the Billboard charts and then eventually making Pun the first Latin artist to go Platinum. Pun then became a part of the infamous Terror Squad and then he tragically died due to a weight problem. Still one of the greatest to ever touch a mic, Big Pun’s legacy will always remain.

Real Precyse

Real Precyse is a Producer and DJ from the Boston, M.A. region who focuses on Trap & EDM, but has skill sets in many other genres. With a vast Hip Hop background Precyse has managed to cultivate a unique edge on expanding his imagination whilst honing desires to become a staple in the industry by having his own unique approach. One of Precyse’s favorite quotes details the synapses and mindset he maintains. “Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness” – Eric Thomas.

Sho-Time

Karine Sho-Time Thornton was born in the Bronx, the home of Hip Hop music where tradition and culture was born. Sho-Time always had a passion for art, he went to the high school of Art & Design studying architecture and Animation. He discovered he had a passion for creating music. Most of his early recordings were produced by Tron on the Beat. In the process of establishing himself and his brand, Sho-Time added media and film to his resume, uploading video’s with today’s up and coming and mainstream artists. This was the birth of Sho-Timetv, which was established as a media outlet in 2010. Sho-Time has worked with companies such as Def Jam, Sony, Universal recording and many more, Sho-Time interviewed the cast of the hit show on the OWN Network, The Have and Have Nots and Love Thy Neighbor by Tyler Perry. Sho-Time has been featured on many radio stations across the country. Sho-Time has worked with sites such as Urltv, Vladtv, WorldStarHipHop.com, WhatsHotinHipHop.com and many more. Sho-Time has hosted and judged countless showcases and concerts across the board. One thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Sho-time is his work ethic and drive. People always say this man is every where and by the looks of things, he is not slowing down. Sho-Time is a plethora of gifts and talents but the best of all these things is his passion, the passion you see in everything that he does, that is why he is successful. Sho-Time inspires others who are close to him. I have had the privilege of knowing him and can say he can change lives with the examples and determination he puts forth on every project in public and personal life…. 

RODENT THE URBAN SOAP OPERA

Rodent: Episode One; The Introduction of Characters

If you have had the time to watch Rodent the Urban Soap Opera you are familiar with what is going on. If you have not watched it by now I will make you familiar with the plot of the show. Episode one is the introduction of characters. You will meet all of the people featured in that episode and learn a little about their story.

Felix, Niles, and Thornton are long time friends. Actually, they are more like brothers. Thornton and Niles come to rescue Felix from the sidewalk where he is waiting with his black garbage bags after his wife Farrah put him out. Tired of his social media adultery Farrah decides that it is time for her husband of twenty years to go.

Farrah loves Felix with all of her heart. It is evident when she approaches a young lady that he has been making conversation with her husband inside of his social media inbox. Still Felix manages to win his wife back despite the advice of her friends Michelle, Sasha and Krystal.

Then there is Drew. Drew is a father of multiple children. He is the oldest of Pop’s children. He has siblings, a set of twins, that he uses and manipulates to his convenience. Drew is irresponsible with no job. He is constantly soliciting funds from his family to support his children. His brother Khris is a model with a bright future ahead of him. His sister Khris wants to be down with the boys. She goes to hang out with her brother Drew and wakes up in a very compromised situation.

Lola Hammer is Thornton’s wife. She is beautiful, and has no area with playing nice with other women while inviting them into the bed that she shares with her husband. Things go south when she wants to play with one of her husband’s business partners Jose Rodriguez. She is caught rendezvousing with him while her husband is supposed to be out of town on business.

Vanessa is in love with Thornton Hammer. Her obsession with him has become really bad. So bad in fact, that she decides to kidnap him and take him home. She will stop at no length to be with the apple of her eye. Even if it involves felonious capers.

While this is going on seventeen-year-old Porsha is in a new relationship with a recent graduate from her high school named Shane. Ebonie, Porsha’s mom disapproves of the relationship. She and Porsha share a love/hate relationship. Ebonie will go to the extreme to prove to her daughter that Shane is not the man for her. She even goes as far as sleeping with her daughter’s boyfriend to prove her point.

Episode one of Rodent the Urban Soap Opera is filled with nothing but drama. You will ooh and ahh from the beginning until the end. Make sure you use the bathroom and have everything that you need within arm’s reach. You will be stuck and unable to move until the show ends.

Written By: Regina Alston

click the link to watch episode 1 below.

Written By:

Regina Alston

Release Some Tension: The 20th Anniversary

After two successful albums, SWV returns right away with a third album that was completely different. Their 1992 debut album “It’s About Time” showcased them as the “around the way” girls with the golden voices bopping their heads and dancing in baggy clothes with long nails from The Bronx and Brooklyn. Their sound was new jack swing and heavy New York hip hop boombap with a combination of their soothing and beautiful voices on a love song with a little bit of rapping and playfulness that represented how strong their bond was as sisters who have finally made it out the hood. Four years later, their 1996 sophomore album “New Beginning” was a more softer side of the group. Way more ballads and left their home girl looks for the more feminine look in high heels and fur coats and then a year later, right after, on August 13th, 1997, the group released their third album “Release Some Tension.” This album was more of a combination of the two previous albums before because there are both hip hop vibes and love ballads at the same time. The only difference is that this album had way more collaborations and features than the other two. All of the guest appearances were hip hop. Diddy, Foxy Brown, Redman, Lil’ Cease, Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, E-40 and Snoop Dogg all appeared on the album. All of the singles released were a hit and definitely a banger, the entire album is a masterpiece to me personally. “Can We” originally appears on the soundtrack to the “Booty Call” movie starring Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson, Tamala Jones and Vivica Fox. “Someone” features a small rap from Diddy and is sampled from Biggie’s “10 Crack Commandments.” “Lose My Cool” is a very cool song featuring Redman. It’s funny because he sings along towards the end of the song which gave it a more “homey” feel to the track and of course Redman is being himself and could do no wrong and the final single “Rain” balances the album’s singles out with a slow ballad. The music video guest stars Tyrese. Besides the singles, the title track song and “When U Cry” are my top favorites on the album. It’s a classic that’s under appreciated to me. It holds a special place to me when it comes to girl group albums because I grew up on it so I know the album very well. It’s an album I grew up hearing all the time. 20 years later, I still appreciate this album like I did as a kid. Very nostalgic, takes me back to when I was 3. Happy to be here to see this joint turn 20 and to see Coko, Lelee and Taj still doing their thing. They’re a legendary girl group, a top 5 girl group for me personally.

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!!!!”

 

The Love of My Life: An Ode to Hip Hop

Dear Hip Hop,

I was 17 years old, it was the beginning of my senior year in high school. At that time I was young, naive, afraid, a coward, very insecure, I had no sense of direction or understanding, I was in the darkest place of my life and I was going through a lot of shit, fighting every single day to get to a new place, trying to figure out who I was. The only thing that got me through those tough times was music. I grew up on music, I breathed, walked, talked, ate, and slept music, that’s all I know more than anything else. I was a heavy music fan and lover, especially hip hop and R&B. During the beginning of my senior year, a very close friend of mine introduced me to a place I never knew existed. This place was a place filled with MC’s, not rappers, MC’s/poets, DJ’s, breakdancers, producers and graffiti artists, this was a place that had the perfect hip hop scene. Noticed how I said MC’s and not “rappers” is because they actually tore the place down with their incredible talent and had so much control and respect on the mic. At this time, I started getting to know everyone and everyone was cool and amazingly talented. I had been exposed to hip hop growing up but this was it for me, this sealed the deal for me. That’s when I finally understood what hip hop culture was all about. It was about unity, having fun, being peaceful, conscious, expressing your experiences and stories through art in order to reach a certain audience that reflected our environment and it definitely started to leave a huge influence on me and it showed in my attitude and my appearance. I can’t forget to mention that this place I was introduced to was an underground, low key spot here in the South Bronx on East 149th Street right around the corner from White Castle before they got rid of it. Ever since then, hip hop took a huge effect and toll on me. I started to dress differently, my mindset is different, my outlook on life is different and slowly but surely my life is beginning to change and get better, I was seeing the light. I went from the R&B Ne-Yo and Bruno Mars look in argyle sweater vests and Prada shoes to the Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Run-D.M.C., Kid N’ Play, Wu-Tang Clan look with the high top fade, Doc Marten boots, overalls, gold rope chain, baggy jeans and hoodies and Timberland boots. Everything about me was different, my look, my walk, talk, style, attitude and I was getting stopped in the middle of the street getting complimented and respected for it. Fast forward to now in 2017, I’m 23 years old, I know exactly who I am and where I’m going and I definitely can’t forget where I come from. Being from the South Bronx, I feel it is my responsibility to keep this culture alive but that sounds “old”, “not relevant”, “corny” and “stuck in the old days” to those who don’t care about this culture or understand it. Thank you DJ Kool Herc for creating the greatest soundtrack of my life. Thank you Run-D.M.C. for teaching me how to rock a fresh pair of Adidas, thank you Big Daddy Kane for teaching me how not to be a half stepper and to have a high top whose rule, thank you LL for teaching me how to appreciate our “around-the-way” girls and not to call them out their names for having long nails, extensions in their hair, and bamboo earrings with at least 2 pair, thank you A Tribe Called Quest for teaching me self righteousness and teaching me that I can definitely “kick it” too, thank you Kid N’ Play for teaching me what a real house party looks like, and thank you Mary J. Blige for giving us R&B singers a place in the hip hop community. We may not have a dope rhyme to spit but we are just as down too. Hip hop may not be the same and it’s always gonna evolve and Black music is Black music and it’s all good but everyday I try not to get too salty about her hanging out with the Trappers……. *Shrugs* Thank you hip hop for being the love of my life. Peace and One Love.

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.