Tag: South Bronx

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!

The Ever Failing System

A considerable amount of American citizens live a life of poverty. Some are impoverished due to unemployment, some are disabled, others earn low wages. They are all impoverishment none the less. The American government created social service agencies to assist these vulnerable citizens in life or at least that is the claim.

In New York State The Department of Human Resource Administration is the agency that was appointed to assist low income families that are living in poverty. This is a system that is failing miserably. Let me explain further.

The ultimate goal of the Human Resource Administration is to provide temporary assistance to needy citizens of New York State. This hardly ever happens. Instead HRA creates dependency for some.

The Back To Work program is inadequate! The program does work for some but the reality is that very few public assistance recipients find work while attending the Back To Work program. In my opinion the purpose of the Back To Work Program is to justify the modern day slavery that is called the Work Experience Program or WEP.

The Work Experience Program does not benefit the public assistance recipient. In fact the recipient skills, qualifications, certifications and interest are never evaluated when issuing these WEP assignments. A computer randomly picks an assignment in a location that is not more than an hour away in traveling time.

When a public assistance recipients is fortunate enough to obtain employment they are deterred. The Human Resource Administration makes returning to work inconvenient. A person who is recently employed must now take days off from work to respond to mandatory appointments. If this is not enough child care sometimes lapse for working parents because someone neglected to file the paperwork properly. Even worse than that a working person can have issues with housing due to departmental errors.

This is bureaucracy intended to keep the impoverished depended on a failing system.

Written by: Regina Alston

Bronx Festival 2017

For the first time ever, I had the opportunity to witness my very first experience at the Bronx Festival this year at Mosholu Parkway. I walked around and saw lots of people of course, bought me a really dope hip hop t-shirt in honor of one of my favorites hip hop artists, who I ended up actually seeing live and met later in the day, saw the parade and enjoyed some really dope performances too. Celebrating hip hop culture mostly with performances from Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick and a bunch of other performances by really dope talented people. The best part about it all was meeting and interviewing the very cool and humble Bronx borough president himself Ruben Diaz, Jr. This man is actually someone who I admire for not only his great personality but the way people loved and respected him and how connected he is with the people of all backgrounds. He actually interacted with the people, took some pictures, shook hands, shared hugs, and danced and had a good time with us too. Not a stuck up person at all. His vibe is extremely positive; you can’t help but to respect him. The parade is where I first saw all those different types of backgrounds and cultures. So many different looks, languages, music, the food, everything. Even with all the different schools and programs, seeing all the little kids with their families and loved ones and all kinds of other stuff, it was all positive stuff. Such an amazing day with lots of fun, culture and love. No fights, no arguments, no altercations, no drama, even the security and cops were laughing and enjoying their time too. This Bronx Festival only proved how positive the borough is as a unit. Everybody there were mostly born and/or raised here in The Bronx and we all came together from different areas in the borough. It shuts down all of the negative stereotypes and false pretenses that people make up about the borough that I hear about a lot, it can be annoying but this festival proved otherwise and I’m just very happy and glad I got the opportunity to be a part of it. As the saying goes, like KRS-One once said, “The Bronx keeps creating it.” This one’s for The Bronx. This one’s for hip hop, the people, the incredible Bronx borough president Mr. Ruben Diaz, Jr. Thank you sir! Peace and Love!

The Life and Celebration of DJ Scott La Rock

Yesterday on May 19th, 2017, the legendary DJ Scott La Rock finally gets his dedication and respects right here in The Bronx. Right on Kingsbridge Road, which is way Uptown on the 4 train, there was a street name celebration for the legend himself. DJ Scott La Rock was part of one of hip hop’s dopest crews who goes by the name Boogie Down Productions. Boogie Down Productions had its members The Teacha himself, the Blastmaster KRS-One and another DJ, who is also doing photography as well today, named D-Nice. 30 years ago, back in March, the group’s debut album “Criminal Minded” was released and five months after its release, Scott La Rock was tragically killed which changed everything within the group. KRS-One eventually went solo and even started going by “The Teacha.” BDP’s debut album not only had the combination sounds of both hip hop and reggae music but the album touched on subjects about the conflict of Where hip hop first derived from in the 80’s, which is where the classics “South Bronx” and “The Bridge Is Over” talks about. Being at that celebration was just something that was definitely an iconic moment for me just like so many other moments in my life. It was also something that made me proud of being from The Bronx. Made me proud as a hip hoppa. Even though I’m not from that particular area in The Bronx, it’s still something that was well overdue for the fallen legend. So nice to see fans, his family and other hip hop legends like Kool DJ Red Alert again, hip hop’s very own first MC Coke La Rock, Jazzy Jay, who is incredible on the turntables, and later on Popmaster Fabel, who is a dope pop locker and dancer. Hip hop is definitely deserving of so many things and more. I’m just happy I’m alive to have these experiences instead of the ones when it All first happened long ago.

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 Queens, Ny. 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

Criminal Minded: The 30th Anniversary!

This past week has been an incredible one for hip hop and especially those who are from the Bronx, the birthplace. It makes me proud to be from The Bronx this time around, even though I’m always proud, regardless of the ignorant and asinine comments made about my borough daily. This past week, Swizz Beatz went live to reveal an unreleased joint during a DJ battle with Just Blaze that made the entire hip hop community go bonkers and Remy Ma rips Nicki Minaj apart with her diss track “ShEther.” There was definitely a lot of talk about whose the better MC between the two ladies and of course, non hip hop fans jumping in discussions just to defend Nicki by throwing out information about her sales and income when we all know that traditionally in hip hop, it’s the skills on the mic that matters, not the sales and awards, but it was definitely another interesting The Bronx vs. Queens battle, which reminds me of KRS-One and MC Shan. Now speaking of KRS-One, yesterday was the birthday of the late great DJ Scott LaRock and today, “Criminal Minded” turns 30. On March 3rd, 1987, KRS-One and DJ Scott LaRock aka Boogie Down Productions released “Criminal Minded.” A 10 track album that’s definitely one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time. I usually critique each song on the album when it comes to celebrating its anniversary but for this one, It’s one powerful album for just 10 songs. In classic hip hop, KRS-One fashion, what The Teacha himself is known for, he delivers with such knowledge and wisdom. Teaching the listeners a thing or two about politics and such. At the same time, the two classic bangers, “South Bronx”, which is my personal theme song, and “The Bridge Is Over” are both responses to the MC Shan battle during that time and it shows how an aggressive KRS-One gets on the mic. Like he says, never battle him cause he’s number one! This album is definitely a top 5 for me personally. Not just because it’s KRS-One but because it’s an album that’s actually a banger from beginning to end and what I consider to be an early blueprint or “the guide to being an MC” for a lot of dope and talented rappers in the game, both old and young. I guess this is my way of paying homage to KRS-One and Scott LaRock but mostly to Scott. Definitely a late great whose time was cut short unfortunately but is still respected and loved today and peace to The Teacha. 30 years, BX we here!

Live At the BHMC: Bronx Rising!

True hip hop events that celebrate hip hop culture always makes me feel at home. These events make me feel like my world is complete and that I don’t need anything or anybody else. Hip hop events here in the Bronx makes me feel like there is hope for a better life with my own people, both my African and Hispanic people. There’s a sense of community, love, peace, prosperity, understanding, respect, we have fun together, we laugh, we shake hands, we hug, we meet each other and make new friends, we take pictures and that’s what the true spirit of hip hop is all about. After having a bad week, last night I attended this dope hip hop event on Louis Nine Boulevard with a couple of hip hop legends who poked their head in and hung out for a while and left but I was especially excited when Brand Nubian’s own Sadat X stepped foot in the place to be. The place was nicely redecorated of hip hop decor with pictures up and framed from the legendary “Tools of War” events, celebrating 14 years and of course dope graffiti artwork on the wall. People travel from far to be in the Bronx for these events so you know it’s real. Of course my boy RodStarz of Rebel Diaz was hosting, my boy DJ Illanoiz and the incredibly dope new DJ who blew me away, goes by the name of DJ Perly was blessing us with the dope music. Man, she was cutting and scratching and mixing and blending like it was nobody’s business. She spun some really dope classics including Run-D.M.C.’s “Peter Piper.” Before Sadat X hit the stage, I noticed Coke La Rock was there, hip hop’s very first MC, Debbie D from Beat Street, Popmaster Fabel, and DJ Jazzy Jay was there too. We were also blessed with incredible talent from Boca Floja and Flo Kennedy, she was my favorite and then Sadat X hits the stage. Not only does he performs some Brand Nubian classics but he shares his stories of what life was like growing up here in the Bronx. Stories of who taught him who he was and what it meant to be Black. It was truly inspiring, some more inspiration and reminder of being from the Bronx. The night ended with a cypher, meet and greets, and pictures were taken and in true nature, of course, me and a couple of my peeps hit up the chicken spot, up the street on the corner and shared a few laughs. Man, oh man, what a good ass night. Another dope hip hop memory for the books for me. Truly amazing.

Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone!

Lawrence Parker aka KRS-One aka “The Teacha.” A man with both the knowledge and wisdom with the rhymes that grab your attention about politics and self righteousness. A man who can sometimes say things that most don’t agree with but his intentions are good. A man from the South Bronx who began with DJ Scott LaRock and DJ D-Nice also known as Boogie Down Productions. KRS demands so much respect both on and off the stage. He teaches others what the true purpose of hip hop is really about and that’s one thing I can truly admire about this man. His words are both powerful and strong with an attitude that makes you want to sit down, listen and learn. Through hip hop, KRS is just like Public Enemy or the X-Clan when it comes to politics but can also be just like Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J or Rakim and could spit those heavy rhymes over those hard bass tracks with a bit of bragging by saying that he’s # 1! One of the most important rules written in hip hop history, you NEVER battle KRS-One and that’s a fact, jack. My all time favorite cuts from KRS include “I’m Still # 1”, “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know”, “My Philosophy”, “Sound of Da Police”, and my personal hip hop anthem, BDP’s “South Bronx.” KRS is definitely a hip hop icon for me because he’s everything that hip hop represents and everything that I wanna be. To be able to say that I’m from the South Bronx also makes me proud and I always say that. I should be quoted by now. LOL! Happy Birthday to the Teacha and rest in peace DJ Scott LaRock.

Netflix Original Series Presents: The Get Down

Today, Netflix releases a new hip hop original series called “The Get Down.” It’s about a bunch of talented people in the South Bronx during the 70’s who wanna make history and chase their dreams in music. Now y’all know I’m definitely tuning in for this one. I’m just finally glad that they’re doing something like this, coming out with a hip hop story that actually takes place in the birthplace. I always had an issue with these television networks putting out hip hop related shows or movies that take place in Brooklyn, no diss to BK but we all know that hip hop started in the Bronx and it would make more sense if these shows and movies had a setting that took place here in the Bronx. Well anyways, I’ll be home all day today just kicking back, relaxing and enjoying this series. To all hip hop lovers with a Netflix account, go watch and support this series. They’re finally paying attention to us and The Bronx. Makes me feel proud once again.