Tag: street line

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.

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!

street line

 

     

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.  street line
Thanks, Summer Stage!

Written by: Street Line

 

The BXtraordinary One: The Introduction of Alex Villafaña

Refreshing, ambitious, someone with actual talent, not the usual thing that you hear everywhere else and definitely an extraordinary one with a voice that represents hunger, wanting to succeed, but also being thankful and showing love to those he appreciates. Not forgetting where he comes from and where he is going. Alex Villafaña is a dope upcoming artist from the Highbridge section of The Bronx whose also a current Hostos Community College graduate. I personally had the honor of meeting this dude over a year ago when we were in the same Linguistics class. Of course, his image makes him noticeable and hard to ignore but with a voice over a fresh and polished hip hop/trap beat, Villafaña keeps your attention. The homie who you can definitely sit down and actually have a discussion with about hip hop, a Jay-Z or a Nas album two, he’s definitely what I would call, according to one of his songs, the “BXtraordinary” one. His mixtape “Looking For The Title” explains it all. It’s a body of work that’s about a young man whose trying to find his way and who is on his way to the top at the same time. Taking and learning from what life is giving to him, not forgetting where he comes from, using that to make him both a better person and artist. His latest single, which is a freestyle joint called “Nas Album Done”, is something just a little more dope though. So short, so simple but straight to the point. Love to witness dope talent from my hometown. More reminders that not all rap is wack, especially ones who can actually rap. To check out his music, his SoundCloud is Alex Villafana, add him on Facebook at Alex Villafaña and follow him on Instagram @villianhustle.

I GOT BARS. I GOT BARS. I GOT BARS.

This is a common phrase when it comes to rap. The terminology is a consice way of telling people I rap and I’m good at it. However the three words take on a life of their own when affiliated to Brute Camp. Brute Camp is a two member Hip Hop group comprised of NYC rappers Profit and  King Sleeps.
Prophit met King Sleeps in the Winter of 2005 at the Brooklyn Woods Workshop, at that point Brute Camp was formed. I GOT BARS became the mantra.

Profit is from Venezuela, raised as a kid in Colombia and moved to the United States in the summer of 1991 at the age of seven.  King Sleeps, Born in Brooklyn, NY into a musical household, Sleeps began developing his craft at the tender age of seven.

In the hip hop culture it is imperative to stand out and be noticed. This is true when it comes to Brute Camp. Their music weighs on the side of brash and in your face, with songs like Overrated and Shake and Twerk. The two members who are very much different on the surface combine to make a perfect match in music and business. Profit who is affectionately known as Proph takes standing out very personal. The start of the I GOT BARS apparel line with everything from Neck ties to T-shirts has been pushed by Proph and Sleeps.  There’s not a place Proph or Sleeps has been seen without thitm repping their brand. When asked How did the idea of I Got Bars come about? Proph answered ” The idea I Got Bars came about to make a point that listeners were not too interested in the lyrics or the message that a song had so we incorporated I got bars into clothing were audience could see what we were really are about.

Proph also states coming to  the USA in 1991was imperative for his families survival.  During them years, it was heavy poverty and a high crime rate percentage, Pablo Escobar era.

Both crew members agree it was a great idea to bring out I GOT BARS to the public eye. The rationalization is since people don’t want to hear it or know about it they will have to see it.  They go further and believe it brings a lot musicians together in different genres. I Got Bars apparal can be seen on the likes of celebrities such as Wyclef, swizz beats, Remy Ma, 50cent, Benzino, Joell Ortiz, Keith Murray, KRS One, Mc Lyte, Black Rob, Murda Mook, Fred the Godson, Producer illmind, Chris Rivers, Cory Gunz, Papoose, Charlie Clips, Cassidy and more.

Brute camp’s  drive comes from being lyricists and artists that enjoy story telling in a music form. The listener can hear the message and visualize what is being presented to them.

To shine light on their music, Brute Camp has numerous music videos, songs streaming on SoundCloud and other internet resources. In all fairness, their stamp I Got Bars is better known than the groups official name which is BRUTE CAMP. My job as a journalist and writer is to bring awareness and inform individuals of what they should be tuned in to. BRUTE CAMP. The music should be listened to for entertainment, lyrics and visual storytelling.

When you think of real Hip Hop think of BRUTE CAMP and know they Have Bars.
Follow them on IG @Brute_Camp

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

Barbecue Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

The weather is getting nice out as the summer approaches. This is my favorite time of the year. If you are anything like me than you love a good barbecue. There is nothing better than family and friends gathered around for some great food and a great time. There are some things that can are certainly inappropriate for barbecues and there are some things that will definitely go without saying.

The first rule of barbecue etiquette is do not come if you are not personally invited by the host. It does not matter if it is family or a close friend. If you were not invited stay home.

If you were invited that does not make you entitled to invite others with you. Ask permission from the host or hostess.

It is rude to show up at a cook out empty handed. You should always ask what can you bring. In the case that you are told you don’t need to bring anything bring something anyway. A bag of chips, soda, napkins, paper towels and paper plates are all things that you can never have to much of. Remember that anything that you contributed is to be left there when you leave. Please do not think about wrapping up a take home plate if you have not contributed to the barbecue.

It is not necessary to pile plates up with food that you are not going to finish. Please finish the beverage that you are already drinking instead of allowing it to get warm and then going to get another one.

Remember when you bring your children to a barbecue that they are your children. So not expect others attending to watch your children. There are so many ways that children can get hurt at a barbecue so parents please be aware.

With these bases covered we are officially ready to barbecue. Enjoy your summer.

Written by Regina Alston

AIDS WALK NYC 2017. WALKING FOR A CAUSE.

  On Sunday, May 21st in the heart of New York City’s  greatest landscape, Central Park, GMHC hosted it’s annual AIDS WALK. Every year for the past 17 years, GMHC has sponsored the NYC AIDS Walk. GMHC is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, they understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all.

My personal journey with HIV/AIDS started 25 years ago. At the age of 18 my Beloved mother Destiny Michelle Portier broke the news to our family that she was indeed infected with HIV. After the initial shock and all the tears were cried, the fact remained she was HIV Positive. My mother was 42 when diagnosed, we never knew how long she was infected before her actual diagnosis. For the next three years there were ups and downs in her health and emotional state, through it all I wondered why her, she was a great mother, provider and teacher. What did she do for God to punish her in this fashion? Note that My mother Michelle, stop using intravenous drugs 2 plus years prior to her diagnosis. It was a lot to handle as a 18 year old young man who basically was the man of the house with 4 minor children to look after. When she succumb to the illness which was documented on her death certificate as  Pneumocystis pneumonia, at the time I had no idea what it was or even how to pronounce it. Now, years later and better informed with NYS certification on HIV/AIDS I am now qualified to teach classes and groups about HIV health and prevention. I take solace in knowing because of my mother’s addiction and illness I learned and can help others who may be dealing with the virus and  I can educate people on what steps to take to keep from being infected.

The AIDS WALK has been established to help promote awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. It also assist with support and encouragement to those who are living with the disease as well as family members and friends of people who are infected. To date, over 100,000 New Yorkers have died from AIDS-related causes. HIV is the third leading cause of death forNYC residents ages 35 to 54. In NYC, 68% of new HIV diagnoses were among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group that has always been heavily affected by HIV/AIDSand remains at high risk.

  This year, the weather was perfect for a walk in the park. The sun was waving from above as the breeze wrapped around one like a blanket, it was a perfect combination. The diversity of individuals were wide and far. LGBTQ, heterosexuals and gender fluid individuals as well. The walk starting point was at the 59st and 5th avenue entrance of Central Park. The route stretched upwards to NYC’s famous section, Harlem and 110st. Participants then crossed from Lenox Avenue, Malcolm X BLVD to Riverside Drive and worked their way back to the 79 st entrance of Central Park.
There were performers stationed along the 6.2 miles that stretched the walk route. Singers, African Drummers, Modern Dancers, jazz bands and of course live DJs spinning feel good music to help the participants get through the walk.
That day was one of solidarity, everyone there may have been there for different reasons but everyone was there for the same cause. BRING AWARENESS & TO FIND A CURE.

The different teams were many, however it was a camaraderie amongst the walkers. There was personal teams such as The Dream Team, The Frederick Walkers, In memory of Destiny Michelle and many more as well as non profit organizations and what seemed to be a whole church congregation. As people walked in memory of or support of the sea of red was a beautiful sight for a beautiful cause. It is estimated the NYC AIDS WALK raised 3.6 million dollars. These funds go towards finding a cure, assisting people living with HIV/AIDS and a sleuth of other causes connected to HIV education and services.

I ask do not take this one day for granted, please continue to educate yourself and others about this illness that can be stopped if we are educated and protect ourselves. #safesex #sterileneedles
Written by Sugarhill Sky.
for all write ups, event coverage, reviews and interviews sugarhillsky13@gmail.com
#BEUNSTOPPABLE

THE PRISONER’S FAMILY

Being an inmate in a city jail, a state prison or a federal penitentiary is hell to any person that is confined in these trying circumstances. Prisoners are sometimes subjected to violence. They are made to eat less than desirable food. They work for very little pay. The inmates are disrespected by corrections officers. Prisoners are treated inhumane.

This is a sad situation for any human being to endure. What is worst than that is the strain that an incarceration can put on the prisoner’s family. It is like the family is being punished for the crime that their loved one committed.

The visiting process is enough to make any loved one feel violated. Being searched to enter a facility feels like a complete violation. Family members tend to feel degraded when we are asked to remove socks and shoes, shake out our bras and then wait until the loved one is produced which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Sometimes these visits can be as short as an hour. Exiting the facility and leaving your loved one behind is a very painful feeling.

Although inmates are allowed to communicate with loved ones by phone, mail and email the communication process is still not adequate. Inmates are at times restricted from using the phones. Loved ones of those incarcerated are in need of constant communication. The communication is what eases the fear that we have of the unknown.

Not only is having a loved one in prison emotionally draining, it is a financial burden. We have expenses and bills to pay. Now we are faced with depositing money into commissary accounts and sending off packages.

Still the realest victims are the children. Parents are missing precious moments and milestones. Although this is rough for an incarcerated parent it is even more painful for the child. Children suffer from feelings of fear, separation anxiety, loneliness and depression when a parent is incarcerated.

As adults we must be aware of our actions. We must be mindful that our actions affect other people. This is the world according to Regina.

Written: Regina Alston

MALE ROMPERS?

This entire week men rompers have been the hot topic. There has been talk on the news, memes on Facebook and conversations between total strangers.

Some people are not in favor of men wearing rompers. Their reason is because rompers are worn by women. It is even associated with homosexuality.

Rompers were originally donned by infants and small children but have been recently trending in the fashion world.

People please get a grip. Everyone possesses the freedom of choice. If a man decides to wear a romper please respect his decision. That does not make him gay or any less of a man. Judge not as you will be judged first.

This is the world according to Regina.

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