Hip Hop Film Festival 2016 🏆

I’m still completely amazed and lost for words about the hip hop film festival that took place in Harlem at the National Black Theatre yesterday. So many people were there, so many things I’ve heard and learned and so much has happened to the point where it’s almost a blur and a rush. It felt like I blinked my eyes once and I was there and blink again2016-08-07 17.56.37, I was back at home in the Bronx. It felt like a Cinderella story except a hip hop version where I was home all the time with ambitions and crazy big dreams of doing things for the hip hop community and when I finally got that chance too, I was decked out in the flyest b-boy, 80’s hip hop gear and then BOOM, I’m back home, it never happened. The part about the location sounds like I’m just repeating myself after doing interviews with people yesterday too. LOL! So I get there and automatically fell in love with the place street linebecause of it’s hip hop aura, vibe and spirit. It was almost like being backstage at the years biggest hip hop awards and I was V.I.P. I continue to scope out the place and get used to it more and I was completely scared and nervous but I played it off. The very first person I interviewed was the lovely Ms. Dedra Tate. I don’t really remember everyone’s position there at the film festival because everything happened so fast but she knew it was my first time, she knew I was a little nervous and she made me feel really comfortable. I also interviewed another nice lady whose name I forgot and then Ms. Lisa Cortes, she’s the woman behind movies like “Precious.” She also made me feel comfortable and she even gave me advice about how to interview people. I felt loved, I felt like everyone was planting these seeds in me that would eventually make me as big as them someday. I felt important to be in a space about my true love, HIP HOP. Then there are the panels. The panels are when they discuss all types of projects like movies and documentaries and the people who were involved tell us the people who are there what they’re experiences was like and how did their ideas come about to making these things happen. street linePeople like filmmakers, actors, Ralph McDaniels, Do It All Du from the legendary hip hop group Lords of the Underground, and even Monifah was there as a surprise for one panel. Out of all the people I met, I was mostly excited about Monifah and Ralph McDaniels because I grew on Monifah’s music, especially her first two albums, the classic “Moods… Moments” in 1996 and her sophomore album in 1998, “Mo’hogany.” I just remember my mom playing her songs “You”, “You Don’t Have to Love Me”, and my all time favorite “It’s Alright” but I always bothered my sister with the song “Peaches & Cream” from her underrated 2000 album “Home.” Before I could meet 2016-08-07 17.57.27Ralph McDaniels for the second time, he was already gone. I wasn’t upset about it because I knew for sure I was gonna come across this man again sometime. I almost forgot to mention that I met the lovely MC Debbie D from the “Beat Street” movie, one of my all time favorite movies. After being underneath that freezing cold air conditioner all day, had a good bite to eat at Applebee’s and then went back home. I originally went to meet the legendary Roxanne Shanté but I went home, I was tired. To have an experience like this makes me even more and more appreciative about hip hop and it also made me open my eyes to the fact that hip hop comes in many different forms, not that I didn’t know that already but still. There’s conscious rap, party/happy rap, trap rap, there’s ratchet stuff too and I realize that even though certain types of rap music is not for me, it’s something that others appreciate and we can’t talk down on others for liking what they like. After all, hip hop is about having fun but it’s also a political statement, a Scarface movie and a ratchet thing too.

Written by Jay- Dogs

street line

 

People Power Movement ✊🏾

Yesterday I was introduced to something that was extremely inspiring, very positive and very uplifting as well. Reminds me of the “Stop the Violence” march that I participated in last month only this time, it was only a few of us and these were the same people I met at the march through a mutual friend. I was introduced to the People Power Movement. The People Power Movement is a movement that’s all for the African American and Hispanic/Latin communities. It’s an organization that’s all about anti-racism, anti-sexist, and pro-poor. They are a working class political organization who educate and are for more positive things and changes. Yesterday, I was uptown on the 4 train line on Kingsbridge with my new friend Damian, whose part of the People Power Movement, and a couple of others as well where we were walking up and down the neighborhood basically asking people who are from that area questions about their experiences living in the neighborhood and what they do and don’t like about the neighborhood and what they think should be changed and/or needs to be different. The stories that I’ve heard yesterday almost made me tuck in my gold rope chain because of the horror that people faced in their lives and how they ended up living in The Bronx on Kingsbridge and what it was like living there. One guy who only lived in Kingsbridge for 6 months got car jacked, ONLY 6 months. I was shocked about that mostly because I’ve lived in The Bronx my entire life and have never experienced nothing like that but of course I definitely know that it’s nothing new. Another guy from Ghana who owns an African mart business was telling us about his country and what life was like living in The Bronx but I don’t remember all of the details as I was drifting in and out of the discussion in disbelief. After that, me, Damian and the others basically spent the rest of the day just chillin’ in St. James Park talking about their next moves, new goals, accomplishments and planning on future meetings and events and stuff. I was told that I will be involved more because I made it clear that I was definitely down to join and to be a part of the movement. We all grabbed a bite to eat and then took the 4 back home. There’s just something about movements like these that make me feel so powerful and enlightened. To know that I can be a part of something that can help towards making positive changes in our communities. Definitely can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

written by Jay-DoggzStreet Line

Orlando’s ‘Anti-Mall’ is Orlando’s Best Mall

 

In Orlando, there is a place where dreams come to fruition and become actual crafts. No, it isn’t your kid’s camp: it’s Artegon.

Artegon is a collection of artisanal stores where one can experience both zip lining and glass blowstreet lineing under the same roof.  Here, where artists can display their art or quirky crafts under their own store fronts, there appears to be a lot of freedom as to what sellers decide to sell. From drawings to hand-crafted soaps, Artegon offers a variety of items that you will not find in your average mall.  There were stores dedicated to boomerangs, hammocks, and even jerky (all three separate stores!)!  While wandering, I even stumbled upon a temporary but cool high school art exhibit.

At the entrance of Artegon lays a maze of ropes overhead.  Both children and adults are welcome to trapeze through the air (attached by harness, of course).  Zip lining and even a mini free fall is included in a very affordable package of under $30 per person. You can stay on the ropes for as long as you want and even scaredy cats will be encouraged by their fellow rope climbers. 

For food, I walked past a frozen yogurt place, a pizza place, and a Fuddruckers.  Each offered gluten free options (which I can truly appreciate). I decided on Fuddruckers myself and had a delicious gluten-free bison burger with onions.street line

Unable to complete this journey in one day, I made sure to visit Artegon’s comic book shop Gods and Monsters on another evening. It so happened to be an evening dedicated to Pokémon Go Pokemon hustreet line nting (the store is home to a Pokéstop and a Pokémon gym). The Pokestop had an ongoing lure that certainly baited customers inside. Gods and Monsters is one of the largest spaces I have ever seen dedicated to a comic book shop. This comic book shop, unlike many I have gone to in New York, even offered a lounge with alcoholic beverages. While your mileage may vary, my own experience was not entirely positive as the bartender appeared rather overwhelmed and kept forgetting my order along with my neighbor’s. A tiny bit of research revealed that the shop is relatively new, which may explain some lacking memorabilia or unique offeriyy2ngs.  Overall though, it was a positive experience and cannot wait to return to see some growth Artegon apparently has existed for a few years now and seems to be moderately popular, despite the dozens of outlet malls littering the area. With some hope, its hipster atmosphere could attract more millennials and hipsters and spread more similar malls along the East Coast. Otherwise the next time I am in Orlando, I will ensure I set aside an entire day to spend in Artegon!

Written by Fantasia Cordero

fantasia cordero

Tools of War 2016

street line This years “Tools of War” events that took place in my neighborhood in Crotona    Park were really on another level to me compared to last year’s that I went to. For   those who don’t know what “Tools of War” is, it’s a hip hop park jam event where people from all over New York or the world come to enjoy good music, including classic hip hop, soul music, funk music and even house music, the kinda house music they played at hip hop parties back in the 1970’s and 80’s. A lot of people always come to these events because it gives people a sense of nostalgia and it’s a lot of fun. For me, being at “Tools of War” is like living a world like it’s the 70’s, 80’s again, sometimes the 90’s, depending on the DJ. So many people in the community come together with their chairs, water bottles and drinks and they sit or stand up to dance along to the music, people come through their freshest hip hop gear on like Kangol hats, Adidas, Pumas, Nikes, Reeboks, Clarks, gold rope chains, or anything that’s fashionable in hip hop. Breakdancers from all over New York or the world come through to show off their skills and hype up each other with their fresh gear too. There are camera men everywhere taking pics of the event of everything that’s going on including the people with their fresh gear on and dancing and having a good time and then handing out flyers to help promote themselves, just in case anyone wants to hire them for events. Grandmaster Caz, whose a hip hop legend, MC’s the event, he’s selling hip hop t-shirts, he’s calling out the raffle ticket winners at the end of the event and gives out prizes to the winners while his grandson Cazmere walks around the park handing out prizes and collecting the tickets. Then there’s the very nice and cool Christine Z-Pabon. Christine is the wife of legendary hip hop breakdancer, b-boy and master pop locker, Popmaster Fabel. She walks around the park making sure things are alright, handling business, and I believe she helps to make “Tools of War” happen. I actually spoke to her for the first time yesterday when I ran into my friend Damian and we both had a really cool but short conversation about the state of hip hop culture today, how the community can come together to collaborate to keep our streets and communities a much safer place for the youth and of course “Tools of War.” The best part about “Tools of War” are the hip hop legendary artists and DJ‘s who come by to show love and actually DJ for everyone. It’s the greatest thing in the world to me because I don’t have to pay a penny or travel far to see these kinda things happening; it’s right up the street from my building. Last week and yesterday, it was Kool DJ Red Alert, DJ Scratch, Lord Finesse and I happen to see of course, the father of hip hop himself, DJ Kool Herc and L.A. Sunshine from the legendary hip hop group Treacherous Three, who came by and show love too. Of course I forget about DJ Jazzy Jay and DJ Johnny Juice, they definitely did their thing too. I was very happy when I got my pictures taken with DJ Scratch last week and Lord Finesse yesterday. These men were very cool and I went home at the end feeling very inspired and happy to have meet more hip hop legends. Yesterday, I happen to notice someone else too, this guy was very popular amongst my generation because of the “Get Lite” movement 10 years ago. It was Mr. Voice of Harlem himself. I asked if it was really him and he said that it was, I got my pic with him and then he told me to tag him on Instagram and that’s how my night after “Tools of War” ended. So much can happen in 4 hours in my own neighborhood more than anywhere else to me. I’m just grateful to be able to witness hip hop greatness for the past 2 years like that, even though “Tools of War” been happening for 14 years. Of course they do it all over New York but I only attend the ones in my neighborhood in July every Thursday. I can’t wait for next year….

Written by Jay-Doggz

tools of war

TITO ROJAS PERFORMS LIVE IN THE BRONX

City ParkSTREET LINEs Foundation Summer Stage has done it again! Date Thursday, July 14 2016. Time 7pm. Where? St. Mary’s park on 146 street St Ann. The park was full of concert goers eagerly waiting for Tito Rojas and his live band to take the stage. One woman was screaming “Viva Puerto Rico!” as the crowd enjoyed latin music that echoed through the park. The announcer introduced Tito Rojas as the crowd waited patiently. He begun his introduction by greeting the crowd. The massive crowd yelled back with flags and cellphones out. One man went on Facebook live and reported to his social media friends to get down there. “I’m running STREET LINEout of battery!” Tito Rojas had a band with every instrument you can imagine. He begun by singing his classic songs that made him a hit. The place was so packed you could not even move. Some concert goers managed to get in the spirit and dance. Everyone was either eating, singing or dancing. One man walked up to  me and said this is better than the Puerto Rican Parade. There was no fighting no pushing – just love. As the band played, Tito Rojas interacted with the audience, making them wanting more. At one time, the audience sang so loud it almost ended up drowning out the singer. His response back to the crowd was that he loved them. Body to Body, shoulder to shoulder, there was little space to move. Fathers had their children on their shoulders while the rest who were old enough to manage learned the history of their people.

It was a beautiful night in St Mary park, thanks to Tito ROJAS and Summer Stage and, of course, the audience.

 

STREET LINE Written by Vera Edwards

DJ KEYNOTE SPEAKAZ RISING UP!

Street LineWRITTEN BY JAY DOGGZ

Summer Stage 2016 — Joe Bataan meets SETENTA/ Joan Català

Summer Stage never ceases to surprise me.  Every year, across the 5 boroughs of New York City, the City Parks Foundation holds a Summer Stage for absolutely FREE. Free is a word that catches almost every Nstreet lineew Yorkers eye. It surely caught mine and every year, I’m always surprised at the different events that the City Parks Foundation  provides for us.

Today, I had the opportunity to visit one of the events in St. Mary’s Park, located on 3rd Ave. 149th street. The location was actually a bit more into the park, on St. Anns, between 145th and 146th street, on top of the hill. It’s a huge hill, and by the time I reached the top, I was out of breath and all I wanted to do was sit. What I saw though, made my energy spike. The Hispanic community, amongst other diverse races where there and everyone was having a great time, listening and dancing to the music that was being played. I took my folding chair and sat down and listened to the music, provided by Joe Bataan and SETENTA/ Joan Català . Even after wanting to sit down after the hill climb, I got out of my seat and started dancing, joining in with the others. There was so much love between the people there, with all the hugging and dancing together. It was good to see the different cultures interact so freely with each other. The music was in English and Spanish so P1140187everyone could have a chance to understand the lyrics. For the lyrics that I couldn’t understand, the instruments touched my heart and the music felt more universal than anything.

Today, the Parks Department won on this one. They really outdid themselves with the beautiful music and bringing people together. Even if you can’t understand the music, if you feel yourself dancing to the beat and feel your heart connecting to it all and the people around you, then it doesn’t matter.

 

 Joe Bataan meets SETENTA/ Joan CatalàWritten by Bobbi Cordero

FAT JOE at SUMMER STAGE

KOOL HERC at SUMMER STAGE

Kool Herc 5
Another dope and incredible event that happened in my hood. Where? Summer Stage Crotona Park this time it was the Father of Hip Hop himself, DJ Kool Herc. I met this man already two times before so to see him again made me very happy and I am forever grateful and honored to be apart of his presence and to be a witness of his skills on the turntables. But anyways, this event was Kool Herc on the turntables and lots of people of all kinds of different backgrounds and ethnicities coming together to dance and enjoy the music spun by Kool Herc. It’s always a joy to see so many people come together to dance and enjoy the occasion wKool Herc 7ithout any altercations and drama, that’s the beauty and power of hip hop. There were breakdancers and there were two steppers, there were booty shakers and there were the simple finger
snapping and head nodders just recording what was going on as well. After that, Kool Herc gives a brief but short speech about the social injustices towards our Black communities and people that’s currently going on in the world and gives his condolences in the same sentence and preaches about showing love too. After that, it was the screening of the documentary “Rubble Kings“, which by the way was an incredible documentary. “Rubble Kings” is a 2010 documentary about the gang life back in the 1970’s in the South Bronx that later led to the influence of other gangs in other boroughs all over New York. The history of how broken and abandoned the Bronx used to be and how these gangs formed and came together kept me glued to the screen, very fascinated and eager to learn about this. After the tragic death of one gang member comes with a peace treaty and BOOM, here comes hip hop, which put a huge smile on my face as I continued watching. The documentary ends on a positive note about how things were beginning to transition from one era to another. Things went from gangs with dirty clothes on, fighting and being socially and politicallyinvolved to the fresh b-boys around the way at the jams battling through dance and art. The documentary made me think about the state of hip hop today versus back then. So much unity and fun then, too much negative things being glorified today but that’s a whole ‘nother story. I walked back home at exactly 10 at night happy about another dope hip hop occasion. I left with so much inspiration knowing that being from the Bronx, there’s lots of history here but of course, people don’t care or understand.

jlBY JAY-DOGGZ