Spec Boogie - Bed Stuy

This is a Spec Boogie banger right here. Directed and edited by Ali Santana. My beautiful home of Brooklyn. You gotta love it.

Enjoy.

Spec Boogie - Bed Stuy from Boombaye' on Vimeo.

The Church Of Underground Hip Hop In The 90s

When I started high school in 1993 there were a few albums that came out and completely rocked my world. "Enta Da Stage" by Black Moon, "Enter the 36 Chambers" by Wu-Tang and "Doggystyle" by Snoop were amongst this great new hip hop. Around this time I discovered the college radio shows like Mr. Magic and Mr. Cee's show on 91.5 FM. I used to listen to this show every Thursday at around 10pm. Nothing would keep me from the radio when they started. It was on this show that I would learn about the latest dope hip hop that the major stations like Hot 97 didn't play yet. I discovered cats like Mic Geronimo, Camp Lo and The Alkaholiks. This is the hip hop that I just wasn't used to yet but came to love.

Mr. Cee and Magic would have contests for listeners to call in and receive things like promo single CDs and albums. I once got through on the call in, and won the Cella Dwellas debut album "Realms and Reality". I unfortunately never received that album and called Mr. Cee to tell him. He was very cordial even though I never got the album. Maybe it was lost in the mail. One prize however was received, and it was won by my MOTHER not me. She was listening to the show with me one night and was the winner of a Mary J Blige single. It was the first CD in my household ever.

I was limited on cassette tapes to record from the radio so I would be very careful with what I taped and what I didn't. Space was precious and wack songs along with idle talk had no place on my tapes. I now wish I had those discussions on tape as it was a precious time in my life. Mr. Magic is now deceased and many of the songs I heard back then are either rare or forgotten all together. Look out for part 2 as I discuss another show from that era.

Fela! The Broadway Musical

Twas my V Day surprise to the lady and surprised she was. As we walked into the theater I looked around and noticed the festive stage design. It was pretty bright and I could see folks walking around who seemed to be a part of the show, even though the production hadn't officially started yet. The band Antibalas was playing some dope Afro Beat groove. As I sat down I was ready for whatever this show was going to be.

My introduction to Fela Kuti's music started about 8 years ago after a night of clubbing and dancing. I crashed at my brother Tahleim's place and before going to sleep he proceeded to play for me two artists who would alter the way I heard music. One was Fela Kuti and the other was Nina Simone.

As the show started and the familiar Afrobeat grooves filled the auditorium I felt giddy. I'd seen Antibalas before live and hell my boy Marcus is even in the band, however I've never seen them play Fela songs. This was quite an experience. The dancers were excellent both male and female and I honestly felt like the play overall made me feel proud to be who I am. I loved the connection made between Black people in America and Fela. I love that it was the black power movement that helped fuel his return to his homeland to do an important work. The actor who played Fela did a great job as did the woman who played Sandra Isadore. I nearly jumped out of my skin as they went into my favorite Fela song Upside Down.

As the play went on I got a good sense of the respect and admiration Fela had for his mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. She laid the foundation for him to be a rebellious leader for his people. The music moved in and out of the story almost seamlessly. Also the light work was well done in this production. Props to Jay-Z and Jada Pinkett-Smith for backing this play.

Bottom line, if you are a fan of Fela's work/music you MUST see this play. I'll probably see it again if possible (a first for me). See the video's below for a primer on Fela's work.

James Baldwin : Go Tell It On The Mountain

I just finished this book two days ago and I must say I was very pleased. This was my first Baldwin novel. I previously read a play written by him titled "Blues For Mister Charlie" which made my blood boil. It's a very emotionally charged play to say the least. I was given that play by a woman I would see on the train often on my way home from school. This was during my college years. Fast forward 6 years or so and I'm reading my first novel by the man.

Go Tell It On The Mountain is an excellent book first of all. The way it starts out, I thought the story was gonna go one way. Actually my preconceived notions may have something to do with me knowing a little bit about the author, but alas I was wrong. The book spends a lot of time on digging into each of it's main characters. There were a number of ooh and aahhh moments for me (which look strange when you're on the train, reading). I was happy that the book cover does not discuss any of the plot, so when I read it everything was fresh. I wont go into any of story here, because if you read it I would like for you to have a similar experience.

I give Go Tell It On the Mountain a B+ only because there's a part of the story that I feel was not resolved. I'm sure it doesn't need to be but because it was so juicy I really wanted some closure there.

The City Stops For Snow!?!?

I've been living in New York City all my life. I've gone to public school and dealt with all types of obstacles. When I first heard news of a blizzard possibly hitting the city this week I thought, "cool, we get to throw some snowballs". Then I started hearing people talking about how they can't make it to work. After that, the city declared the schools would be closed before it even started snowing. This whole affair just seems weak to me. I've been through a number of snow storms and I don't remember every having school canceled.

So this morning I wake up and prepare like I normally do to head to Manhattan for work. I look out the window and see the snow falling and I see the streets already plowed. Fine, the city is acting as it should and staying on top of things. Then I get a text from a co-worker asking if I'm attending work today. I reply of course and scoff at the idea of staying home while the trains are working fine. While on the train heading over the Manhattan Bridge I receive a text from the aforementioned co-worker and a second friend telling me to go home, the office has been officially closed. Instead of feeling happy I get a bit sad. To me it just reflects another blow to the spirit of this great city. Now something as common as SNOW has caused the administration of NYC to hit a state of paralysis. It's sad.

I guess a day of watching anime and playing video games will have to make up for it. *kanye shrug*

Gentrification In Brooklyn Makes It To NY1

The MoCADA exhibition opening was a huge success. The place was packed and I ran into a bunch of my old Brooklyn friends, plus made some new ones. There were some really cool pieces on display and some I didn't really get. I gotta say I loved the paintings by Tim Okamura. He's a talent that folks should look out for. My boy Ali Santana put together some really cool videos showing both proud and critical views of Brooklyn. Spec Boogie a rapper from Bed Stuy starred in the two videos.

You can view the video of NY1's coverage here.

P.S. I'm in the video!

Old School Mondays

I play, you watch, we all do the East Coast Stomp.

I Came In 2nd Place / HHK Championship Results

Photo by Metromix

*takes deep breath*

Going into this championship I was a little jaded due to the first one. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but then realized that the fun aspect of HHK was all that mattered. With that said, Heeeeeere we go...

Once everyone arrived ready to perform we sat upstairs in the dressing room joking and rapping along to the records DJ Wex played on stage. The homie Dee Phunk told me the crowd was growing exponentially. At one point a group of us started quoting Coming To America for some reason, and in walks Josh Diggs (the host with the most) with someone rocking a thick black fur directly behind him. All talk ceased as we saw it was Big Daddy Kane himself who just walked in. Josh said something to break the ice, and Kane started shaking everyone's hand, exchanging pleasantries. Once he left the room, we started discussing how sharp he still looked and how fresh his fur was.

Once we had the performance order and 10 o'clock hit, the show started. Josh did a great opening sequence and it was off to the races. I gotta say everyone really did a good job. The one wack surprise of the night was Chef going out in the first round. I speculate the drinks in the dressing room got the best of him that night and he just came off too relaxed to the judges. This was especially prominent after K-Dot started the night off with an incredibly energetic rendition of "Slam" by Onyx. I went on after Diego who gave an energetic performance as well. As I stood to the side of the stage my stomach was in knots. When my name was announced, I took the stage and looked out at the crowd. I saw my beautiful Shino in the crowd, I saw my cheering section holding up signs with my name and this all calmed me down. I felt at ease on stage and ready to perform one of my favorite songs period. Once the beat dropped I felt the energy surge through me. From the first verse to the last verse I never lost focus and kept the crowd in my performance. After four verses I received the first perfect score of the night! Buckshot even got out of his seat to salute me. ME!

As I went to the second round I got to perform the song I scheduled to do in the first championship. However due to my poor score it never saw the light of day... until now. Before I went on this MOFO Doni D went out and destroyed the stage. When I saw him backstage I didn't even say anything we just looked smiled and I walked away shaking my head. I purchased a fitted cap just for my performance two years ago and of course I forgot it at home. Shino did me a huge favor by bringing it to the venue for me. Once I put that hat on and, the music started for Jay-Z's "Encore" I felt that energy surge again. I still smile thinking about that performance. All of the judges showed me love for this one and Big Daddy Kane told me I had what it took to be a real rapper.

For the third round I wasn't as sharp as before and my score reflected that. Before I started I told the crowd that I'd already reached my goal. I got to perform all my songs and had an amazing amount of fun. It was never about winning first place for me. As I went into Slick Rick's "Mona Lisa" I had a gang of fun. I got the whole crowd to dance with me by the end of the song. Right when I finished my man Axiom tossed me his big purple crown which I caught and through right on my head as Slick Rick The Ruler. We didn't even plan that. (As I type this Mona Lisa comes randomly on last FM) I'm sure I had the biggest smile on my face.

When it was all said and done, Doni D and I tied for second and Jessica the newcomer from Queens held down the title of champion with her performance of My Adidas. I have to say the judging was VERY fair this time. Peter Rosenberg from Hot 97 did his thing and showed his knowledge of hip hop lyrics. I appreciated all the comments from the judges. It was time to wrap up the show and at that point Buckshot took the mic and performed "I Gotcha Open (Remix)". When he finished Big Daddy Kane left the judges table and I proceeded to beg him to let me dance for him. This was always a dream of mine. Damali joined me and we became his modern day Scoob and Scrap. AMAZING.

When Kane finished he told me that he was really impressed with my performance and that I was better than many signed acts he saw on stage. He said he didn't know why I never pursued a career in hip hop because I had... "IT". Yup Kane said that to ME! All of the contestants were on stage at this point. All on the same level with no animosity. We were hugging and dancing together, family again. HHK family.

P.S. After the show I got to talk to Kane for a good 15 minutes about Brownsville history and the fact that he was the first performer I ever saw as a kid back in 88. AMAZING!

Time For Pictures And Videos

http://newyork.metromix.com/music/photogallery/2010-hip-hop-karaoke/1736674/content



Photo by Shino Yanagawa

Donuts Are Forever 4

It's that time again. The good folks at Rare Form are putting together a charity event for the J. Dilla Foundation. The name of the affair is Donuts R Forever 4. I can't believe this is the fourth one already. I've only been to one over at South Paw and the event is a gang of fun. It gets packed early every time, and the hosts pass out donuts to those on line and inside the venue.

If you're not in the know, (by now you should be) J. Dilla (Jay Dee or just James Yancey) was a great producer in the hip hop community. He kinda flew under the radar during his time on this Earth. This party is the perfect place for you to learn and get immersed in all things Dilla.

For now check a few of his productions out and I'll see you on Saturday.

The Gentrification Of Brooklyn : The Pink Elephant Speaks

I've been getting the word about this art show from a couple of friends in different circles. It's going to be at MOCADA so it should be really dope. I know my friend Ali Santana is contributing a video piece. If you've been following my writings at all you should know that I'm not a fan of the rapid change that's been happening in Brooklyn. While some things have been to the good, (healthier choices for eateries, more outlets for art) others have not been (displacement of people, higher rents, smug outsider inhabitants).

I'm looking forward to this exhibit providing a unique look into these issues and many more.
I'll see you there.


MOCADA

Opening "Set it Off" Reception
Thursday, February 4, 2010
6:00pm - 9:00pm Free to the public
MoCADA (80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY)

Old School Mondays

This is the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship Edition. I hope you all enjoy these videos from either the judges or song performed during the competition.

I used to do the running man all day to this joint.


The original Backpack Karate Champs (peep the moves LOL)


The Ruler himself.


The God Emcee


Oh La La Ah We We

Calm Before The Storm

Sometimes we have something to do and we have to prepare for it. The way I prepare is I totally still my body. I slow down my breathing so that I get the full meditation out of every breath. Then when I feel calm I go out and do my best. It's in these times that I remember, nothing in the world is permanent. With knowing that, I find myself in a better space to let go of things. I am in a space to accept change and remain swift and changeable myself.

I will carry this mind state with me to Irving Plaza tonight where I along with 11 great folks will perform in front of many of our friends and family. When the moment hits I will fully enjoy and stay engaged...until it's over. Even the greatest moment is impermanent and thus you must let go. Peace

2 Days to HHK Championship

Tomorrow is the big day people. The second ever Hip Hop Karaoke Championship is going down. 12 contestants all putting it down for the second win the G contest. My love affair with Hip Hop Karaoke started some years ago down in the LES. It's wild to think that so much time has passed and I'm still quite active in it. Last time there was a championship I didn't fare well, and caught a 1st round knock out. This time I'm going strictly for the fun factor.

Lets take a moment to go through some moments in my HHK history.
Enjoy.



The one that got me in the championship


The whole fam here

500 Something Dollars Laying Right In The Street

hmm, now lets try and get something to eat. (c) MF Doom

When I was a kid (which is how I start too many of these posts) it was a big deal finding 5 bucks in the street. It was if the world had just opened up to me and there were infinite possibilities. I could go and get a Chinese food dish (not just french fries). I could go and get an Italian Cheeseburger (Kennedy Fried Chicken Chef Specialty). I could also just sit on it and think for a long time of what to do.

I think Doom captured this feeling perfectly with his line that starts off this post. Nine times out of ten you would take the money to get something to eat. If you got a larger piece of cash in your hands (say 50 bucks) you gotta tell your mother. That's something you gotta share with the family.

Ahhh the simpler days.
Madvillian - Curls

Being a Jets Fan

I've been a fan of the NY Jets since I've known there was a game called football. I don't know what started this abusive relationship exactly. I guess it doesn't really matter because after 30 years and no championships between myself and the Jets, the chain remains. I remember the days of watching Al Toon play for Gang Green. We weren't winning much then and in the new millennium not much has changed... UNTIL NOW BABY!

I don't claim to be the biggest Jets fan. I'm not. I don't even follow football that much anymore simply because the Jets lose often and there's only so much heartbreak a man can take. However this season I happened to have an HDTV, which if you didn't know forces you to watch football. In watching the games this season I saw a team with strong defense and a young QB willing put in the effort. This was not the same team that let me down last year with Brett Favre. And now after all the nay saying from inside and outside the team (yeah I'm looking at you coach lol) they are in the AFC championship.

This Sunday I plan to sit down with the Jets glasses my mother got me for the holiday (How do Mothers always know?) and watch a great game. Do I want my team to win yes. Will it be hard as hell to beat the Colts, YES. Ultimately I think the Jets know that they have already beat out the expectations of most people. I salute my fellow Jets fans. To those of you who watch every game and paint yourselves green, I leave the analysis to you.

Time Waits For No Man

Over the holidays I spent time with my family like most people do. There was a moment where I was talking with my 8 year old nephew and almost started to tear. It hit me that he's 8 years old now and I still remember when I held him in my hands.

We sometimes expect the people who are in our lives today to be there tomorrow and that's not always the case. Usually we reflect on this type of thought when someone passes on, but I say there's no time like the present. Give that extra long hug just because you'll miss it when they're gone.

The children in our lives will not be children forever. There will come a time when they no longer want to play sports with you, or just want to be with you. Childhood is a special time and I think as adults we have an opportunity to enrich that time. Play table tennis or take your young ones to the park and play with them. A little race up the block never hurts. Just don't wait until they become teenagers and you start to loose touch.

Peace

Track of the Day: Johnny Pate - Brother On The Run

I recently re-discovered this jam listening to an old mix by Chairman Mao and Citizen Kane. I love the grit in this record. How can you be mad at such a soulful groove. I kinda want to see the movie now to see if it matches this grit level.

For now here's the track. Enjoy.

Prayers for Haiti

I don't have much to say on what went down in Haiti. I can't imagine the torment Haitians must feel at this moment. All I can say is to those of you reading this is, look into your hearts and find a way to help.

For me Haiti is a symbol of true freedom. A nation founded by a people under the heel of oppression and slavery. We must not forget while we live here in the states and try to make a way through the system, when the law books treated my people as cattle Haitians fought and won. Since then Haiti has been plagued with economic hardship and political unrest.

Lets help them to rebuild their country and heal their wounds. Below is a message from my close friend who happens to be Haitian with info on how we can help.

Words from Ferentz Lafargue: http://americancity.org/daily/entry/1975/


http://doctorswithoutborders.org/ Doctors Without Borders have set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti now.

Or

Text “Haiti” to 90999 $10.00 will be sent to the red cross

Or

Text “Yele” to 501501 $5.00 will be sent to Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund

Both bill directly to your cell phone account.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/13/help-haiti

You can also help immediately by donating to the Red Cross to assist the relief effort. Contribute online to the Red Cross, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999." Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.

Families of Americans living in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at 888-407-4747.

R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010)

A legend passed on yesterday. I will never forget the sound of that man's voice and the depth contained within. Teddy Pendergrass was played in my household often when I was a kid. I never knew much about him other than his music, so lets go there.

This is for all the lovers out there. Quiet Storm Status


This was the JAM!!!!! R.I.P.


Damn Soul Train LET THEM SING!!!

Old School Gamer And Proud Of It!

Once upon a time there was a game called Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was the pack in game for a home console system called the ColecoVision. This system was the first one I ever owned and it was Coleco's answer to the Atari 2600. From the moment I held that joystick in my hand I knew I would never be the same (pause).

From there I moved on to having an NES, a SNES, N64, Playstation and a number of other systems. I was also that guy in the arcades with not many quarters in my pockets but games on my mind. I'd like to go through two of my favorite games from the NES era of gaming. Some of these you probably know while others you may have never heard of.

Game #1
Solstice
This was a sort of adventure/RPG light game. I got this game on a humble one year from my father. I'm glad he copped it because it became one of my favorites on the Nintendo. You are this sorceror who has to save a princess by assembling a broken staff. As you journey your map gets bigger an you have these magic potions to help you. The game play is addictive.



Game #2
Flying Warriors
Growing up my mother wouldn't allow me to trade games with my friends. So like any other normal kid I did it on the sneak. One game I borrowed was called Flying Warriors. This martial arts game was so on point. It's a shame NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT!



Game #3
Ninja Gaiden
Ahhh I remember playing this game so much as a kid. I mean who didn't want to be a ninja? This was one of the first games I played that had cut scenes and dialogue. I loved it.



Game #4
Double Dribble
I'll never forget those infamous words "DOUBLE DRIBBLE". From the moment I heard that I knew it was on! From the first ever slow motion cut away dunks to real calls in a basketball game, Double Dribble was a gem. I would always play with Chicago even though there was no MJ in the game (or any other player names for that matter). Double Dribble is an NES classic.



Game #5
Super Mario Bros. 3
Possibly the greatest video game ever created SMB3 caused a shift in platform games. From the moment I got my first Raccoon leaf I knew my life would never be the same. From being able to use whistles to fly through the game in about an hour's time, to slugging it out through 8 fully fleshed-out worlds SMB3 was very complex. I loved the water world where you get to use the frog suit. To this day I can turn this game on and completely enjoy it. A Nintendo legend.