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Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration - 

It's Not About Religion, It's About Culture

"Can white people celebrate Kwanzaa? Of course they can, as long as they are willing to celebrate African people and African Perspective," said host Semsut Olabamidele Husbands Hart. I found that statement powerful as I watched Black & White people sit side by side to embrace this cultural experience and appreciate African customs and tradition displayed at the Apollo Theatre at Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration event.

Kwanzaa is not a substitution for Christmas nor a religious holiday, but a tradition created to unify black communities after the LA Watts Riots in August of 1965. The Watts Riots, also known as the Watts Rebellion, was a six-day destruction within the Black Community as a response to a suspicion of excessive force by an officer to African American 21-year-old male, Marquette Frye. This woke up and shook up community activists near and far, including Martin Luther King Jr. The riots were a way for the community to express its frustration (which also plays out in present day). Still, the political aftermath felt like much ado about nothing, while the community destroyed the very place they had to live. One man tried to find a productive way to raise his voice and created a tradition that would unite people in a time of hopelessness and powerlessness. That man is Maulana Karenga, and that tradition is what we call Kwanzaa.

Harlem has been considered the hub of Black excellence since the Harlem Renaissance. It harbors the world-famous Apollo Theatre, so it's only fitting that the Apollo Theatre celebrates this tradition to unite people and communities, bringing pride to Black people. On December 30, 2023, the lights went down, and host Semsut Olabamidele Husbands Hart, draped in White linen attire as the older women of Africa would often be seen in, came from behind the red curtain to introduce the show. Her on-time humor, information delivery in an entertaining way, and ability to keep the crowd engaged, made her a fantastic host for the Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration event. 6 min. read 

NAS' CROWNING GLORY: KING'S DISEASE - THE ONE NIGHT ONLY CONCERT 

"Thirty Motherf**kin Years!" screamed Nas at his sold-out One Night Only Show. 30 years in the Music business, and 2/24/23 is the first time Nas Headlined at Madison Square Garden.

The Virgo energy was in full effect as the crowd's attention was directed to the stage when DJ Green Lantern shifted from "Party & Bullshit" energy to a dramatic interlude. At 9:14pm, the events commenced, which is also Nas' Birthday. Coincidence? I don't know, but I witnessed a rebirth, a resurgence of momentum, that made me feel like Nas was now entering his 2nd lifetime in Hip Hop.

As Nas arose from below the stage, everyone stood on their feet as if we were pledging allegiance to the flag, but that night it was to the Queensbridge representative. Stepping out to "I'm On Fire", he was, along with some of the crowd lighting up that fire. That loud lingered in the air, making as much noise as the music. He paused before he put the mic to his lips, allowing you to soak up his presence. It was picture-perfect as he stood still while the imagery of a spinning crown haloed in the background. 6 min read

If "Be The Change You Want To See" Was A Person: LA RUSSELL 

There's something special about LA Russell. You may be able to see it in his IG videos and hear it in his songs, but you feel it when you watch him perform live. His whole being is dripping with "I LOVE THIS SHIT" energy along with, I do it for myself, and I do it for y'all, the industry is not a priority in my decision-making aura. In the times that we are in, that is what sets him apart from many of the mainstream rap artists today. 

On Saturday, LA Russell did a Pop Up Show at Market Hotel, the perfect venue to host a lyrical emcee such as LA Russell. The J & M train played supporting roles as the train station was visible through the stage's window. It gave it that 90's Hip Hop, raw feel. You know, like those late Brooklyn nights on the train with your friends doing Cyphers, and listeners would vibe out or jump in. This Cali emcee made his set feel so Brooklyn. 

Dressed in sweats and Crocs, LA Russell's attire matched his music: Raw, authentic, and unapologetically him. He delivered the essence of Hip Hop with eclectic wordplay, rollercoaster flows, dance moves, and bursts of energy, accompanied by his DJ and Keyboardist. The red lights haloing the stage reflected the fire and passion felt through Russell's performance. He delivered life through words for almost 3 hours nonstop, flowing in and out of songs, mixing freestyle elements, and even showing off his singing skills in "Slippery Slope" & "Gotham". One of the first songs that got the crowd lit was "BlockChain" from the album 8lbs 2oz. Concertgoers were reciting so much of the song that he just smiled while they finished the bars.  6 min. read

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER - THE TAKEAWAYS (Let's Talk)

Editorial Piece

Black Panther, the Comic’s first movie installment, had moviegoers adorned in headwraps, Kente Cloths, and a new greeting in the Black community: Arms crossed over your chest, fingers in a fist, and head bowed. We left that theater feeling a sense of pride, a sense of unity, and a feeling of representation. 

On the heels of the star Chadwick Boseman's death, the anticipated sequel had some big shoes to fill. Ryan Coogler had to adequately execute the movie in memoriam of Boseman while simultaneously fitting the Marvel template, being entertaining, sustaining the regal portrayal its supporting community was inspired by, and sending a message of hope that the thought of a real Wakanda brought. 

Armed with my 3D glasses, I was ready to be propelled into an abyss of fantasy that provided a desire that life would imitate art in some ways. But first, let me be clear, this article is not a spoiler, but a real-time assessment of thoughts that swirled in my head once the screen went black and the curtains closed. 5 minute read

The Intervention To The Power Of Love: Steff Reed - Musician, Educator, Activist

"We live in a country that fetishizes black trauma/pain/suffering. Songs like "Strange Fruit" become timeless anthems, yet we are still debating CRT (critical race theory) and its appropriateness/relevance in the school curriculum. I say that until we are willing to discuss and confront the root of the tree, there will always be more strange fruit hanging from it…We can talk about the fruit, but we can never talk about that root though." 

These powerful words came from the mind of Steff Reed, the Grammy-nominated Musician+Educator+Artivist, while speaking at the Legendary Apollo Theater on the Sound Of Social Justice Panel, discussing his journey in Music & Social Activism. 

9 minute read

When Does Hate Become A Crime? 

Community Leaders Discuss Bias Incidents & Hate Crimes

When does hate become a crime? Do you know? Have you ever experienced a bias Incident? Do you know how to report it? Why doesn't the Black/Brown community report them as often as Asians or even the Jewish community? These are the questions I was seeking answers to in attending the Brooklyn Communities Without Hate Workshop. 

As I stepped into the WiCafe restaurant, I realized this was a gem tucked away in Weeksville, Brooklyn. A black woman-owned business, owner Melissa gave the establishment the vibe of an intimate coffee shop with decor, but it was serving some delectable bites that made me realize I needed to come here for Brunch one day. Soft, moderate lighting against the brick wall interior provided calming energy, as the tall bearded man tuning up his keyboard and guitar created a soothing space. 

The tall bearded man was Steff Reed, a Musician, Educator & Activist. Nominated for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, he uses his creativity as a tool to bring awareness and change to communities.  7 minute read

Protecting Black Women: Who Is Responsible For The Safe Space?

All women have faced injustice, sexism, or inequality because of gender. However, black women feel like there is no one for them to report to or to take their claims seriously. Images dominating media limit us to sexual objects, desired physically but rejected for a family setting. This mentality sounds familiar to how slave masters craved the warmth of the black woman's body and curves, found her attractive enough to abuse her body, then went back to their quarters where their family was. We were good enough only to serve sexual desires, take care of the children and remain hidden in plain sight. 

"Protect Black Women" has become one of Social Media's most trending hashtags in light of events such as Meg Thee Stallion, Breonna Taylor, Brittney Griner, Ketanji Brown, and the countless missing black women & children that get a lack of media attention as opposed to their white counterparts. Journalist Gwen Ifill coined the term "White Woman Syndrome," which calls out society's desensitization to the faces of black female victims while white women tend to pull on the heartstrings of all communities. 5 minute read

The Ultimate Queen Of The Ring - Talking Music, Motherhood & Making Moves w/ Lynese"Babs" Wiley

"Alright, I just wanted to say shout out to you for creating your own lane, you know what I'm saying, and making things happen. And I just want to tell you hard work pays off, so keep grinding, keep pushing." That's how the self-proclaimed First Lady of the Streets Rapper started off the interview, setting the tone for her character. Those words meant a lot coming from a woman who is doing just that in her career. From coming off the block onto your T.V.screen with Diddy, watching dreams shatter then picking up the pieces, and pivoting to being a part of history by creating a lane for women like her in Music, Lynese "Babs" Wiley has shown why she is the ultimate Queen Of The Ring. 

Bedstuy born Rapper Babs is first introduced to us on Puff Daddy's Making The Band 2 as the feisty, ready to buck, not afraid to speak her mind Brooklyn Femcee. Being raised in East New York, Brownsville & the Stuy, and even her Alma Mater Thomas Jefferson high school required her to stand her ground at all times, and she kept that energy in the show. But despite her tough shell, we mostly saw Babs smiling, laughing, cracking a joke, and always ready to work. She had a big heart and wore her emotions on her sleeve, passionate about those she loved.  9 minute read

What's Up DOC?!: Discussing Calisthenics, Community, & Nutrition w/ The Director of Calisthenics

"With the Urban Fitness League (UFL) World Cup Invitational competition, we were able to reach out to some of the top athletes in the sport of Calisthenics. We based selection on their performances, previous competitions, influence, you know, all of these different things, and we put together an amazing event. We had Matchups, team battles, round ones and freestyles, even performances by Artists Jim Jones, Dave East & Juelz Santana, and Mario Lopez hosting the event. This was by far the biggest event in the Calisthenics community. I'm most proud of organizing this event." It wasn't just about the success and exposure of the athletes for D.O.C., but also creating job opportunities for people behind the scenes. One of the requirements of being bossed up is making sure your crew eats, earning his Director of Calisthenics title in more ways than one, going by its acronym, D.O.C. does just that.  

Since he was a child, fitness has been at the core of D.O.C.'s being. He has earned this title by not just wanting to better his own health but by being a mover, shaker, and direct contributor to the Calisthenics culture through competitions, community giveback, and mentorship. 8 minute read

Mask On Mask Off:

My Juxtaposed Experience Of New Orleans 

Three days of laughing, partying, and indulging on Bourbon Street. Three days of sadness, burdened with a heavy heart, trying to understand how this community was left to deal with their pain and tragedy alone. They say knowledge is power and ignorance is bliss, well that rang true for me in the Big Easy. 

I was so excited about my trip to NOLA, as it was my first time visiting. But I was met with an immediate pause when my flight got delayed by 3 hours. I landed at 9 p.m. on Sunday, two days before Mardi Gras. My taxi immediately filled me in on the vibe that awaited advised he would drop me two blocks from the hotel because the streets were blocked off due to the parade. Bogged down with a roller suitcase, a backpack & an oversized tote bag, I bobbed and weaved through the crowd to get to what my G.P.S. told me was 3 minutes away. Well, it took me 45 minutes to maneuver through a parade of drunken, party people and narrow spaces in my attempt to advance across the street. As my agitation level started to rise for landing right in the thick of it (after dealing with flight drama and a dead phone), a float came by playing "Back That Azz Up" and just like that, all was right with the world and I realized, this is what I came for. 13 minute read

The Writings on the Wall - BK The Artist

The artwork is storytelling, emotional, thought-provoking, and conversation-worthy. Whether a depiction of the beauty of a woman or the raw reality of the current state of our communities, I’m thinking of lyrics as I analyze them. It feels like the paintings play as a silent beat under today’s society voice. Hip Hop is artistry that transcends paper, and BK the Artist is putting the writings on the wall. 

Encompassing that “Feeling So Good” JLo energy, I hop on the 6 and head to the South Bronx to partake in the Compound Conversations: Art, Music, Politics event. Not sure what to expect, my first sighting is Set Free, host, and founder of Compound, the new age creative arts studio. I spy with my eyes Carmelo Anthony, then in the corner is Desus from Desus & Mero, Ebro from Hot 97 chalking it up with Talib Kweli and Dave East in cool mode taking it all in. These are just a few names here to support, view, or be a part of this amazing Panel Discussion centered around BK the Artist.  7 minute read

She Real Is Ready To Empty The Clip - Discusses Music, Life & Finding Her Voice

“After being assaulted, I made myself vulnerable to the wrong people. Weed, alcohol, and sex were my crutches. But then I realized music was my thing, and that’s how I broke the chains.”  

We often hear the term Hip Hop saved my life. Lupe Fiasco wrote an ode to it, and She Real is giving you a 3D view of it. 

Born of African American and Asian descent and rising out of Harlem, She Real brings a raw and gritty delivery, that is seasoned and clear. With a father as a musician, skilled in writing songs and playing the Electric and Acoustic Guitar, music was in her blood, but Basketball was her first love. 8 minute read