NYS Music 20​19

Category: Bronx

  • Universal Hip Hop Museum Receives 3.7 Million from NY State, Set to Open in 2023

    New York state governor, Andrew Cuomo, has officially signed off on a grant to help sponsor the impending construction of the first-ever museum dedicated solely to rap music – The Universal Hip Hop Museum.

    The Universal Hip Hop Museum is slated to open its doors in the South Bronx (it’s birthplace) in 2023. It is seen as a profitable venture for the state, looking to bring in additional tax revenue, as well as plenty of tourists looking to learn about what is now the world’s most popular genre. As of right now, the museum currently operates as a pop-up exhibit in the Bronx Terminal Market until construction begins in 2020.

    Bronx Native Rocky Bucano serves as the executive director of the board of trustees with hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow – whose 1980 single “The Breaks,” is recognized as hip-hop’s first ever gold record – is among the board of founding members while Public Enemy’s Chuck D, serves as the chairman of the celebrity board. “The credibility he brings to our team is mammoth,” Kurtis Blow says of Chuck D. “He also understands the importance of the UHHM and vows to let the world know via a star-studded celebrity board in the near future. Flame on!”

    The likes of LL Cool J, Q Tip, Nas, Fab Five Freddie, and Rakim also serve as cultural ambassadors, according to the UHHM official website.

    “We knew it was important because the Bronx is where hip-hop started,” Bucano told CNN. “It’s crazy to think of how hip-hop — which has such an influence on pop culture, advertising, politics — doesn’t have a place to call home.”

  • Governors Ball anticipates move to the Bronx

    Governors Ball may be moving to the Bronx in the future, relocating from Randall’s Island to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. While the festival has been denied a permit to move locations in 2020, the company behind the festival made a pitch to members of Bronx Communty Board 8 last week.

    governors ball bronx

    Concerns over the event’s size and duration were part of turning down the move in the past, but organizers are now appealing that decision. With 50,000 people expected to attend the June 5-7 festival each day, a relocation would need to factor in the strain on local infrastructure caused by the arrival of the GovBall crowd.

    Recently, a new age policy was revealed, as well as an updated VIP experience. The festival says regarding raising the minimum age from 18 to 21, “In a change from previous years, for the 2020 festival all persons 18 and over are welcome at the festival, but a valid proof of ID is required for entry. All persons aged 17 and under MUST attend with an adult who is 21 or older. Each adult must have a valid form of ID and may accompany up to TWO ticket holders aged 17 or younger.”

    Governor’s Ball also unveiled an updated VIP experience, offering access to special viewing areas, as well as air-conditioned, flushable bathrooms; a private wi-fi network; a separate lane at ferry docks and shuttle pick-up points; free water at VIP areas and more.

  • NY Solo artists Nick Granelle and Evan Lesoule collaborate on ‘Transform’

    Nick Granelle, a vocalist from Long Island, gathered Bronx rapper Evan Lesoule and NYC based singer/songwriter Lillimure together in order to create his new single “Transformation.” Released on Friday, November 1, the track starts as a beat created by Jade Aubertin, utilizing a kalimba in place of a hi hat, and various unconventional percussion instruments, as well as 808 to make the track fall into amorphous categories. From there, Granelle created a multifaceted track with recorded vocals by Lesoule.

    Nick Granelle Evan Lesoule
    Evan Lesoule

    Some flavors that come to mind when listening to the track are world, pop, and hip-hop, all mixed together with ethereal female vocals, and features an uptempo ambience packed with many elements. The music video is dark, industrial and hectic, using both vintage and modern contrasting shots.

    Nick Granelle

  • Above and Beyond to ring in 2020 at New York Expo Center in The Bronx

    On Tuesday, December 31, titans of the electronic music genre Above and Beyond will ring in 2020 with a special headline show at the 60,000 sq foot New York Expo Center. Presented by Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats label and New York nightlife impresario DEG Presents (formerly RPM Presents), Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki will return to one of their favorite cities for the biggest party of the year. Special guests will be announced soon to support the festivities.

    The globetrotting trio have penned several of dance music’s most abiding anthems. Whether performing as DJs or as a live band, Above & Beyond have always kept songwriting at the very heart of what they do. This dedication to their craft has earned the group two GRAMMY nominations in recent years. Their global Anjunafamily of fans continues to grow as does the community of artists found on their iconic Anjunabeats label imprint, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qde9KyFtWUA

    In 2018, the trio’s fourth electronic album Common Ground debuted at number three on the Billboard Album Chart. The band have performed for sold out crowds at an enviable list of venues including Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks, The Gorge and LA Forum among many others. Don’t miss this amazing way to ring in 2020 in The Bronx!