Specialists and Space Carnival, two New York-based bands, will perform at Brooklyn Bowl on August 9. The show will also feature funk fusion group ShwizZ. Since 2017, the venue has not hosted Space Carnival, while Specialists are scheduled to make their Brooklyn Bowl debut.
Specialists
Spanning 23,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Bowl is one of the most unique and dynamic event spaces in New York. Boasting a bowling alley, music venue, conference space, and much more, the Williamsburg location offers something for everyone.
I saw my first show at the Bowl in 2014, when I was just 16… My 16 year old self cannot believe this.
Specialists’ guitarist Billy
Specialists are a Brooklyn outfit that expertly blend together elements of rock, dance, and funk to create a fun and playful sound. The group puts together high energy performances that showcase the band’s extraordinary songwriting and musicianship. Specialists have performed all over NYC, including shows at Brooklyn Made and Wonder Bar. The band’s style and groove is the perfect sonic addition to any summer day.
Space Carnival
Space Carnival is made up of Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Josh West joining on drums. Originally created in 2013, the Oneonta band has amassed a following for its one-of-a-kind mixture of progressive rock, alternative rock, disco, and funk. 2023 has signaled the return of Space Carnival, as the group has plans to stop at festivals across the country as well as release new music.
Click here for tickets and information about the August 9 performances.
A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?
Maiya the Don in a gold parka
No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.
Women Increase Industry Footprint
As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.
Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy
Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.
Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage
TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.
Starting from Scratch
Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.
Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity.
Women Evolve within Hip-Hop
Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.
Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties
Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.
Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.
Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”
As Rolling Loud Miami came and went, fans got to enjoy a host of performances by over 100 of hip hop’s best acts. Likewise, there were those unable to take part for various reasons. Notably, Lil Durk did not perform due to his recent hospitalization for dehydration. Likewise, Sheff G did not take part but due to his recent legal troubles. The troubled-but-talented Brooklyn native was to make his much-awaited return at Rolling Loud Miami after serving nearly two years behind bars for gun possession. However, the “We Getting Money” rapper got himself in hot water after he and close friend Sleepy Hallow were part of a large-scale gang indictment.
Winners Circle Entertainment/ Sleepy Hallow – Rolling Loud Miami 2021 (Show Recap)/Youtube
As for Sheff G in particular, the indictment accuses him of offering up money and expensive jewelry in exchange for the commission of violent acts. In one alleged incident, Sheff G organized a crew of three shooters, drove them to a crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.
“Sheff G became a prominent member of this gang and became central to our investigation,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Sheff G used a lot of the money that he earned to facilitate further gang activity. He encouraged gang members to participate in violent crimes.”
Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G on The Phone
While Sleepy Hallow was able to bail out and make his Rolling Loud dates, the latest charges were a major setback for Sheff G who was initially scheduled to be released sometime in June and had teased his return to the stage at Rolling Loud. In light of his close friend’s circumstances, Sleepy Hallow bridged the gap between Sheff G and the fans by putting the incarcerated rapper on the phone, to much fanfare from the crowd.
In the short clip, Sheff G gets the Rolling Loud crowd amped by telling them to “turn the f**ck up.” With the drill scene’s recent stagnation Sheff G’s presence woud’ve been a major boost for New York hip hop. The Brooklynite is one of the most talented young rappers from the new-age and is one of the key figures that helped spark the drill scene in New York.
Long Island University’s (LIU) long-running restoration of the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre is expected to be completed in the first or second quarter of 2024. This will be accomplished with the aid of Live Nation, which currently has a 25-year operating lease for the building.
Brooklyn Paramount Theatre exterior in 1948. Credit: Long Island University.
Plans originally began in 2015 with Onexim, a company owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, but progress halted as Onexim looked for new investors to take over operations. This, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly offset any chance of an as-planned 2019 reopening.
In a recent meeting in June 2023 with Brooklyn’s Community Board 2’s Health, Environment & Social Services Committee, progress was shown by Live Nation representatives, though the page on LIU’s website has yet to be updated. It will be opening as the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre.
Rendering of Flatbush Avenue facade of LIU Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Paramount signage. The current plan for the exterior has changed to be less pronounced than this rendering. Credit: H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture.
The Paramount Theatre originally operated from 1928 to 1962 as a live performance venue and was also the first theater designed to show talking movies. It helped introduce Jazz to Brooklyn and was an early home to Rock. The Theatre had performances by iconic musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Bing Crosby, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry.
In 1962, the Paramount Theatre closed its doors. LIU would go on to turn the location into a gym, though it retained the original Rococo-style ceiling and other decorative details. The gym at what once was the Paramount would be replaced, and plans for the restoration would be made. It is hoped by LIU that the renovations will bring opportunities for internships and hands-on experience across disciplines.
The original 2015 plan had a $50 million budget, but current numbers have not been released.
Brooklyn Paramount Theatre interior in 1937. Credit: Long Island University
The theatre is still home to one of two working models of the Wurlitzer 4/26 orchestral organ, the other at home in Radio City. The 1928 instrument is the only one that is still 100% original, and it is maintained by the New York Theatre Organ Society (NYTOS). It is capable of replicating the sound of a full symphony orchestra through a single, very intricate instrument.
The Brooklyn Public Library recently unveiled a tribute exhibition “The Book Of HOV,” in honor of legendary rapper Jay-Z. The exhibit, divided up between key elements of Jay’s career, is available for free to anyone with a library card. The display includes a recreation of Baseline Studios, a collection of records used as samples, artifacts, apparel, photos, and more.
Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy housing projects in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Raised by his mother Carter grew an affinity for music, specifically hip-hop, at an early age. In 1995, Jay, along with two partners, originally established Roc-A-Fella records after multiple labels rejected them. It was under Roc-A-Fella that Carter would drop his now famous debut album Reasonable Doubt in ‘96. The project would catapult the artist to rap stardom and since then “HOV” hasn’t looked back.
In total the Brooklyn native has released 13 solo albums, 4 collaborative projects, and has amassed 24 Grammy Awards. The rapper’s pen game has long been praised as one of the best in hip-hop history. Equipped with an endless supply of lyrical flows, metaphors, stories, and rhyming patterns, Jay has become one of the most influential figures in music.
Carter’s artistic legacy could provide more than enough content for an exhibit by itself, however it’s the rapper’s business and cultural accomplishments that has solidified him as one of the most successful musicians of all time. The Book Of Hov aims to honor the influences and events that helped to shape Jay into the artist and person he is today.
Punctuated by an atmosphere of inclusivity and individuality, the exhibit looks to inspire guests from all walks of life to “always bet on yourself”. Designed by Bruce and Shelly Rogers, the display makes up two floors of the library. In collaboration with the event the library created 13 new custom cards to correspond with HOV’s albums. Organizers also encourage guests to bring their own phones and music to help add to the experience.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez devised the entire event reportedly without Carter’s knowledge. The organizers strategically placed the exhibit in a public space to ensure maximum accessibility. Roc Nation reportedly covered the costs of the entire exhibit and are expected to donate money, books, and records to the library.
Here for more information and details about The Book Of Hov.
The upcoming Zamna Festival on Saturday, August 5th at The Brooklyn Mirage is where the jungle meets lasers, and raves meet paradise. A one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in East Williamsburg, The Brooklyn Mirage will be transformed into an immersive experience, Zamna’s signature oasis of electronic music, art, and culture.
Since its beginnings in 2017, Zamna Festival has since become an epicenter of electronic music. What EDM.com called “Tulum’s premier dance music experience,” Zamna draws tens of thousands of attendees from more than 110 countries around the world every year. Now, Zamna will debut their bears for their very first New York City, bringing the spirit of Tulum to Brooklyn with a complete venue takeover of The Brooklyn Mirage.
The Brooklyn Mirage prominently boasts a state-of-the-art KV2 sound system in addition to stellar three-dimensional video projection mapping technology. Part of the Avant Gardner complex, the multifaceted events space was nominated for ‘Best Club’ in the 2019 International Dance Music Awards. Forbes says “World-renowned venue The Brooklyn Mirage delivers some of the world’s hottest talent such as Kaskade, Zedd, Alesso, Charlotte de Witte, Dillon Francis, Tae of Us, Adam Beyer, Excision and Fisher.”
Birthh, a Brooklyn-based alternative pop artist, has released her third single, “Hyperdrive,” from her upcoming studio album Moonlanded. The song is a futurist declaration of queer love with energetic lyrics that drift through time and space.
Alice Bisi, better known as Birthh, was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy. Starting with music at age six, Birthh released her first album, Born in the Woods, at only 19. In March 2020, Birthh traveled to Brooklyn, meeting her now-life partner, Storm Higgins, where two weeks quickly turned into two and a half years during the pandemic. It was here that the Moonlanded album first got its start.
We feel so much and so deeply. We feel the triumph of being alive as much as we feel the struggle that comes with it. All at once.
Birthh
Lead vocals, beats, guitars, and keys were recorded by Birthh in her bedroom recording studio fittingly named the Moonbase. Strings were captured by Grammy-winning sound engineer Tommaso Colliva, and the album was mixed by Robert “LB” Dorsey, another Grammy winner.
The song “Hyperdrive” itself connects science fiction imagery and romantic feelings in the lyrics to create the sensation of drifting among the stars. It also ties the grandeur of the grand vistas it describes with the love story embedded in the song. The vocals themselves cut through the rest of “Hyperdrive,” with an experimental and unique sound.
A personal favorite touch happens near the end of the piece, where “Hyperdrive” uses both sides of earbuds or headphones to have the name of the song almost “rotate” around the listener. It adds to the futurist stylings of the song and feels like Birthh’s victory lap before the song closes out.
It was really important for Storm and I to show the evolution of our love through a sweet, dreamy lens because that’s what it felt like to us. Sapphic love is often either hypersexualized or dismissed. Coming from a more conservative culture like Italy, it hasn’t always been easy to express my queerness fearlessly. But we’re here, we’re proud, and representation really does matter.
Birthh
The full Moonlanded studio album will release on Sept. 1, 2023, and is currently available for pre-order. “Hyperdrive” is available everywhere, and can be found on various platforms here.
Coming from New York – you either got it or you don’t. Plain and simple. Some of the most prolific New York hip-hop penmanship comes from Your Old Droog. The word Droog serves as a synonym for buddy or pal as this Brooklyn-based Ukrainian writes, ideates and executes with the best of them. Magnetically, Droog’s mild mannerisms and downright delicate delivery separate him from the pack.
Initially, many thought that Nas voiced Droog as some sort of concealed alternate persona. Also, Mass Appeal [Media Platform owned by Nasir Jones] posted one of his early singles, “Nutty Bars” further propagating the alias. Nevertheless, this man transcends time with his collaborative contributions to the overarching grand scheme of hip-hop. Particularly, his work with Tha God Fahim proves incredibly extensive.
To discover the intriguing parts about Your Old Droog (or any artist for that matter) one must immerse and grow with the music over time. Alas, YOD makes music that elicits immersive qualities and allows a person to intrinsically reflect. After all, Droog loosely translates to friend. Listen to the song below to hear about how Droog ended up going the independent route.
Choosing What is Right
The directions by which life twists and turns represent a common denominator. To truly understand what fate means to you – look inward. Subsequently, Your Old Droog refused to put down the microphone after declining many major label deals. Instead, he remained independent and pivoted by way of artwork with Mach Hommy. Recording radio-friendly music via releases to satisfy a record deal do not amount to creative fulfillment in this day and age.
Zoom into 2019 alone – two years after Droog meets Tha God Fahim and Mach Hommy. The three mixtapes that hit Soundcloud in 2019 are lowkey legendary classics within the underground hip-hop hemisphere. Jewelery has since been removed but It Wasn’t Even Close and Transportation still knock through any stereo.
Distinguishing Factors
Furthermore, Your Old Droog’s evocative lyrics vastly distinguish his content from his counterparts. His approach captivates the crowd with cohesive and atmospheric energy developed according to lyrical circumstances. As a humble individual, Your Old Droog promotes conversational and self-deprecating content. Humorous humility and comedy comprise the well-balanced nature of this New York artist. Your Old Droog maintains a balanced homeostasis throughout the fulfillment of his earthly obligations.
Droog uses a stream-of-consciousness flow that doesn’t always require syllabic rhyme. By piecing together double entendres and using words in a nontraditional fashion, Droog consistently tries to best himself on every track. Particularly, his use of tonal perception as a mind-altering agent allows him to pair words and phrases in a fashion that many have never heard before.
Breaking Down the Language
Droog represents the Beastcoast and provides a deeper meaning to the complexities of our language in his music. Clearly, this unorthodox artist venerates and redefines the art of storytelling. Listening to tunes by Droog, it would prove useful to become familiar with the rewind button. This “rap revivalist” makes an impact with powerful opening lines and punchlines that stand among the likes of Big L, Prodigy, and Kool G Rap.
Hence, intonation and modulation are some of the crucial components of Droog’s vocal renditions. Modern artists tend to fill vocal space with adlibs and attention grabs, but Droog steers clear of filler material. Rather, he prefers to exert precision, accuracy, and intonation to his trademark raspy delivery.
As a “self-aware slang slinger,” Your Old Droog’s presence captivates countless city slickers worldwide. He radically explores the historical implications and inclinations of our complex lexicon. Through virtuosic analyses, in-depth comparisons, and brilliant metaphors, Droog makes his message clear.
Afropunk Brooklyn will be returning this year for another fun-filled weekend festival of fresh talent and amazing music. The annual cultural staple will be switching up venues this summer as it will be debuting at Greenpoint Terminal Market on Aug. 26 and 27.
Afropunk was first introduced to the Brooklyn area in 2005 and has persisted as an annual arts celebration ever since. The event features diverse music, film, fashion, and art produced by alternative black artists and this year’s lineup will be highlighting two new headliners. R&B singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan will be making her Afropunk headliner debut, performing select music from her critically acclaimed 2021 EP Heaux Tales. Producer, Flying Lotus will also take the stage as headliner for the festival, bringing his live show to the city.
Festival goers can also look forward to an even wider range of styles and incredible performances when it comes to the rest of the Afropunk lineup. Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$ will make an appearance during the weekend along with acclaimed jazz singer Madison McFerrin, NY rap vets the Beatnuts and multitalented performers such as Sudan Archives and the Brooklyn-born Iniko. These artists are simply skimming the surface of what diverse acts are to be expected throughout the weekend.
As the organizers and founders claim, however, Afropunk is not just about the music. “It’s a community of people who reject societal norms and embrace their true selves, no matter what anyone else thinks. So leave the daily grind behind, let your true self shine, and party like there’s no tomorrow. This is a space where you can let your freak flag fly and be proud of who you are.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
As hip hop’s 50th anniversary nears (August 11, 1973), the yearlong celebration of the world’s most popular music genre has been ramping up. However, hip hop is more than just rhyming over drum patterns. After all, the graffiti artists, breakdancers, b-boys, fashion and street culture are what the music reflected. It was only fitting that more than 4,000 people gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library for the philosophy of hip hop one of the largest celebrations of hip-hop’s anniversary to take place this year.
KRS One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
About the Event
As part of the BPL’s “Night in the Library” initiative, the philosophy of hip-hop brought together dozens of artists and thinkers for a dynamic all-night exploration of the genre. The event took over the iconic Central Library from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with keynote addresses, musical performances, discussions, debates, and activities inspired by the genre’s music and culture.
KRS-One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop exhibition
Co-curated by LeBrandon Smith founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of AKILA Worksongs, Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip-Hop featured a number of Roc Nation artists, including GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Rueben Vincent.
The event tied in together several decades of hip hop history from its inception up to the present. All the while interpolating various parts of the culture and showcasing some of the less-heralded figures that have spearheaded hip hop. In addition, a host of legendary cultural figures made appearances including the likes of Dapper Dan, Angie Martinez, performers and rap legends Smif-N-Wessun, Dead Prez and Keynote speaker KRS-One. The Philosophy of Hip Hop was a time capsule into hip hop’s roots as various deejays serenaded the audience with classic hip hop cuts, culminating in a performance by Dead Prez.
Fashion has long been an integral part of Hip-Hop culture.
Dapper Dan made an appearance at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
Discussions & Lectures
Similarly, there were several panels and discussions with key hip hop figures. Roc Nation artist Rapsody provided insight while leading a discussion on “Women in Hip-Hop: Sexuality, Empowerment, Competition, Success & A Fight for Respect.” Chiefly, Rapsody and Dr. Kathryn Sophia Belle discussed the pressures women face when it comes to their presentation. “I’ve learned to see it in different lights and overall, we’re just dope MC’s at the end of the day,” Rapsody Summarized.
Rapsody participated in a discussion on Women in Hip Hop
Panels
Other notable panels and lectures included “Which American Region Is the Most Important in Hip-Hop?” Where a panel of journalists which include journalists Mitchell S. Jackson, Alvin Blanco, Chad Sanders and musical acts Jazzy Lo and DonWill. The panel answered questions on the trendsetters and groundbreaking acts from their respective regions (the East Coast, South, West Coast and the Mid-West). All the while a lively audience were eager to offer insight.
“Which American Region is the Most Important in Hip Hop?” was one night’s liveliest discussions.
In like manner legendary music journalist Bill Adler took the stage with Pete Nice of 3rd Bass for “The Expansion of Hip-Hop: How Non-Black Players Built a Home in the Genre.” A Brooklyn native, Adler has covered hip hop since the very wee points of its inception and shared stories on being one of the first writers to cover Kurtis Blow. By the same token, Pete nice shared his experiences as a Caucasian making his way through a black art form, having been on the Def Jam label during its formative years. The Long Island native shared stories of the joint-hunger and pursuit of success between him and the rest of Def Jam’s early roster.
Bill Adler and Pete nice led a discussion on The Expansion of hip hop
The evening closed with a performance from Dead Prez, who performed their cult-favorite “Hip-Hop.” With lyrics that see the Brooklyn duo criticize the capitalist nature of the music industry and its exploitation of black people, Dead Prez doubled-down with an intensified, acapella rendition of the record to hone in the message. Afterwards, the Deejay ended the night with a run of classic 80’s and 90’s tracks as the crowd celebrated hip hop in unison.
Dead Prez closed the night out with their hit-record “Hip-Hop.”
