It turns out that Seth Rogin is the Green Hornet in a 2010 movie based on the comic. Take a look at the trailer and let me know what you think.
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thegreenhornet/
Being on staff at the 2010 AfroPunk Festival was hard work and a lot of fun at the same time. I've been wanting to share some of my experiences, but life's been a bit crazy and I haven't had the chance to really get my thoughts together. So I'm going to focus on a couple of highlights that I experienced over the two-day event.
One of the bands I looked forward to was Galaxy of Tar. I first learned about the duo when I started blogging for Afro-Punk. When you're promoting an event, it's important to know as much as possible about the bands. I heard their music and loved it. The best way to describe it is a harsh melodic and industrial sound.
The lead singer is America's Next Top Model cycle 4 winner Naima Mora with Elias Diaz on drums, Nemanja Rebic on guitar and Samuel Fernandez on bass. As one of the earlier bands on the first day, not many attendees got the chance to see them. I also missed out because of working backstage. Luckily, after leaving the festival for a moment, they came back and I got the chance to hang with Naima and Elias for a bit. One of the most surreal moments of the day was when I asked them to take a picture with me. Naima had the idea of jumping while Coby Kennedy took the picture. Unfortunately my digital camera takes a moment to capture an image. We wound up jumping up and down over and over again leading to some random and funny images.
.JPG)
One of the bands I looked forward to was Galaxy of Tar. I first learned about the duo when I started blogging for Afro-Punk. When you're promoting an event, it's important to know as much as possible about the bands. I heard their music and loved it. The best way to describe it is a harsh melodic and industrial sound.
The lead singer is America's Next Top Model cycle 4 winner Naima Mora with Elias Diaz on drums, Nemanja Rebic on guitar and Samuel Fernandez on bass. As one of the earlier bands on the first day, not many attendees got the chance to see them. I also missed out because of working backstage. Luckily, after leaving the festival for a moment, they came back and I got the chance to hang with Naima and Elias for a bit. One of the most surreal moments of the day was when I asked them to take a picture with me. Naima had the idea of jumping while Coby Kennedy took the picture. Unfortunately my digital camera takes a moment to capture an image. We wound up jumping up and down over and over again leading to some random and funny images.
.JPG)
Wait! We're not ready!
Okay, Go! No Elias you're too late!
Well, okay then, let's try fierce. Elias that's not fierce!
Almost!
Okay, let's try a nice pose.
This is going to have to do, then.
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During my travels around Brooklyn, I've noticed an interetsing reaction to the recent Absolut Vodka campaign, promoting a partnership with Spike Lee. Absolut Brooklyn is a limited edition flavored vodka inspiried by Spike Lee's Brooklyn. The flavor is red apple and ginger, something that sounds like a Jolly Rancher dipped in vodka. Truth be told, I haven't tried it, but to this drinks snob, it doesn't sound like the best thing.
The bottle is redesigned to show a colorful hand-drawn stoop and a brownstone. When you see it in the store, there is a part of you that wants to puchase this limited edition bottle, just in case Antiques Roadshow comes to town in the year 2050. When you see the advertisement in the subway, it's a different story.
The anonymous pop op-ed scrawled across subway advertisements shows no reverence for the contrived. Spike Lee is not immune. Anyone who would question the authenticity of someone who directed such Brooklyn-based classics as Do The Right Thing, She's Gotta Have It, and Crooklyn and now lives up on the Upper East Side is beyond me.
Our anynomous op-ed taggers have expressed their thoughts about the Absolut Brooklyn partnership by answering right back on those same advertisements that line the G train (I'm not surprised because there is not much else to do while you're waiting 30 minutes in the middle of the night) and the F train. Below are some photos of what people really have to say about Absolut Brooklyn.
The bottle is redesigned to show a colorful hand-drawn stoop and a brownstone. When you see it in the store, there is a part of you that wants to puchase this limited edition bottle, just in case Antiques Roadshow comes to town in the year 2050. When you see the advertisement in the subway, it's a different story.
The anonymous pop op-ed scrawled across subway advertisements shows no reverence for the contrived. Spike Lee is not immune. Anyone who would question the authenticity of someone who directed such Brooklyn-based classics as Do The Right Thing, She's Gotta Have It, and Crooklyn and now lives up on the Upper East Side is beyond me.
Our anynomous op-ed taggers have expressed their thoughts about the Absolut Brooklyn partnership by answering right back on those same advertisements that line the G train (I'm not surprised because there is not much else to do while you're waiting 30 minutes in the middle of the night) and the F train. Below are some photos of what people really have to say about Absolut Brooklyn.
The G Train at Fulton Street
A Reminder of Spike's Former Days of Glory
Kudo's to the person who came up with this one.
A Comment on Gentrification - honestly, we can't blame everything on Spike!
Comments about the taste and Spike's choice of partnership.
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Tired of society force feeding culture to you? Want to watch artists in the moment creating a fleeting piece of work that will only be heard once in a lifetime? Then let me introduce you to Lawrence D. "Butch" Morris.
Morris, affectionately known as "Butch" Morris is my cousin. The first time I remember meeting him, I was 12 years old and my mother told me that he wrote the theme music to the "Spencer for Hire" spin off series, "A Man Called Hawk."
Once I moved to New York, I spent family time with Butch and saw him perform for the first time. I loved it! The music moved through an abstract cacophony of rhythms and notes to a beautifully blended aural tapestry, each instrument providing its own color to the sound.
The secret to Butch's sound is a technique called "Conduction." It is where musicians must watch Butch's movements and give him what he wants. It's a conversation where the musicians get the opportunity to contribute whatever melody or harmony happens to be inside them at the moment. There is no sheet music.
It's more like a conversation.
Butch: "Flute, give me a tune."
Flute: "Okay Butch, how about this?"
Butch: "That's nice! Keep it up. Trumpet, what do you have to say?"
Trumpet: "I'm feeling this."
Butch: "Hmmmm. I'll keep that in mind. But let's go back to the flute for now. Everyone, follow the flute."
And it goes on from there.
Butch has worked with all types of instruments in his travels. He even works with poets and actors. I can't wait until he works with dancers.
He'll be at NUBLU, which is on Ave C between 4th and 5th street.
So when your friends tell you that they just saw someone at The Jazz Standard, you can reply that you went to see Butch Morris play at NUBLU and they will be impressed.
Morris, affectionately known as "Butch" Morris is my cousin. The first time I remember meeting him, I was 12 years old and my mother told me that he wrote the theme music to the "Spencer for Hire" spin off series, "A Man Called Hawk."
Once I moved to New York, I spent family time with Butch and saw him perform for the first time. I loved it! The music moved through an abstract cacophony of rhythms and notes to a beautifully blended aural tapestry, each instrument providing its own color to the sound.
The secret to Butch's sound is a technique called "Conduction." It is where musicians must watch Butch's movements and give him what he wants. It's a conversation where the musicians get the opportunity to contribute whatever melody or harmony happens to be inside them at the moment. There is no sheet music.
Butch: "Flute, give me a tune."
Flute: "Okay Butch, how about this?"
Butch: "That's nice! Keep it up. Trumpet, what do you have to say?"
Trumpet: "I'm feeling this."
Butch: "Hmmmm. I'll keep that in mind. But let's go back to the flute for now. Everyone, follow the flute."
And it goes on from there.
Butch has worked with all types of instruments in his travels. He even works with poets and actors. I can't wait until he works with dancers.
He'll be at NUBLU, which is on Ave C between 4th and 5th street.
So when your friends tell you that they just saw someone at The Jazz Standard, you can reply that you went to see Butch Morris play at NUBLU and they will be impressed.
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In my never ending quest to find individuals willing to break their mold and live life as they are on the inside, it would be remiss not to include those lovable geeks in the nerdcore movement!
Nerdcore is a genre of rap that celebrates the culture of geekdom. This could range anywhere from politics to fantasy or science fiction. For example, you may hear a song in the style of the Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere" about "Four young hobbits that I know so well." Major figures of the Nerdcore movement include MC Frontalot, MC Hawking and YTCracker, who is an artist at the Nerdy South Record label.
MC Frontalot - First World Problem
Optimus Rhyme - Obey the Moderator
You have to admit, these lyrics are dope!
If you would still like to learn more about Nerdcore, you might want to go see the documentary, "Nerdcore for Life."
There have been some grumblings that Nerdcore could have racist undertones because the majority of artists are white guys taking on what could be considered traits of the black American community. While I cannot say for sure if this is the case because I haven't been to any shows, I find it hard to believe that guys rapping about being an OMM moderator or The Lord Of the Rings can be considered racist.
Is this racist?
I didn't think so.
It's fun! Anyone who has ever had a passion for something a little off center can appreciate what these kids are trying to accomplish. They are living their lifestyle and talking about the things that they love. It's no secret, you have to be pretty eloquent to be a good MC. That takes brains and wit. It's safe to say that any geeks have this in spades. Everyone should have the opportunity to strut on stage. It's a great feeling. Let the nerds have their jams!
Now I would like to take the time to debut my latest nerdcore song. Check it!
(P.S. The song is intended to be funny and no one was hurt in the process of making it.)
Sing-a-long!
Let me lay it on the line
I got a little geekiness inside
And you know that the man
Has got to deal with it
I don't care what they say
I'm not about to pay nobody's way
mmm-hmm
I want a geek in the mornin'
A geek in the evenin'
Just like me
I want a brainy brother that can satisfy me
If you are that kind of man
'Cause I'm that kind of girl
I've got a geeky secret, everybody sing
'Cause I will be a geek
Until the day until the dawn
and we can nerd out
all through the night to the early morn'
So come on and we'll roll up to comicon in a gangsta lean
and we can roll play any time of day it's all good for me!
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As you know, this blog is about people using the internet to help them overcome social and political boundaries perpetuated by mainstream media and dominant cultures. The following post is, admittedly a stretch. But I think it's about a man who is secure in himself enough to share a moving experience with the world. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And here's the remix...
And here's the remix...
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1 comments
I have a confession to make. I have a bit of a reputation among some of my girlfriends for being attracted to a particular type of guy. My friend Lisa is always quick to remind me about the time when the model/bartender at her local watering hole was doing everything and anything to get me to notice him...and I was wrapped up in conversation with two skinny, computer lovin', comic book reading nerds.
So I had to control my excitement when a friend introduced me to the BNN - The Black Nerds Network. Yes, you heard me right.
The BNN was founded by two black Brits who realized that the Afro/Caribbean culture is more likely to promote and celebrate a "ghetto" lifestyle than any other group of people. So they decided to promote the idea that it's good to be a NERD!
The dynamic duo started with a myspace page that generated 3000 friends. Of course, being the nerds that they are, they've migrated over to Facebook and beyond.
'Black people sometimes believe our own bad
press and behave accordingly, even adopting
negative stereotypical behavior as a way of
throwing it back at society.'
(Glenn C. Loury)
Before we go further, I want to say that there have always been black nerds in mainstream culture. Here are just a few:
Barack Obama
Benjamin Banneker
Okay, well, you get the picture.
Now one can't just show up and declare that they are a black nerd. Oh no! It takes time and dedication plus the ability to withstand constant taunts of not being cool or not loving your race enough to get bad grades and talk street.
You must know what a Commodore 64 is, you must follow the Boondocks religiously. Wyatt Cenac must be a comedic hero for keepin it real on The Daily Show with John Stewart. You must be able to refer to obscure references to Transformers, He-Man, She-Ra, X-Men, Spider Man, The Green Lantern, Star Trek, Dr Who, Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, The Cosby Show, A Man Called Hawk, The A-Team, The Wiz, and Fat Albert in order to truly explain the point that you're trying to prove.
The BNN is primarily a blog that follows design and culture. Since it was created by black Brits it has a stronger Afro/Carribean influence than a similar blog might have if it was created in the US. Anyone who is creative and a free thinker is welcome to join the site.
Trolling through the site might turn up postings about fashion, design, tattoos and art. Once you've crossed the threshold you can sport your allegiance by wearing one of the graphic tees that the site sells. And watch you friends turn green with envy as you stroll down the street carrying one of these bad boys!
I know you'll be getting yours ASAP!
As for those model/bartender types who try so desperately to get my attention, it's not that difficult! Just ask me to go see Predators when it comes out. When we meet, don't wear anything that costs more than your rent - or your electric bill - and we'll be fine.
So I had to control my excitement when a friend introduced me to the BNN - The Black Nerds Network. Yes, you heard me right.
The BNN was founded by two black Brits who realized that the Afro/Caribbean culture is more likely to promote and celebrate a "ghetto" lifestyle than any other group of people. So they decided to promote the idea that it's good to be a NERD!
The dynamic duo started with a myspace page that generated 3000 friends. Of course, being the nerds that they are, they've migrated over to Facebook and beyond.
'Black people sometimes believe our own bad
negative stereotypical behavior as a way of
throwing it back at society.'
(Glenn C. Loury)
Before we go further, I want to say that there have always been black nerds in mainstream culture. Here are just a few:
Barack Obama Garrett Morgan
Inventor of the gas mask and traffic light
Benjamin Banneker
Now one can't just show up and declare that they are a black nerd. Oh no! It takes time and dedication plus the ability to withstand constant taunts of not being cool or not loving your race enough to get bad grades and talk street.
You must know what a Commodore 64 is, you must follow the Boondocks religiously. Wyatt Cenac must be a comedic hero for keepin it real on The Daily Show with John Stewart. You must be able to refer to obscure references to Transformers, He-Man, She-Ra, X-Men, Spider Man, The Green Lantern, Star Trek, Dr Who, Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, The Cosby Show, A Man Called Hawk, The A-Team, The Wiz, and Fat Albert in order to truly explain the point that you're trying to prove.
The BNN is primarily a blog that follows design and culture. Since it was created by black Brits it has a stronger Afro/Carribean influence than a similar blog might have if it was created in the US. Anyone who is creative and a free thinker is welcome to join the site.
Trolling through the site might turn up postings about fashion, design, tattoos and art. Once you've crossed the threshold you can sport your allegiance by wearing one of the graphic tees that the site sells. And watch you friends turn green with envy as you stroll down the street carrying one of these bad boys!
I know you'll be getting yours ASAP!
As for those model/bartender types who try so desperately to get my attention, it's not that difficult! Just ask me to go see Predators when it comes out. When we meet, don't wear anything that costs more than your rent - or your electric bill - and we'll be fine.
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I would like to thank my classmate, Erin, for introducing me to Wordle. It's a great way to easily make a word cloud. I plan on creating one for my good friend Jackie's birthday. Because words just can't describe her.
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Just when you think you've seen it all. This is a music video, produced by Hiromi Ozaki, about a boy named Takashi who wants to know what it's like to be a cute girl. Yes, of course he dresses up, but his transformation does not stop at lipstick and pumps. He actually wears a machine fitted with electrodes and a blood dispenser to understand what it's like to menstruate with cramps. It's all set to a poppy beat, in true Japanese fashion.
I don't know about you, but I know what I'll be getting some of my guy friends for the holidays!
Hiromi's video is part of the 2010 show for Design Interactions, a department in London's Royal College of Art which "explores new roles, contexts and approaches for design in relation to the social, cultural and ethical impact of existing and emerging technologies." The program is intended to explore the human consequences, both positive and negative, of different technological futures.
For more interesting takes on humans and technology from the students of the program, click here.
I don't know about you, but I know what I'll be getting some of my guy friends for the holidays!
Hiromi's video is part of the 2010 show for Design Interactions, a department in London's Royal College of Art which "explores new roles, contexts and approaches for design in relation to the social, cultural and ethical impact of existing and emerging technologies." The program is intended to explore the human consequences, both positive and negative, of different technological futures.
For more interesting takes on humans and technology from the students of the program, click here.
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comments
This post is dedicated to that kid. You're sitting on your rooftop in the hood, in the courtyard of your projects, on the curb out side your house in some no name suburb, or even on your front stoop in the middle of...well, nowhere. You see planes flying above you and wonder, "Where is it going?" You watch TV and see far off places and wonder, "How do I get there?"
I'm here to tell you that it's possible. You have it in you to travel and make your world larger than you ever thought. I had the great opportunity to speak to someone who was just like you once. His name is Toshin and he is from Mississippi. Take some time and listen to our conversation. When it's done, go to the library and start planning. You won't ever be the same.
Part 1: It's possible
Part 2: What's it like?
Part 3: Get busy!
I'm here to tell you that it's possible. You have it in you to travel and make your world larger than you ever thought. I had the great opportunity to speak to someone who was just like you once. His name is Toshin and he is from Mississippi. Take some time and listen to our conversation. When it's done, go to the library and start planning. You won't ever be the same.
Part 1: It's possible
Part 2: What's it like?
Part 3: Get busy!
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Travel
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Anyone who knows me is aware of the following things:
I'm skinny
I have curly hair
I love to drink
and
I HATE CATCALLS!!!
Any woman who has spent more than 3 days in NYC is familiar with the problem. You're walking down the street and some guy decides to make an unwelcome remark about your body, the expression on your face or what you happen to be eating at the time.
The first time I encountered this form of idiocy was when I moved to my beloved Washington Ave in Brooklyn. Hot summer days often leave me yearning for ice cream or fruit Popsicles. You know, the ones at the bodega? I prefer the strawberry ones, but I digress.
Walking down the street I would hear some guy yell out, "Can I have some?" WTF?!?!? That's annoying. What does he want from me? Am I supposed to be impressed by his witty sense of humor? At this point I'm annoyed, and I keep walking. A block later another guy says to me, "smile!" Are you kidding?!?! Do you say that to the 250lb dude who walks down the block with an ice grill, or is it just me who has to have a pleasant look on my face?
I tried to talk to some of my guy friends about it and the only thing they could say is that the "Can I have some?" line is a joke. Oh, really? Then they say, "It could be worse. They might not say anything at all." And therein lies the problem. These guys think that it's a way to compliment a woman and show her that they think she's fine. If she doesn't react with a smile or some sort of giggle than she's a stuck up b!tch.
Fellas, believe it or not, I don't need you to tell me I'm fine. I am not so insecure that I need constant reminders that you could "do me." Especially when I'm walking down the street thinking about the health of my friends' mothers (love you Jackie and Tiff!) or how the hell I'm going to finish all the reading for my Digital Communications class.
Overall there's a time and a place for everything and the same goes for compliments. You give them like you would a present to your mother - a woman you respect. Do you throw it at her as she's walking down the sidewalk? "Hey ma! Happy Mother's Day! Here's a cake for ya!" SPLAT!! or do you sit her down, talk to her and let her know that she's special and you appreciate her?
For the ladies, I've found a couple of sites that help you cope with the "joys" of being a woman walking down the street in NYC.
The Street Harassment Project - This site actually provides flyers for women to give to unwanted "sidewalk suiters."
Holla Back New York - Women post pictures of men who make unwanted comments and advances to them on the street.
Overall I like what Judy Brown wrote in her 6/18 guest blog post on Holla Back, "I don’t believe that guys on the street hollering at women believe they’re going to get a date: it’s definitely about entitlement, if not harassment."
I think she's right. Back when I was on Washington Ave, I naively thought that I had to have a good sense of humor about the unwanted advances. "I'm down," I would think, "I have a sense of humor." It wasn't until one of the local vagrants (read "crackheads") decided to harass me as I walked down my street. Reaching my block I realized that I didn't want this guy to know where I lived, so I ducked into my corner bodega. Almost immediately, the guys who worked there chased him away yelling, "You leave her alone! She's a good girl!" It was the first time that I realized that I didn't have to put up with the bullsh!t!
Unfortunately, the next time I had an unwelcome comment was in that same bodega (but not by the same guys). This man would always blow a kiss at me whenever I walked into the bodega and say hello. I didn't like it because I just wanted to be treated like a regular customer.
This particular day I was looking for some Vitamin Water, but they did not have any. I was annoyed, because it was the third store I had been in. He said, "What are you looking for, mami?"
"Vitamin Water," I replied, "You don't have any?"
He said, "No, but I have some vitamins for you." He grabbed his crotch.
I glared at him with a stare that would stop the heart.
He said, "Why are you looking at me like that, mami?"
I yelled at him, "Don't talk to me like that!" I have a deep voice so it was boomin'!
He was shocked because I was normally very respectful when I walked into the store.
Needless to say he never bothered me again.
That day I had the choice of being treated like I was "pretty" or like I was respected. Obviously, I opted for respect.
Love,
Brooklynslim
I'm skinny
I have curly hair
I love to drink
and
I HATE CATCALLS!!!
Any woman who has spent more than 3 days in NYC is familiar with the problem. You're walking down the street and some guy decides to make an unwelcome remark about your body, the expression on your face or what you happen to be eating at the time.
The first time I encountered this form of idiocy was when I moved to my beloved Washington Ave in Brooklyn. Hot summer days often leave me yearning for ice cream or fruit Popsicles. You know, the ones at the bodega? I prefer the strawberry ones, but I digress.
Walking down the street I would hear some guy yell out, "Can I have some?" WTF?!?!? That's annoying. What does he want from me? Am I supposed to be impressed by his witty sense of humor? At this point I'm annoyed, and I keep walking. A block later another guy says to me, "smile!" Are you kidding?!?! Do you say that to the 250lb dude who walks down the block with an ice grill, or is it just me who has to have a pleasant look on my face?
I tried to talk to some of my guy friends about it and the only thing they could say is that the "Can I have some?" line is a joke. Oh, really? Then they say, "It could be worse. They might not say anything at all." And therein lies the problem. These guys think that it's a way to compliment a woman and show her that they think she's fine. If she doesn't react with a smile or some sort of giggle than she's a stuck up b!tch.
Fellas, believe it or not, I don't need you to tell me I'm fine. I am not so insecure that I need constant reminders that you could "do me." Especially when I'm walking down the street thinking about the health of my friends' mothers (love you Jackie and Tiff!) or how the hell I'm going to finish all the reading for my Digital Communications class.
Overall there's a time and a place for everything and the same goes for compliments. You give them like you would a present to your mother - a woman you respect. Do you throw it at her as she's walking down the sidewalk? "Hey ma! Happy Mother's Day! Here's a cake for ya!" SPLAT!! or do you sit her down, talk to her and let her know that she's special and you appreciate her?
For the ladies, I've found a couple of sites that help you cope with the "joys" of being a woman walking down the street in NYC.
The Street Harassment Project - This site actually provides flyers for women to give to unwanted "sidewalk suiters."
Holla Back New York - Women post pictures of men who make unwanted comments and advances to them on the street.
Overall I like what Judy Brown wrote in her 6/18 guest blog post on Holla Back, "I don’t believe that guys on the street hollering at women believe they’re going to get a date: it’s definitely about entitlement, if not harassment."
I think she's right. Back when I was on Washington Ave, I naively thought that I had to have a good sense of humor about the unwanted advances. "I'm down," I would think, "I have a sense of humor." It wasn't until one of the local vagrants (read "crackheads") decided to harass me as I walked down my street. Reaching my block I realized that I didn't want this guy to know where I lived, so I ducked into my corner bodega. Almost immediately, the guys who worked there chased him away yelling, "You leave her alone! She's a good girl!" It was the first time that I realized that I didn't have to put up with the bullsh!t!
Unfortunately, the next time I had an unwelcome comment was in that same bodega (but not by the same guys). This man would always blow a kiss at me whenever I walked into the bodega and say hello. I didn't like it because I just wanted to be treated like a regular customer.
This particular day I was looking for some Vitamin Water, but they did not have any. I was annoyed, because it was the third store I had been in. He said, "What are you looking for, mami?"
"Vitamin Water," I replied, "You don't have any?"
He said, "No, but I have some vitamins for you." He grabbed his crotch.
I glared at him with a stare that would stop the heart.
He said, "Why are you looking at me like that, mami?"
I yelled at him, "Don't talk to me like that!" I have a deep voice so it was boomin'!
He was shocked because I was normally very respectful when I walked into the store.
Needless to say he never bothered me again.
That day I had the choice of being treated like I was "pretty" or like I was respected. Obviously, I opted for respect.
Love,
Brooklynslim
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While the Afro-Punk street kids are picking out their outfits for the festival, figuring out their hairstyles, and working on their best tricks and dance moves, I got the chance to meet some of them and learn what they’re about and how they live their passions.
One exceptionally fine June day, a bunch of us converged at Jazz Tattoo, 212 Greene Ave in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Here’s how it went down:
I first met Monique McWilliams, Miss Mo, at Jazz Tattoo in Clinton Hill Brooklyn. She is a freelancer in the art world who has worked for Spike Lee and Sesame Workshop. When I asked her what Afro-Punk meant to her, she said, “Being young and growing up in an all white neighborhood and being picked on for talking “too white” or “acting too white” or listening to “too white” music and now I can just be myself as an individual as I’m older. [Afro-Punk is] a cool movement. I really enjoy the people of the movement more than anything else. I think this movement is bringing out really good people and opening other people’s mind to the bigger picture of life.”
Tattoo Slim is one of the artists at Jazz Tattoo. Born and raised in Clinton Hill and joined the shop in January. A member of the growing number of black tattoo artists, Slim says that they all are definitely trying to make it into the industry, which is not that black friendly. They are becoming part of the mainstream thanks to Urban Ink, which is showing more black tattoo artists. Jazz is one of the top guys in the industry and he’s trying to make a way for everybody else here.
What would the AP Movement be without tattoos? Slim thinks the movement is cool. “It’s cool to see everybody get together and try to develop something and build. It makes people understand that there is more than what’s out there. I just like how it networks the young black minds together. We don’t really have that many things that will show what we’re really trying to do. And we’re trying to do something.”
James Blackmon! (Queue music)
He’s just another cat in the world trying to struggle and make it up that ladder. He’s originally from Connecticut, but now he’s in Brooklyn, also working at Jazz Tattoo. He’s a singer, model, actor, and manager of Jazz Tattoo.
Afro-Punk is showing our community that there are other things out there, says James. We shouldn’t be limited to the things that people around us are just showing us. Expand our horizons, our knowledge of music and art…and the world!”
James will be at AP Fest 2010 and he’s looking forward to every minute of it. “It’s like sensory overload! I’m looking forward to the energy. The artists are connecting to each other too. We’re finding a common bond, and it’s a great thing because we can help each other out.”
Daoud Abeid is a co-owner of coup d’etat BROOKLYN, the graphically bold company that is well known for the t-shirts reminding us to “TEACH THE BABIES.” Their brand philosophy follows the principle “live to change something.”
“Afro-Punk is churning up the sediment in a lot of ways. I have a lot of new friends and cool people that in a lot of ways happened through Afro-Punk. Going to someone’s show and seeing Game Rebellion. I’d see them around Brooklyn, then I saw them perform and we became more acquainted through Afro-Punk shows. Now that’s family! Those are brothers of mine. There are a lot of other people who I have discovered, being attached to this movement. I know a lot of people now who are friends who were just at Afro-Punk festival and now they are best friends. It’s a true story!”
So as you can see. The Afro-Punk Festival is about more than just good music. You may meet your next best friend, your next band mate or your true love. So. Don’t. Sleep!
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The Afro-Punk Festivals bring skate, bmx, music and art together in one exciting venue. I had the chance to meet up with this year’s artists – some of the biggest artists from the Brooklyn underground scene and …"ask them what their interests are, who they be with, things that make them smile, what numbers to dial”…(Biggie!). But really, read on as I rap with them about life, love, art and all things Afro-Punk.
This much genius in one place could disrupt the space/time continuum.Rob Fokused
Typography, lettering art, painting and prints.
He’s that dude who’s good looking – but not too pretty, way down-to-earth, and just mad cool, with a French bulldog named Hugo. How does he feel about being a part of the Afro-Punk Festival?
“It’s my second time being involved with something that’s such a huge event out of Brooklyn. I think it’s a beautiful thing because it lets people know that Brooklyn is still on top.”
Chicka chicka chicka spraaaay.
Coby Kennedy
Murals, illustrations, cars, video installations, graphic design, animation, interior design, fashion design
Well, they outlawed BMX on the ramps this year, but that’s not a bad thing. Coby Kennedy will have to focus his energy on other things…like painting! Yay!
When I asked him about the Afro-Punk festival he said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s like at the end of The Dark Crystal when the Mystics and the Skeksis all came together and it was like Boom! And there was the convergence and the planets aligned. That’s what Afro-Punk every year is for me.
I would describe the Afro-Punk Festival as a gumbo and a mash-up of all things dope. The unifying element being that we’re all Afro.”
Coby had more to say, but he couldn’t put it into English words. I asked him to put it in Klingon, but that only brought back memories of when he dated that Klingon chick. “She kept head butting me! It was rough.” So you’ll have to come out and see for yourself.
jIyaj, Coby. qabang!
Lichiban
Portraits, murals, graphic design
Picture this: You’re hanging out on a rooftop in Brooklyn. It’s just you and some friends. There’s a knock on the rooftop door and you swear it’s your landlord coming to chase you off the roof and take all your beer. The door opens and up pops a fox head, followed by a pair of mischievous clear blue eyes. You’ve just encountered Lichiban.
I call it an encounter, because you don’t just meet someone like Lichiban. She’s an experience. You want to be a part of her world and bounce around Brooklyn dressed as your own personal power animal. She’ll be at the Afro-Punk Festival. Don’t be surprised if you have an inner evolution and leave wilder than you came.
“When I go to a show like Afro-Punk, there is so much energy being circulated and that is a collective healing experience and liberating. I think music is the most direct connection to our own emotions and to the cosmos. It’s pure vibration.”
See One
Menswear apparel, fashion illustrator, cartooning, tattoo, design layout, mural design
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He’s shown at Sole Foods NYC, Brothers Brooks Showroom, Wealthy Hostage, 2009 So Live Arts and Education, Gimmie Art, Antagonist Art, and the Nike World Tour. What can I say? The dude’s just dope. He collects money, t-shirts, comics and spray paint. He rocks a size 14 sneaker, so forget about gettin’ them through some skinny jeans. He’s getting ready to be the creative director of his own street wear label.
“I’m really excited. I love the Afro-Punk Festival! I’ve been involved with a few of their past events. They’re always really dope they have this ill independent vibe about them. Those are the homies! I’m really excited. I think it’s a great way to kick off the summertime. Personally, I can’t wait. I appreciate getting to spend this time around likeminded people, and getting to talk to them more and see what’s in their head. At least we’re all on the same wavelength and that’s the most important part.”
Love, BrooklynSlim
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