August 5. 2009 by admin.

Second week in a row! I’m on a roll (you know I couldn’t miss THIS concert). Got there early, didn’t have to wait too long because the line moved swiftly, saw good friends that I see everyday and others that I haven’t seen in years. Marty Markowitz did his usual, and I pre-gamed on the sidelines eagerly awaiting the real start of the concert. Jazmine Sullivan finally hit the stage blowing from the beginning with “Busting Windows”, “Lions, Tigers & Bears”, “Dream Big”, and ending with “Need U Bad“. Her voice was nothing less than amazing- I just wished she stood still a little more and let her voice speak for itself because it was exceptional! Also I had to note that it was a hot summer day and her navy blue dress with black stockings made the day a little hotter.

Oh yeah… and Robin Thicke was definitely a funky soulful “mother shut your mouth!” Very classy- from his delivery to his swag, he proved that he could definitely rock one the hardest crowds to please. Everyone was dancing and singing along genuinely having themselves great time. All the hits were performed (my favorites from the second and third album), but none from the first album. I know it’s the least popular, but that first album was great. Robin Thicke and Jazmine Sullivan gave Brooklyn a great show and WE appreciated it greatly.

Be blessed…KuTs 

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July 28. 2009 by admin.

Finally, I made it to the to 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Summer Concert Series at Wingate Park in non-other than Brooklyn, New York. Having had already missed two concerts, I was uberly determined not to have this concert meet the same fate- especially because my all time favorite artist EVER Anita Baker was headlining along with (don’t sleep on this dude at all)- Charlie Wilson. I remember being really young and my mom always having the radio on WBLS- at that time Anita Baker ruled the airwaves. Her jazzy, melodic, piercingly clear tonation that made her stick out like a red door knob in a black room also made her a household name and one of the greatest voices of her time. She took me back to my younger years- whether good or bad, I was always comforted by the sounds of Anita Baker. Last night, Anita Baker was my chicken soup, and I had more than my fill. Wearing her signature look, from beginning to end I was caught up in the rapture as she belted out “Angel”, “Fairy Tale”, and “You Bring Me Joy”. I am still on a high and cannot go any further without first mentioning that I am officially a Charlie Wilson fan. With his rendition of “Let’s Chill”, “Baby I’m a Star”, and a Gap Band track or two from his previous days with them- he took the crowd from grooving in their seats to dancing on top of them. With three costume changes all involving something reflective, he proved that he came to give Brooklyn a good show and we received him with open arms. They were classic, left Brooklyn drunken with satisfaction and me thirsty for more.

Be Blessed…KuTTy

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July 12. 2009 by admin.

This weekend was undoubtedly eventful and all thanks to one of my favorite friends. You may already know “Free”… (and no, not the female who first hosted BET’s 106 & Park) but the worthless kind. The friend you don’t have to come out of pocket for. We started off by making a stop at a Brooklyn backyard alley BBQ (Yardie Caribbean style) full of drinks, food, and some of the wickedest tunes (Bend Ovah Gal!…) FREE was all over “Free’s agenda” and that was just Friday night. Saturday was all about work and recovery, which left Sunday to start in no other place but church. Bad planning moves got me to the last leg and the last hour of fun and House tracks at the Afro-Punk Block Party in Clinton Hills, Brooklyn. Dre and FaBid were there early taking it all in for me, so look out for more details and pics on the block party to come… We hit up Fort Greene Park afterwards, that hosts an event called Soul Summit every Sunday in the Summer, of non-stop rhythmic drum beats and DJ’s. There were hundreds of people housin’, loving, creating and in my opinion, it was one the best feel good atmospheres in Brooklyn and the best part- my friend “Free” was all over that event, too. Then we hit up Moe’s, Habana Outpost, my homie R****, and definitely had a happy ending (Ooooo weeee!). Dope meeting you Tiff (Shout out to B-more); Mel loved running into you (still glad I got the original & still can’t believe you’re back in BK!)

Be Blessed…KuTTy

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July 8. 2009 by admin.

It took a little while for me to come off my high after the stellar performance Janelle Monae gave Brooklyn earlier. I took that time to walk around the park, observed the skateboarders & BMXers in their element, and stood in awe for about 10 minutes in front of this massive art exhibit. These masterpieces were larger-than-life, vibrant, creative and fit in perfectly with the Afro Punk vibe. So dope! Basking in wonderful weather in the midst of beautiful people & buzzing artists, you can’t help but want to meet a few new Brooklynites. Between mingling with fellow Afro Punkers, running into my Boyee Digo for a chat about This Life We Live, and praying the skaters & bikers didn’t break their necks (yo! them dudes were ’bout it -no helmets on!), it wasn’t before a matter of time they called up the next artist. Now this dude here… let’s just say I respect his craftsmanship! Saul Williams is a well-known poet, writer, actor and musician who’s been in the game for quite some time. He’s made guest appearances on the UPN sitcom, Girlfriends, had a lead role in the ’90s flick- Slam, and I’m almost certain I’ve seen him bring down the stage on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. So obviously when he was called to the stage, his real fans rushed to see it. The crowd started off a bit light in the beginning, but before the end of his set- Afro Punk Skate Park was at capacity, again! He was LIVE. It was a little TOO CLOSE for comfort, but a DOPE show to say the least. (P.S.A: Some people really need to introduce themselves to deodorant). Energy was flowing, the crowd was grooving. Classic Afro Punk! Check it out and tune in for more from the Afro Punk Festival…

DRE.B.EZ

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July 7. 2009 by admin.

As I entered what most Brooklynites know as the B.A.M. (Brooklyn Academy of Music) parking lot on the corner of Lafayette & Flatbush, I was eager to walk thru the crowd of onlookers in what was now transformed into Afro-Punk Skate Park! There was literally hundreds of spectators awaiting the night’s headliners, dudes soaring through the air off of high ramps (Xtreme Sports style, of course!) on skateboards and BMX’s, vendors selling and giving away merchandise and hundreds upon hundreds of feet of vibrant artwork to adore. Luckily for me, I got there just in time for them to introduce Urban alternative singer/songwriter, Janelle Monae! The crowd went APESHIT as she and her band gave us about an hour of off-the-wall, energetic sets complete with percussive climaxes and billows of smoke. She was truly a sight to see! She warmed hearts with her tribute to the late King of Pop singing “Smile”, completed a 10 minute uptempo tune all while painting a portrait onstage (…literally!), and just when you thought she was spent- she did her signature crowdsurf! I was astonished by her energy and totally pleased with her soaring, yet amazingly controlled vocals. If you’re not up on Janelle Monae- get into her. Tune in later to see more on Brooklyn’s Afro-Punk movement…

For more of Janelle Monae at Afro Punk ‘09, click the link below.

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July 6. 2009 by admin.

Although I’m still recovering from the chaos of my Fourth of July weekend, it wouldn’t be complete without supporting the annual Afro-Punk (AP) Festival in Brooklyn. I literally stumbled across last year’s 4th annual AP Block Party and vowed that I wouldn’t miss the following year’s festivities. Well guess what? The Summer season has come around full circle, and the last thing I wanted to do was make myself out to be a liar! The Afro-Punk Festival is more than a series of free (yep, FREE!!!) outdoor concerts, but it’s more like a cultural movement! It highlights the alternative Urban skate & BMX subculture that has become ever so popular, showcases the work of deserving artists through Music, Art and Film, and this year- they’ve chosen to honor the success of acclaimed American film director, producer, writer and actor- Spike Lee. 

While the majority of their events happened over the course of the Independence Day weekend, be sure to check out the official Afro-Punk Block Party on Sunday July 12th to culminate this year’s festivities with an array of live music including special performance by John Forte, DJ Rich Medina on the ones & twos, DIY fashion, craft vendors and so much BK eyecandy you won’t want to leave! Starts at 1pm and ends at 8pm on Clinton Avenue between Myrtle & Willoughby. See you there!

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April 16. 2009 by admin.

Thanks for riding with us into Day 3 with Brooklyn’s own singer/songwriter, Kayla Bliss. We bid this edgy, young artist farewell as Twitter has just notified us she’s planning a trip to Miami. Not for long we hope- but we do encourage the fact this songbird is spreading her wings beyond the streets of Brooklyn. Be on the look out for her mix tape hittin’ streets soon as well as a mainstream single due out early this summer. She’s truly on the move and that’s what we love to see. The BKBOYEEZ would like to shout out Kayla Bliss on her debut album and we wish her continued success on the road to stardom. We hope you remain humble and true to your craft, but most importantly, we hope you stay REAL! As we end this journey down the Roads to Bliss, we’ll leave you with a brief Q&A with Kayla Bliss and the video “It’s Not Cheating” from her debut album. Until next time…

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April 15. 2009 by admin.

We’re back with this month’s featured artist: Kayla Bliss. If you tuned in yesterday, you would have known that she’s easily the next BEST songwriter coming out of Brooklyn, but we want YOU to be the judge! Ride with us as we journey with her down the Roads to Bliss. Sounds euphoric, dontcha think? …Not sure what that means? Well look it up- and look HER up while you’re at it!

Kayla Bliss’ debut album- Roads to Bliss, is exactly what the title projects. From the time we hit play on the stereo- it felt as if we were instantly taken out of Brooklyn and teleported onto a tropical island touched by soft breezes and irie vibes. If you listen really closely we’re sure you’ll notice how much her sultry tones instantly drew you into the stories she told. As you run through the tracks, you’ll also learn some of the many facets of Kayla Bliss. On the reggae tune “Hear My Cry,” she sheds light on the epidemic that has continued to plague single woman worldwide- regardless of their age or ethnic background. She sings of the struggle a young 18 year old girl endures as she tries to better herself, raise a child, and deal with an absentee father. Not only is it a great message song of encouragement for women who are living this life, but it also teaches young girls about the ill reality of teen pregnancy and the life situations they should avoid at all costs. Read the rest of this entry »

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April 14. 2009 by admin.

It’s that time of the month again- where the BKBOYEEZ scour the streets of Brooklyn in search of the next burgeoning artist on the rise. We brought you a lyrical emcee last month and now this month we proudly present to you an extremely gifted singer/songwriter that’s not foreign to Brooklyn either. Going by the name of Kayla Bliss- this budding artist is in our opinion right up there with the likes of Keri Hilson, The Dream & Ne-Yo when it comes to lyrical content. Growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn under the strict influence of Jamaican parents, it wasn’t until their unfortunate separation- a vulnerable time of uncertainty in her life- where she turned to songwriting as the primary outlet to purge her emotions. Even during her impressionable teenage years, Kayla Bliss had the insight and maturity level to write songs the average person would only expect of an experienced adult. Regardless of how sophisticated the subject matter- she made you believe in her unforeseen accomplishments and helped you overcome your fears, she became that “battered and broken” woman clinging tightly to that lost love, and never without an addictive hook or melodic undertone. You can credit her early success to The Brooklyn Youth Chorus, of which she was a devoted member- thus exposing Kayla Bliss to different musical genres outside of mainstream favorites, sight singing, music theory as well as the opportunity to perform at some of NYC’s greatest landmarks, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Whether you call it the “luck of the draw” or sheer talent, it was a combination of these integral performances at these well-renowned venues and her drive to continue doing what obviously came naturally to her, that spawned the artist we now know and have grown to love.

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March 25. 2009 by admin.

For our final selection in our Woman’s month series, we’ve decided to celebrate the life and achievements of two influential women who were taken from us all too suddenly- but not without leaving an impact. We’ll start off with the late and dear rose from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn- Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979- August 25, 2001)- known to us all as just, Aaliyah. Introduced into the world of music by R&B’s artist, R. Kelly- it was her amazing physique, warm smile, incredible dancing ability and overall star quality that just did it for you! Remembered for classic albums like One In A Million and Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, produced by Timbaland & Missy Elliott, young Aaliyah- only in her mere teens was able to win over the hearts of the music world and the top fashion gurus behind Victoria Secret and Tommy Hilfiger. On top of the world and on top of her game, she successfully completed her third self-titled album, Aaliyah. At this point she already had TV and movie credits under her belt including Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned, but a tragic plane crash led to her early death. Attempting to return to the states after finishing the music video “Rock The Boat” off her junior album, Aaliyah’s private plane reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff about 200 feet from the runway. At the age of 22, she would have gone on to churning out more hits and co-starring in more motions pictures but her sudden death forced producers to either find a replacement for the roles they created for her, or just scrap going forward with the film altogether. Eight years after her death, her legacy still remains throughout the world of R&B. Read the rest of this entry »

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March 20. 2009 by admin.

So SPRING is finally here and I know it’s hard to factor that in right now with the slush falling from the sky, but indeed, our winter days are over. One of the best things about the Spring has to be Spring break! Whether you are in college or a working civilian (Hello Easter!) there is bound to be a couple days off from your normal routine. I know that in past years you might have gone on a fancy cruise or resort vacation but with the current economy status everyone is pinching pennies and eliminating some of the luxuries out of there life.

Here are some FREE to VERY CHEAP Brooklyn alternatives to fill your vacation days with:

1. Brooklyn is filled with museums so broaden your minds at – 

The Brooklyn Museum

The Sonya Studio Stroll

2. Revisit your childhood at the Prospect Park Zoo

3. Grab some mouth watering Latin food to go at Bogota Bistro and take a stroll through the Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden.

4. For dinner, dancing and some hot Brooklyn beats, check out Bar Sputnik that always has a great crowd and atmosphere.

I hope theses suggestions help to brighten up your Spring break plans and know that the BKBOYEEZ are always looking out for you.

Be Blessed…KuTTy

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March 19. 2009 by admin.

They say three’s a charm, right? Well, today is Day 3- another fulfilling one with young artist, Poe Picasso. Now that we’re all familiar with Poe and his innate knack of lyricism, it’s time to match a face with the lyrics. We recently caught up with Poe right before heading into a video shoot yesterday for a little one-on-one. Check it…

Q: Yo Poe, what makes you a BKBoy?
A: Everything! Brooklyn is a borough of a lot of culture, feel me? There’s a deep rooted Caribbean culture in Brooklyn that you won’t be able to imitate anywhere else in the country, you know? So that reflects a lot in me from the foods I eat (Shout out to Good Hope Restaurant- the stew chicken over there is f*@king bananas!), to the way I wear my fitted, to the way my jeans sit and cuff over my kicks. Brooklyn has a certain edge to it. From the way I recline my seat back when I drive & my windows stay rolled down blasting some crazy ass Reggae sh!t mad loud, or just some classic HOV. I feel I’m definitely a BKBoy to the purest form and anyone else from the borough most likely feels the same way.

Q: How did growing up in Brooklyn influence your music?
A: Some of my fondest memories growing up in Brooklyn would have to be summer nights. Summer nights in Brooklyn are just ill yo! You could walk around, ride around, drive around doing absolutely, but it’ll just be mad fun. Just seeing everybody chillin’, cookouts and backyard bashments. In Brooklyn it don’t matter if you didn’t know the person throwing the BBQ- all you had to say was, “yo I’m here for Jr.” and you good money. Every n!#*a in Brooklyn know a Jr., but those are the memories I love. Playing ball in the park bussin’ n!#*az ass while the older heads had the systems jammin’ some classic sh!t. Seeing my cousins getting dressed for school rockin’ the Polos, the Coogi skullies and all that ill sh!t. All those memories influenced my music because they helped me convey and paint a vivid picture of myself. It feels as if the audience was there with me when they listen to the songs. Well at least that’s what I think. Read the rest of this entry »

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March 18. 2009 by admin.

We’re back with this month’s featured artist: Poe Picasso. We gave you a brief synopsis of what he brings to the game and why we believe he’s DOPE! If you missed it, check yesterday’s archives and put yourself on… this dude definitely has star quality and most importantly, staying power to survive in the game. But you know what they say, right? The proof is in the pudding, so without further ado- we’ll begin with Exhibit A.

Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project is the title of Poe Picasso’s most current work. It’s definitely official & still hot on the streets and mixtape circuits. Embarking on mature situations and spittin’ conscious words poured from the heart, Poe sees it as “just another experiment”. As humbling as it might sound, if Exhibit A is just another experiment- we can’t wait for the prototype. On tracks like “Two Words And Then Some” and “Outside,” Poe’s ingenious play on words vividly depicts surviving life on the streets all while throwing jabs at our government’s feeble infrastructure. Clever! But “For My People” and “Is This Life” are those tracks heads can truly appreciate- especially the BKBOYEEZ whose battle cry is: This Life We Live. If anyone knows anything about BK, they know it’s “the home of Caribbean immigrants”. Living that life Poe embraces his Haitian heritage as he fuses some Creole into the mix. Not afraid to question those pressing issues normal folks tend to ignore or simply address environmental maintenance like he did in “She Cries,” Poe is like a kid in an elevator who just can’t wait to push the button. This compilation is like a painter’s masterpiece in audio form, but we want YOU to be the judge!

Listen to Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project and be sure to visit the BKBOYEEZ again as we’ll have a one-on-one with Poe Picasso tomorrow. Don’t miss it! We’ve also placed a link to his fansite under our Links category (it’s along the right side on the site under Latest Postings)- just for the fanatics. Check out Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project and leave us some feedback.DRE.B.EZ

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March 18. 2009 by admin.

Let me put you on to the original Fly Girl straight out of Bushwick- Brooklyn’s own Rosie Perez. In the early 90’s Rosie was one of very few Latina actresses being seen on the big screen. Her introduction to the acting world was through Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”. Aside from her unforgettable voice and thick Latin/Brooklyn accent, she was just so real! We instantly fell in love with her, but Rosie had more in store for us. I’m sure we can all think back to our youth and remember sitting in front of the television waiting for “In Living Color” to come on- the excitement when you heard the theme song. Finally the Fly Girls hit the floor. They always had the dopest moves and the bomb outfits. Every chick around the way thought she was going to one day be a Fly Girl. Read the rest of this entry »

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March 17. 2009 by admin.

One of our ultimate goals as the BKBOYEEZ is to highlight the many hidden treasures the thoro-borough of Brooklyn can’t help but produce. Only once a month will we select a burgeoning artist who we feel if given the chance, can make a huge impact on the world of music. Not only must this artist master his/her craft, but should also exemplify Brooklyn’s culture and everchanging lifestyle. We’re totally amp’d about this new installment on the site, but more importantly- we’re excited about our involvement in the development of these artists who just won’t rest until they get the recognition they deserve. And I don’t blame ‘em! When you got it, you got it. Real talk though- this dude got it! Being the first in the history of BKBOYEEZ.com to be featured for his natural ability in rhetoric, he’s respectfully known on the streets of BK and on wax as Poe Picasso. Adopting skills in both persistency and prose from one of America’s more influential writers, Edgar Allan Poe as well as exploring his own artistic genius emulating early 20th century prodigy, Pablo Picasso- this dude is here to breathe life back into Hip Hop.

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March 11. 2009 by admin.

March is Woman’s Month and this week I have chosen to highlight the true Jane of all Trades, Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines. Born in Brooklyn of course, this extraordinary artist began her dance training at the age of four and later moved with her family to Baltimore, Maryland where she furthered her dance training at Baltimore School for the Arts. Back to New York City, Bahiyah came to attend the prestigous Juilliard School under the direction of the late, Benjamin Harkarvy. While at Juilliard her phenomenal technique and ability to capture audiences led her to dancing for the Donald Byrd Group, Kevin Iaga Jeff’s Jubiliation, and Creative Outlet of Brooklyn under the artistic direction of her now husband, Jamel Gaines. Upon graduation Mrs. Sayyed-Gaines joined William Forsythe’s Ballet Frankfurt in Germany. A long way from home and after being well received abroad, she came back to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. From 1998 to 2004 she dazzled the stage as a principal in the Ailey company. In 2003 she received one of the highest honors Dance Magazine offers, the 25 Dancers to Watch for the year, but the world already had their eyes glued to Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines. Read the rest of this entry »

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