If you thought the sudden resurgence of 90 degree weather served as the catalyst that drew hundreds upon hundreds of spectators to Prospect Park this weekend, your observation is off by a long shot. Know Your History! August 29th commemorates the birthday of the late King of Pop: Michael Jackson, who would have turned 52 on Sunday. This year’s tribute (which was actually the 2nd annual “Brooklyn Loves MJ!” event) hosted by Mr. Absolut Brooklyn himself- Spike Lee, was everything last year’s festivities was and then some complete with DJ Spinna on the 1s and 2s AND a special performance by Snoop Dogg! Just imagine strolling through the park and stumbling upon a huge, open field on a beautiful summer day completely filled with MJ fans (young & old) singing and dancing to his many chart-topping hits. Imagine a slew of MJ impersonators cladly dressed in official MJ garb successfully attempting to moonwalk in the grass, freelance painters drawing images of the iconic megastar, all while droves of supporters, tourists and parkgoers alike chanted the infamous “Ma Ma Se Ma Ma Sa Ma Ma Coo Sa!” It was a wonderfully, organized and drama-free event that I’m sure MJ would have loved. Special BKBOYEEZ shoutout to Spike Lee for curating the event & to my fellow Brooklynites for behaving! #ImJusSayin… MJ would have been sooo proud.

Livin’ Off The Wall.
DRE.B.EZ

 

When Brooklyn people get together if you don’t know it’s always music, crazy amounts of laughter and without a doubt; a good-time.

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I swear, I find myself in the oddest places but I have always been a firm believer that there is meaning in everything. (more…)

Stay Inspired.
DRE.B.EZ

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Last week was a pretty hectic one for me, but I’m not complaining! I was honored to have had the opportunity to perform at world-renowned Radio City Music Hall & the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem for the 2010 NIKE World Basketball Festival. This year’s theme- United We Rise, adorned the streets & subways of NYC in bright, bold billboards complete with Avatar-like caricatures of some of the NBA’s top movers & shakers including Kevin Durant (USA), Yi Jianlian (China), and Carlos Arroyo (Puerto Rico). For the first time in recorded history, the leaders in athletic footwear- NIKE, Jordan Brand & Converse- brought together players from Brazil, France, Puerto Rico and China uniting them through the one universal language they all share and love: Basketball.

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And dont forget tonight the Martin Luther King Jr. Free Concert Series at Wingate Park  in Brooklyn has Gospel night with Bebe & Cece Winans and Fred Hammond.

From last weekend to this weekend its been a big blurr. Target’s Brooklyn Museum First Saturdays: Dancing, vibing, vino, and running into good friends(2 more months left more info to come). The BKBOYEEZ were in full effect with Dre sporting the Bedford- Stuyvesant one of the latest from the BKBOYEEZ COLLECTION. (more…)

…Maybe I was mesmorized by how GORGEOUS Flo from Season 4 of the Bad Girls Club was in person, or it could have been Tanisha POPPIN’ OFF on one of the new girls from Season 5, or better yet- it could have just been the Stellas. Who knows?! However you slice, it was a BOMB ASS NITE …And whatchu know about searchin’ the Net & finding a write-up about our BKBOYEEZ bowties?! We don’t do nothing but SHINE yo! Real talk. Check Out The Article HERE!

Aspire To Be A Stand Up Guy
DRE.B.EZ

Photo Credit: Kelly Samardak

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FaBid

 BROOKYLN’s Wingate Park was more than packed tonight as thousands of people flooded the park floor for the Martin Luther King Jr. free Concert Series. Old school night was the theme and our borough president, Mr. Marty Markowitz, had a serious line up for us that started with Mr. Lodi Dodi himself- Slick Rick, Other People’s Property Takers- Naughty by Nature, and the original Queens of Safe Sex- Salt-N-Pepa. (more…)

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We here at BKBOYEEZ.com have been commenting on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series for about 3 years now, and I can personally say- I have experienced some of the music industry’s most spectacular talents and performers from right here in my back yard. Last night’s line up of course brought out what seemed like all of Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. “Now can you see me/ here on the edge.” Chrisette Michele has one of those voices that can stand on its own as a separate entity. The BROOKLYN native belted all her hits and some favorites of mine to her family, friends, and fans in the audience that gave her the love right back (looking and sounding as beautiful to us as her performance). But that’s just what we Brooklynites do, so that was no surprise. (more…)

DRE.B.EZ & Sherene Smikle (Special Events Manager of The YBF Co.)

When my friend Sherene told me she was working for the YBF Co., I was a bit puzzled because I’ve known her well over 10 years and never knew her to be passionate about celebrity scandal & gossip in Black Hollywood. After having a brief WTF moment in my head then speaking with her more in depth about the company’s mission, she quickly cleared the confusion by schooling me on the acronym Y.B.F. - which means Young Black Female (…entrepreneurs, that is!) This mixer, held at Pearl Studios on Saturday- not too far from 34th Street, was a night introducing & celebrating young, black female entrepreneurs who have fearlessly taken that leap of faith establishing their own businesses. Sponsored by Carol’s Daughter and The Body Shop, this event showcased products & services from a wide variety of markets including: make-up from Glamorous Chicks Cosmetics; earring jewelry from D.B.U. (Design By U); housekeeping services from Housekeeper to the Stars; specialty hair extensions by Shedelle Holmes; and even catering from Dining With Grace, Inc. Although I couldn’t personally benefit from the products/services displayed throughout the night as they’re all targeted toward females; I can however, commend these Young Black Female entrepreneurs on having a dream, holding fast to it and seeing it thru to fruition. Job well done, ladies! And Sherene, “my twin”- hats off to you for curating an amazing event. Kudos!

There Are No Limits But The Sky… Just Believe!

DRE.B.EZ

Photo Credit: Lou Mannarino

The BKBOYEEZ love Brooklyn to DEATH (…on some “Do-Or-Die” type ish!), but by no means are we opposed/afraid to venture off outside of “our hood” to find a good time & this past Saturday- we did just that! We trooped through the woods & across the waters to Staten Island (…yes, Staten Island!) to celebrate another healthy & prosperous year with Mrs. Paula- our friend Shakirah’s mom. Now don’t tell  anyone… but Mrs. Paula recently  turned the BIG 5-0, and  she’s living proof that “Black don’t Crack” considering she doesn’t look a day over 30! All we can say is: Keep doin’ what you’re doin’, Mom. Forever Young is definitely working in your favor!

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DRE.B.EZ

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‘Til next year!

KuTs

Let’s do it together,
KuTs

I love holidays, even the ones that don’t pertain to me. Yesterday was Bastille Day, for the French, which marked the 221st anniversary of the French Revolution. Why should I care, KuTs- you might ask? Well, I believe that the BKBOYEEZ are on the brink of a Revolution that will affect us, our supporters, and the world. And like the french stormed Bastille on July 14, 1789 demanding change- so are the BKBOYEEZ- demanding a change that we are creating! So ride with us or fly away because this time we aren’t taking prisoners.

Be Dope,
KuTs

Fresh off of vacation, feeling replenished, and ready to give. Felt like the only Brooklyn resident on the whole island of Jamaica, so I had to rep my city in the place of my forefathers. I was feeling bad for a minute for not missing my town, but I needed this like water- to be rehydrated so I can become pliable again, workable again, and get the work done. So when you see my head down, walking swiftly by you, and taking rain checks- it isn’t you, it’s me… on my way to being the me I’m supposed to be.

Be dope,
KuTs

Dontcha love it when you’re sitting at home with no plans- wondering what everyone else is doing… feeling sorry for yourself- when suddenly, one of your besties calls you up to chill?! Well that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. I was at home recovering from the previous night all while having second thoughts about cutting off all my hair (…literally!)- wondering how in the world am I going to re-invent myself, when Raphie hit me up as she was heading to BK and wanted to know if I was down to check out Talib Kweli & The Roots at the Bandshell in Prospect Park?! Umm.. does a bear shit in the woods and wipe his ass with a fluffy white rabbit??? Hell yeah, I was down! So she scooped me up, I chugged a couple Heinekens on the commute & we caught each other up on love, life and how finding parking is Brooklyn can be such a B!@%H! Ugghh! Now fast forward to getting in: the line to enter the venue was ridiculous & you know we HATE waiting so thanks to Raphie’s friend- Amoy, she not only finagled us into the concert but also into VIP (…that’s just how we do!) If you’re a fan of Talib Kweli or The Roots you know when these dudes get together the experience is FAR from substandard, and from the crowd’s energy and overall response to the DOPENESS- the show was BANANAS!!! Take a look at MY Brooklyn!

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Click here for the new tune killing Jamaica right now!

Be blessed,
KuTs

It was a pleasant surprise getting that Facebook message from our girl- Randi Danielle yesterday, asking us if we wanted to get together to shoot the breeze at this Basil Hayden/Esquire event. Not only were we breathlessly trying to survive Day #2 of this heatwave, but we figured- it was God’s way of sending us a refreshing taste of relief by way of expert mixologist- Julie Reiner and her exclusive cocktails inspired by Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Arriving at the Flatiron Lounge (which is also owned by Reiner) just a few minutes shy of six, FaBid & I cleared the gatekeepers (…the chicks at the door with the guestlist) and were granted access into bourbon heaven! At first glance the scene seemed stuffy & pretentious, but once the bourbon whiskey started flowing these “stuffy” business professionals (…in their Wednesday’s best!) downed drink-after-drink to take the edge off, posed for photos, indulged in light appetizers & watched in awe as each bartender seemed to mix these specialty cocktails with such vigor and in an oddly syncopated rhythm. It was a little weird and made me wonder: “…was that part of training?!” While they mixed, we mingled over numerous glasses of Sir Hayden Smash (a BKBOYEEZ favorite- made with Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Coi Ciaro Amaro, Fresh Lemon Juice and garnished with a mint sprig and blackberry), and we wouldn’t dare leave the spot without grabbin’ some freebees: this time- something that we could actually use- our personal copies of the latest Esquire & The Black Book! Overall, it was an eventful & productive night (…thanks to Esquire & our newest guilty pleasure: Bourbon Whiskey). 

Drink Responsibly.
DRE.B.EZ.

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’ 
2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the ‘For’ line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the numbers, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.
3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address.
4. Run the contents of your wallet thru a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel in the event it gets lost or stolen. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us- whether it’s stealing a name, address, social security number, credit cards, etc.
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here’s what’s perhaps most important of all (I never even thought to do this):
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had already been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 
• Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
• Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

 Be blessed…KuTs

Photo Credit: AGM|newyork Photography

Check it! Our boyee, DRE.B.EZ was recently profiled on the weekly Fashion Hurtz Q+A Showoff Series. Click here to read his responses to 10 of the most random questions EVER and feel free to leave some commentary on there when you’re done, too! But before you click out of the site, check out the Fashion Hurtz Store and cop a couple tees while you’re at it. Special BKBOYEEZ shout out to Fresh & Ones. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’, fellas. Make Brooklyn proud & thanks for the love!

Be Blessed…KuTTy

• Cinema Under the Stars at Narrows Botanical Garden [Shore Rd bet. 69th & 72nd in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn] will be showing “Toy Story” TONIGHT at 8:30pm. Call 718-748-9848 for more details. [Film]
• Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Bandshell [Prospect Park West & 9th Street] TONIGHT with the Stephen Petronio Company. [Dance]
• Seaside Summer Concert Series at Asser Levy/Seaside Park [West 5th Street & Surf Ave- opposite the New York Aquarium] will have Gladys Knight & The O’Jays performing TONIGHT at 7:30pm. [Music]
• BAM MetroTech R&B Festival at Commons Lawn [Flatbush & Myrtle]. Be there on Thursdays thru Aug 6th from 12 noon – 2pm.
• Baked Summer Concerts in Red Hook [359 Van Brunt St]. Be there on Fridays thru Aug 14th from 7pm – 9pm. Call 718-858-3550 for more details.
• Herbert Von King Park Theatre [Tompkins Ave- Lafayette & Greene]  is in full effect this weekend! There will be performance of Chisa Hutchinson’s Dirt Rich [7/23] and William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream [7/24 & 7/25]. The shows are scheduled to begin at 8pm, but feel free to call 212-360-8290 for more details. [Theatre]
• Plant & Play Time for Kids at Umoja Garden [Broadway & Putnam]. Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, play games! Be there on Saturdays thru Aug 15th from 1pm – 4pm. [Kids]
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series this Monday- July 27th and EVERY MONDAY thru Aug 24th at Wingate Park [Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland & Winthrop]. Performance start at 7:30pm and ALL SHOW ARE FREE!This week’s line-up includes: Anita Baker & Charlie Wilson. [Music]

Let me know if I forgot anything. Ohhh… I know this one’s not a weekend event, but check out Wayne Wonder at Brower Park [Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Place] next Wednesday, July 29th at 7pm. Call 212-360-8290 for more details.

DRE.B.EZ

Be blessed…KuTs

Yo, this weather has been crazy! I don’t know what Mother Nature is going through… Well actually, I do know.  We’ve been consistently destroying our ozone layer, but I digress. We got a piece of summer sun last week, and I believe it caught a lot of us off guard. I was hot as hell! In the event summer wants to swing by again, here are a few ways to beat the summer heat and avoid unflattering beads of perspiration that we pretend people can’t really see.

1.  A cold can of soda on the back of the neck is a sure fire way to cool down. The neck is one of the most exposed and easily overheated areas of the skin.
2. Run cold water on the insides of your wrists or dip your elbows in cool water. These are pulse points and will help constrict the blood vessels that dilate when you overheat.
3. Take off your shoes and socks. The body releases heat through the feet. By airing out your feet you lower your body temperature.
4. Carry some cooling peppermint oil with you. A few drops at the temples will cool you in seconds.
5. Get a glass of ice- no water! Holding the cup to your face, blow gently into it. The ice will cool the air and it will blow cold air back at you.

Stay up and catch my swag
FaBid

We want to thank each and every one of our readers for supporting the BKBOYEEZ movement and if there’s anything you would like to see on the site or if you have any ideas you think we should try- feel free to contact us via email: b.k.boyeez@gmail.com or on hit us on Twitter @BKBOYEEZ. Thank you for riding with us!

-the BKBOYEEZ

Be blessed…KuTs

• City Parks Foundation Concert Series featuring Chico Debarge TONIGHT at Von King Park [Tompkins Ave – Lafayette & Greene]. Performance generally starts at 7pm unless otherwise noted. Call 212-360-8290 for more details.
• SIRENS MUSIC FESTIVAL this Saturday, July 18th in Coney Island. From 12 noon - 9 pm, come scope out an array of budding artists and live bands bringing to Brooklyn the true meaning of free of expression thru music (…there’s 2 different stages, so see line-up below). While you’re there, you can also check out Brooklyn’s historical wonderland- Coney Island and hop a ride on the Cyclone if you’ve got $8 to spare… if not, cruise the Boardwalk for everything in food, family, and fashion (not always “good” fashion, but a good laugh here & there will keep you youthful… *wink*).

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series this Monday- July 20th and EVERY MONDAY thru Aug 24th at Wingate Park [Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland & Winthrop]. Performance start at 7:30pm and ALL SHOW ARE FREE! Meaning, don’t be like us last week waiting among droves of Keyshia Cole fans itching to get into the park to no avail. Don’t get caught out there- get there by 4pm if you can! This week Brooklyn has a CLASSIC line-up including: The O’Jays, Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, and Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the New Stylistics. That’s REAL MUSIC Brooklyn- don’t miss out! We learned our lesson.

DRE.B.EZ

Artist: Hani Shihada

DRE.B.EZ

Be blessed…KuTs

The BKBOYEEZ go to Scopellos for the friendly bartenders! Love you, Catherine.

Stay up and catch my swag.
FaBid

Be Blessed…KuTTy

Today something caught my eye that totally sidetracked me from my regular travel routine. Now I’m sure there’s a title for these things and with a little more research I probably could have gotten the name of it, but whatever! You know that part at the top of the train where they have the advertisements for everything from GED programs to cosmetic surgery? Well, they also have that series of poems and quotes. Although they often provide a reversion to my boring train ride (they mainly confuse me- I just don’t get them sometimes), but today’s quote had my full 30 minute attention. This quote occupied my mind all day. Here’s the quote… tell me what you think.

“To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the need for thought.” -Henri Poincaré.

Stay tuned to your local news channel for in depth coverage.

Stay up an catch my swag
FaBid

• City Parks Foundation Concert Series featuring MC Lyte TONIGHT at Von King Park [Tompkins Ave – Lafayette & Greene]. Performance generally starts at 7pm unless otherwise noted. Call 212-360-8290 for more details.
• BAM MetroTech R&B Festival at Commons Lawn [Flatbush & Myrtle]. Be there on Thursdays thru Aug 6th from 12 noon – 2pm.
• Baked Summer Concerts in Red Hook [359 Van Brunt St]. Be there on Fridays thru Aug 14th from 7pm – 9pm. Call 718-858-3550 for more details.
• Plant & Play Time for Kids at Umoja Garden [Broadway & Putnam]. Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, play games! Be there on Saturdays thru Aug 15th from 1pm – 4pm.
• Jazzmobile featuring Danny Mixon. Saturday July 11th at 3pm on McDonough Street [between Ralph & Patchen]
• Afro Punk Block Party on Sunday July 12th on Clinton Ave [between Myrtle & Willoughby]. From 1pm – 8pm, enjoy a day full of live music including a special performance by John Forte, live DJs [Rich Medina], DIY fashions, craft vendors, and art exhibits.

F.Y.I.: Just so that you know, our weekends event have been extended until Mondays just because of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Concert Series. Be sure to check it out EVERY MONDAY thru Aug 24th at Wingate Park [Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland & Winthrop]. Performance start at 7:30pm and ALL SHOW ARE FREE! This Monday begins the series featuring Keyshia Cole & Lyfe Jennings. We’ll be there…

DRE.B.EZ

DRE.B.EZ

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

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…I don’t hate the brotha, but I can honestly say I’m a bit envious of him. A “good” envious though! He’s just so suave (…that’s that Brooklyn swag- we BK Boyeez perfected), and over the years he has made a special home in the hearts of women worldwide that I’d love to fill too- that’s all! You can’t knock a brotha for that, now can you? ImJusSayin! But Ladies, do I have a surprise for you! Maxwell, (better known as, “your boyfriend/husband in your head”) has dropped his fourth studio album today entitled, BLACKsummers’night. According to a statement made on his MySpace page, this album is the first installment of a musical trilogy he plans on releasing over the next 2 years. With hit single, “Pretty Wings” dominating the airways leaving women everywhere in a frenzy, I have no doubt this particular album will be as successful as his others. Maxwell has been bringing us that effortless “grown & sexy” neo-Soul sound ever since the late ’90s, and he’s obviously continuing his career in the same fashion. I don’t blame him! If the ladies like it, I LOVE it! Definitely swing by the recordstore sometime this week and cop his album! Also, be on the lookout for the subsequent chapters of the anticipated trilogy: blackSUMMERS’night & blacksummers’NIGHT scheduled for release in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

DRE.B.EZ

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!

I know we are in “hard times,” but stealing from the poor is never the answer! I recently found out that the T-Mobile store I bought my BlackBerry from accessed my account without my notification, taking my Social, changing my billing address and ordered themselves not only 1- but 2 newly released PDA’s. I was shocked and pissed off to say the least, but that just goes to show your personal information is not safe anywhere these days. Make sure you do whatever you can to protect yourself from fraudulence!