Brooklyn Opens It Landmark Arena

I have been a busy little bee over the summer and my lack of posts speak to that. As many ideas I have had for new videos, I just wasn't able to make some time. Sorry, I've been busy with the development of my Anti Bling company, among other things. I do see that I have folks who check in regularly to see what's new here and I really do appreciate the support I have. I plan on making a few over the remainder of the month so I have a few to share in the coming time. But in the mean time, check out a time lapse video of the construction of Brooklyn's hottest new attraction, the Barclay Center.



I have had mixed feelings about the development project since the beginning. As a child, I grew up hearing about the Dodgers from my granny. It excited me to know that a professional team in one of the 4 major leagues was going to be back in Brooklyn. Having lived for some time by the Atlantic Yards, I was excited to see Prospect Heights and Fort Greene have better access to the neighboring areas. But the scale of the project seemed way out of place.

While all things grow and change, I feel remaining connected to the history and development is important. By creating sky rise towers surrounding the arena, it would have dwarfed the surrounding neighborhood. More importantly, the existing infrastructure was not prepared to handle the new influx of people. I also didn't like the fact that a housing shelter was closed in the middle of the winter to make room for construction storage.

I still have some mixed feeling about the development. While I am excited about having a Brooklyn team to cheer on (being from Detroit originally, the Nets is the first apparel I donned that isn't Tiger or Piston gear), I'm still leery of how drastic a change the future towers will bring. Having a feel for the community in that area, it would be a shame if it were lost to create a new "Manhattan" in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Serves Up Another Night Of Donuts

When I left Detroit for NYC, it was a weird feeling. I had a lot of great times in the hip hop scene but I knew it was time to move on. Things just weren't the same, especially seeing as how Proof and J Dilla were gone when I decided to go in 2006.

Photo: Regan Coule

I found myself partying a bit more again to throw off some of the homesick blues. I was hoping to find a place that reminded me of St Andrews back in Detroit. One of the things that helped my love affair with Brooklyn begin was all of the Dilla parties that were being thrown in the county of Kings.

The year after he had past, I think I went to four event dedicated to the man. Pharoe Monch host one in Williamsburg. Mary Pryor, a Detroit transplant, held a fundraiser for his legacy in Cobble Hill. Brooklyn seemed to show more love than Dilla's own hometown. While this hurt a bit, it reminded me of the love Dilla received from the St. Andrews crowd. With that, I felt that I was home finally.

As the years passed, less parties were thrown in his honor. This year, I've only heard about one event. While a bit disheartened. I'm glad to see that Donuts Are Forever is continuing to champion his legacy, while raising funds for the scholarship with that namesake. DAF6 at Brooklyn Bowl the past Sunday did not disappoint.

Photo: Gregory Malcolm

Arriving early to assure wifey and I got in, we were able to stake out a great spot to enjoy the festivities. It also allowed us the chance to hear how Dilla had an effect on other people in the NYC area. I am always curious because Dilla really did create an impact on my life, as well as numerous friends back home. It's amazing how many people were deeply moved by him without ever meeting him. For the first time, I met a woman (pictured to the left) who had his name tattooed on her. I've heard about it online but never actually seen a Dilla tattoo in the flesh.

Once the show got under way, it was hard for me to really concentrate on much else besides the music.From the first time I heard his music, Dilla has always had that effect on me. Sunday was no exception.

Photo: Regan Coule

I was hoping to hear something new from Dilla's catalog, since he has unknown amount of unreleased material. I thought maybe Prince Paul or Neil Armstrong had a few gems they wanted to treat us to at this years event. Unfortunately, I didn't hear anything that I haven't heard before.

Nevertheless, it did not discourage me from enjoying the energy from a thousand plus Dilla heads. After all, that is the real reason to go to Donuts Are Forever at this point. I have yet to see the level of appreciation people give to his work than any other hip hop artist.

Note: Why I Love Brooklyn would like to give a special thanks to iHeartDilla.com for allowing us to republish their photos. We would also like to thank Brooklyn Bowl for giving us press access.

Salutations From Brooklyn

Dear readers,

I am writing this letter to apologize for neglecting this blog. I have been away from my writing outlets due to my new company, Anti Bling Store. I started making my own necklaces last summer and got huge responses. The last month I have been working diligently to spread the word on a limited budget. When you don't have money to spend, you must spend time on it. Things have been working out pretty well so far, aside from the lacking of post on this beloved blog.

Fear not though, my loyal followers. I do have something to entertain you with. My best friend, with whom I've grown up with, and his team have put together a great video called "Brooklyn Insiders". Their first feature is with the world renowned artist Lee Quinones.


Brooklyn Insiders: Lee Quinones from Chuck Gibson on Vimeo.

Again, I do apologize for the disappearing act. I never intended on being so neglectful. Sometimes life has a way of pulling you in a different direction. Sometimes for the bad, this time for the better. I still have immense love for Brooklyn and want to share it with everyone. I still have so many videos to make and share. So please, be patient and know that I have not abandoned this blog.

Signed,
Gregory Malcolm H

PS - Nice job, big homie!!

Slick Rick Rules the Brooklyn Bowl

Friday night at the Brooklyn Bowl, roughly 700 people got more than they bargained for. The bill for  the night said F.Stokes and Slick Rick, nothing more. Not only was there a few extra bands involved, but it was a special show for the headline act.

As I wondered the floor before the show began, I heard people discussing which song they had hoped to hear. I can't tell you how many times I heard "If he plays Children's Story, I can die happy." They have obtained their ever lasting bliss and much more that night.

For the second time in a month, I have caught F.Stokes live on stage. I was pretty impressed the first time around, even though it was half way through his set. This time, I was able to watch him introduce himself to music fans unaware of his work. And he definitely has a way of doing such a haunting task. It takes an experienced performer to go in front of hundreds of people eagerly awaiting a hip hop legend. F.Stokes definitely filled that demanding role.

DJ Kaos

His style of stage play puts him right in the middle of the audience, literally at times. He doesn't rely on any types of gimmicks to captivate the crowd. He takes his experiences of growing up in the gritty, blue collar Midwest, as well as his travels along the way, and appeals to the intellect and humanity of his audience.  He also has a way of making you connect to the wordplay of his music. During a song he dedicated to small town life, he reminded the audience that New York City, while being a major megalopolis, is nothing more than a large, squeezed together collection of small towns.

Following F.Stokes was the Lifted Crew.A 10 piece ensemble with an influence from all over the place was the perfect back drop for Slick Rick to do his thing. Before he came out, Lifted Crew blessed the crowd with a few of their joints. With a good level of harmonizing and just plain ol' enjoying their time on stage made for a good set. The crowd was awaiting the headliner but they managed to get the crowd moving.

When The Ruler finally entered the stage, the place went nuts. The crowd almost matched the sound system in greeting his highness with great excitement. He knew what the people came to see and did not disappoint. He played the classics that made him a household name, such as Hey Young World (one of my fav's), Mona Lisa, etc. When he performed A Children's Story, I looked out into the crowd and swore almost everyone was rhyming right along.

In between songs, folks were treated to a surprise. The show was a week prior to Slick Rick's birthday. The show stopped for a moment as a cake was brought out and folks could give their well wishes. It was a brief moment but made me feel as I was a part of the celebration.

After his set, a group by the name of Deathrow Tull was to close out the night. I always love live shows because you always seem to get introduced to new music. I was not disappointed with these guys. They have a very funky vibe with a let your hair down attitude. You could tell these musicians were having a ton of fun closing out the show. I'm not too familiar with their work but I look forward to getting to know them.

All in all, it was a great night to end the week with. Everyone that performed gave a great show and the crowd was open to what the night had to offer. Of course, when you get a little extra, you are a bit reluctant to be, well, reluctant. Speaking of a little extra, I walked away with a little more than I expected as well.

Thanks for the drop and happy birthday, Slick Rick!!

New Years Eve Events in Brooklyn

The time has finally come to say so long to 2011. I've seen a lot of people who said this was a terrible year for them. While it wasn't easy, I like to think of it as a year full of life lessons. In doing so, I feel that it was a great year, even with all the challenges. However you see it, tomorrow night is when we welcome in 2012.

If your like many who don't want to spend much money, head on over to Grand Army Plaza or Prospect Park for the fireworks. My neighbor makes this his tradition every year and says it never disappoints him. He says the NYPD tends to be lenient on the drinking policy but that's always a risk. Other have said that a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a nice way to save $$ on New Year's Eve. I'm sure you could see the fireworks from around the city. Just be sure to bundle up for the weather.

If you have a few dollars to spend and don't know where you'd like to spend the evening, there are plenty of spots around town to enjoy yourself. Union Hall is hosting a 5/5/5 party. To celebrate 5 years of operations, their party is $5 entrance (yes, 5 bucks for NYE) and $5 drink specials. Plus, after midnight, you will have a chance to win a free iPad (through karaoke, I think). Not bad for a night that usually cost an arm and a leg.

For all my friends out there on wheels, Time's Up is holding their 14th annual New Year's Eve Ride. About.com is reporting that Brooklynites should meet up at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn for a group ride up to Central Park. Much like the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, if you partake in this one, please be sure to dress for the cold weather and winds. It would suck to bring in 2012 with a cold.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to ring in New Year's Day, head on down to Coney Island and join the polar bears club for a dip in the Atlantic at 1pm. It will definitely get your blood flowing and shake things up a bit. There is no charge but they do ask for donations for Camp Sunshine, which supports children with life threatening illnesses.

What ever you choose to do to celebrate, I hope that you enjoy yourself. But most of all, I hope you have a safe holiday. People have a tendency to be a bit excessive on this evening. Be aware of how much you drink and those around you. AAA is offering the tipsy tow to get you and your car home safe. Unfortunately for NYC, this only happens in Northern Cali, Nevada and Utah. But fear not. There are many organizations that connect someone with a designated drive, if need be. Check with NDDDS to find one in your area. Be safe, have fun and HAPPY 2012!!!

Digable Planet Orbits Thru Brooklyn Bowl

When I was a teenager, I had a long list of artists I had to catch live. It didn't matter what the genre was, for I listened to all types of music. Luckily, I have been able to see the majority of the acts on my list. Last week, I thought I was lucky enough to have the chance to see Digable Planets, a group I haven't had the chance to see live.

When my wife and I walked into Brooklyn Bowl, F.Stokes was in the middle of his set. I haven't heard of him until this show (another great reason to go to more live shows) and I was pretty intrigued by the guys website. He lists his influences is quite range of folks, which is right up my alley. He kept his show simple but did not fail to engage the audience.  One thing is for sure, this guy is now on my radar of artists to watch.

After he finished and the stage hands finished setting up, you could see people were anticipating the headliner. Not from chants or anything of that sorts. Everyone, except those busy bowling, was eagerly watching the stage for Butterfly, Lady Bug and Doodlebug.

Unfortunately, only one of the trio had made it for the show. At first, I thought the group was playing with the audience and building anticipation. But about 2 and a half songs into the show, I realized it was just him. Aside from the setbacks, Doodlebug didn't let me down. It may not have been the show I thought I was going to see but it wasn't a dull show.

Third Degree, the crew he brought to back him up, put on a pretty good show. I didn't know the material they were performing but I liked it. They had a gritty sound I would have expected for a Philly band and they had a nice stage presence. It wasn't what I had expected but it did deliver the feeling of being at a hip-hop show in the 90's. For that, I enjoyed the show. I just wished it was billed as Doodlebug from Digable Planets instead. I still would have went and I wouldn't be left wondering if the crew fell out again.

A Quiet Coney Island

It's been another gap between postings and I do apologize. I keep saying I've been busy but who hasn't. Instead of giving you excuses, I've created a new video. My last camera was stolen, along with my wife's laptop. But I am a resourceful guy. With my new phone comes a much better camera, i.e. better quality.

The wife and I went to visit Chicago to celebrate our marriage with her hometown friends. It was an incredible time with my new family and new friends. As much fun as we were having, I could help but miss the various parts of my beloved Brooklyn.

Upon our return, we ditch our luggage with a quickness and headed to Coney Island. We heard that Hurricane Irene was scared of the reputation NYC had and tip toed around the place. Even a couple days after the storm had passed, Coney was rather quiet. So much, I figured it would be a nice one-minute video. Enjoy.