TheToyPlane Captains BLog

The Lioness of Lisabi

2011-03-21T07:58:00.000-04:00

THE LIONESS OF LISABI - Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti - "Nigerian feminist and activist who fought for suffrage and equal rights for her countrywomen"

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was born on 25th October, 1900 in Abeokuta, Egbaland. The Egba branch of Yoruba (one of many politically autonomous groups each with its own mutually intelligible dialects) lived in an area between Ijebu in the east, Eko (Lagos) in the south and the Ogun river in the west. By 1900 the Egba like other Yoruba had a highly sophisticated social hierarchy and socio-political system and in fact the had been in the south-west of Nigeria for over a millennium. Although women were excluded in all but one of the four branches of government they did have access to the political system through the female only IYALODE society (meaning “Mother of the Town”) which enabled them to be represented in decision making and administration.

The settling of the Egbas in Abeokuta was a result of inter Yoruba wars in the early 19C when thousands of Egbas were killed and 1000s more sold into slavery. Once Abeokuta was secured the Egbas then returned to their traditional economic activity which consisted of a gendered division of labour where the men specialised in agriculture (unusual as most of sub-Saharan Africa this was the women’s role) hunting and warfare and the women cloth production, marketing and trading. The colonial presence in nearby Eko (Lagos) provided the Egbas with a ready market for both agricultural produce and the women’s trading businesses.

By 1892 the colonial government had expanded into Egbaland and created the Egba United Government (EUG) and by 1917, Egba was part of the Southern Nigerian Protectorate. The then Governor, Lord Lugard introduced first a system of direct taxation and secondly created the Sole Native Authority which was a form of indirect rule whereby the Obas (High traditional rulers) acted as agents for the colonial government. The SNA led to an even greater erosion of women’s access to political power as the Alake rarely if at all consulted women in his decision making. Nonetheless the education of girls was seen as essential to the progress of the Egba people. The diminishing status and power of women in Egba was reinforced by the “prejudices and assumptions of the British colonial administration officers who worked for a government in which there were scarcely any women and who therefore did not expect or wish to find women involved in Southern Nigeria” (p11)

The direct taxation system which included women was the one issue that catapulted FRK into the political spotlight first in Abeokuta and then in Nigeria. In fact the issue of colonial FRK was an Afrocentric feminist who recognised that women faced multiple oppressions of race, gender and class and that the way to challenging these oppressions was through the empowering of women. Secondly, although FRK actively fought for equality and justice for women, she was also a nationalist which meant that she fought for the end to colonisation and all forms of domination whether at a local or a national level. Thirdly she was a social democrat and was committed to the reorganisation of Nigerian society in such a way as to promote self-development over and above capitalism and materialism.
taxation of women was a highly contentious one which was taken up not only in Egba but also in other parts of the country and most notably in Igboland.

FRK had no interest in the material trappings of her class and status and although she shunned western dress and refused to speak in English in the public forum, she was a nationalist that had no time for ethnocentrism. Neither did she believe in sticking to tradition for traditions sake. She challenged those aspects of Yoruba culture which she felt were in conflict with her egalitarian worldview such as kneeling or prostrating to an elder, spouse or titled person. Both her and her husband refused to do so and taught their children not to do so.

In 1923 FRK was head teacher of Abeokuta Grammar school (girls branch) and it is here that she organised a group of young girls and women into the Abeokuta Ladies Club. The group made up of western educated middle class and most Christian women concentrated on learning handicrafts and social etiquette. When FRK moved to Ijebu-Ode with her husband she against founded a similar ladies club and again when she moved back to Abeokuta this time the activities including civic projects and organising a range of activities for teenagers of both sexes.

In 1944 FRK was approached by a friend and former student who introduced her to a market women who told FRK that she wanted to learn to read. The ALC regrouped itself and expanded its membership to include market women. Women who were generally poor, Muslim and not educated. It was at this point that FRK truly began her career as a political activist. Listed amongst its aims were “to help in raising the standard of womanhood in Abeokuta… to help in encouraging learning among the adults and thereby wipe out illiteracy”. Members of the extended Ransom-Kuti family were recruited as tutors including Wole Soyinka and his mother, cousins of FRK.

FRK husband had meanwhile founded with others, the National Union of Teachers and these two organisations often went on to work together in their push for women’s rights. In 1945 the issue of price controls of foodstuff sold by the market women was brought to the notice of FRK and the ALC. The ALC sent a number of delegations to the District officer and the Egba Native Administration council – to no avail. However the Daily Service newspaper published an article about the matter and within a week the confiscation of rice ceased.

FRK began to listen to the market women and was horrified to hear of the level of their exploitation by the colonial and ENA. For example, conditional sales, which forced women to buy slow moving goods together with fast moving ones which placed a heavy burden on the women who lived with very low profit margins. Another example was the imposition of quotas of food to be sold to the government, harassment by police and representatives of the Alake (Oba of Abeokuta). All of this came as a great surprise to FRK and she is quoted as saying “ we educated women were living outside the daily life of the people”. It was at this point that she forever abandoned western dress and started wearing the traditional Yoruba wrapper “in order to make the women feel and know I was one of them”.

From this period on the ALC, later to become the Abeokuta Women’s Union, (FRK was the president from inception until her death in 1978) became involved in a series of protest actions. The first was the demand to end government control of trading and for no increase in the taxation of women, the latter would lead to the most “dynamic and protracted struggles, culminating in the temporary abdication of the Alake and reform of the SNA” (p67)

The issue of taxation was a particularly sore issue for the women of Abeokuta who were amongst the first females to be subjected to tax by the colonial government. Girls were taxed at age 15 whilst boys 16 and wives were taxed separately from their husbands irrespective of their income. The women considered the tax as “foreign, unfair and excessive” but they also objected to the method of collection. “Homes were invaded, women sometimes physically assaulted, including being stripped naked …. And jailed for non-payment.” As stated earlier the British had introduced a system of indirect rule so it was the Alake who was ultimately responsible for the collection. This then put him in direct conflict with the Abeokuta women who were also disenfranchised through the process of indirect rule.

The AWU became a huge due-paying organisation with some 20,000 women as members. They were able to organise huge demonstrations. It was a highly disciplined organisation and everyone was expected to follow the rules. The anti-tax protest action was a long and protracted one in which FRK was at the head leading the women in the struggle which eventually resulted in the temporary abdication of the Alake of Abeokuta. The protest consisted of mass demonstrations, refusals to pay the tax. FRK apparently led training sessions in her compound for these demonstrations. Where she showed them how to cover their eyes, noses and mouths with cloth when tear gas was thrown. She also instructed them to pick up the canisters of tear gas and throw them back at the police. The demonstrations were called “picnics” or “festivals” by the women as they were unable to get permits. When one puts the demonstrations into a time context (1947) it becomes even more amazing as the women were utterly fearless. They even challenged the “ORO”, an entirely male “thing or ritual” said to have supernatural powers. At one point FRK seizes the ORO which is like a stick and displayed it in her home. The anti-tax protests took a large toll on FRK and the women but they stuck with it and eventually succeeded in their demands.

FRK’s next step was to organise women on a national level and to move into the international arena. “no other Nigerian woman of her period had the same international exposure.” The AWU became the Nigerian Women’s Union and began establishing autonomous branches throughout Nigeria. FRK herself was invited to talk to women’s groups across the nation. The political objectives of the NWU were getting the franchise for women, allocation of proportional representation for women and the abolition of electoral colleges. In 1953 the NWU held a two day conference, a “parliament of women of Nigeria” with 400 delegates from 15 provinces, in which a number of resolutions relating to the political objectives were passed.

At the conference FRK “propounded a feminist consciousness and ideology… acknowledging that women were victimised by their social conditioning, which led them to internalise a negative self-image and to be passive and apathetic” She went on to criticise polygamy, bride price. FRK was not only concerned with women’s issues. She was also an active member of NCNC even though that organisation tried to ban women from membership of the NWU and the Federation of Nigerian Women’s Societies (FNWS) and used their membership with these organisations as a way to criticise the NCNC on its policy towards women and women’s issues. Eventually FRK was expelled from the NCNC for constantly criticising the party which had since become highly corrupt and its exclusion of women from the decision making process.

FRK’s international career began when together with her husband and their close friend Ladipo Solanke created the infamous West African Student’s Union (WASU). AS well as providing support for West African students studying in London in 1925, WASU promoted nationalist and anti-colonial movements in British West Africa. A list of life long members of WASU reads like a WHO’s WHO of West African leaders and activists: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief H O Davies, Aliyi Ekineh, H A Korsah of Gold Coast, Dr Taylor-Cummings of Sierra Leone, the Alake of Abeokuta, Emir of Kano and Asantehene of Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah and Joe Appiah were vice presidents in 1946. WASU was a huge influence on many West African students of the day and played a major part in the independence movements of West African countries. FRK and her husband acted as agents in Nigeria raising funds and distributing pamphlets for the union.

In 1947 FRK left for London as part of an NCNC delegation. During the two months visit, FRK was asked to give a number of talks including one about the state of women in Nigeria. She also wrote an article on the same topic which was published in the British Communist Party paper, the Daily Worker and reproduced for Nigerian papers. FRK argued that under colonial rule women had lost more than men:

“Before the British advent in Nigeria….there was a division of labour between men and women…. Women owned property, traded and exercised considerable political and social influence in society….. With the advent of the British rule…instead of women being educated and assisted… their condition has deteriorated.” She also wrote that women had lost their traditional economic and political power and that they were oppressed by the colonial system and its agents such as the Sole Native Authority in Abeokuta. Once again she clashed with the Alake when she wrote about the how in Abeokuta women were forced to pay taxes that they could not afford and in return did not get even basic amenities and that women were “poverty stricken, disease ridden and malnourished” and held the British government responsible.

The Alake of Abeokuta wrote a reply denouncing the article whilst the Lagos Market Women’s Association and the Abeokuta Women’s Union both declared their support for her arguments and FRK was given a huge reception on her return to Abeokuta.

In 1955 the Rev Ransome-Kuti died of cancer. The next 30 years saw FRK struggle to build and run a series of schools with and without support from local and national government. She also became involved with a series of land litigations which cost her and her children dearly and none of which she was able to win. One of the family properties that became the center of controversy and probably the most infamous sites in Lagos was that which was located at 14 Agege Motor Road. The property had been occupied by FRK’s musician son, FELA. FELA’s music and lyrics were highly critical of Nigerian governments. Fela was a champion of traditional African culture and like his mother a Pan-Africanist. 14 Agege Motor Road had become a commune which Fela called Kalakuta Republic and had changed his name from Ransome Kuti to Anikulapo Kuti meaning “warrior who carries strong protection”.

Kalakuta was often raided by the police and armed forces as was his club “the Shrine”. On February 18th 1977 Kalakuta Republic was surrounded by a thousand armed soldiers (The present president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo was then Supreme Commander of the military dictatorship of the day). That day, FRK together with Fela’s brother Bekolari, Fela’s many wives and Fela himself. This raid was a particularly brutal one. The soldiers armed with bayonets and clubs stormed the compound without any warning and began to beat people, destroy property and strip women naked. FRK, then 77, was pulled by the hair and literally thrown out of the window severely injuring her leg and putting her into shock. The property was then burned down by the soldiers. The raid known as “Kalakuta War” received a large amount of publicity and the government was forced to undertake an investigation. However this came to nothing and the whole incident was blamed on “over zealous unknown soldiers and to Fela”. No one including the Ransome-Kuti family have been compensated for what happened that day. The raid destroyed FRK’s physical and mental health and observers said she had lost her “fighting Spirit”. A year later the family suit for damages from the Kalakuta raid was dismissed as FRK is said to have moaned “why are they doing this to us”. She died in April that year, one of Nigeria’s truely greats and one of its very few RIGHTS activists.

Young Love

2010-01-27T01:03:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh. Our mondays will never be the same.

Haiti will stand again... via Keish Dutes WWW.TASTYKEISH.COM

2010-01-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

Haiti will stand again...

Posted by tastyk | Filed under Blog

Haiti's Presidential Palace before the Earthquake

Peace fam!
Yesterday, Haiti was hit with 7.0 earthquake with over a dozen aftershocks, some of which reached as high as 5.9 on the Richter Scale, immediately bringing any already ailing country to its knees. As much as I hate to hear my ancestral land continuously discussed in the press over and over as the “poorest country in the western hemisphere”…it’s true and as an advocate for and a daughter of Haiti, I say now more than ever is the time to step up and help.
I’ll be posting some links that you can look through as far as donating time, money or goods for Haiti’s Earthquake Relief.

Reaching Loved Ones:

1. 1888-407-4747 is the U.S. government number setup to help you reach your family in Haiti.
2. Via @emaphotography on Twitter: “Radio Ginen reported that any1 who has a digicel phone in Haiti try & call after 1pm, they will be reconnecting the lines.” (1/13/10)
Medical:
1. via @georgiap on twitter: :Hôpital Sacré Coeur south of Cap Haitien said to be open and providing medical assistance 2 injured http://bit.ly/8eGJO9 #Haiti”
2. via @thaLadyBlogga on twitter: Calling All Health Care Professionals: http://www.ktvu.com/news/22224296/detail.html
#Nurses
3. via @BreakingNews on twitter: U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort ordered activated in advance of possible dispatch to Haiti; will take 5 days to ready it – WBAL-TV
Donations (time, money, and/or goods):
1. Locally: BROOKLYN, NY you can donate clothes, canned food,water,money,for http://Yele.org at the House of Art Gallery in Bed Stuy,right on Macon and Lewis
2. Red Cross needs Creole speaking volunteers for 24 hour PHONE BANK! CALL B. WILFORD @ 305-776-6900
3. National/Internationally: This is a comprehensive list by http://itsjustlight.com/?page_id=777 of TOP ORGANIZATIONS you can donate to for Haiti’s Earthquake Relief.
4. Doctors without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=ADR1001E1D01
5. Here’s a fast way to help: Donate to #yele. (http://Yele.org) to donate 5 dollars to the Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund. Text “YELE” at 501501 and they will send you back a confirmation asking YES or NO. Say “YES”…I already did! You can also, contact @StarrMcRae (College Consultant to Wyclef). Email: HaitiQuakeRelief@gmail.com.

By Marthalicia

EVENTS:
1/14/2010: Acclaimed Artist, Marthalicia has a solo show at FRESTHETIC GALERîA (560 Grand St. off Lorimer) from 7-10pm. She will have a representative of Haiti’s Earthquake Relief there ready to accept donations.
1/20/2010: LOVE HELPS: an after work mixer at Stay Lounge (244 E. Houston st, NY NY) will be collecting money and pre-paid cell phones to present to Wyclef’s Organization, http://yele.org
1/26/2010: A Monthly Bondfire: a mic open and concert series featuring, Raye 6 and My Brother’s Keeper, hosted by myself and The Bronx Uber Villain! A Monthly Bondfire and Cybil St. Aude of Homebase NYC will be helping with Haiti’s Earthquake Relief by sending SUPPLIES.
Also, I am personally involved in putting together an event with some of the finest in the artist community of New York to give ON GOING support to Haiti. Please stay tuned.
I will be updating this list as time goes on. Do what you can…literally, every little bit helps.
Thank You.

Begining the New Year off with 30 Day Do It & MVMT!!

2010-01-03T17:05:00.001-05:00

http://vimeo.com/8514720

MORE Info soon. For now do yourself some justice and watch the video. Then go and check out this dynamic group of people doing something really amazing. Change.

http://mvmt.com/
http://julliengordon.mvmt.com/

Must See Exhibit

2009-11-25T16:48:00.001-05:00

Big up to our friend and artist Ajamu Walker and his beautiful wife Nucome. They invited The Toy Plane crew to tag along with them to the opening of Ajamu's group show "GO GET YOUR SHINE ON" at the freaking awesome, awesome, AWESOME Brooklynite Gallery. Deep in the heart of Black Bed-Stuy Brooklyn this gallery is the only bit of Gentfrication we'll put our stamp of approval on. We do our best not to get caught up in race politics over here, but the only draw back to this otherwise amazing place was it’s janky pseudo hipster crowd and some of it’s staff.

But we digress. The art. That was the reason why we came and the reason why we stayed. We'd get into detail on how amazingly vibrant and interesting everything was but our mood has soured at the memory of some of the evenings patrons. Maybe we'll come back to it. For now, if your in the "bad neighborhood" take a peak inside.

Brooklynite Gallery

334 Malcolm X Blvd

Brooklyn, New York 11233

Shout out to the chick who asked that I give her my copy of the price list back because she wanted to save them for people who wanted to buy...nice.

BLITZ The Ambassador & The Bronx Princess

2009-11-21T06:21:00.003-05:00

The combination of insomnia and web surfing would typically lead the less morally astute to smut. But noooo, not us! At The Toy Plane we pride ourselves on being home alone on weekends Wiki-ing the history of peanut butter and crusing for action on PBS.org.

Score! Stumbling on the documentary film 'Bronx Princess' was a treat. What this film lacks in complexity it makes up for in heart. With an amazing soundtrack and beautiful backdrop 'Bronx Princess' is worth a view. Relatively short, it's available to watch free online until November 24th.

Synopsis (via pbs.org) Rocky Otoo is the Bronx-bred teenage daughter of Ghanaian parents, and she's no pushover. She is a sassy high-achiever bound for college. With freedom in sight, Rocky rebels against her mother's rules. When their relationship reaches a breaking point, Rocky flees to her father, a chief in Ghana. What follows is captured in Bronx Princess, a tumultuous coming-of-age story set in a homeland both familiar and strange. Her precocious — and very American — ideas of a successful, independent life conflict with her father's traditional African values. Reconciling her dual legacies becomes an unexpected chapter in this unforgettable young woman's education.

We also learned our BK comrade BLITZ The Ambassador composed the musical score for the film...DOPE! BLITZ explains the process and inspiration behind the Highlife sounds he created for the film.

Blitz the Ambassador on scoring PBS Documentary from MVMT on Vimeo.

P.S. Wow! I've seen him play but I didnt realize he was a "real" musician..dope.boy.fresh. Want to hear more? Blitz's Album on itunes

F*ck ready to wear, get ready to rumble!

2009-11-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

At last! Downtown style darlings House of Diehl have perfected the cocktail for a fashionably good time. The recipe? A little event they pull together every year called STYLE WARS. The Toy Plane scored access to House of Diehl’s STYLE WARS: STYLE BATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP earlier this month at legendary Don Hills in New York City. Hosted by Surface magazine and featuring a panel of stylish VIP judges Jenny Shimizu, Claw Money, Elettra Rossellini Weidemann & Rebecca Weinberg, STYLE WARS has grown into an international fashion party and competition like no other.

So what exactly is Style Battling? Let’s revisit that cocktail recipe analogy again, shall we? Mix 1 part thrift store shopping, 1 part hip hop battle, add a dash of Project Runway style drama, killer DJ's, and more than a few splashes of fresh talent. Then shake well and pour over a crazy hyped audience. That is Style Battling. Like some sort of high art boxing match using live mannequins, designers go head to head in 4 minute rounds of cut and sew -or in this case cut and tape- fury. Making use of everything from vintage clothing and random lamp shades to plain old trash these kids turn crap into incredible- and sometimes incredibly odd- new garments. Newbie designers battle for bragging rights and a chance at global exposure with a tour and spread in Surface Magazine.

House of Diehl creative partners (and the evenings MC’s) Mary Jo Diehl and Roman Milisic opened the show by crafting a spacesuit-slash-cocktail dress out of ‘I HEART MY CLEANERS’ hangers and Scotch Tape. Dope yes, but they weren't the ones competing. So for the next hour or so, crowd and judge watched and cheered for a way too easy newspaper dress, a tragically charming Karate Kid inspired jumpsuit thingy, and a Berlin Wall/Set it Off get up (the latter being the authors personal fave). But in the end there could only be one winner. A cute little duo of stylish vixens with a line called Dominique Auxilly trumped the night by turning paper strips into an animated tennis skirt and a frumpy 80’s wedding dress into a swanky vintage Chanel inspired cocktail frock. Kudos cuties!

Check out House of Diehl to see where the STYLE WARS tour ends up next.

P.S. Check out HAEtv coverage of StyleWars and live interviews with some of the designers and judges!

TEAR DOWN THE WALLS!

FEMI KUTI & THE POSTIVE FORCE AT THE AFRO-BEAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK CITY

2009-11-19T21:38:00.002-05:00

With the rise in popularity of global music stars amongst younger, more adventurous music fans strictly American dominance of the airwaves is slowly fading away. Whether in a genuine search for the next funky sound or just to ‘keep up with the Jones’ more listeners are reaching beyond local borders to discover new and old music.

Any self respecting music lover worth his weight in salt is at least familiar with the music of Femi Kuti, son of the late legendary Afro-Beat King, Fela Kuti. In the 1970 & 80’s Fela -inspired by the sounds of highlife and the funk of folks like James Brown- electrified the contemporary African music scene with a mix of Afro/Pop/Funk/Jazz that would forever solidify Nigeria's place on the world music map.

Femi’s sound has and probably always will hint at his fathers legacy and although that is a great complement, on DAY BY DAY, the first studio album in seven years by the reigning King of Afro-Beat (released in the US by Mercer Street Records) Femi Kuti is more determined than ever to etch his own mark. As Femi reaches back to Nigeria's big band roots with DAY BY DAY he simultaneously pushes his genre forward with new sounds that are pure jazz, pure gospel, pure soul and pure black.

The Toy Plane had the pleasure of catching Femi Kuti backed by his army of fresh young musicians, Positive Force, earlier this month at the Afro-Beat festival in New York City. Femi rocked a solid two hour set full of frantic rhythms packed with a political and sensual energy that for the congregation in assembly was nothing short of a religious experience.

Photos gracefully provided by Kwesi Abbensetts http://www.spaceshipgeorge.blogspot.com/

Well , That Looks Cool

2009-11-19T00:11:00.001-05:00

we have absolutely nothing to do with this event, but it looks cool. you should go.

Saturday, November 21st 2009

Score! pop-up swap

hosted by Bust , Flavorpill , & MeanRed

supported by L Magazine , Hearty Magazine , and Yelp.com

‘Tis the season for sharing and exchanging. On Nov 21st, 3rd Ward will lend its space to a massive free exchange. Bring your old Blondie records, impulse sample sale buys, penny loafers, Jane Fonda workout videos, harmonica chord progression manuals, etc…and score some new treasures! Find a holiday gift for your mom, a smashing scarf for your friend, or a Queen Latifah cassette tape for your own personal collection. All items are free, and all remaining goods go to charity.

Grab a custom Score! tote bag! Proceeds from the event go to support City Harvest .

Categories:

Clothing & Accessories (Guys, Gals, Kids) - curated by Nisha Gopalan (senior editor, Nylon Magazine)

Music - curated by Showpaper

Art Supplies - curated by Lowbrow Society For The Arts

Books DVDs / Media - curated by The Desk Set

Housewares & Miscellany - curated by Natalie Kamei

3rd Ward // 195 Morgan Ave @ Stagg

1pm to 7 pm, $3 entry w/ RSVP

donations accepted up until 5pm

Official Site: http://twitter.com/scoreswap

Tim who?

2009-11-16T21:39:00.007-05:00

Meet Tara Dougans Toronto illustrator and apparent beautiful mind. Check out some of her highly detailed, vibrant and oft-terrifying work on her website . Cute + Brilliant!

"I am a curious person who likes sharp lines, contrasting colours and aerodynamic haircuts. Right now I'm into aztec patterns, bear fur, pompadours, braids, old bed sheets and baroque wallpaper. I work primarily in pencil and I am obsessed with detail. I like action". -Tara Dougans
(courtesy of lamomo magazine)

Next time your in T-dot (and be sure to invite us with you) find a studio and check her out. We'd love to see these up close!

I AM ASSATA SHAKUR - A Party & Benefit for The Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign

2009-11-07T02:31:00.001-05:00

I AM ASSATA SHAKUR - A Party & Benefit for The Sundiata Acoli Freedom Campaign

We Still Heart: Hip Hop

2009-10-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

Big thanks to @JONUBIAN who tweeted this clip of two of the best MC'S to ever weave rap tales in this impromptu moment of pure feel good. It's heartwarming to watch Mos Def transform into a fan before the cameras lens. Bypassing the typical ego of fame, hip-hop in particular, it's clear Mos still loves and listens to the genre of music he's helped define. Watch as he tackles '75 Bars' (one of Black Thoughts numerous masterpieces off The Roots Rising Down Album) with Thought humbly providing back up.

"This is what it's all about!" ~The Spark

clip courtsey of www.frolab.com

Where I wanna be tonight!...but I'm broke so you should go!

2009-10-24T20:23:00.002-04:00

Ah man... I bet this show is going to be great! The rain and my poor pockets will have me sitting this one out...but enjoy!

P.S. Anybody been to the new Knitting Factory? I do miss Lenoard street.

____________________

The official CMJ closing party!

Live and in full, beautiful effect will be: Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew, Blitz the Ambassador, Jahdan Blakkamoore and Matt Shadetek, IyaDedE, DJ Zakee Kuduro, and a guest performance by the Sierra Leonean father of Bubu music: Ahmed Janka Nabay

And because the beat won't stop 'til the cops come knocking, stick around for a late-night Afro-dubstep/electro hip-hop set with secret special guests, a rowdy performance by the spirit of the Nigerian master Fela Kuti , and an unruly (but loving) masquerade devil or two. Africa has never been hotter.

@ The Knitting Factory (NEW!)

361 Metropolitan Ave. (at Havemeyer)

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

11pm, $10 or free with CMJ badge

Akintola Hanif presents 'Fear Less' in Newark NJ

2009-10-13T18:06:00.011-04:00

With a style that transcends photojournalism Akintola Hanif completely blurs all distinction between anthropologist and artist. While the diversity of his portfolio suggests Hanif can take 'pretty pictures' for now he seems defiantly resolved to focus his lens on the slum Othellos', the tragic and the beautiful. Fear and death collide with freedom and life in Hanif's striking, deeply personal collection of works. Few can capture pure despair and hope with as much beauty, respect and truth.

On Sunday, October 25, 2009, Akintola Hanif, with support from the Newark Arts Council presents his latest exhibit FEAR LESS. This exhibit is extra special because it also marks the premier of Hanif’s long awaited photography, design and film production studio HYCIDE in downtown Newark’s financial district. “I spent years looking for a location and then renovations and funding.... But it’s worth it. HYCIDE is my sanctuary, my place to plan and work. I’m looking forward to just creatively going in” says the Brooklyn, New York native. Nestled in a building which serves as a creative home to artists of various mediums & genres, the opening of HYCIDE studio will undoubtably present new opportunities and growth for this young artists' career.

- Ndada Vaz

"Much like Gordon Parks, Jamel Shabazz and other lens legends before him, Hanif no doubt represents the next generation of truly talented photographers. Honest, introspective and gripping, his razor sharp imagery bears testiment to the beauty, and the beast that is inner-city America."

-Koe Rodriguez, Visual Artist & Hip-Hop Documentarian

SHOP & CHOP IT UP WITH ARTIST, DESIGNERS & DJs

2009-10-13T17:17:00.003-04:00

Wow. Society HAE/Harriets's Alter Ego might just be the hardest working group of women I know. After a series of amazingly successful pop up boutique/pop up art gallery events this summer- and one such event just this past week in Philadelphia-Brooklyn's favorite girls are at it again. This time they're bringing the party and shopping to Harlem. If you've ever been to a HAE Shop-n-Mingle (the brands famous yearly holiday event hosted in Harlem) then you know how Harlem loves Harriet's and should expect a great time! If you’ve never heard of SocietyHAE of Harriet's Alter Ego...GET FROM UNDER THAT ROCK and come out on Saturday!

P.S Harlem Pop is a free event but bring some cash because the artwork, jewelry and clothing on sale is BANANAS!

xoxo

-Kitty

______________________

Come hang out at Harlem PoP this Saturday. We've re-purposed a historic Harlem Brownstone & will be showcasing the work of a stellar group of artists, designers & DJs. Come Shop & Have a good time!

Harlem PoP

A PoP Up Experience Shop In A Historic Harlem Brownstone

Saturday, October 17 - 2pm to 7pm

@Indigo Arms Guest House, 181 Lenox Avenue (@ 119th Street)

Admission is FREE.

RSVP To: http://www.going.com/harlempop

Harlem PoP is part of an ongoing series of "PoP Up Experience Shops" that utilize unconventional spaces to house one-day installations of art, music and fashion by emerging artists of various mediums. All works exhibited are available to purchase.

Harlem PoP is made possible through the support of:

metroPCS, Fusicology, http://Going.com, Steaz, Indigo Arms Guest House, Harriet's Alter Ego, 7one8 Designs, popchips, StepRepeat and NY Kings

I Think I love Henny Floats!

2009-08-19T21:49:00.006-04:00

Our fam over at indie music label Foco Moto has got some amazing talent in their midst. Check out our big bro Asen James in the video for his instrumental single 'No Maybes'. The track is so incredibly banger hot I'm thinking of pulling out the ole' marble notebook and scratching down a quick 16... stay tuned!

Oh and before I forget...we've got a link to download James' Henny Float album. thank us later!http://focomoto.com/

No Maybes - Music Video from foco moto on Vimeo.

What 2 things do New York City and Nicaragua have in common?

2009-08-02T16:26:00.011-04:00

No, we're not talking about Sandinistas or the booming black market economy.

We're thinking alot more abstract...

Come on now...Rain + Wild Life...am i reaching here? Ok...well whatevers! I really just wanted to post these boots and figured I needed to to tie them into a story somehow.

Spotted these on a recent trip to Saks and have been in passionate love since. Check out JimmyChoo.com for more details.

P.S. I'm a size 10. You know...in case you wanted to know.

carry on.

POP'Africana is Back!

2009-08-02T15:55:00.007-04:00

Months before anybody with a pulse could see how fresh Oroma Elewa's global style manual Pop' Africana was, we tried to warn you. Back then Miss Elewa's 'magazine' was merely a blog and an online collection of impeccably styled fashion editorials feating a host of young black models. But the potential for something amazing was written on the chocolate foreheads and dimpled backsides of every lanky beautiful black girl that graced thoes digital pages. Last month Pop'Africana went to print!

Congradulations POP'Africana dreams do come true!

To learn more about POP'AFRICAN or get your limited edition copy visit www.popafricana.com

The Alchemist

2009-08-02T15:25:00.001-04:00

When Will Smith talkes about grind we listen.

Celebrate SocietyHAE.com!

2009-07-27T15:45:00.005-04:00

Let me start off by saying I've missed you guy like CRAZY!

We've got so much catching up to do. So instead of a long boring apology for neglecting you... let's get right down to business.

You know we LOVE LOVE LOVE our family over at Harriet's Alter Ego, and we'd do anything for them. On that note, I want to personally invite you, as special guests of TheToyPlane, to join us this Friday, July 31, 2009 9pm at 38 Howard Street in SoHo as Harriet's Alter Ego celebrates the launch of it’s latest venture SocietyHAE.com with the "BETA BANGER'!

Email RSVP@THETOYPLANE.COM to confirm your spot!

________________________

click to see the full size flyer

Team SHAE is SUPER EXCITED about our launch party next Friday. We've been planning out all the details and it's going to be a great event. And thanks to Flip Mino HD SHAE bloggers will be reporting back to our global family with entertaining video recaps of the festivities. Stay Tuned.

THIS WEEK'S SOCIETY HAE GOODIES...

*** SHAE TV. This week we're proud to screen Taste of The Town produced by Team SHAE Music Blogger Tasty Keish.

*** SOCIETY PROFILES. This week we profile Goldi Gold an artist and t-shirt designer out of the ATL and Tye a indie fashion designer from Pittsburgh.

*** EXCLUSIVES. Team SHAE got to hang out backstage at the Rock The Bells Concert in Boston and captured some great shots of the event. Be sure to check out the Wu-Tang t-shirt montage.

*** FEATURES. Check out SHAE member Tanya Fields video post on how folks up in the Bronx are "liberating" the land.

*** EVENTS. This weekend if you're in NJ please go check out the Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark, it's taking place all weekend long. Next week for folks in Philly check on Spectrum on Wednesday & if you're in NY you know all roads lead to Beta Banger on Friday. SEE THE EVENT PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.

John Forte

2009-03-22T11:12:00.000-04:00

John Forte "Runnin Up That Hill" from The ICU on Vimeo.

This Is How We Live! Fela in Calabar

2009-03-14T03:17:00.001-04:00

Grammys Swagger.

2009-02-11T10:24:00.006-05:00

Grammy Night 2009 had a bit less swagger this year than usual. Something was missing and I'm not talking about Ri-Ri & Chris Brown's Swagger. They don't interest us. Sorry.
(We did however, find the conversations of two Trini girls on the 4 train debating the scandal quite hilarious . " But Cleo, de girl nahsti, i can tell, she nahstie!" )

Anyway, as far as I can tell, M.I.A, Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I & Wayne had the only swaggy performance of the night.

Swag on People. Swag On...

P.S. I have not hated a word more than I hate the word "SWAGGER" in a very long time.
One of theses day I'll draft you guys a whole list of words or phrases that annoy the shit out of me. It'll be fun.

XOXO

My President is Black!

2009-02-09T20:40:00.003-05:00

So Relevant! So Right! We eternally hART Richard Pryor!

PUSH: Based on a Novel by Sapphire

2009-02-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

I cannot wait.

Another Hot Joint.

2009-02-04T20:27:00.001-05:00

and another dope marketing piece done by yours truly!

Turn It Up!

2009-02-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

What if we told you that this Friday you could, listen to music of, for, and about the legendary J-Dilla, party with some of the freshest women in NYC & raise money for Lupus research? All for cheap cheap, you'd wanna be down right...yeah I know!
So Join LADIES LOVE Dilla this Friday at Deity!

P.S. Our firm designed the flyer (CLICK ON IT to see it in all its glory).... and in the words of our dear friend St. Yacque...Its Ca Ute!

xoxo

Not My Space Leads to Feel Good Music.

2009-02-04T10:30:00.010-05:00

Racking up a million friends on Myspace is not such a huge achievement anymore. You no longer have to be a cute Asian girl with a bisexual persuasion, have a witty blog or even a decent profile picture. All you have to do is alter your settings to allow any Joe Schmo with an email account to add you. And they will come! As a test we changed the privacy settings on our personal page and poof! Within 3 days we had 87 new friend request ( I maybe, kinda think, I might have actually known ONE of the requesters). Anywho, sadly Myspace has become web wasteland. No longer can start up brands or bands claim a web presence based on a purported "million friends" following. I personally cant find anything even interesting on Myspace (to think I almost got canned a few years ago for my Myspace addiction!). For many formerly loyal users, Myspace has turned into a loud, glaring commercial with everybody and their mama selling some thing, some band, some idea or some party!
So we hardly visit our Myspace page anymore. It seems the once indestructible power it once held is no more. Even for declared Internet junkies that thing has gotten just a bit to impersonal.

A part of what made Myspace so appealing was its ability to connect real people to one another. Connecting with old friends or making new friends kind of made you feel like an insider, someone in the know with direct access to the personal (sort of) lives of the individuals in your que. I wont get all nostalgic on you ( who has the time these days) but, to scratch our social networking itch we've switched over to Facebook with a promise to be extremely selective about who we let get down with our get -least we have to start another page under our OTHER alias, like some less than A list celebrity.

Anyway all of the above is just a long ass way of telling a short ass story about this band who despite our very selective approach to adding only people we know and sort of know - somehow found its way on our Facebook friends list and sent us a very random link to their music.

We liked it. So here it goes.

Who knew South Africa had so much Detroit Back Packer-esque swagger?

New Year!

2009-01-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

2009 HAPPY NEW YEAR VID FROM JSJ from jsjcreative on Vimeo.

Dante, Dante, Dante

2009-01-02T17:56:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year Fam,

I spent New Years Eve dressed to the nines pouring cocktails for some of NYC's creative elite at the Afro Punk/Coup de'tat Punk-N-Paint Show. Big shout out to Ms. Mary Pryor (We Fancy) & extra special thank you to Ra$u Jelani (cdtbk)!

In all it was a great night (except for the psycho who I thought I had a crush on and his strange outbursts –more on that in the next issue), perfect dresses, art abound, drinks galore, good friends, great music, and Dante's Mac & Cheese.

The later stands in a category by itself.

Now I've heard about this catering company DANTE FRIED CHICKEN for at least a year or so now. DFC have been aligning itself with the local indie music scene and catering all these high profile underground events. But I didn’t get what the big deal was... food, music, indie kids, Arab scarves...ok ok ok. I get it, and I wasn’t buying it. I thought, 'good marketing, but the food is probably "regular" at best'.

I've been converted.
That jawn was THE FOOD HIGHLIGHT of 2008. Seriously.

Dante Fried Chicken: Santogold - Coconut Mac & Cheese from Dante Fried Chicken on Vimeo.

See I don’t eat everybody's cooking and I don’t eat ANYBODY'S macaroni & cheese (I'm a bit of a food snob)...but THAT WAS THE BEST MAC & CHEESE I EVER ATE IN MY LIFE. Real talk, it was better than my Grannies!

Poor Dante, when he was not serving up plates for the hungry masses in attendance, he spent the entire evening avoiding eye contact with me. I was doing mad Jedi Mind tricks trying to score an extra plate.

xoxo

P.S. I can only hope your 2009 turns out to be as rich and creamy. The Toy Plane wishes you sincere love and abundance for the New Year.

4 PROPELLERS

Only In: New York 1.0

2008-12-29T02:05:00.002-05:00

Dont forget to RSVP

2008-12-18T15:53:00.002-05:00

P.S I'll be announcing the New Years Eve plans-I'm working of course- as soon as they get that money right.... (walks away singing Kanye West)

Introducing: Nancy Wu

2008-12-16T23:14:00.009-05:00

Pretty much like how most great discoveries are made, we found this Cali based artist and designer completly by accident.

^^^These are made from Soap!

^^^This purse is made from BEEF JERKEY SUN! BEEF JERKEY!

http://www.nwudesign.com/index/index.html

Disposable Income 1.0

2008-12-15T22:20:00.006-05:00

Come, Shop, have a blast & get blasted. (the last part courtesy of TheRumPunchCrew bka MOI)

We Still Heart : The Boondocks

2008-12-15T18:51:00.002-05:00

WWW.BOONDOCKSBOOTLEG.COM

The Notorious...

2008-12-15T18:30:00.004-05:00

A few years ago, I worked with this very sweet girl named Lena who idolized Betty Page. "Betty who?" My girl was floored and I was embarrassed cause I didn't know who "Betty Goddamn Page" was .

So that night after my shift I went home and did my homework...and I fell in love.

RIP

All I want for Festivus...

2008-12-15T13:50:00.005-05:00

Lets be clear, I am not a sneaker chick. I wont even disrespect my dank basement in Chinatown digging, ebay searching, flown in from japan sneaker fiends and front like I'm into my footwear like that. But I do have a few STUNNER pairs I like to rock just for (insert bad pun here) kicks. I acquire a new pair about once a year and wear them 2 or 3 times at most, and I'm brand loyal like a mofo...ADIDAS are King and those babies above need to be my latest acquisition.

So Dearest Readers, If you got the drop or -if you wanna be my new bestest friend- and cop these I’ll love you forever and ever.

I’m a boys size 8

Amen.

Jeremy Scott Adidas=XOXOXOXOXO

Stir it up...

2008-12-11T08:34:00.011-05:00

Here are a few mixes I'll be in this weekend.

P.S. You Got A Video Camera? Wanna Roll?

xoxoxo

"Indecent Proposal"

2008-12-11T00:29:00.010-05:00

I'm in love with Netflix. I've got about 300 movies in my Que and I just keep adding them and adding and adding them. I never know what's coming until I open those 3 little lovely red envelopes in the mail. Is it another romantic comedy? That indie I've been meaning to catch? Will I now be finally able to say I've seen 'Love & Basketball'? 'Dream Girls'?

I'm seriously in love. My easy little heart never fails to go pitter patter. (I mean this is what love feels like right?) The excitement of it all is so..exciting. Netflix is so, so...dreamy!

and my boo has just gotten better. You see, I've been sending emails to my boy Steve over at corporate -he controls the whole Instant Play feature that Netflix has- cause I thought it downright scandalous that he was was not supporting me (and the 9 million other Apple Mac users) considering how long I've been loyal!

And you know what? He listened to ME!

Instant Play is now available for Macs.

and now I think I'm getting married!

xoxo

Question of the Moment No.4

2008-12-10T22:19:00.007-05:00

About QOTM: Here is your chance to vent, answer, argue or explain. Sometimes our QOTM is pure fluff and sometimes it's a path to enlightenment.
Our thoughts? Well they are in the flight notes. Selah.

What's your worst pet peeve when it comes to the physical attributes of a love(or potential) interest?

I dont know why, but I find myself quite annoyed by TACO MEAT . (see example below)

still love you Yay

In the Que: Born into Brothels

2008-11-26T02:32:00.010-05:00

This film takes us to India to with an English/Indian do gooder who travels to the real barrio of India to photograph women in the infamous red light district. She finds the inevitable plethora of children who live either with mothers who are active prostitutes or with extended relatives. These beautiful children are drawn to the magic of her camera. And so the story begins with the documentarian becoming a teacher, friend and sometimes harsh but always authentic defender of these kids.

Put it in you que or if your in the New York City area you can see it at the Brooklyn Museum during first Saturdays + a special talk with the director. Saturday December 6th free 5pm

200 eastern parkway Brooklyn NY 11238

We Still Heart: Tricky - Is it Ska,Trip Hop, Punk, Shit MAYBE It's R&B? I (don't) KNOWle West Boy!!!

2008-11-26T02:31:00.009-05:00

I don't know what I'm hearing but it bangs hard.

and thats good.

Dude, tour already!

http://www.knowlewestboy.com/

P.S. we are going 1/2 on a baby.

Shop-n-Mingle 2009 Edition. Hip-Hip-Hooray!

2008-11-26T02:13:00.009-05:00

I may be a little bias, but I LOVE THIS EVENT! click the guide for the drop.

www.shopnmingle.com

Question of the Moment No.3

2008-11-26T02:04:00.011-05:00

About QOTM: Here is your chance to vent, answer, argue or explain. Sometimes our QOTM is pure fluff and sometimes it's a path to enlightenment.
Our thoughts? Well they are in the flight notes. Selah.

While( we hope) all our scapin' days are behind us, We've got to admit, some of the best war stories around the campfire always involve a drunk broad or two, a bar and invetiably an encounter with "Jake." Innocent or Lucky? Who knows but by grace we've always ended up on top. Shocked?

Well yes, even refinded ladies have a past.. so the question begs... Have you ever been involved in a bar fight?...do tell!

P.S. IS IT JUST ME OR IS THE FIRST MINUTE & 47 SECONDS OF THIS CLIP PURE COMEDY?
(NO? WELL TRY LISTENING TO THE VIDEO WITHOUT ACTUALLY WATCHING IT... SMH!)

"DONT YOU EVER DOOOO THIS!...BOOM BANE BANE!"

Mama Afrika Rest In Uhuru!

2008-11-26T01:39:00.011-05:00

Ayo, while your at it, Put this film in your que. Mama got Style & Grace. Style & Grace.

A Native Son Returns

2008-11-26T01:16:00.007-05:00

"I am comfortable in my skin ... [and] I have seen glimpses of life beyond these walls. One's 'state of mind' can be equivalent to one's 'state of grace.' My journey does not end here."

ObamArt We Love.

2008-11-21T10:36:00.004-05:00

In the heart of the Village. The famed 8th street, NYC.

Sunset Blvd. Sliver Lake

The adorable Lichiban does it again!

Spotted in SOHO, NYC.

In the Que: Pio Pio

2008-11-20T16:38:00.007-05:00

Cuba.

The tiny island nation represents so many different things to different folks. In this rhythm packed docu-comedy tale, anyone with a beating heart will fall for Maestro Pio Levia, an 80+ year old Cuban musical legend( who's voice in it's heyday helped make many a baby)!

MUSICA CUBANA serves as a kind of spin off to the Buena Vista Social Club, that is both heartwarming and informative. See it!

Get it in on your good foot?

2008-11-17T13:56:00.007-05:00

Almost A Celebrity Death Match Single of the Moment.

Automatic - Mickey Factz ft. Curtis Santiago.

VS.

Mad Again - 77KASH feat. Johnny Osbourne

In the Que: Get Sweded

2008-11-17T12:09:00.004-05:00

Fyi, We are total movie junkies! But somehow we never manage to see the "hot" films when we are suppose to. We are always a year or ten too late -we tell ourselves that we were too busy digging in the crates for "real" indie cinema .

So instead of trying to keep up with the Jones, we embrace our tendencies to be the last persons on earth to view American Gangster, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or 40 year old Virgin... And we can't be the only ones. So for all thoes out there like us , we are sorting through the fluff and providing you with titles from our que. This is what were are watching now and these films are the must sees of the MUST SEES.

And what better movie to set us off then "BE KIND,REWIND" starring Jack Black and our main man Mos Def. We hate spoilers so we won't even get into what it's about. See it, or see it again and let us know what you think.

God Bless Swedes and Long Live Netflix!

November 5, 2008

2008-11-05T16:19:00.002-05:00

First, please forgive me if you get this message more than once. and forgive me again if the content of this message may be deemed "inappropriate" considering the nature of our relationship. All I can say in my defense is that the time is now.

Ok everyone who knows me understands that I do my best to avoid talking politics. But in this moment, I have a responsibility to myself to speak. Please don't take the subsequent note as anything but my views, my story and my connection to here and now. My thoughts are not revolutionary or new, they may not be profound or enlightening. But they are true. What I have to say does not necessary have anything to do with the content of this space here. But this is my forum and this should be considered a public diary entry.

To all my black people in the struggle and the nosy white people who wanna know what I'm thinking:

I am hopeful. As I sit here on the morning after what has been the most significant election since the founding of the United States, I am a proud woman. Albeit a woman in emotional peril. See, I am not a democrat, I am not a republican, shit I am not even a committed capitalist. I do not believe in the rhetoric, the stories politicians and historians tell about the founding principals of this country. They are liars. This country was not founded on ideals of freedom and democracy. Not for me. Pull back the curtains and we all know that this country was founded on the blood, tears and bodies of my ancestry. Mine! I am an African stolen, toiled and abused by America. I am not trying to be all emotional, spit rhetoric or preach (to the choir or otherwise) but the American Dream has been the majority of African peoples worst nightmare. Historically thats the truth. And that sentiment continues. Even today. That being said. I have never been an American. I have not and I am not. Even today.

My pride and my hope is not for this dream of a new America. America, as it exist can not live up to what I believe it should be. America will never take a political" Hippocratic oath". America (pre or post Obama) will not strive " to do no harm". and it won't fix all it's already done.( Ok, so you figured it out... surprise! I'm an idealist .) And perhaps no government and people with needs and wants as great as those that exist in America ever can meet those expectations, or fulfill that reality.

Ok, so you already know, I don't believe in this government shit but It's been said a million times, that the most important time in history is now . I believe America has made a wise choice to elect -at the very least- a Black "conscious."

While it's certainly only my opinion -Barack Obama is a real living, thinking, person with a soul.

The African is spiritual. There are certain traits and that are - and are not - our nature. That's a fact. Whether or not you believe in this sort of thing, it is understood - while not all Black people have rhythm - we almost all certainly have a soul. And President Elect Barack Obama gots it. I felt it last night as I watched him give his acceptance speech.
I am idealist, but I am not nieve. The Democratic party, Barack Obama, Jessie Jackson, Uncle Al , Oprah, and whoever else you want to throw in the mix cannot fix the collective problems of my community- and maybe Barack in particular won't fix any. Shit, He may even turn out to be the worse president in the history of the United States, a true neocolonialist icon. Hummm... We'll see.

But a quiet storm is ahead of us. (another trait: black people are prophets. White people; jot that down in your notepad .) Perhaps it was the euphoria of the moment, but last night as I reveled in the street with my Brooklyn neighbors i felt the slightest first breezes of a whirlwind.
The Obama story, the fanaticism and excitement, the symbolic significance for the global African community, (did you know they were partying and stirring pots in Senegal..yes! i got that info from an on the ground source!) and the barrier braking imprint on the global consciousness all got to me!
People don't want to admit this, perhaps because the simple dialogue would open a pandoras box of questions america will not answer or maybe because to do so, somehow labels one immediately ignorant, But I will. Yes, I voted for Barack Obama because he is BLACK! And I feel -how I know a lot of people like me feel today. I feel LIMITLESS. Whether locked inside or free outside a crazy political system I am still powerful. Little ole ME!

Before I jump off my soapbox, i'll leave you with this. I went back and forth with a comrade the other day, a diligent, real "community organizer", my favorite "black power gangster -INSIDE JOKE" about my feelings about this election. His basic position was one of understanding (of mine) but also a kind of frustration that he and people who do the kind of grassroots, social justice and Freedom work he does, have failed because people believe that the only viable solution to our problem is through this system, Which of course is contradictory to the freedom movements ultimate goals which are and always have been to be independent and respected and successful in the global world.

Well long story short. My heart is torn. Because I am Freedom loving. However I had a thought, which I hope wont be considered a cop-out or anything less than a way to articulate what pride feels like. The honorable Marcus Garvey - would have celebrated this moment for what it is. I believe that Africans in America needed this moment. For me and countless other people like me , this a moment of esteem building, and a tangible reminder of the possibilities of our greatnesses and abilities.

We will not all be a Barack Obama (when we finally grow up:-), we will not all like Barack Obama and most certainly we will not and should not all suddenly pledge allegiance to a corrupt system - because now it has a black face. But we will, even the most revolutionary among us- poke out our chest a little more in the coming days and walk with our heads a little higher. Even if to push only a little harder for our own freedom agendas, we must be inspired. Whatever side of the question you find yourself on with regards to the election of Barack Obama. you must admit that friend or foe, Barack Obama is a mighty tool...and he's Black, like us.

real talk.
--

We are riding with shorty

2008-10-16T19:44:00.007-04:00

Joe the Plumber.

2008-10-16T19:44:00.005-04:00

Straight from the Editors Desk.

I'm not a registered Democrat, nor am I a Republican or Independent. Who am I? Far left or right of what you might assume. Nonetheless I would be negligent if I didn't get on the bandwagon with regards to commenting on the current political climate. While my noble comrades were watching the finale of PROJECT RUNWAY, I -like many of you- watched the last of the Presidential Debates of 2008.

Wow, Mr. McCain was maaaaaaad!

EL OH MUTHA-F-IN EL

I have said it before and I will say it again, I am excited as hell about this election.

I've been convinced.

I'm Voting Yo. Not for me, but for my 6 year old daughter who said she wants to be Michelle Obama for Halloween.

That's gotta mean something.

XOXO

-Kitty Hawk "All Power to The People" Vaz

what the hell is wrong with my blog?

2008-10-03T15:33:00.001-04:00

Baby Let Me Show You What Love Is.

2008-09-30T16:59:00.009-04:00

We won't be there but we are definitely in solidarity. Some of the freshest up and coming women artist in New York City (many who also happen to be some of our very favorite people) have put there stamp on this joint.

Now imagine that whispered in your ear.

ExperiencingTurbulence!

2008-09-25T16:57:00.006-04:00

Important message from our Pilot.

Readers;

The last couple of days have been kind of bumpy around here (and obviously not as scenic as we are use too.) But don't fear - we're not closing our gates!

Our dedicated team is in the process of making things pretty fly around here.

So here is a heads up of what you can expect when we re-launch November 1st. Now this is top secret information reserved for my First Class Riders only, so don’t tell a soul (peep my reverse psychology… GO and tell everyone you know!).

Ok, ok, ok, crappy puns aside -I’m happy to announce that FlyKittyFly is no more. Confused? Don’t be! Our blog is now officially a web based art, culture and lifestyle magazine! [Insert applause]

That means we now have a whole “web world” dedicated to the things and ideas we find relevant and even more art, music, politics, feature articles and as many interactive features as our team can cram into our new space. (Which by the way is THETOYPLANE.COM)

This is an immense step for us -but we’re excited as hell about our journey! In the meantime we are still keeping our blog format (so keep coming here), and our dedication to sorting through the fluff to bring you cleaver, quirky and truly entertaining content.

And last but not least.

TheToyPlane.com Magazine is seeking contributors! If you’re a writer, artist, critic, analyst, musician, designer or just a damn good socialite and want to help contribute to our team of masterminds send me a message!

Ex and Oh’s Always,

N’dada “Kitty Hawk” Vaz

TheToyPlane.com

Editor-in-Chief

(Pretty swanky, Aye!)

For submissions and info email:

Editor_at_TheToyPlane.com

Image of the Moment.

2008-09-23T13:00:00.009-04:00

This message has been paid for by the Committee of Concerned Coochies.

When art imitates life.

2008-09-20T11:21:00.009-04:00

Ahhh... if only art shows were like dog shows , we could easily pluck a piece from the wall, wrap it with a bow and label it 'Best in Show'. But galleries apparently have rules about things like that and among artist blatant competition is generally frowned upon.

Nevertheless here are some of OUR Best in Show images from last nights New:New York Exhibit.

Blue Ribbon Winner

SHADE 1,2 & 3

US: So why did these women take your picture.

HIM: I Don't know, I guess they saw some kind of beauty in me that I don't see.

Photo courtesy of Young Garvey/The Socialist Movement
original artwork by The AGYTATORS

Honorable Mentions

Photos courtesy of Young Garvey of the Socialist Movement

For more information about the artist of NEW: New York take a trip.

WWW.IPHOTOGRAPHWELL.COM -EMILY RUSSEL
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ALLACCESSNOW.COM - ZSB PHOTOGRAPHY
WWW.MYGLOBALHUSTLE.COM - LARRY OSSEI-MENSAH
WWW.THEAGYTATORS.COM - COCO BLACK & MELLY SHABAZZ

POP'AFRICANA visually kicks ass.

2008-09-19T10:11:00.042-04:00

World citizen, stunning model, old acquaintance & unique quirky spirit, Oroma Elewa launches a very beautiful and potential filled publication entitled POP'AFRICANA.

Part National Geographic, glossy art-zine & soft porn periodical, le premier issue is available exclusively online. (And if you catch a jones while your there and seek more content, Madam Elewa has dedicated a hilarious -and sometimes harsh-blog documenting the development of her POP'AFRICANA project.)

Bringing Diasporic African beauty to the forefront of pop culture is no easy undertaking. Kitty Hawk Flys salutes and congratulates our Comradista for her stylish efforts!

If you didn't know, know you know. Black girls rock.

Propeller Approved!

2008-09-19T10:11:00.041-04:00

So much good going on here we don't even know where to begin!
This exhibit is being curated by our L.L. Comradista Rene Abdo, featuring the work of those darling girlies The Agytators and our brother from another Mr. Young Global Larry Ossei-Mensah.

For more info or to find out where to rsvp for tonight check ^

Question of the Moment No.2

2008-09-19T10:11:00.040-04:00

About QOTM: Here is your chance to vent, answer, argue or explain. Sometimes our QOTM is pure fluff and sometimes it's a path to enlightenment.
Our thoughts? Well there in the flight notes. Selah.

What's one thing you've never done before, that you'd be willing to try today?

Freedom Rider 2.0 . Vote or Die (or Not).

2008-09-19T10:11:00.039-04:00

Yes, it is contradictory but so is life. I admit to being inspired, fearful and excited by Election 2008. And as is my trait for things I find too difficult to discus- with the exception of a silly gif posted a few weeks ago- I have consciously avoided the subject of politics here.

Why? Well, while I’m no longer “politically active” I consider myself still very much a distracted, yet aspiring socialist. Years of political education and a fairly complex understanding of the US political system has generally left me unfaded, unsurprised and unmotivated by any action going on in Washington.

But this did.

According to official estimates 27% of eligible Americans voted in the last election. That statistic is reverent to gender, racial and economic divisions.

In a nutshell 73% of all Americans, black, white or other, male, female or both, rich, poor or just getting by -stuck a middle finger to electoral politics.

But what does that mean? Perhaps we are all conscientious objectors….Ha!

By the 2000 Presidential Election I had reached the legal age to vote. While I did register, I have yet to ever step foot in a voting booth.

But I can if I want to.

And so can You.

The Flyest Sartorialisto

2008-09-19T09:55:00.011-04:00

Fader style editor and designer/stylist Mobolaji Dawodu got hailed on The Sartorialist today. We have ~~a desperate unrequited crush on him~~ admired his hodgepodge of Lagos-meets-Brooklyn style for sometime now and salute Scott Schuman, for always knowing a good thing when he sees one.

This is the second time in as many weeks that one of our comrades (we saw you William, and thanks for NOT returning our calls punk!) has graced Mr. Schuman’s dazzling portrait collection of fashionable world citizens.

Real recognizes real. Keep clicking color. We love it.

5 propellers.

Question of the Moment No.1

2008-09-18T14:15:00.010-04:00

About QOTM: Here is your chance to vent, answer, argue or explain. Sometimes our QOTM is pure fluff and sometimes it's a path to enlightenment.
Our thoughts? Well there in the flight notes. Selah.

What style trend are you absolutely sick of?

When in Salzburg do cafe as the Austrians!

2008-09-05T13:53:00.009-04:00

Welcome to The Afro Cafe. An African-pop graphic mini world that in addition to catering to (our) genetic dispositions for bold color and pattern -serves a wicked cappuccino.

But truth be told, we are not sure what to make of this place. While we freely admit to “freaking loving” the décor, we aren’t certain it’s not a racist -think new school Aunt Jemima & Uncle Tom- characterture themed coffee shop franchise. The website boasts the fact that food is ‘All served by our funky Afro staff’ and that one can come in and “find yourself a cocoa-skinned lady.”

An appreciation of black female beauty, black people working, African inspired décor, what’s so wrong with that aye? Well, it would be completely harmless and maybe even pretty darn swell if say…Samuel Jackson or ANY other BROWN person thought this could be-master marketing piece up. But because this project was created by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, were not so sure.

Dialectics matter don’t you think? So while the jury is out, we are staying clear. It’s too damn bad. We’ve got the perfect place for those tea cups.

To see what other lovely-lovies this place has, book a trip to Austria or get there the cheap way.

Yes! We do consider ourselves conscientious objectors to all things "politically" capitalist but...

2008-09-05T12:41:00.005-04:00

this is great.

Obama or McCain 08!

Rahdie at Rush!

2008-08-28T10:39:00.008-04:00

CHECK THE ::UPDATE:: (WAY) BELOW
We received this very cryptic email in our box a couple days ago. It was from one of our besties who has been secretly working on some kind of project,show,performance art thing. The invitation conflicted with other stuff on our calender and because of the short notice we contemplated just sticking to our original plan and sending our best regards...That was until we saw the flyer.

We still don't know exactly what we're going to see our brilliant friewin (friend+twin) do, but we're going!

(Sorry Raphael, but I couldn't miss this!)

RUSH ARTS GALLERY
526 West 26th Street, suite 311
New York, New York

:::IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN WHAT THIS PIECE IS, THE FOLLOWING HAS BEN SNAGGED FROM THE PLAYWRIGHTS(?) BLOG , WE PROMISE A PROPER SYNOPSIS WHEN WE FIGURE IT OUT:::

IN PROGRESS:
Michael Paul Britto
This Little Word of Mine
August 1 - September 6, 2008

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 21, 2008 6-8 PM
Thursday, August 28, 2008 6-8 PM
Thursday, September 4, 2008 6-8 PM
Closing Reception: Saturday September 6, 2008: 6 – 8

Church revival is the theme of Michael Paul Britto’s This Little Word of Mine, the second installment of Rush Arts Gallery’s In Progress Series. During his month-long residency, Britto will stage this revival, complete with choir members and a preacher who will perform a live set consisting of video and music mixing. The Preacher will conduct the choir and the choir will respond to comments made in the video clips, prompting the audience to join in and participate as if in church.

“In his latest piece, Michael Paul Britto contributes to a new ethics of pop cultural consumption by imaginatively restaging debates surrounding African American vernacular cultures and their popular representation. Britto extends his longstanding critique of popular representations of “blackness” and unveils the continued inscriptions of America’s history of racial hierarchy on those representations in a multimedia performance piece that mimics the call-and-response form
of African American religious traditions and focuses on, as he puts it, “the use and misuse of the ‘N’ word.”“

- Evans Richardson, Guest Writer
###

P.S. The red wig is what got me. Love you Blank!

::UPDATE:: 9/5/08

I'm still not sure what I saw. But I came to this profound, mighty conclusion."Nigger" is a word concept, that never fails to offend, shock, provoke and motivate people to do interesting things. Sometimes the 'thing' is art.

Imagine going down home to visit your 'Grandmother-Dears' First AME Zion Methodist Church of the Lord Nigger Christ . On revival Sunday.

Nuff said.

A Music Review Named "Life is Real"

2008-08-20T13:24:00.012-04:00

Believe it or not, I'm not a member of the "music is healing, music is God, music makes the world spin on its axis, I can’t live without my radio" cult.

Call me an old soul, who only get moved by, well what actually moves me. Make me dance or cry, get me angry or horny, spark the mosh pit and make me two-step till I sweat. Or don’t even bother.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’d love to chase good music but it’s just to tiring. Somehow it still finds me though. Every once in a while I hear something that makes the earth move under my feet.

So it’s circa 2007 and out of the cosmos comes a girl named Ayo with an album wackly titled JOYFUL.

Aside from the album title, this Nigerian-German songbird deserved all praises due. But if singing in a language not your own, producing and arranging your own music isn't enough to convince the hardcore; then lyrically she deads all ill noise. Emotional and heartfelt her delicately nuanced verbs and nouns never came off as pink or gushy nor were we left ever feeling embarrassed for her.

Let me try and break it down like this.

Remember the first time you heard that MJB joint -you pick the one- where you got all caught up in the moment and got a little misty around the eye region? And although nothing even remotely like a Hailey brother beat down might have actually happened in your world - you still felt the shit out of Mary’s pain. And after the song was done you felt like you’d dropped a burden from your shoulders -realizing how much you probably needed that cry.

Cliché? Well yes - but Ayo’s sound was kind of like that. She made music that actually hurt to listen to; but didn't hurt to listen to. Not predictably optimistic or becoming slit your wrist music; JOYFUL managed a harmony rarely found in its genre.

While the strength of her talent was clearly rooted in the ability to make grown men weep, she had a few toe tappers (and a few joints just itching for deep house remixes) thrown in for good measure. Midway through JOYFUL Mami got all flirty-like on the Abbey Lincoln remake of “Supposed to Be Love”( For some reason we feel Lilly Allen should be somewhere taking notes). With JOYFUL Ayo did some cool stuff, and she did it all pretty damn well.

Anyway, yeah it’s an “old” album, but we just came across these videos for the first time today and it reminded us of how much we dig this girl.

Well made and built to last. Kind of like your daddies Chevy.

Rum Punch.The Recipe,The Story. The Op-Ed.

2008-08-19T14:45:00.009-04:00

Dear Readers;

If your new here you might not know that Kitty Hawk Vaz, our modest diaries namesake, Editor-in-Chief, Supreme Chick in Charge, the I in Me, ex cetera, ex cetera, ex cetera is kinda famous.

No, not yet as a pop culture commentator, social analyst or award winning journalist. And yes it is true that for many she is an indispensable project manager, creative concept developer, think tanker, editor, marketing whiz, trend spotter and all around extra set of hands attached to a brilliant brain. But for a select few, young Vaz possesses one talent; one skill set that greatly supersedes all prior and threatens to catapult our humble savant into infamy.

Shorty rock makes an incredible drink.

She mixes the kinds of drinks that upon meeting her in other, more conventional settings, seemingly respectable, suited type professionals lose their wits about them. Over the years, people have been known to run up to her, arms outstretched for an embrace and proclaim “Oh my god! You’re that dope ass bartender that made those drinks for _________'s party? "

About her odd notoriety Ms. Vaz says, "Of all the things I do, I guess this is the most physically visible. People have connected my image with a party or event they really enjoyed. Of course I could be insulted [that people think I'm 'only' a bartender] but I'm not, I actually love it. The signature on my instant messenger at home is 'my rum punch is popping!"

(Ms. Vaz, who still prefers anonymity is pictured here making one
of her popular mixes in what appears to be a thermos wrapped in caution tape.)

When pressed for further comment she says, "Well there was one time when my moonlighting kind of left me "red faced". I was hired to develop this marketing plan. So I go in to meet with the director to present my proposals, and they are having a birthday party for one of the staff in the conference room. As soon as I walk through the door like 3 or 4 people, including the birthday boy start cheering and yelling 'Oh sh*t! OUR bartender, OUR bartender!' They thought I was there to make special drinks or something for the office happy hour/birthday jam... I almost died! But it was still kind of funny and when it was all said and done the Director went crazy for my proposal. So it all worked out in the end.”

Awkward situations aside, making a good drink for a hundred people is no easy feat. Making a LEGENDARY drink for hundreds of die hard "Grey Goose, Patron, Ciroc, I only drink top shelf, on the rocks, James Bond, pinkie finger, drink snobs" is a -dare we say- God given talent, that KITTY HAWK FLYS will continue to applaud and promote.

We are proud that we've been able to inspire other Jack and Jill's of all trades to pick up the hooch and give mixing up a batch of ole' holy water a try. (We see you Mr.TONE. Keep making those Pina Coladas!)

And now as an end of summer treat (and FLY KITTY FLY exclusive) we are proud to reveal the Kitty Hawk signature sippie!

Legal Disclaimer:
We assume no liability for any babies or bad behavior created or performed due to excessive consumption of this beverage.

Kitty Hawk’s Ex-Oh-Ex-Oh Rum Punch

This recipe is good for as many or as few drinks as you can imagine. 1 part can equal 1 tablespoon or 1 part can equal 1 gallon. Consistency, enough ice and a big enough spoon is the key!

Ingredients:

1 part orange juice

1 part pineapple juice

1 part Coco Lopez

1 part Cranberry juice

1 part Grapefruit Juice

1 part fresh squeezed lime juice

1 part strawberry/banana Juice

1 part Triple Sec

2 parts seltzers, club soda or ginger ale

5 parts light or dark rum.

Couple splashes of Roses Grenadine, for extra color and flavor

Couple splashes of Roses Lime, for extra flavor

Directions:

Mix, shake or stir well and pour over tall glasses of ice.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Why we love "out of nowhere" power moves and the people that make them.

2008-08-05T16:43:00.012-04:00

Pretty long blog tittle huh? Yeah, so what.

Any who. As the title suggest, we absolutely love surprises.

Once again our bro Young Garvey from The Socialist Movement -aka "Mr. Put You On When Your Off" - hit us with the WHO regarding the wife of a mutual friend who is doing A Big Tings (Yardie accent in full effect).

This seemingly very sweet, behind the scenes kinda lady -with the cutest little 3 ft, curly headed sidekick ever- goes by the name of Ms. Denise Clodd, known fondly as The Shoenista!

Shortie rock has launched a kick ass vintage clothing and accessories site called Immortally Chic.
Ok, were not jocking but, how dope is that name?

Ok, so let's not waste anymore time. ImmortallyChic.com gets 3.5 propellers

Go check it out...and buy something, cheapies! -

P.S. The prices are actually not bad at all!

P.S.S We are LOVING the current grind by any means, hustle maverick, make shit happen, build a way when its no way, get it popping N.O.W, aesthetic of this generation!

Get 'em girls... Make Mama Kitty Proud!

xoxo

Oh' What A Graphic Life!

2008-07-16T17:43:00.012-04:00

Check out this cleaver piece of marketing care of brilliant design company KISER (go brooklyn!)

This video clip/short was hinted about in the interview we did a couple months ago & shot by ~~our secret crush~~ filmmaker Kareem Black.

P.S. Now we've seen this company do it's thing for ah-deen now, so shame on us; but could somebody tell us if it's pronounced kiss(er) or ki-zer (like the roll)????

P.S.S. Kinda feeling that pleather git up...

xoxo

kitty hawk a.k.a the dancehall queen

We H(ART) BLK JKS

2008-07-01T15:44:00.011-04:00

If you were lucky enough to be there, kudos to you! If not,here it is. "Mzabalazo" performed live at Harriet's Alter Ego.

Toyi Toyi with us... and be sure to get dem knees up!

What a classic day!
(and lovely guys to boot!)

p.s. LAKESIDE is our official theme song. Find it, love it, buy it.

Here Comes the Sun...MORE LRG 2008 FALL PHOTO SHOOT

2008-06-24T11:27:00.007-04:00

While we usually don’t like to report strictly on parties, last Thursday is an exception. Why? Cause Streetwear giant L-R-G & our favorite photographer extraordinaire, Kareem Black hosted one of their trademark photo shoot/party extravaganzas.

My big brother worked his magic and somehow we made it past the not so nice- but still very cute- girl at the door to hobnob with the cool kids.

I lost my pink Casio camera that night (So I can’t show you the classic photo of me & KB flexing our guns- but trust when I tell you dude is STRRRRONG!)

Never fear tho, my bro Brent from Socialist always brings his own Paparazzi. Seriously, my dude rolls with two personal photographers. SERIOUSLY.

KB & that strange but loveable Village Slum guy have got some great shots as well.

Welcome to Summer.

Socialist Brand Apparel » MORE LRG 2008 FALL PHOTO SHOOT

KareemBlack.com

Mel D. Cole @ Village Slum

XOXO

Who is HEAVy?

2008-06-23T13:15:00.011-04:00

Ok so, I admit it. I was way late to class.

A little over 42 hours ago, I was asking that very question.
But I'm a quick learner.
and know I know.

So here's the scenario. It's Saturday afternoon and Harriet's BackYard Couture is heating up nicely. Folks are having a good time, the punch is flowing and all is gravy. But 2 hours and 20 gallons of rum punch later, folks are standing around me scowling & pointing like I'm wearing a scarlet letter...

The blue jugs are EMPTY!

So I gather the troops and we're off in search of the biggest bottle of Captain Morgans we can find. ..Too bad cause the sidewalk show is about to start...oh well!

We are on our way back with bags of ice, gallons of rum, juices, and all kinds of other extras and I hear the two oldest instruments know to man. The voice and the drum....and damn it's LOUD!!

I'm tight. Mad. Upset. Now I'm rushing back to find out what the hell is going on, and where is Ngozi and why is she not stopping this madness! Cause whoever this HEAVy is, they are gonna get our shit shut down! (I'm three blocks away on loud ass, busy ass, Flatbush avenue and I can hear them clear as day)

By block 2 I've stopped cursing and started nodding my head.

By the time I get to the corner it's a wrap.

The musics got me trapped.

Liquor, ice, juice, hamburger buns, change... everything gets dropped ,right there on the sidewalk and it's on... MASH UP THE PLACE!

That's heavy.

Now Meet HEAVy.

BLOG MYSPACE

P.S. Check out these amazing photos of HEAVy @ BackYard Couture by Richard Louissaint

XOXO

We H(ART) New York

2008-06-17T16:14:00.001-04:00

Backyard Couture

2008-06-17T15:58:00.002-04:00

It's a Tuff Road

2008-06-17T15:34:00.001-04:00

One more reason ...

2008-06-03T13:34:00.005-04:00

Yeah, I think we're in Philly this weekend.

100

xoxo

The HipSTERS Head to Philly this SUNDAY!

2008-06-03T13:08:00.006-04:00

Diplo -our 100% certified official blonde B(ase)boy- , the human beat behind Santo Gold, M.I.A. and a host of "cooler than the other side of your pillow" noise makers give the kente cloth set a run for their money with the MAD DECENT block party in Philly this Sunday. Buy an Arab scarf, get hit by a grown ass man on a skate board and meet a really cute chick in florescent leggings.

ONCE AGAIN: p.s. We've got the drop on a $6.00 (yes SIX dollars) bus -leaving from NYC)-to get you there and back ...holla!

Sweet (face) Cheeba

2008-06-02T17:39:00.008-04:00

Our favorite lopsided afro, word maker-upper, superb drinking buddy, and Designer-SLASH-Renaissance man releases his new jammies (We think he's got that word trademarked) just in time for summer.

Yup... We can see ya'll already... at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, thinking you cute. tisk tisk tisk.
Spread love right here>>>>

http://www.sweetcheebabrand.blogspot.com/

Head of the Class

2008-06-02T17:33:00.008-04:00

You know what it is...here is the 411. be there or take an L. (That means an F if your slow)

In cahoots with the Minority Report, The fly dames of Harriet's and BK girl band Sweetie are hosting the 3rd edition of "Class Re-Union". Enjoy good music and rock with great people. Sounds Provided By Frei of Soulvibes Digital

PLUS... The Ladies of Harriet's introduce"The Head of The Class" Awards. they will be bestowing 4 people with the ultimate class honors and rewarding them for being so dope.

what's on the lesson plan?
good music. great peoples. new friends

oh oh oh, and we forgot...class photos!!

AWARDS:
Best Dressed
Class Clown
Ms. Congeniality
Class Flirt

So join us this Thurs June 5th at Frank White Lounge(named & themed after the blocks most famous bully...Biggie Smalls!)

FRANK WHITE
936 Atlantic Avenue
(btw. St. James & Washington)

rsvp here>>>

The Hippies Head to Philly this Sunday!

2008-06-02T14:12:00.011-04:00

Headed to the ODUNDE FESTIVAL!
June 8th, 2008
23rd and South Street
Philadelphia, PA
Odunde is the largest community- based street festival held in the country. This is the 33rd annual festival and from what we hear a guaranteed good time!

Come out to get some of that good corn, pick up some fly African fabric and meet a pretty girl who doesn't shave her underarms.

p.s. We've got the drop on a $6.00 (yes SIX dollars) bus -leaving from NYC)-to get you there and back ...holla!

xoxo

Spooner & Co. Do it again.

2008-05-29T16:32:00.007-04:00

Afro-Punk Film & Music festival returns for the 4th year and the line up is retarded! See you in the pit, suckas!

p.s. This year I'm determined to go half on a baby with Aaron from Whole Wheat Bread.

xoxo

S'aint Yak x Blak Cully = Extra Swank...EARLY

2008-05-29T13:06:00.009-04:00

The talented and equally beautiful people that are S'aint Yak & Blak Cully bring you...

YakBlak the Vintage Sunnies Collection.

www.yakblak.com

(check for the kid making a cameo in the future press shots. check here for the top secret, super advanced, low low sneak peak)

p.s. shout out to mike july and his magic tool...pause.

xoxo

Sunday Best

2008-05-29T11:35:00.013-04:00

It's been said, and I do concur - Clothes make the man.

While light skin ain't really our thing, Terrance Howard-in a suit-gets many a panty wet around the office.
Rapper Consequence knows his denim (and dudes footwear is crazy).
Common's frame is perfect for any tailored look he chooses to flex.
Will Smith has his good days and even sweet pants Ryan Searcrest can put something decent together.
But these are celebrities. They should be tight.

So in the spirit of my everyday "so fresh and so clean" bredren, the dope boys who would scour the ends of the earth (i.e. a dank basement in China Town) for the rarest of Dunks, the mighty few who know where "all the hot Lo gear is at", meet Socialist Brand Apparel.

My fam over at Socialist swears that their concept streetwear gear will finally have your beard growing in evenly.

Socialist is that new-new...and now you know.

A little birdie told me that WORLD NYC just got the Re-Up. This batch comes in lemon yellow, cream and baby blue. Ooooooowe!

Now, dust the Wallies off and let 'em know how to do summer!

xoxo

The Skill of Continuous Partial Attention

2008-04-24T13:27:00.007-04:00

One of my mentors, a much-disciplined and serious sort of guy recently left me with some jewels to ponder. “Master the unseen”.

For many people, especially those without the patience or desire to “do the knowledge”, my guy probably sounds like he’s on some next level new age-hippy propaganda head-trip.

But he ain’t. And your gonna have to take my word for it...

Anyway, back to CPA better known as multi-tasking.

Recently research has shown that multitasking isn't necessarily the best skill to "master". Apparently, according to ~~God~~ Wikipedia, multitasking can result in time wasted due to human context switching. Which I guess means that humans aren’t really programmed to think and perform separate types of task concurrently therefore we waste time –real time or ‘thinking time’- trying to figure out how to manage or switch between multiple task.

In addition, due to the lack of singular focus on a specific task, more oversight of errors is likely to occur.

I guess I’m taking that 'skill' off my resume..... (thanks for the bad advice, mom!)

Master the unseen.

-Kitty Hawk, Brooklyn New York City

HAE X BLK JKS / South Africa or Bust!

2008-04-23T14:21:00.001-04:00

We prayed, we bartered, we paid a few favors (just kidding!)

we made it happen!

The BLK JKS are comming...

FREEDOM DAY @ HARRIET'S - Sunday, April 27 - 5pm

Live Performance, Free Food (MADIBA BKNY) & Drinks Courtesy of the infamous RUM PUNCH CREW!

Freedom Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on April 27. It celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid elections held on that day in 1994, when they saw Nelson Mandela elected as President.

"South African mindbenders BLK JKS create a multivalent, 360-degree view of Johannesburg Now: Afro-jazz riffs segue into tribal rhythms, which swagger through street-level sociology before exploding into hardcore bursts of noise, kwaai kwaito beats, and addictive rock hooks. Prepare yourself for a dizzy blend of up close, freaked-out, kind of-not-quite-like-anything- you've -heard-before music." -Time Out New York

yeah...we tried to tell you, early.

xoxo

Fade to Black

2008-04-23T13:39:00.005-04:00

Still slightly hung over from a Friday night of strip club debauchery with his agent, photographer and filmmaker, Kareem Black opens the door to the East Village apartment he calls home. Dressed in a severely wrinkled L-R-G t-shirt, crisp denim and dusty tube socks—the Philadelphia born skater kid looks every bit the prototype of the downtown, slacker/genius character his neighborhood is known to produce.

But this isn’t just another arrogant, shumagg wearing LES kid. At 30 years old, Black—with two short films already under his belt and the client list and tear sheets of an industry veteran— is a celebrity. Rare is it that the man behind the lens becomes as famous as the one in front of it, but in a city where artists are demigods, Kareem Black has become a supernatural force.

Black says “To be honest, I don't really get the phenomenon. Because I do what I do, I guess there is this sort of image about me. I went out the other day and was having drinks and this guy is like, ‘man I can't believe I'm having drinks with Kareem Black!’ I'm like, dude is your drink gonna taste better now? I don't know what he thought was about to happen. Maybe we will have a good time, maybe we won't. I can't understand it.”

Despite his disapproval, it's easy to be awed by Black. He is a chief documentarian of a generation of pop culture, self made, non-assimilating success story in his prime, Black has managed to market his brand of cool to a corporate audience and still maintain his legitimacy as an artist. For most admirers, it's simpler than that—Kareem Black is a really cool guy who knows a ton of famous people.

Awkward, yet confident, handsome but unthreatening, Black is a downtown bon vivant, who—for the record—is no longer a self described asshole. “I've been quoted as saying that [I'm an asshole] but I'm not. I'm.....ughh,” Black seems at a lost for words.

“About your business." I offer.

“Yeah, I guess that works,” he concludes.

His business is to photograph the world’s most entertaining people. John Mayer, Kimora Lee Simmons, Lily Allen, Moby and Venus Williams have all stepped in front of Black’s lens. Spreads and cover shoots for GQ, People, Fader, Giant and Elle Magazine litter his resume. His party/photo shoots for L-R-G Clothing—which are open to hundreds of industry tastemakers—have featured drop-in appearances from A-listers like Kanye West.

With guest spots on America’s Next Top Model and a commercial made about him for Verizon—Black is as much a photographer as he is a marketing whiz kid. Black explains another of his marketing ideas—the KareemBlack.com sticker campaign. “One of my best friends—Matt Salacuse and I—we are just two idiots telling ourselves jokes. [We] came up with this ridiculous stuff about me marrying Lindsay Lohan and posted stickers all over the city. No photographer has ever promoted themselves in that way. Photographers [usually] have websites, portfolios and comp cards. I used to write graffiti and guys like ESPO are great. They can promote themselves in this creative way. I wanted to do the same thing. Shit, if I could have a billboard that says KareemBlack.com I would have it. That campaign was my billboard.”

While one might expect the ritzy, obnoxious New York apartment of a young artist with too much disposable income—complete with wall length fish tank and light up flooring—Black refuses to be predictable. "I'm a minimalist. This is probably the most furniture I've had in my entire adult life." he says as he pours a small glass of Midleton Whiskey.

While Jay-z's Reasonable Doubt plays softly from the cosmos and as Angelina Jolie’s turn as Olympias flickers silently on the plasma—it becomes clear—I've entered the home of a New York artist, a traveling man whose work and life is much deeper than what appears on the surface.

Where I had imagined the fish tank, hung a large sepia toned portrait of fellow LES resident and star of Black’s latest film Twinja (a humorous look into a day in the life of twin accountant ninjas), Jules Kim. More photos sat on the floor in the narrow hallway—huge framed photographs of jazz beauties dressed in red; awaiting their turns to be hung. Pretty, delicate and uncharacteristic of the overly lit, plastic like, Black style—he explains very matter of fact, “I was feeling different that day. I liked the way the natural light just came in and gave the room this sort of green glow. It was what I wanted to do and it just worked.”

Most thought provoking perhaps, was the mammoth 10 ft. photograph hung on the wall at the foot of his bed—only visible with a stolen glance through the cracked bedroom door. I was reminded of a recent episode of the crime drama CSI that featured a vigilante who kept evidence from her sin as a trophy in a place she could see the moment she woke. For Kareem Black, his crime propagates the glamorous excess of American culture and his trophy is his work.

“As Americans we define ourselves by celebrity culture. We are all a part of it. [As much as I don’t get it.] I know that I'm apart of it. It's all very voyeuristic. I mean we're vain societies like ours always have been. Take for example the Roman Empire; they had the Coliseums, where the great battles of Carthage were reenacted. In America we have 500 channels. We don't even have to leave our homes to witness a spectacle,” Black notes.

Although Black seems to regard himself mostly as a commercial photographer; he has that clear, desperate longing to create, the proverbial cross to bear, which marks an artist. First a painter, then photographer and now filmmaker, he says, “I can't imagine myself doing anything but making art. I'm afraid to. I have all these ideas of things I want to do and I think [to myself] 'you just keep them until you can make it.’”

In 2004, after the tsunami, Black traveled to Sri Lanka with his friend and fellow photographer Wyatt Gallery. “While I did take some photos, I realized while in Sri Lanka that I was not that photographer. I take happy pictures. I can't separate myself like that. There are amazing photographers who can do that, and remain pure, but I can't. If I tried I would feel like I was exploiting this horrible situation. I mean, these people are f**king dead! I don't want any kind of fame for that.”

Black plans to travel more in the coming months and although he bucks the idea that he is 'that’ type of photographer he admits he would love to just travel and take pictures. With Dubai, Israel and various other locales in the Middle East on the itinerary, Black muses, “Part of me just believes in the process of taking pictures and trying to make art for arts sake.”

Perhaps the most charming element of Kareem Black—undoubtedly reflected in even his most commercial work—can be seen in his candid honesty. Although critics are always in search for an heir apparent, Kareem Black remains both ambitious and surprisingly humble. Black says, “When it’s all said and done, of course I want to be the best at what I do. It’s only natural. But I’m not there yet. People have always compared me to my mentor Kwaku Alston, and it’s an insult to him really. I haven’t done one fourth of what he’s accomplished. Leibovitz, David LaChappelle, Irving Penn, Guy Bordin—these are masters. Avedon and I shouldn’t be in the same sentence”

Cool factor aside, it’s that type of reason and myriad self-awareness that really makes a young artist like Kareem Black so appealing.

As Black continues to skate on the banks of his early success, he plans for what he sees as a natural progression to being a “real” filmmaker. After the release of Twinja early last year, Black has been hard at work on projects that will help him do just that. A personal photo project Brooke is Dead, commercials for New York clothing company KISER, a Jamel Shabazz inspired campaign for Kool-Aid and art direction for the re-launch of iconic 80’s clothing line Camp Beverly Hills are all on his immediate agenda.

"I'm watching movies and TV differently now. I saw a 50 Cent video the other day that looked like it was made in somebody’s basement. I'm not really able to be a critic yet, but I'm beginning to see differently. I'm beginning to see how this moving picture thing is done," Black says.

Perhaps it was the giddy high of premium whiskey—or that I too am affected by the “spectacle” of it all—but as we shook hands to say goodnight and I walked back through that short, cluttered hallway and out on to the streets of New York’s LES, I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Wow, I can’t believe I just had a drink with Kareem Black!”

- Kitty Hawk Brooklyn, New York City

-Kitty Hawk Vaz is a 25 year old, freelance writer from New York City. Other than hustling words, she enjoys quiet picnics in Prospect Park, long walks on the beach and mechanical bull riding.

photo by the Agytators
used with permisson

Its been a minute but im back with the jump off...

2008-04-23T13:38:00.001-04:00

yeah, we quoted Miss Lil' Kim Jones... or whoever her ghostwriter was for that joint.....and what?!

/goons in the club/in case something jump-off... ok ok ok. we'll quit now, especially because were not sure if that's exactly how the song goes.

anyway, just checking in world! The kid is busy at work, making a million small thing happen. ONLY SEEING CASH THESE DAYS!.... (geesh, everybody want a chick to work for FREE)

Taking mama's advice and putting one foot in front of the other...Kitty is just warming up to fly folks.

big ignorant shout out to big brother, Brent Ralston... we see u buddy.

- Kitty Hawk Brooklyn, New York City

Bottle Service Killed New York

2008-04-23T13:35:00.003-04:00

New York night life has changed. Although I'm sure that the true days of glamour and fabulousness went out when my mom dukes stopped wearing them mini skirts, I feel like I can still rightfully claim my authority on the subject.

Not to get all "I reminisce over you" but I remember being 15 years old in the tunnel. This little grungy Greek(ish) dude named Casper was on the street team for Flex's record pool and would look out when me and my 1-2's would roll up off the E train from queens and trek our over-grown asses to the Westside highway. We would be dipped in the flyest shit our moms (or semi-drug dealer boyfriends) could afford. Lee was always the freshest dressed of the crew, J-mills was tall and cute , Dee's peoples had mad guap so she had mad attitude (and the flyest hair cut/colors) and I was always somewhere stuck in the middle. In reflection I was probably the one who would bring the adventure, the one who was always down to car hop with some Harlem gangsters, start a fight with the one-legged Puerto Rican dude who tried to play me at the bar, just about anything to have a story to tell and a laugh to laugh.

And we had fun. Man….. we partied! I personally dubbed my ass all over Raekwon , had Biggie accidently spit on my foot (and say PARDON ME MA!), watched as my home girl got de-bo'd by the bouncer for trying to play Keith Murray too close(oh the comedy) and talked shit about fox to her face (although I privately studied every single line on 'ill nana'). The point is not to name drop but to say, we partied and not in VIP either. There was no VIP…. There was only the DJ Booth. And only but so many fools could fit up there, so the "VIP" partied with the people.

Of course there were posers or people who didn't (or couldn't – cause I don't know how a person can stand still for "one more chance", IT JUST AINT AFRICAN hehehehe) dance. But we all mixed it up….

Anyway I digress this ain't about me (or my old see-thru shirt escapades). it's about something I read on a t-shirt that made me say humnnnnn.

So I went to see Stone Love in that spot where Rawkus use to have there parties… (They really have done "WONDERS" with the place. SIDEBAR : note to all interested parties do NOT touch the bar… you might catch the Huntas virus)

ANYWAY ANYWAY ANYWAY (I GOT MILD ADD) …. This dude had a t-shirt that read "Table Service Killed New York". Fascinating. Or maybe not.

But I did some research anyway and found this little article. Enjoy… like a $500 bottle of piss

xoxo

- Kitty Hawk Brooklyn, New York City

________________________________________________________

Bottle Service: A Brief History

By Brian Niemietz

Nowadays, no New York club opening is complete without it. Here's how we wound up paying $300 for a bottle of Stoli delivered to the table.

1941

A Wartime Convenience

In Japan, ewers of sake are served to seated soldiers. Soon after, it becomes normal for Tokyo businessmen to buy bottles and store the unfinished portion in lounge lockers.

1988

Guaranteed Access

With more customers than space, Paris nightclub Les Bains Douches begins selling table reservations, which come with a complimentary bottle.

1993

VIP Treatment

To promote a "small," 200-person VIP section of the Tunnel, Jeffrey Jah and Mark Baker offer bottle service at $90. With drinks at $6, customers actually save about $30.

1995

A Barrier to Entry

At Spy Bar, David Sarner and Michael Ault make bottle service mandatory for VIP-room access, with mixed results, then turn an entire club over to the trend at Chaos a year later (Stoli: $175). Thanks to the Internet boom, they meet with more success the second time around.

2001

Bottle Service Reigns

Pangaea and Bungalow 8 open, joining Lotus to rule New York nightlife, with Bungalow charging $500 for a bottle of Grey Goose. And the fad spreads to Miami and Vegas.

2006

Gimmicks Arrive

With seven bottle- service clubs on West 27th Street alone, owners have to get creative. At Pink Elephant, a "Spirit Tree" comes with mini-bottles of various liquors and "complimentary" sweets.

Damn, That’s Foul #1

2008-04-23T13:28:00.005-04:00

So, I've got this terrible sense of humor. I laugh uncontrollably at people who slip on black ice patches on there way out of the subways in winter. I giggle at very fat people. I have a passion for a good old fashioned crackhead street brawl and just the mere mention of certain normal bodily functions send me into an unstoppable fit of hysteria. As homage to my love of uncouth humor, we’ve decided to work a bit of it into our weekly format.

Here at ‘Fly Kitty Fly’ Wednesday will henceforth be know as, “Damn, That’s Foul." Wednesday. This post was inspired by my rant regarding the dangers of a skanky dutty wine...watch and be merry.

P.S. Send in those videos! Big Prizes!

xoxo

10 Rules for the Regular Girl at an "Industry" Party

2008-04-23T13:17:00.002-04:00

Hey there guys & dolls. Mama Kitty here with a little advice for that ass. These golden words of wisdom were put together yesterday in response to a hilarious piece of WebbieShit™ posted by Jackpot over at SOHH

Here are some rules for the regular chick (or dude) who finds themselves at one of these all too happening "INDUSTRY" parties.

Rule #1
Murder the open bar. Especially if you’re a plus 1.

Rule # 2
Bring em’ out. “em’” – meaning your tiddies. Or your Hottentot mama Africa ass. Whatever one works best for you. Notice I said one. Not both. The goal is to look the part of a Sophisticated tramp. And in the words of my homie Toni, “make sure your shit cost”. That means no House of Derion ladies. Sorry.

***sidebar*** note to all the chicks who might actually ‘belong’ in the party, please take off that tired ass black dress you’ve been wearing since your days at Howard. If you MUST wear solid colors make sure it’s FLY.

Rule #3
Fuck that, WE dance. That bullshit they be talking about not dancing is exactly that, bullshit! Now I’m NOT saying start ‘dutty winning’ your weave all over the dance floor, nor am I inviting your 6 foot 1 big, dumb ass to start ‘walking it out’ in your church shoes(yes dude, your cards been pulled). But ain’t nothing wrong with a cute Mary j. blidg-esque two-step or an old school (LIGHT) whopping it out moment. The point is dance & have fun. And if your CUTE and can dance a little bit, (and your SMILING) it makes you even more interesting to the folks watching (trust me, they ARE watching)

This brings us to Rule #4
Dance with the white boy. Yes, he looks ridiculous. No, he doesn’t have rhythm. Yes, his nuts probably do hurt in them pants, But so what. Un-screw your face shorty, he just wants to dance. He’s not dragging you out the fields by you hair and forcing you to breed his mulatto babies. Relax.

Rule #5
Chat up the flyest gay boys at the bar. Be beautiful, fib a little. Smile and tell em you like his shoes. One of them is gonna get you in V.I.P. to introduce you to his man, who is probably CEO. And you know what that means……..photo op.

Rule #6
Now this rule is kinda tricky. Overall don’t be a THIRST BUCKET to get a photo. You may actually want to try and avoid the camera man. If you’re doing everything else right, he will find you. Don’t make any wack ass peace signs or blow kisses at the camera. Try something original. Shit, throw the black power fist up, especially if you’re white. (btw, it’s the RIGHT fist, get it together homie!)

Rule #7
Now were not saying get all "yes'am" But it's ok to smile back at the white girl on line in front of you in the bathroom. Not just any chick wears dark purple patent leather Valentino booties fresh off the runway. Exchange a card (if you have one). Recognize real.

Rule #8
Smile, chat up and mingle with the 4 people you DO know. You’re not a complete looser cause you’ve made it past the doorman. Now work what you got, but keep it moving, don’t stay up under the friend(s) you’re rolling with. Also don’t keep walking back and forth, it makes you look brand new. Make a couple moves to the bathroom and the bar and that’s it. I mean really, where are you going? Find a spot (preferable just OFF center of a decent source of light) and post your ass up.

Rule #9
Don’t lie. You’re here with a friend. It’s ok.

Rule #10
Last but not least. You don’t have a business card nor is your job “industry”. Your only hope is for people to like you on a personal level until you can polly some ‘’business” of your own. Smile. Tell a joke. Get at least 1 number.
Follow these rules and you might actually one day find yourself on “THE LIST”

- Kitty Hawk Brooklyn, New York City