Ninjasonik “Turned Up” (Making of Video)

Ninjasonik “Turned Up” (Making of Video)

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 A beautiful day New York got even better when I came across Brooklyn’s crunk–punk trio Ninjasonik filming a music video @ Tompkins Sq park,LES.  I filmed 2 takes from the making of their video “Turned Up” directed by Jason Goldblatt. I likes the track. Here is the soundcloud link for “Turned Up“. In addition,  Ninjasonik paid homage to The Warriors, the campy 1979 cult classic about gang warfare in NYC in their 2011 video for “Moshpit” .

Belinda Becker on Raising Willow

Belinda Becker on Raising Willow

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  A conversation at Housing Works bookstore  in Soho with DJ/Dancer Belinda Becker and her daughter Willow.  After graduating from the University of Florida and moving to New York, she knew that the corporate life was not her speed. So she quickly became a staple in the New York Citys club scene, deejaying at legendary clubs including Area and Nells, now at Miss Lilly’s and Spur Tree.

She has acted in a range of foreign and indie American films, playing a prostitute who falls in love with musician in 1990s Los Angeles and working alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Giancarlo Esposito in 1994s Fresh. And since 2004, shes been dancing with Urban Tap, a respected collective of musicians and performers.

Charles Pierre on The American Dream

Charles Pierre on The American Dream

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 At 19 Charles owned his own business,  before he was 21 he owned his own house and on Feb 13, 2012 he won his first Golden Glove NYC boxing match. “I always felt blessed even when I didn’t have anything I felt blessed. I pray and worked for everything I got. Same thing as my father nothing came free for him. He drove a cab his whole life. He owns 7 houses right now, property everywhere..no high school diploma, no GED..straight from Haiti. Thats my #1 motivation. Thats the American dream.” I was introduced to Charles by Katibu Hatcher, I filmed his story last year. The conversation begins with Katibu giving an introduction to Charles, they are long time friends.

Oscar Sanchez, Urban Music Distributor

Oscar Sanchez, “The HipHop Stockbroker”

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 We take a “hollywood neighborhood tour” through the West Village with the CEO of Affluent records, one of the top urban digital distribution companies. “For me..a kid from New York City..a kid from down here..Latin kid growing up in an italian neighborhood to be able to expand my brand out to the world I’m happy”  Born and raised in the West Village, Oscar leveraged his experience at Def Jam, learned “how to make and put out an album” and spent the last 7 years building his digital distribution company.

Jamel Schwartz on Having Life Back

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“Born and raised in harlem, migrated to the downtown streets of new york to cause myself some trouble and harm for about 12 years..and the past 2 years I decided to cut off everything in life that was killing me. I stopped drinking. I stopped using drugs. I stopped sleeping with random chicks. I stopped fucking people over. I stopped fucking up. I got my shit together and what I’m doing now is focusing on my art, painting. Hopefully, next month the 1st day of spring i will have my first solo show.” Jamel Schwartz , the opening clip from our conversation

Neffi Walker: Starting Her Own Business At 37

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 Neffi Walker is a married Mother of 4 and Owner of Kennedi Price Natural Babi, an organic skincare line for babies. We met at her East Village home for a lively and insightful conversation, from having her first child at 17 to launching her business at 37 in 2012. Neffi’s story is inspirational to say the least. Get to know Neffi Walker.

“I left home when I was 16..just to get away..I never did drugs..i will tell u a story..I once got arrested..long story but I was driving a friends car, she didn’t have insurance..i got arrested..they put me inside of jail cell..i was in jail with a crackhead..and it was funny b/c..it was 4 long hours..her story was kind of like my story..the only differnce is I had the will power…i guess not to use any kind drugs…its the strength in people..the resilience in people..it came from God..” Neffi Walker, transcribed from our conversation.

Man Selling Chihuahuas On NYC Subway

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“Valentines Day is right around the corner.” On a crowded, rush hour  #4 train, a man appeared with a bag of “teacup” chihuahuas. “Puppies for sale!”  Only in New York.