Nearly 47,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and hip-hop lovers on Soundcloud have been anxiously awaiting PRICE’s new album, C.I.T.Y. (Caught In The Youth), and in four days, it’s officially dropping.
The Museum of Graffiti in Miami played host to an Art Basel installation celebrating the intertwined cultures of hip hop, art and fashion.
11-17-23 For what feels like a lifetime, Timberland has been a staple within the New York music scene. Whether it be the shoe that has defined the city itself or the hand in hand work that the brand has done with countless artists of the past. Regardless of the context of reference, Timberland has played their part.
In recent times, things have not changed as they announced the Timberland STOOP – a mobile pop-up tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the Original Timberland® Boot – honoring and giving back the communities that have helped make the brand what it is today.
The event started off with a bang as the Greenpoint Terminal was excited to see hometown girl Lola Brooke hit the stage. Her set did not disappoint as her summer anthem with Bryson Tiller “You” was clearly a favorite of those in attendance.
Following Brooke was Long Island native Roc Marciano who dropped a project last year with legendary producer and artist The Alchemist called “The Elephant Man’s Bones”. Watching Marciano’s set it is abundantly clear that he is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the most consistent artists in the city.
One thing was clear mid-way thru the set list- each artist that was booked was quality and had a strong catalog and fan base to boot.
After Marciano’s set was over, fans had the pleasure of seeing Aminè- an artist out of Portland that has a huge catalog of mixtapes and projects that have made him successful over the years. His set was full of energy and if he was not someone you were familiar with you would at least find yourself vibing because of his hit friendly sound. 
Closing off the event was none other than grammy award winning DJ Kaytranada- well known for his smooth and eclectic sound. If awards are not something that moves you, I assure you that his set would. Just a few songs into the set it was clear that he was a professional in his world of music. Those in attendance could not help but dance as he had the warehouse rocking.
Timberland has been a staple within the music community for generations- and if they continue to celebrate the artists and the community in this fashion it will be no surprise that they keep thriving the way they do.
Sound Clashes trace their roots to 1950’s Jamaica where crews and soundsystems competed against each other, song for song. Exclusive records known as ‘dubplates’ involving the original ‘dubbing’ or remixing its lyrics exclusively for a crew to play in battle against another. The more exclusive the song, the better.
In 2010, Red Bull adapted the traditional concept, birthing their own version: Culture Clash. Various crews unite to battle each other, amplifying diverse genres like Trap, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and more. The event has since hit cities worldwide, from London to San Francisco and Miami.
The global experience first made its way to Atlanta in 2017, where hitmakers like Mike WiLL Made-It, WondaGurl and British rapper Tinie Tempah took over 787 Windsor in Downtown Atlanta and shut down their respective stages. Despite Dancehall artist Popcaan’s absence, Team Unruly took home the win.
This year, though, Jamaica managed to redeem themselves as the rightful owners of sound clashes with Rum Punch Brunch, led by the legendary Dancehall & Reggae Deejay Tony Matterhorn and Willy Chin taking home the trophy after battling Bamba Tuesdays, Mashup Sessions and Perreo404.
Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch are two of the biggest parties in Atlanta solely dedicated to the expansive Afro-Caribbean community.
DJ Kash and friends take over Rock Steady for Bamba Tuesdays every Tuesday night for a lively weeknight out, while Rum Punch Brunch at Believe Music Hall, led by André Ruddock (Dreggae), Allan “Boom” Williams, and Karl Injex, turns Sundays into a fun day.
Prior to the inception of parties like Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch, opportunities for the city’s African and Caribbean communities to come together for unfiltered fun and authentic vibes were scarce. These parties have significantly transformed the Afro-Caribbean party culture in Atlanta for the better, providing a space for people to dance and celebrate various genres and artists, and honor cultural influences collectively.
On the opposite side of the arena stood Mashup Sessions, a renowned event series helmed by DJ Unruely and Canterbury Talez, and Perreo 404, Atlanta’s top Latin party destination featuring DJ EU and Nino Augustine. As far as I knew it, both of these crews were the “underdogs” of the night, especially when compared to the larger crowd supporting Rum Punch Brunch and Bamba Tuesdays.
Perreo 404. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool
After a high energy performance from Atlanta’s own Crime Mob and a few words from the night’s hosts’ Jessie Woo and Paige Shari, a warm-up round was enacted for each team to go over the rules. The rules, in question, were pretty simple: Four rounds, 8 minutes per crew each round, no repeats and the team with the loudest applause wins.
However, with alcohol and Red Bull flowing through every attendee’s veins, strict enforcement of these rules seemed unlikely. Despite the rule that once a crew plays a song, it cannot be repeated by another crew, this was completely disregarded throughout the battle.
By the second round, both Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch played the popular southern anthem “Swag Surf” by F.L.Y. Except, Bamba Tuesdays took it a step further by bringing out F.L.Y. to perform it live. Judging by the explosive crowd reaction, it was obvious that Bamba had that round in the bag.
Despite the murky rules, each crew did a great job at capturing the essence of what a sound clash really is.
The nostalgia continued into round three, where Perreo 404 quickly showed their ability to compete with the big dogs when Roscoe Dash made a surprise appearance performing his 2010 hits “No Hands” and “Show Out”.
Mashup Sessions. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool
Mashup Sessions brought out Young Nudy for a lively performance of “Peaches and Eggplants” during round three. Round one and three seemed to have the best energy that night. Or so I thought.
As the last round approached, tensions were high. The not-so light banter exchanged between Mashup Sessions and Rum Punch Brunch had elevated the intensity. In this case, trash talk was acceptable, particularly when delivered in the form of a dubplate.
But the trash talk didn’t hinder Rum Punch Brunch in the end. with a performance by Dancehall artists Vanessa Bling, recognized for her early work with Vybz Kartel. Serani and Aidonia. Teejay also came out and stole the show with a performance of his viral hit “Drift.”
The deserving winner of the trophy that night is open to debate. Naturally, people will claim that their favorite crew should have won. What’s undeniable, however, is that each of these crews has left an undeniable mark on Atlanta’s history.
Located in the birthplace of Hip-Hop, The Hip Hop Museum will open in 2025 and soon the world will be able to experience the cultural history and impact of Hip-Hop music.
In the meantime, the museum has joined forces with CÎROC and Mass Appeal to commemorate 50 years of Hip Hop by taking the museum on tour to various U.S. cities through Dec. 9.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour started in NYC on Oct. 14. and will make its way around to cities like Houston, Los Angeles, Charlotte and Miami.
The pop-up included special memorabilia from from 1973-1990, including Biz Markie’s nameplate chain and rhyme book, the party invite to DJ Kool Herc’s “Masterpiece” party that started it all and Run-DMC’s original Adidas sweatshirt.
The night started with a brief panel with museum curators and Hip-Hop historians Paradise Gray and Pete Nice, where they thanked everyone for coming and gave some insight to how the museum was brought together.
DJ Hurricane, who is known for his work with The Beastie Boys, set the vibes for the night.
CÎROC provided custom-crafted cocktails, taking inspiration from Atlanta’s Hip-Hop culture, featuring selections like “Mojo Handle” and “The ATL.”
Atlanta’s very own Baby Tate made a special appearance on stage with Paradise and Pete where she discussed her musical upbringing and influences growing up in Decatur, GA.
The rising star built a pretty successful career over the past few years due to her musical versatility and ability to experiment with different sounds.
She briefly partnered with Issa Rae’s music label Raedio for a few years before signing with Warner Records in 2021 and scoring a Grammy nomination for her contributions to Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers project.
From Rap to R&B to Pop, Baby Tate has mastered her own distinctive style. On the brink of unveiling her forthcoming EP, Sexploration: The Musical, we spoke with Baby Tate at The Hip Hop Museum Tour in Atlanta where she tells us Hip Hop means to her, what to anticipate from Sexploration: The Musical and how she handles online trolls.
You can register for free tickets to The Hip Hop Museum Tour here.
South Korean producer and songwriter KOALA has just released his latest track, “RSVP,” featuring rapper Jessi, a close friend in the industry. Watch the music video here.
The vibrant energy of proud New Yorkers permeated every corner of the Timberland Stoop event on Saturday, September 23rd, in a Brooklyn warehouse at 267 Kent Avenue.
This gathering was a dual celebration like no other, commemorating Timberland’s 50th anniversary and the birth of hip-hop, both deeply intertwined with the essence of New York City. Timberland crafted the ultimate New York experience, fostering a sense of connection among New Yorkers and their beloved neighborhoods.
The event was a blend of fashion, music, and creativity, all centered on the iconic NY boot. Timberland placed a strong emphasis on community, boldness, and fun, transforming a compact 380+ square foot space into a lively, fully stocked bodega. The attention to detail was remarkable, from a cat sporting Tims inside the bodega to pigeons perched above, proudly flaunting their pair of butter boots. Timberland reintroduced their Classic 8-inch Waterproof Super Boot, initially introduced in 1979 as the “40 Below” Boot. These limited-release boots were only available at the Timberland Stoop and will make appearances at all Timberland Stoop locations.
Beyond the Timberland world, the event featured a workshop by creator Phillip Leyesa, showcasing the art of distressing. Besides this, there was a customized Timberland station at the Brooklyn pop-up offering personalized boot designs and shirts, complete with pins, patches, and vinyl designs by Taylor Simmons. It was an interactive and memorable experience, and we even customized our pair, adding to the fun.
The infectious playlist, courtesy of DJ Atelye Marc, set the stage for electrifying live performances by none other than NYC native rappers Dave East and Fabulous, who took the stage by storm, paying homage to hip-hop and Timberland’s impactful legacy.
Food and beverages, including soft drinks and mouth-watering plant-based patties from Seed Brooklyn, kept attendees energized as they danced and vibed the night away. Timberland’s Stoop tour experience will continue, with planned stops in various locations around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
With all the events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, none are like Hall des Lumières interactive museum**. Hip Hop Til Infinity is** an immersive trip across 50 years of Hip Hop. The exhibition is co-produced by Mass Appeal and SUPERBIEN. The exhibition, sponsored by Nike, brings 50 years of Hip Hop to life with an immersive experience through Hip Hop’s celebrated moments.
Last week, the one-year anniversary of the Hall’s opening was marked by an all-day free visitation. Hip Hop Til Infinity takes places through the entire history of the genre highlighting early emcees to current hip hip star. The venue transported guests through Hip Hop’s different eras and regions by using the entirety of the museums space from the skate parks to the stage, to the metaverse.
Hip Hop 50 is a tribute to hip hop from Mass Appeal. The exhibition is a demonstration of the business’ dedication to showcasing culture in the most genuine and influential manner possible. Hip Hop 50 is promoting itself through telling creative stories that are realized in enduring content, original music, live performances, strategic alliances, unique products, and much more. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is a humanitarian organization that is represented in every aspect of the Hip Hop 50 Universe. Online, on the air, and on the street, look for #HipHop50.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.halldeslumieres.com. Follow @halldeslumieres on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
When I think of summertime, the first thing that comes to my mind is concerts and what tickets I can score before they’re all sold out. Thankfully, AfroPunk Fest is the best end of summer music festival to see all of your favorite artists, one last time before the sun sets early and the weather turns chilly. This years line up is a collection of fierce, unapologetically black artists featuring Brooklyn native Joey Badass, Harlems princess Teyana Taylor, Rapper/Producer Flying Lotus, Vince Staples, Baby Tate, the absolutely Iconic Durand Bernarr and more.
AFROPUNKFest 2023 is brought to you live, from Saturday, August 26th, and Sunday, August 27th; celebrating a weekend of The Circus of Soul. Afro Punk Fest has been a Brooklyn staple since 2005, bringing together the community with light, love, and music. This year’s Afro Punk Fest is bigger than ever, since its return post-pandemic. AFROPUNK Fest has always been held at Commodore Barry Park, but this year, they have changed locations to Green-point Brooklyn’s Skyline Drive-in Theatre by the water. As a Brooklyn native, I’ve grown up each year excited to attend the festival, but this year, as the 25-year-old fashionista writer that I’ve become, I had the opportunity to cover it as media and press. My younger self would be so proud, my current self is leaping for joy and I can’t wait to tell you guys all about this 2 day affair!
AFROPUNKFest is a festival of music, fashion, and unapologetic blackness. Every year, attendees dress up in unique outfits matching the theme of the festival. The Circus of Soul is this year’s theme, and it was drawn out perfectly. There is beauty and there is a pain in the black community when it comes to the word “Circus”. It has multiple definitions, but I had the pleasure of speaking with Sean G, Creative Director of AFROPUNK, and his inspiration for the theme was paying homage to celebrating our blackness. “The circus, on the one hand, has a dark side to it, and we wanted to do something, AFROPUNK, by exploring what that means to us. In history, black people during slavery were sold and showcased in the circus as freaks. For example, the first black albino twins were showcased as the “Men from Mars,” in 2023, and celebrities such as Winnie Harlow are now praised for their skin discoloration. AFROPUNK and I explored how the blackness from white eyes, is this fear and fascination of black people, and how white supremacy objectified and put us on display, as the detriment to ourselves, but over time we found a way to take our power back, and become not the slaves, but the masters, and come to celebrate our “freakiness”, our “oddness” and let the freak show fly”. This is a powerful quote and give us the true essence of what the AFROPUNK Festival truly is about and how we can continue to take up black power in spaces created specifically for us and by us.
AFROPUNKFest went full out on the circus theme, and so did the attendees. Once you walked in, the layout of the festival reminded me of the twists and turns in a carnival, with the excitement behind every corner. There were stilt walkers, vendors, and performers, oh my! The outfits were my favorite part because of how committed and creative everyone was. There were people painted in gold, hair as big as the sky, multiple colors, and outfits handmade and bejeweled with the brightest jewels I’ve ever seen. It was so hard to choose a favorite. AFROPUNK Fest is a safe space meant for creativity and self-expression. Since 2005, the festival looks of the attendees have elevated to the most beautiful and authentic fashions I’ve seen. Fashion outside of festivals is a bit more laid back, but the boldness of the attendees was a 100/10 for me. It’s admirable how everyone has their unique fashion sense because nothing looked the same. There wasn’t one outfit that was similar to another, which is what I craved! For more on fashion at AFROPUNK Fest, I created a reel on @Theknockturnal Instagram page and interviews with attendees and performers.
@Bambiix2 on Instagram: http://instagram.com/bambiix2
The creativity is remarkable, iconic, and legendary. It’s so impressive how these “costumes” attendees dedicate their time to get every last detail right and with a story that goes behind it. For example, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jamal, as seen below in Red. His story was so beautiful of the theme behind his red bridal dress. “My look is red, because it’s my favorite color. It is also my father’s and lover’s favorite color, who both have unfortunately passed away. This is a look that is honoring my love and is the wedding that I never got to have,” Jamal tells me emotionally. Wow! Hearing that, made me just want to break down and we hugged for a very long time, not saying a word, only exchanging each other’s embrace and love. This love is what AFROPUNK is about.
@Kingofjamaica http://Instagram.com/kingofjamaicaand @jamalisking on instagram http://instagram.com/jamalisking
My angle for approaching all the fabulous attendees are capturing their fabulous outfits, is to ask them what black joy means to you. There is so much going on in this world and our daily lives that we forget to have some fun or let our hair down for a bit, and that is why so many people love coming to AFROPUNK Fest for a weekend of pure joy and excitement; a stop in normal day life. Black joy is crucial and should be celebrated with each chance we get. This wonderful woman in this African-inspired outfit stated, “black joy is power, black joy is melanin and unity”. Another attendee, Lew Caine, stated “black joy is this! When you are around your people, spreading love, giving back, elevating and just having a good time.” Shauna Grey, Global head of Development at AFROPUNK shared her meaning of Black joy. “Black joy is watching everyone here have pure teeth while smiling, the babies walking around and those individuals fully exposed in their clothes without fear of being judged, and that’s black joy, just happiness without fear. Caroline Wanga, The President and CEO of Essence Magazine, stopped by to talk to me backstage, as Baby Tate was performing, and she shared her meaning of black joy. “I think black joy is freedom when we have to stop worrying about making black accommodate everybody else”.
For more interviews on black joy, check out my reel on @Theknockturnal Instagram.
AFROPUNK fest’23 has been one for the books.