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Hip Hop Sounds and Stories: A 50 and Forever Celebration Through the Decades

by Fatima Townsend
written by Fatima Townsend

Last weekend we celebrated the opening of Hip Hop Sounds and Stories by NTWRK, Audible, and Amazon Music. This free two-day event in Los Angeles was held at NTWRK which is a curated shopping platform. This interactive multimedia experience was definitely an amazing nostalgic walk through the different decades of listening to hip hop. Artist Glen Infante designed each decade to perfection and made sure to highlight important moments of each decade. From the boombox in the 70s to the cassette player in the 80s, to the DJ booth in the 1990s, each decade was a clear reflection of its time.

Some of the items from artist Glen Infante were available for purchase and later became available for drawing on the NTWRK app like the CD, Boombox, and cassette player.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: (L-R) DJ Drama, Kenya Barris and Glen Infante attend as DJ Drama and Glen Infante kick off Hip-Hop Sounds & Stories presented by NTWRK, Audible and Amazon Music at NTWRK LA on August 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for NTWRK, Amazon Music & Audible)

The VIP event was in partnership with Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Producer and Record Executive, DJ Drama and attended by people like Kenya Barris, Le’Veon Bell, Kai Cash, Noah Newman, and others. August 26th and 27th offered attendees unique experiences from each decade and included live performances curated by DJ Drama and artist SleazyWorld Go. There were also amazing panel discussions around the history of hip-hop featuring artists and leaders that helped shape the genre. Above is an image of DJ Drama and Kenya Barris with artist Glen Infante, who is also a world-renowned artist and founder of iLTHY Clothing. As seen below, we take a trip from 1970-2010 and explore all past decades of hip hop which help us commemorate the 50-year history of hip-hop.

 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: Atmosphere as DJ Drama and Glen Infante kick off Hip-Hop Sounds & Stories presented by NTWRK, Audible and Amazon Music at NTWRK LA on August 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for NTWRK, Amazon Music & Audible)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: Atmosphere as DJ Drama and Glen Infante kick off Hip-Hop Sounds & Stories presented by NTWRK, Audible and Amazon Music at NTWRK LA on August 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for NTWRK, Amazon Music & Audible)

Fdddfasddf LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: Atmosphere as DJ Drama and Glen Infante kick off Hip-Hop Sounds & Stories presented by NTWRK, Audible and Amazon Music at NTWRK LA on August 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for NTWRK, Amazon Music & Audible)

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Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards is Held in Brooklyn

by Kadeem Lundy
written by Kadeem Lundy

Just a few miles away from where the annual West Indian Labor Day parade will be held in Brooklyn, the Kings Theatre in Flatbush held the first ever Caribbean Music Awards last night (August 31st). Wyclef Jean served as host for the show which included a number of nominees and performers from various genres of Caribbean music.

The show opened with a performance by Karnival Bounce Crew and featured performances from various artist such Ding Dong who performed his known songs including Genna Bounce, Fling, and Happiness,and Wyclef Jean himself who performed an acoustic version of his Mary J Blige hit 911. Ding Dong also won Dance Song of the Year for his 2022 song, Bounce.

Throughout the night seven special honors were presented. Machel Montano received the Lifetime Achievement Award, David Rudder received the Elite Calypso Music Award, late music artist Mikaben received the Kompa Music Award, Majah Hype was honored with the Elite Entertainer Award, Chrissy received the Social Media Personality Award, Buju Banton Foundation received an award and Beres Hammond received the Elite Icon Award. Hammond also received a special honor from the NYC Council celebrating his work in the Caribbean community.

Besides the special honors award recipients various artist won in competitive categories. Kes won the People’s Choice Fan Favorite Award, Spice won Dancehall Female Artist of the Year award, Next to Me by Popcaan and Toni-Ann Singh won Video of the Year Reggae/Dancehall and Vybz Kartel won Artist of the Decade. Kartel wasn’t in attendance however Spice accepted the award on his behalf. Prior to the show The Knockturnal spoke to Kes who said about Soca , “It’s the soundtrack of our lives and it really and truly promotes togetherness. I think in a divided world Soca music is key.”

Grammy Award winner Mya and Doug. E, Fresh and choreographer Tanisha Scott also made appearances as presenters. “First of all to do anything that is inspired by Caribbean music you have to do it straight from the blood. It is something that is authentic to us the way we hear the music the way we move is something that you can’t just teach you just have to do. So my advice to any up and coming choreographer if you want to do anything within the realms of dancehall or Soca is you have to be true and authentic to what it is because the movement does not lie and that’s what makes us so special”, Scott told The Knockturnal.

The ceremony wrapped up with a trio of performances by Wayne Wonder, Cham, and Dexta Daps. Daps went on to receive his first-ever award in Dancehall Performer of the Year category.

Photo Credit: Caribbean Music Awards

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Melodic Heights: Miguel’s Daring Performance and Artistic Evolution

by Hakeem Animashaun
written by Hakeem Animashaun

Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Sony

R&B sensation Miguel is gearing up to unveil his latest musical endeavor, and he’s taking his artistry to electrifying heights–literally. On the exhilarating evening of August 25th, the soulful artist, renowned for hits like “Adorn,” orchestrated an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming album, Viscera, at the illustrious Sony Studios. What unfolded left fans both amazed and slightly unnerved, as Miguel delivered a performance that crawled under the skin–in the best possible way.

As the stage came alive, Miguel stood shirtless, flanked by a team of experts who fearlessly pierced his back with metal hooks, fastening him securely to hanging wires descending from the studio’s ceiling. A daring spectacle, no doubt. Upon closer inspection, those metal hooks delicately tugged at his bare skin, all while he floated mid-air. In this breathtaking suspension, he debuted a new song, his voice resonating with lyrics that echoed the gravity-defying act he embodied: “I’m hanging onto nothing / I’m hanging from the ceiling.” The very essence of his artistry pulsed with an electrifying intensity.

Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Sony

In a candid conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Miguel peeled back the layers of his audacious performance. “If you’re only here for the predictable version of me, then you’re not truly here for me,” he candidly remarked. The body suspension, as he revealed, was a bold endeavor to transcend his boundaries. He reflected, “At the outset, it was pushing far beyond expectations. How could I showcase the extent to which I’d go for art, for dialogue? ‘Til hooks pierced my flesh, I couldn’t truly fathom my dedication to the essence of this endeavor.”

Yet, Viscera isn’t confined to jaw-dropping theatrics alone. Miguel emphasized it encapsulates the tumultuous essence of growth itself. His words held a raw honesty: “Let’s not dance around it. I’m laying it bare,” he shared. The trajectory of his career initially clashed with the music industry of yore, with labels stuck in bygone ways. Miguel’s artistic identity seemed like an enigma at that juncture. Yet, as the industry’s horizons expanded, creating room for audacious exploits like his aerial suspension, Miguel is unapologetically grasping the opportunity.

Prepare to be captivated, as Miguel readies to unleash not just an album, but a sonic journey that mirrors the relentless, often wild nature of personal evolution. In a world where the ceiling is no longer the limit, Miguel’s artistic bravery and genre-defying energy propel him to new heights–hooks and all.

 

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Miami Marriot in Biscayne shows their love for South Florida with New Mural

by Maitane Orue
written by Maitane Orue

The Marriot located at Biscayne Bay in Miami added a mural, “Natura Sound”, to its hotel. The mural was created by Miami artist Nate Dee and depicts Florida’s ecosystem and wildlife. Julissa Kepner, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay General Manager talked about the mural for the guests, “we want the guests to find the mural as a place to photograph themselves in front of, as a place to brighten their day, and as a place to remind them of all the uniqueness Miami has to offer.” The mural also encompasses the style of the Wynwood staple of murals. 

 

Dee being a Miami Native and having knowledge of the landscape made him a perfect candidate to paint this special mural. “I felt he would bring the vision to life in a bright and fun way to mirror our new hotel positioning of being on the waterfront,” Kepner said. Natura Sound’s bright colors definitely bring the pop of color and the vibe of the bay.

 

Dee felt that it made sense to highlight Florida’s diverse wildlife and ecosystem because of things that are important to him in his work. “One of the things that is very important in my work is the idea of sustainability, wildlife, the idea that we are here as stewards to the planet and we should take care of it,” Dee says.. Dee also says the location was impeccable because they were right next to an ecosystem so there was a definite connection. 

 

Kepner says this mural shows South Florida’s landscape in a more engaging way. “It represents our deep-rooted connections to our surrounding and important environment and the ecological treasures you may find,” Kepner explains about what it represents. 

 

The mural is the signature of this Marriot, it shows everything local, “that’s all local plant life, aquatic plants, aquatic animals,” Dee says. 

 

Marriot wants their guests to take advantage of the mural not only to photograph but also to remind them of the uniqueness of South Florida. “It allows our guests to connect with the natural surrounding beauty they will find during their stay,” Kepner says. 

 

Through all these ecological perspectives the Marriott has also been actively implementing sustainability in their everyday operations. In the guestrooms, they have, “High-quality LED lighting is provided to reduce energy usage, reduce glare, approximate natural light, reduce maintenance cost and lower materials and resources inputs,” Kepner says. Other ways they have been eco-friendly is, “ implementing Low-flow plumbing fixtures result in 30% indoor water savings. An emphasis on healthy materials verified as low-emissions/non-toxic. Renewable Energy Credits were purchased to offset five years of electricity use of the project to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

This new mural encompasses South Florida’s beauty seen through nature.



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On the Scene: At the Pre-Party and Screening of National Geographic’s “The Space Race”

by Julia Mazza
written by Julia Mazza

The Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with National Geographic, kicked off their 20th Annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival on Tuesday, August 15th with a screening of National Geographic’s The Space Race.

A pre-screening reception took place across the street at Central Park’s premier restaurant, The Tavern Green, just right across the street where the screening would later take place in Sheep Meadow. Among the guests in attendance were directors Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, along with NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, who not only shared his insights and experiences in the film, but also served as one of the doc’s producers. Enjoying a selection of charcuterie and small bites, along with a pasta bar and a wine bar, guests mingled as a jazz band played in the back.

Attendees were then directed to head over to Sheep Meadow to a private viewing area to watch The Space Race on an inflatable screen. Each guest received a National Geographic swag bag with a waterproof blanket and a selection of sustainable and plant-based snacks to enjoy during the film.

The Space Race, which made its official premiere at the Tribeca Festival back in June, was an eye-opening deep-dive into the history of Black Americans in NASA, and the unjust barriers they had to overcome that, ultimately, prevented some trailblazers, such as Captain Ed Dwight, from taking part in our country’s earliest space missions. Yet, it came with much satisfaction to hear everyone cheer for Nichelle Nichols (who passed away in July of last year) as the film featured a PSA in which the Star Trek star spoke to everyone, including “minorities and women alike,” to apply to NASA. “Now is YOUR time,” she said, giving the brilliant minds she had already inspired as Lt. Nyota Uhura the push they needed to shoot for their dreams.

Thanks to a documentary like The Space Race, every Black astronaut who answered that call, and those who paved the way for them to find their place in NASA, now have their legacy cemented in the stars—where future astronauts can look up to them in awe.

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Sirius XM & Pandora Present, “For The Love: 50 Years of Hip-Hop” Featuring Wu-Tang

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey

August 10, 2023, The Knockdown Center, Queens New York.— Sirius XM, the broadcasting company that provides satellite and online radio services; along with Pandora, their subscription-based music streaming service; Presents, “For The Love: 50 Years of Hip-Hop” Featuring Wu-Tang with Martell Cognac at The Knockdown Center in Queens, New York. 

 

On August 10th, 2023 the Knockdown Center along with Sirius XM,

QUEENS, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: A view of the audience as Wu-Tang Clan headlines SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration at Knockdown Center on August 10, 2023 in Queens, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Pandora, Martell Cognac and additional brand sponsors: Clorox, Volkswagen and Cricket Wireless shut down Queens, New York in killah-bee fashion. The loyal fans of the famed Hip Hop group, WuTang, wrapped the sidewalks of the popular venue in hopes to make entry through the waitlist. The group has influenced more than 30 years of the genre and continues to solidify the permanence of their impact and their brand through merchandising, music and much more. 

Prior to the evening portion of the event, Sirius XM and Pandora hosted the “For The Love: A Community Giveback” event for the kids and teens that included a concert, a “back to school” backpack giveaway and an opportunity to celebrate and support the performance culture of the emerging local talents in the area; in the same vein early Hip Hop artists emerged in the community. Sirius XM and Pandora also gifted a $20,000 check to The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens.  

Later that evening, the doors re-opened at 8:00 pm with the general admission of an audience of 21+ only guests. Martell Cognac, the leading international prestige cognac, with 300 years of history in its existence, tipped its glass to the tenacity that is the genre of Hip-Hop. Martell Cognac, known for using a high percentage of eaux-de-vie (a traditional double distillation process), aromatic blends, distinct taste and richness in flavor, served their beverages at an open bar in the Premiere seating section for their VIP clients and that of Sirius XM and Pandora; which included brand influencers, designers, media press and Sirius XM’s popular radio show host, Marisol “El Bombon”,  of Sirius XM channel, Caliente; a red-hot sonic blend of salsa, bachata, reggaeton and tropical Latin music. 

QUEENS, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Lola Brooke performs onstage ahead of Wu-Tang Clan headlining SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration at Knockdown Center on August 10, 2023 in Queens, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Upon entry into the venue, a Volkswagen car sweepstakes is posted in royale fashion and immediately ahead of it, a hip-hop themed ‘step-and-repeat’ booth, reminiscent of an urban city building, brought to the venue by Clorox®. The step-and-repeat consisted of 2, 10-second-long video segments, shot by a live cameraman; props that included 4-Subwoofer and 2-Tweeter Speakers and costume jewelry, mimicking the late 80’s to early 90’s fashion. The “Faux 20 mm Cuban Link” Chains paid homage to an essential iconic accessory of the Hip Hop, Rapper fashion movement. Synonymous with the culture, Venetian (shutter) shades, huge diamond encrusted square signet rings and at last, a microphone. Guests had the opportunity to record a clip, in front of a backdrop that mimicked a brick wall with graffiti and the Clorox® emblem on the backdrop. The recorded clips were uploaded to a digital processing bank and participants were able to have the clips sent directly to their phones with a live link for download and share. Clorox®, the long-standing trusted brand has solidified itself with the “ultra fresh” culture, who prides themselves in a “crisp white tee” and “clean kicks”. Its trusted brands, which also include Brita®, Burt’s Bees®, Glad®, Kingsford® (for the summer barbecues), and Pine-Sol® have been trusted household names for every hip hop generation. 

QUEENS, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Wu-Tang Clan headlines SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration at Knockdown Center on August 10, 2023 in Queens, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

The Wu-Tang show opened with a giveaway of high-end fashion brand name sneakers and was followed up with a set, by emerging Brooklyn Artist, Lola Brooke, who performed her hit single, “Don’t Play With It”. Brooke gained notoriety after the release of her breakout single “Don’t Play with It” in 2021 that gained momentum on (formerly) Twitter and TikTok, opening doors for the artist to sign to Arista Records in 2023. Additional guest appearances included  American journalist, radio personality, executive producer and former rapper, Sway Calloway. Sway now hosts “Sway in the Morning” on SiriusXM, “Shade45”. Also in the building, American Rapper and the original Hypeman, Flavor Flav of Public Enemy. The Wu-Tang clan took to the stage with a venue packed wall to wall of screaming fans throwing up the “WU” as they performed their classic hits, “C.R.E.A.M”, “Protect Ya Neck” and a crowd favorite, “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing to F’ With”. The performances, which included a solo performance from Method Man, rocked on into the late hours of the night until the close of the venue at dawn.

QUEENS, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, and Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan headlines SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration at Knockdown Center on August 10, 2023 in Queens, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

To ensure the safety and encourage responsible consumption of their Cognac, Martell offered complimentary designated travel via Uber to its VIP Premiere guests who also enjoyed the luxury of exclusive views of the band’s live performances on stage.


Stay tuned to The Knockturnal as we continue to bring you more exclusive stories on the 50 Year Celebration of Hip Hop!

 

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