In turn, the bar is set very high for the 2017 edition — now a three-day event — which returns to Citi Field from Sept. 15 to 17. While the lineup has not yet been announced, more than 60 performers are promised among the four stages.
Information on tickets, vendors and how to volunteer for The Meadows can be found at www.themeadowsnyc.com.
Dream Downtown recently unveiled a new hip-hop photography art installation, underscoring the brand’s commitment to being a destination for local and global travelers to experience the New York City art scene.
A throwback installation, as curated by famed music photographer Timothy White, was added to the rotating lobby art gallery. It features three pieces integrating elements of art, design and music:
· 1980 print of Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC
· 2005 print of Jay-Z & Kanye West
· 2015 print of Lil Wayne
DMC attended the installation’s launch party last month.
Among this week’s headlines and highlights:
– A hijab-wearing model walks for Kanye West’s fashion line Yeezy
– IMG signs Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown
– Mango unveils a new sustainable committed collection
– London Fashion Week and Pantone commemorate the late Richard Nicoll
– Samantha Cameron’s fashion label Cefinn launches
More details can be found at http://bit.ly/2lf1Qwc.
A lifelong New Yorker, Talib Kweli first turned heads in the late 1990s as one half of the hip-hop duo Black Star. Talib’s first solo album, Quality, was not released until 2002, as featuring appearances by Kanye West, DJ Quik and comedian Dave Chappelle. Just a year later, Jay-Z would help elevate Talib Kweli even further when he rapped “If skills sold, truth be told/I’d probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli” on the song “Moment Of Clarity.”
In the years since, Talib has been steadily putting out solo albums and featuring on other artists’ tracks (e.g. RZA, Quincy Jones, Nelly, Mac Miller, A Tribe Called Quest). His latest release is the collaborative effort, Awful People Are Great At Parties, as released through his own label Javotti Media. Javotti — as named after his grandmother Javotti Greene — is also home to other artists, including Cory Mo, NIKO IS, MK Asante, and Jessica Care Moore.
On Feb. 10, Talib Kweli will be headlining at The Highline Ballroom, with Styles P and K’Valentine both opening up for him. Talib spoke to Downtown about his love for New York and what he has coming up beyond his show at the Highline. The Brooklyn native can be visited online at www.talibkweli.com and followed on Twitter via @TalibKweli.
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York? Where was it?
Talib Kweli: I think it may have been at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, I was 14. I remember there being no one there.
For you, is playing for a New York audience different than anywhere else?
TK: It’s home. It’s where I cut my teeth. It’s humbling, because a New York crowd has seen it all, so you need to come with your “A” game as an artist or they will leave unimpressed.
As a lifelong New Yorker, what is it that keeps you here all these years later?
TK: New York is as inspiring to my art has my parents are to my existence. The streets of New York are the direct inspiration for what I write. As I traveled, my perspective grew, but it is New York that birthed my style.
For someone who hasn’t seen you live before, what should be expected from your show at The Highline Ballroom?
TK: A wonderfully-grand, awesome hip-hop experience.
Do you have a favorite song to play live?
TK: Right now my favorite song to play live is “State Of Grace” from my Gravitas album.
Highline Ballroom show aside, what’s coming up for you?
TK: The Seven album with Styles P — I am very excited about this project.
What’s the latest with your record label?
TK: Besides the Seven album, we have Javotti Media’s own K’Valentine coming with her debut, Here For A Reason, early April. She’s on this tour as well.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
TK: Doing interviews. (laughs)
What was your favorite album of 2016?
TK: A Tribe Called Quest’s We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
TK: I have a connection with Blue Ribbon Brooklyn.
Finally, Talib, any last words for the kids?
TK: Stay in school, eat your greens, and brush your teeth, because we must fight Mr Tooth Decay.
In a city with seemingly-endless great dining options, sometimes it can be challenging to pick a restaurant. On top of that, if you are going out with other people with dietary restrictions and/or preferences, it may be hard work to find a place to accommodate everyone involved. Fortunately, a place like Gotham West Market exists, providing an excellent mix of top-notch food and drinks, cafeteria-style seating and a relaxed overall atmosphere.
Called “heaven on earth” by New York Magazine and one of the “50 Coolest Places In NYC” by Complex Magazine, Gotham is popular among foodies and tourists alike. It recently played host to a launch event for Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s Stubborn Soda. Its list of vendors includes the sushi fushion of Uma Temakeria, the healthy options of Indie Fresh, the top-rated ice cream of Ample Hills Creamery, the acclaimed Blue Bottle Coffee, the meat and cocktails-oriented The Cannibal, the tapas of El Colmado, the American roadside-influenced GENUINE Roadside, the authentic ramen of Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, and the Mexican fare of Choza Taqueria. It may be easy to label Gotham West Market as “an upscale food court,” yet that description shortcharges the quality of what is on-site.
Downtown had the opportunity to speak with representatives from almost all of Gotham West’s vendors. So much great content was offered up that the second part of those Q&As will post at a later date. In the meantime, more info on Gotham West Market can be found at www.gothamwestmarket.com; the market is also active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Within the past few years, New York City has become host to a number of upscale foodcourts. To you, what makes Gotham Market different from the others?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: Gotham Market has a genuine sense of community. Not only were we the first to jump into this idea of a communal dining market, we did it with a diverse offering of options. It’s a place where you can be just as comfortable popping in for a quick lunch, an after-work cocktail, a casual dinner or a leisurely brunch.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: I think a lot of people who are building/constructing their own food halls have looked to Gotham Market for inspiration and as the pioneer of New York City food courts. Maybe not the first on the scene, however they are certainly the most influential. I think Chris and the Gotham team have built a uniquely-special place where people can gather as regulars or for events and have it feel equally appropriate. All of the operators here are friends and we look forward to seeing each other at work. Isn’t that the way its supposed to be? It is to me these days. Have fun at work.
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: To me it is still the best market available. We have enough seating to accommodate the number of vendors, the variety is varied enough to satisfy almost anyone, without compromising on quality.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: Gotham Market is small and highly-curated…I think this creates a sense of community among the restaurants lucky enough to be there, and this feeling carries over to customers. There’s a collective energy at Gotham that feels missing in some of the other larger, more sprawling food courts in the city.
How did your restaurant wind up in Gotham Market?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: We had always planned on opening a casual tapas bar and were looking for locations when the developers approached us about being a part of the market. All over Spain there are great markets that have small tapas stalls and the idea of Gotham West Market really resonated with us.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: My good friend Chef Seamus Mullen and my partner Matt Wagman’s friend Christian of Cannibal, both were in the market already, suggested we pursue the vacancy. Gotham was looking for concepts that had chef presence and would serve the Gotham clientele and residents in a meaningful way we felt we would fit in well.
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: Through networking and contacts with other current vendors.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: The folks at Gotham reached out to us and invited us to be there.
How would you describe your restaurant to someone who hasn’t yet been there?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: We are a traditional tapas bar with a small kitchen behind the counter and a great mix of classic Spanish tapas paired with an approachable, affordable and well-curated wine program.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: Choza is my take on a fast casual Mexican restaurant. The focus is on big flavors with some creative takes on classics. Like carnitas, but flavored with tamarind and chipotle. Tacos are the core of what we do but we also offer salads, bowls, tortas and burritos.
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: Uma Temakeria is a sustainably sourced made to order sushi concept.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: Ample Hills is an ice cream shop dedicated to making playful, fun flavors that transport people back in time to their childhood, and that joy of discovery we all felt the first time we had a scoop of ice cream. We like to tell stories with ice cream flavors, and each of our shops has a flavor unique to that location. Gotham’s is Hell’s Kitchen Sink, an ode to the neighborhood, and the Irish past. It’s a Guinness dark chocolate ice cream with toffee, brownies and cookie dough. We make everything from scratch, including the mix-ins, in Brooklyn.
Do you have a favorite item on your menu?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: We always have fun, different riffs on deviled eggs. I’m a huge egg fan so this is definitely my one of my go-to tapas.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: Tortilla soup!
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: The Luke’s Lobster temaki or sushi burrito.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: For me it’s probably our “SNAP, MALLOW, POP!” flavor. It’s basically a deconstructed rice krispie treat. We melt hundreds of pounds of marshmallows into the ice cream base and then we make our own krispie crunch mix-in. It tastes like the first time you had a rice krispie treat as a kid.
Aside from your restaurant, what is your favorite dining spot in New York City?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: I’m a huge sushi fan and I love Ichimura at Brushstroke and Shuko. I’m also a big fan of Little Park in Tribeca.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: I always choose my restaurants…so after that, Mary’s Fish Camp. I’m a diehard supporter. I have always loved being there. Oysters and a grilled Pompano — when they have it available — are my favorites!
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: I love Umi No Ie.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: That’s tough. There are so many great spots in New York. It changes all the time, but maybe Battersby in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: I’m a cyclist so I’m always on my bike, whether racing, traveling or commuting. I’ve also been hard at work finishing my second cookbook, Real Food Heals, which will come out in August of next year.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: Spending time with Ela, my daughter is the most fun. After that, I still play a lot of bass guitar still. I just bought an effects board so now I am totally engulfed in weird sounds I can make with my bass.
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: Mostly with my family, or cycling.
Brian Smith, Ample Hills Creamery: Playing with my kids. They are 7 and 10 and at the perfect age of still — mostly — wanting to play and hang out. Go to the movies, playgrounds, day trips.
Do you have tickets to any upcoming concerts?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: Talib Kweli at Brooklyn Bowl in November!
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: Time Stand Still, the RUSH documentary about their 40 years together…will the be nerdiest group of people in one room possible. I can’t wait!
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: I just say Chance The Rapper and Kanye at the Meadows. Nothing immediately planned.
At one point you had games tables/ping pong at Gotham West. How have you seen the crowd dynamic and/or clientele shift since then?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: We’re less of a clubhouse and more of a proper place to have a meal and hang out.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: The market has always been a family-friendly place. It seems to be a bit more inline with what the operators are serving without the ping pong tables. Although I am an, self-proclaimed, excellent ping pong player.
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: We still have games! Can you say Hungry Hungry Hippos?
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Seamus Mullen, El Colmado: Come and cozy up! The Market is a great place to graze and lazy on an autumn day.
Akhtar Nawab, Choza Taqueria: Eat tacos!
Chris Jaeckle, Uma Temakeria: This is the best market to bring your friends, plenty of room to hang out.
Known for the being the source of “New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B,” Power 105.1 FM is a Tribeca-based radio station with millions of listeners. Power 105.1’s morning show, The Breakfast Club, is arguably the flagship show of the station, as called the #1 radio program in the nation by The Source. The Breakfast Club is currently syndicated to more than a dozen markets — as segments like “The Rumor Report,” “Ask Yee” and “Tell Em Why You Mad” have a major nationwide following — while a countdown show, Weekends With The Breakfast Club, is heard in dozens of markets outside of New York.
The hosts of The Breakfast Club are the trio of DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God. DJ Envy is the host of MTV2’s Sucker Free and The Week In Jams. Angela has been seen on the VH1 series The Gossip Game and the aforementioned Sucker Free; she has also been active as a manager, having worked with GZA and Jay Electronica. Charlamagne is the co-host of MTV2’s Guy Code and Uncommon Sense.
DJ Envy, Angela and Charlamagne spoke to Downtown about a variety of topics, including the Powerhouse 2016 concert, which comes to the Barclays Center on Oct. 27. This year’s event features a mix of major stars and up-and-comers. Surprise guests aside, attendees can expect to see Usher, Wiz Khalifa, Bryson Tiller, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Desiigner, Young M.A and Tory Lanez.
More info on Power 105.1 FM and its upcoming events can be found on its website. The station can also be followed on Twitter and YouTube.
What do you wish more people knew about Power 105.1 FM?
Angela Yee: That we’re like a family up here. A lot of the people that work here have known each other for years. So it was great for everybody to come together under one umbrella, and even when we have our meetings, it’s like having a family reunion once a month.
When I was living in New York, Power 105.1 was Mix 105. Do you guys remember that? Were you living in New York when that happened?
DJ Envy: I was living in New York when that was happening, but I definitely don’t remember it.
Angela Yee: I remember Jammin’ 105…
DJ Envy: Yeah I remember Jammin’ 105. I definitely don’t remember Mix 105, but me being 27, I wasn’t that old. (laughs)
Charlamagne: I definitely wasn’t living here. I was living in South Carolina. I didn’t know what the hell a “Power 105.1” was.
Angela Yee: Yeah I remember Jammin’ 105, I actually liked Jammin’!
Who are you most excited to see perform at this year’s Power 105.1 Powerhouse Concert?
Angela Yee: Usher! He always puts on a great performance, we saw him at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and he is super-experienced with his dance moves. I’m also excited to see at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse Concert Young M.A and Desiigner because they are both from Brooklyn. I know there’s going to be a lot of special guests in the building so I’m excited for that. We can’t reveal those surprises right now but I promise you’ll be blown away.
Charlamagne: Yeah, after seeing Usher at iHeart, I would say I’m looking forward to seeing Usher on the Barclays stage.
DJ Envy: I wanna see Tory Lanez. He likes to climb and be Spiderman in buildings so I wanna see what he’s able to do. And also Young M.A because it’s her hometown in Brooklyn.
Angela Yee: Yeah, Young M.A and Desiigner are both from Brooklyn so that’s a big deal. I know there’s gonna be a lot of special guests in the building for the Power 105.1 Powerhouse Concert! We can’t reveal those surprises right now but I promise you, you’ll be blown away.
Charlamagne: I wanna see how real Young M.A.’s buzz is. I know it’s real, I just wanna see HOW real.
DJ Envy: And I heard Young M.A is bringing out some special guests. That’s gonna be dope.
A lot of people will just see you on-stage for a few minutes at the concert. But what does your schedule during Powerhouse look like? Are you able to enjoy much of the event?
Angela Yee: Woo! Well I have a pre-event beforehand, then I have to come here to get my hair and make-up done. I’ts a full day of activities. We have to make sure we look good because we do interviews backstage and since we’re live on the air, we never know when an artist is gonna come through to chat it up. We don’t get to see much of the Powerhouse show because we are being pulled in a hundred different directions, talking to different people from labels, talking to a lot of artists and talking to each other. It’s very busy.
What was the first concert you ever attended into New York City?
DJ Envy: Mine was Run-D.M.C. at Madison Square Garden. Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J…
Angela Yee: Mine might have been a New Edition reunion concert at Madison Square Garden.
Charlamagne: New York City? I think it was Erykah Badu and Maxwell together. I don’t remember. I like to cha cha.
When not busy with Power 105, how do you like to spend your free time?
Angela Yee: Well we just opened a juice bar in Brooklyn. So all my spare time now is dedicated to making sure the business goes smoothly, because it does interest me to learn how to get that aspect of work done, like opening a brand new business from the bottom up and just training people, hiring…All of that is a great experience for me for things that I wanna do later on in life as an entrepreneur.
Charlamagne: Yeah me, I like being a husband, a father and a tweeter.
DJ Envy: Me? With my family. I got five kids and I like spending time with my kids. Watching them play football, all types of recitals or just get some sleep.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Angela Yee: I have a thousand favorite restaurants, you know I am the Queen of going out! If I’m in Brooklyn, I’ll go to Footprints, Mango Seed, Suede or Sugar Cane. I could name a thousand places. I also like Vandal for the ambience.
DJ Envy: It depends on what type of food. I’ll go to Del Frisco’s for the steak, but I like TOA’s for the Chilean Sea Bass.
Charlamagne: I love Tao. I like Ms. Lilly’s, though…I ain’t gonna front.
What is your favorite album of 2016?
Charlamagne: My favorite album of 2016 is by far The Life Of Pablo by Kanye West. I’m still listening to that album right now, I think it came out in like February and it still has a lot of replay value for me.
DJ Envy: I would have to agree. Life Of Pablo album, that Kanye West album is dope.
Angela Yee: I like Solange’s album. I’ve been really grooving to that and enjoying it.
Charlamagne: I love Solange’s album too.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
DJ Envy: Stay in school!
Charlamagne: Keep GOD first, stay humble, keep working.
Angela Yee: You can be anything you want to be in life if you work hard. Nothing beats hard work.