Dance Africa 2008!

(Pic courtesy of FLICKR)

It's BACK......Dance Africa in Fort Greene this weekend is where real Crooklynites need to be OKAY!

So WHAT if you didn't go to MIAMI for Memorial weekend! Just chill, take the nearest train to Atlantic and come on down and enjoy the company of great people, good food(Everybody know's I love to EAT) good music and of course INDIE DESIGNERS! So much will be going on down there, in fact I found in an event that's a SURE hot spot this Monday!

Habbana Outpost which sits in the heart of Da Greene and serves as a chill spot for all transcultralist,unconventionals, fashionistas, Eco-chic bredrens and Eclectic equillibrium's has an event, DO CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

A Crooklyn READ!!!!!!!!!

Being a Crooklynite and living in one of the most diverse places in the world is simply refreshing. When I'm surrounded by so many individuals of different cultures it truly brings me closer to people from all walks of life more and more. Living in the melting pot of diversity I have the opportunity to be a sponge and soak it all up! Around my way I get a five minute lesson in Arabic at my local cornerstore by the hilarious Yemen owner who decided to rename me Shahla, which means "Beautiful Eyes." Then, If I'm running countless errands on Flatbush avenue I usually receive two very honorable bows from my favorite Ethopian and Jamaican Rasta buddies (who might I add are both ridiculously gorgeous) who sells me shea butter and lectures me on how to remain pure and regal while living "inna Babylon infiltrated society." Somedays I get to brush up my Salsa dancing skills or discuss Jay-z lyrics with the cute and very tall Puerto Rican employee from the 99 cents store on Cortelyou. On weekends I get to chat it up with the funny Japanese lady at the cleaners about topics ranging from jerk chicken to Stella Mccartney. Almost no where in the world can one experience that but here. I've made it a duty to get to know everyone, often times to some that seems peculiar in a world where stereotypes unfortunately get the best of us and limit boundless possibilties. Claude Grunitzky, a true optimist and Editor-in-Chief of Trace Magazine has created a movement that will broaden our perspective and lives.

When I first read about Transcultralism in TRACE magazine I was in awe by the fact that there was a word that defined my quest and role in life. For those of you anxious for the definition, Transcultralism is a movement and lifeline that emphasizes on examining and incorporating studies on how we can influence/or be incluenced by different cultures, lifestyles and identities. Grunitzky and TRACE collaborators have created a book titled,
"Transculturalism: How the World is Coming Together," that consists of moving essays by transcultralist from all over the world.

I'm up to this essay, here's a sneak peek, http://www.transculturalism.com/popup/index.cfm?essay_ID=3.

Last week I had the chance to meet Claude at the Fiaf in the LEskyroom and I must say he is truly a humble down to earth trancultralist on a mission to change lives. Do read and Spread the WORD!

These are some pics of the lecture I attended! A little dark and blurry, Sorry:(

(Transcultralist meet and greet each other)

(Transcultralist Discuss, World Nomad, Dre and Silvana)

(Trace staff writer Nikko Misko Marko Lencek-Inagaki and former Trace Intern)

(FIERCE Transcultralists, Dre and Me)

(WHEN Two World Nomads COLLIDE,LOL)

(Myself with the man of the night, Claude Grunitzky)

To find out more Transcultralism and the book, visit http://www.transculturalism.com/. And SUPPORT TRACE, it's the only magazine right now that features substantial content these days, http://www.trace212.com/!

He's Next!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: Vladimir Bartholemew The lonious Rasputent Slocumb Calixte III...AKA:..... Haitian V, Entertainments Future, Black Zack Morris, Morris Bestnut (I'll Explain Later)...LOL

(Photo Courtesy,Shrek)

Age: I Play 19 On TV..

Hometown: Flatbush, Crooklyn NY BOOYACKA!!!!! BAP!BAP! BAP!

What Is that you do, what's your network? What are you working on right now?
I Am.. An Actor/Comedian/Model/Musician/Photographer/DancingInstructor/Cook & Porn Star...(Again I'll Explain)LOL...

(Photo courtesy:Shareif Ziyadat)

Network: I Rub Elbows With The Stinkin' Rich & Famous.Actors,Artists, Models & Photographers. But I Also Rub Elbows With The Goons & Goblins Of The Hood... From Flatbush To Hollywood & Back Again..Working On Right Now:A Few Indie Films & Some Pilots, The 2nd Volume To MyMixtape "NewElevator Music".. Also Working On A DVD Of Comedic Skits Including A Comedic Porno Which Explains Whom "Morris Bestnut" Is...LOL

Crooklyn is..My Birthplace...The Greatest City In The World...PERIOD SON!!!!! LOL

Being a black man in America: Is Always Exploited As A Chip On The Black Man's Shoulder.. But I Am Grinding, Can't Blame Anyone For Anything...GetYours!!!!

Diversity in this country...Is Growing. Change Is Happening.

I like Crooklyn Girls because: They Can Dutty Wine The Best...LOL. They Keep It Realer Than Most..Plus They Understand A Crooklyn Dude A Little More...

(Photo Courtesy: Ron Bass)

Favorite Rapper: Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G... It's Between Them 2..Most ill unsigned hype: A-Smash, Mickey Factz, Champ B...

Why should girls all over the globe love Crooklyn Dudes:) We Are The Swag Enforcers. Crooklyn Breeds Kings...BIG, Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, Nas (Research! He Was Born In BK), Vlad, Chris Rock Eddie Murphy. It's Just A Glow Like Leroy...LOL..Oh Yeah &C ause Beyonce's Doing It Too..

(Photo Courtesy, Johnny Nunez)

Haiti is: Underated.. It's Where The Strongest Woman In The World (Mi Madre) Is From. Haiti Is The Trendsetter... First Place Where Black People Were Independent..Read Up!!!

Favorite Line from a song..
Only Make Moves When Your Heart's In It, And Live The Phrase Sky's The Limit...Notorious B.I.G - Sky's The Limit

Song that best describes Crooklyn:
Jay-Z - Where I'm From...

Favorite Quote.."We Do What We Have To Do, In Order To Do What We Want To Do" -Forrest Whitaker

(Photo Courtesy, Ron Bass)

DA BUSH means... West Indian Food Anytime, Catch A Cab Going Anywhere... And Flatbush Made Me What I Am..Molded Me Into The Fine Gentleman That Sits Before YOU.

Your Mission: Same Mission We Do Every Night Pinky....LOL. Just To Use My Talents To Acquire Success...Even Though It's Not Measured By The Clothes On Your Back, Super Model Your Married To, Or Money In Your Bank Account:..Well Maybe The Last Part A Little. But Also Make Sure My Family & I Are Straight...

(Photo Courtesy, Shrek)

Your biggest Pet Peeve: Ugly Feet In Open Toe Sandals, BIG Size Stickers Kept On Fitted Hats, Saggin' Jeans On Your Thighs,Tight Jeans But Saggin' (Make Up Your Mind Homie), Not Having My Sneaker Size & That Optimum Commercial 877 393 4 4 48!..Uhhh

Your favorite Crooklyn Spot: Kennedy's Fried Chicken, Sea, Arch Diner A.K.A "The Max", Deli On Nostrand & Beverly By The Flatbush Bound 2 Train Exit (Best Sandwiches In The World With A Free Capri Sun) & The Pizzeria On Ave. R & Nostrand...

A LOVER or fighter: I Fight For Love, But I'm A Lover...

Favorite Food: Macc & Cheese...

Why does Crooklyn motivate you: Crooklyn Is The Center Of The World To Me. It's Home But It Opens Your Eyes. It Embraces You But Can Still Punch You In The Back Of The Head At The Same Time.You Can Either Live Like The Huxtables Or Live Like Evans'...

Why do we want to know the Black republican: Cause Most Say I Am An Interesting Fellow.. I'll Give You The Best Show Youv'e Seen In Your Life, Then You'll See Me Again.. I Have Excellent Conversation, I Smell Good Majority Of The Time, I'll Teach You Bad Words In Creole, I Have More Stories Than Your Grandaddy & 'Em & It's Better Than Just Finding Out What Flavor Chips Britney Spears Likes To Eat Or What Nick Cannon & Mariah Are Doing...

What turns you off about people: Ignorance, Lies, NoSense Of Humor, Bad Hygene & If You Can't Do "The BrukUp"...

Favorite Mag. XXL, KING, VIBE, POW, Laced, GQ Men, Kicksclusive & Complex...

When I'm on the scene I'm rockin: I Can Have On Hot T (Preff. TodeStule, BSKY, Lemar &Dauley, A.L.I.E.N & Rocksmith) Hard Denim Jeans (Preff: Uniqlo, Nudie, Bengi Or Lucky Brand) & A Pair Of "What Are Those?"...Or I Can Flip It On My Andre 3 Stacks Mental & Be In Some Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic Or Jay Kos!

Favorite clothing spot:So Many, But I'll Narrow Down To.... Commonwealth, Boundless, SmallWorld, Uniqlo, A/X, Union, Atrium, Vinnies, Supreme , eBay(LOL), Vintage Shops & A Bunch Of Online Stores..

(Photo courtesy Ron Bass)

*What's something we would never know about you?*
I Shot Shot The Deputy...LOL...I Got Kicked By A Horse In The Hip Like 2 Years Ago.. I Never Told Anyone Until Now. I Held The Tail & Said "This Is What Women Are Paying Top Dollar For" Out Of No Where Comes This Kick That Sends Me About 5 Feet To The Ground. Oh Yeah I Sing & Play Instruments Also.. (Drums, Piano, Bass Guitar) I Am Going To Start Playing After Shows... Kinda Like Jamie Foxx..KINDA!!

(Photo courtesy,,Ron Bass)
Vlad's Hip-hop Comedy mixtape!!!!!
Link To Download http://sharebee.com/429b35e2

Check out his blog and find out more about him http://www.entertainmentsfuture.blogspot.com/ , tell him CrooklynChronicles sent you:)

Gotta OLD SOUL......

It's 5:00 am and I'm still studying for finals! I went from sleeping on the keypad to searching the net googling every five minutes. Also, I'm super tight that I didnt get to go out with Muna ( Kai, www.718bodega.blogspot.com) and the ladies to SOB'S. But,the first time in my life procrastination has paid off...
Look what I found....


MILES you can't get no better than that.....And NO it's not an event where you'll run into your Grandaddy sitting in a smoke filled dark bar chatting it up with the buddies and chewing tobacco while talking about the good ol' days! It's a night of homage from the babies of the babies who were nestled to sleep by songs like,"So What," "Godchild," "Round Midnight," and so much more!!I could just go on and on...It's an event courtesy of www.old-soulz.blogspot.com that includes live art and ill Dj's...I can't wait! Bye Bye Finals get away from me so I can have fun again:)
Tell Old-Soulz,CROOKLYN CHRONICLES sent you. Don't forget to bow down on your knees and thank them for hosting such a sweet event! Also look out for interviews by the featured artist painting that night...(I'm def gonna work on that!)
*Reminder, this is a 21+ event....

Hey There I'm on.....

Hehehehehheh....okay that's just my cynical way of teasing ya....but really, Crooklyn Chronicles has a group on Facebook now and a Myspace page coming to a comp near you. I tried to leave those two alone but let's face it some of us have developed many contacts through them! Click on the link and join for beat by beat CC updates!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17978587059&ref=ts

Can't Knock Her Hustle!

(Shantelle, Designer of National Society of Soul)

Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and of course "Eclectic" RBG'S all over the globe has been donning crochet pieces for years. Today there's a determined woman on a mission to reinvent the trend with more Soul than ever before! Shantelle M.Brumfield aka Ms.LADYBUG is a DC raised designer with a hot vintage inspired collection of crochet, embroidered and sewed pieces ranging from cute clutches, earrings and even ugg like crochet warmies. Taught by her grandmother and family friend the Howard Grad decided to name her line National Society of Soul, in great efforts to "emphasize the importance of life through fashion, written and social awareness."

(Models rocking National Society of Soul)
The former Cancer Research Scientist left her field to passionately pursue and design her business full-time. Talk about drive and dedication! The hobby at HU!(I just had to do that, lol)became a hit on campus that started the flourishing business.Brumfield started crocheting hats and scarve sets that dubbed her the name"miss crochet old lady." As the buzz grew Brumfield has made various appearances and press mentions at Howard University events, New Faces Fashion Show May 2007, DC Fashion Week 2008, LA Fashion Week 2008, XXL Magazine Jan/Feb 2008 and Jersey Magazine.

(Remy Ma, XXL magazine Jan/Feb 2008)
Ms. Ladybug and her collection has a positive aura that resonates when you get a chance to meet her and see her stuff! In an era of fashion where designers are forced to copy each other's pieces and trends, Brumfield marches to her own drum beat by healing us with soulful pieces!

If you would like to find out more about Shantelle visit:
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.com/
www.myspace.com/nationalsocietyofsoul
She has a blog too!!!
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.blogspot.com/
Hit her up and tell her Crooklyn Chronicles sent you:)

Bye Bye Finals!

So if your like me, your probably sitting on your bed with a bunch of books and half-assed notes from the semester simply anticipating the end of FINALS! Just typing the word makes me cringe (Urgggg....) Or your probably back home from school patiently waiting for your friends to finish up with school so you guys can HAVE FUN again! For those of you lucky ones that are over with finals before Thursday, Party it UP and just GET LOOSE! Thanks to The Big Urban Mixtape for sending me the info!