(above: Cruz Bros: Randy & Joe)
For the past 9 summers, the Bronx Riviera known to many as Orchard beach has been home to some of the best summer ball around with the Hoops In The Sun (HITS) tournament. Founded and operated by the first family of summertime hoops, the Cruz clan has been puttin’ in work since the late Joe “Pops” Cruz first started the tournament back in 2000. Now run successfully by his sons Joe and Randy, HITS is better than ever. This past summer saw HITS enjoy one of its best summers with Pros and former pros playing at full cylinders damn near every weekend. NBA stars like Ron Artest, Smush Parker, Andre Barrett and Marcus Williams mixed it up with street legends like Kenny Satterfield and the Cab Driver (ed’s note: what is this dude’s real name??). While the younger guys like UConn bound Kemba Walker and Tenesee’s brian Williams showed they have what it takes to play with the big boys. It was definetly lots of fun in the sun as the hardbodies caught the games from the handball courts and the bikini clad women stopped by on rollerblades to peep the live action.

We were able to get HITS CEO Joe Cruz Jr. to take some time out of his busy summer season to dish out dimes and drop some jewels below…

What is your name and what do you do?
Joe Cruz, Jr. the CEO of Hoops in the Sun Basketball at Orchard Beach, Bronx, NYC

What motivated you to get started at HITS?
Well, I got motivated ever since my father, brother, and I met Earl “The Goat’ Manigault and what he was able accomplish with his “Walk Away from Drugs Tournament” back in the late 90’s on the West Side of Manhattan. When we met Earl he was a humble, quite, and mystique which enable us to learn the in and outs about getting involved with street basketball. At the same time that we met Earl we met Ray Diaz, who currently runs the Nike Pro City Tournament at Hunter College and was able to see and appreciate how to run a professional – organized sports program. So, with the exposure and experience my father decided to run his own league after he took a visit to Venice Beach, California and saw how beautiful that league was ran. When he came back from his visit he went to his childhood’s venue, Orchard Beach and saw the similarities in Venice Beach and decided to be the East Coast Venice Beach where NYC basketball has never been around the concept of street basketball by the beach…wonderful idea isn’t it?

What’s your greatest challenge, both on a day-to-day basis with HITS and also as a young entrepreneur?
Just the day to day challenges in getting sponsors, media, and great players to the venue on a consistent basis which is the most important part of running a community based program.

Describe a normal day for Joe Cruz?
Man…if I can say one word its “hectic”
9am wake up…gather items that will be used for the beach/tournament that day, go to the bank at 9:30am to pay the referees, then hit the road up 11 miles to Orchard Beach, Bronx, NY…I live in Manhattan…then set up for the start of the tournament which begins at 10:30am such as banners, electricity, music, nets, sweeping the courts, tents, water, table set up, etc then it’s game time at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm under the 98 degree scorching SUN also known as the “Sun Stadium” …remember I have two league (a youth division & a Men’s Pro division). So, it’s definitely not easy and I don’t recommend it to anyone that is thinking about starting up there own league.

What’s the perfect day for Joe Cruz?
Great weather…beautiful women walking the beach and by the basketball courts, great games, marquee brand named players, and no delays in the games or forfeits…that’s a NO NO!

What were your greatest influences in your career?
My greatest influences are the late Earl “The Goat” Manigualt and of course my father the late GREAT Joe “POPS” Cruz, the founder of the tournament and the innovator of my life who allowed me to become who I am today.

What do you do outside of running HITS?
I’m a Program Director at the Union Settlement community center in the East Harlem area and I’m a part time assistant coach at The City University of New York – City College

Worst job ever held?
Working for the Department of Education in NYC…enough said

What’s the best part of your day?
The evening is most enjoyable for me because it’s where I can be myself outside of the CEO look and be with my family and friends. Also I enjoy visiting other NYC street basketball tournaments that are competitive and exciting to the average basketball junkie like me.

What do you least enjoy?
Controversy, fighting, wasting money, watching soap operas

Give us 5 things you just can’t live without?
1.Family
2.Money
3.Hoops in the Sun
4.Vacation
5.Women

So the apocalypse is coming and you can only take one player with you… which would you save and why?
Dwight Hardy…the Answer…enough said

Worst thing someone said to you at the beginning of your grind…?
The worst thing that was said to me was Hoops in the Sun won’t be around for long from a tournament perspective and when my father passed that tournament wouldn’t last after my father past away.

Best piece of advice someone offered you?
Follow your heart and mind because you’re blessed with one of the greatest hearts and minds in today’s age…and that’s your father Joe “POPS” Cruz…also “never be scared of change because change can be good for you”.

Who have you always wanted to meet?
I always wanted to meet John Starks and Tracy McGrady and I did thanks to the Hoops in the Sun tournament.

If you weren’t doing Hoops in the Sun, what would you be doing?
Traveling the world…I love to travel…if not trying to become an overseas professional basketball player in Puerto Rico.

You know you’ve attained your ultimate level of success when…
My bills are all paid up in full.

What does the future hold for HITS? For Joe Cruz?
Right now who knows…the sky is the limit. However, one of my goals is to own a community center/basketball facility in NYC in dedication to my father and put the facility in his name. This will allow everyone who didn’t have the chance to know him and understand what kind of man he was and what he meant to NYC street basketball, the community, and all sports/programming. A pure LEGEND!

What legacy do you want to leave behind?
The legacy I would like to leave behind was that I was a genuine person that put himself first before anything else that mattered and be a legend or a role model in other people’s eyes where they can say…”Hey that Joe Cruz, Jr. guy was just like his father…a good humanitarian full of life and love”.

Any advice for our young entrepreneurs and basketball fanatics reading this right now?
Some advice I would share would be never tend to be somebody else…just be yourself…people out there will love or hate no matter what you do…but at the end of the day if your content with who you are then continue taking those steps in life that will make you the best person you can be. If you love something, keep it dear to your heart, because no one can take that away from you. Young entrepreneurs never believe the hype that your too young to own, run, or do something in this lifetime because in this world today you have to take advantage of the opportunities that present itself every second.

for more info on HITS, visit www.hoopsinthesun.net

By Orlando Gonzalez

Earlier this summer Bronx native Tony Philippou, a Sound of Art artist premiered his SACRED HEART- A JEEZUS PIECE EXPERIENCE at renowned NYC restaurant It’s A Dominican Thing. Philippou, whose art is noticed best for his use of light and color that instantly sets the tone and mood of the painting, giving the viewer a glimpse at Jesus as what he might look like today. I actually got some time to catch up with Tony and we chopped it up on Jeezus, his rise in the artworld and the evil known only as “Playstation 3”.

1. Ok, explain to me the recurring theme of the Jeezus Pieces throughout your paintings and what it means to you?

The Jeezus Pieces are about the world’s first real super-hero. No other mortal man has been widely accepted for being that mystical and magical. His notoriety allows people to identify with a person they think they know. For me it’s about taking those fundamentals and giving it a more modern perspective….what would he be like if he was around today.

2. That circular aura that appears around the focal characters, it reminds me of glass paintings. Is that what you were looking for, or is it something else?

Those are actually the rings to his halo. Typically I like Jeezus to have a mixture of gold’s in his halo, which I feel really gives off a regal vibe. And you’ll also notice the sacred heart adorned in thorns another symbol of his compassion and burden.

3. Why has oil paint become your medium of choice?

Oil has great sense of depth, lighting and fluidity. It’s really fun to see what you can get out of it sometimes, but you have to be patient.

4. If it wasn’t for art, what do you imagine yourself doing for a living?

Music, writing, acting or even directing. I have a healthy passion to create and produce so I would definitely be doing something that allows me to use my hands and my imagination.

5. At what point in your life did you believe that you can take art
serious enough to make a career out of it?

After high school I decided that this was one thing I truly loved to do all the time that always made me happy as well as feeling fulfilled.

6. What was your first paying gig as an artist like?

One of the first I can remember was a cover for a 12 inch record. It was pretty free and was a great learning experience.

7. Best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“If your not first your last”. By Reese Bobby…Ricky Bobby’s Father.

8. Did you have supportive parents? A career in art isn’t something that’s always smiled upon by our parents.

Yeah, Mom-Dukes have always been my biggest supporter and will always.

9. Any family members that share your talent?

Actually all of my family members are pretty good with there hands. My father and mother have both done there share of paintings and drawings.

11. What are a few things that at times distract you from getting your artwork done?

TV. Extremely evil…as well as the PS3. Damn you Sony.

12. What do you see in the future for your art and in life?

I want to continue to progress in my techniques and abilities and take what I’m doing to another level. Overall I just want people to enjoy what I do, so that I can keep doing it.

For more information on Tony Philippou’s work, visit www.soundofart.net

Jeezus-On-The-Block

Biker-Jeezus

Juda-Piece-King-Ser

by Orlando Gonzalez

If you’ve ever been to Frank White in Brooklyn then you know to expect more than just a cafe hangout spot. I had the pleasure of being there for the Super Ugly art exhibit displaying the work of artist/designer Upendo (Pen) Taylor aka The Black Crayon.

Most of you are probably familiar with Pen from his work with omnipresent streetwear brand Leroy Jenkins. Pen and Ron Upperman founded Leroy Jenkins back in 05 and are known throughout the fashion industry for fly ass tees and dope colorful hoodies.

The DJ was spinning some Common and Erykah Badu definitely setting up the chill relaxed vibe for the night, with a cozy atmosphere and comfortable couches. The artwork displayed is a mix of silkscreen and paint on wood, with bold black graphic lines and a bit of color to accent the overall piece. I caught up with Mr. Taylor for a 5-spot worth of questions focusing on his artwork:

How long have u been in the art biz?
U.P: I got into having exhibits in 99-2000 some where round then, but I didn’t have an official gallery show till 2003.
What are all the things that influence you as an artist?
U.P:Pretty much every thing influences me. My friends, things I see in the streets, Stereotypes, traveling and womenses.U

What has been the hardest thing for you in your career?
U.P: Maintaining financially.

How do you ultimately want your work to be remembered?
U.P: Never really thought about it, but I want folks to get some type of inspiration from it. And if they remember it at all then I’m cool with that.

What more can we expect to see from you in the future?
U.P: Progressive style in basic terms.

On top of that be sure to check out Leroy Jenkins Limited at www.leroyjenkinslimited.com.

I forgot to mention that during this event, drink were served. If you know me then you know that I am never one to shy away from a drink or two (ed’s note: or 7)! You have to buy casino style chips with the Frank White logo on it in order to purchase drinks… I ummm… accidentally took some home, sorry guys. I will however be sure to use them for one of the future events.

For more on the Frank White Gallery, visit www.frankwhitenyc.com

(artist Upendo (Pen) Taylor)

Ever had a craving for a shish kebob or hot dog or chimichurri after a late night of hanging with your friends? Regardless of the city you’re in, the only way to satisfy the craving is to head to a street vendor. Vince Navarro had the same craving in Zamora , Mexico awhile back. So like anyone else in that position, he went out for tacos (not Taco Bell tacos, we’re talking TACOS!) And as expected, he found some great tacos. Sounds pretty ordinary huh? Except for one thing: He made a movie about it.

Reminiscent of Ramin Bahrani’s 2006 indie short, Man Push Cart, Navarro’s Gordo takes a refreshing and much more comedic look at the plight of the immigrant in the United States, sans the melancholic overtones. The film also manages to take some pretty dope potshots at Corporate America in the form of the imperialistic Fast Food chain.

The Mexican born, California-bred Director/Writer/ Producer Navarro drops by to show us some GORDO-sized love here in Mío…

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Vince Navarro and I am a film/commercial/music video director.

Gordo is pretty unique in it’s premise. Did the film originate from first-hand experience? Where’d this rags-to- possible riches-to-rags story come from?

I am originally from a city in Mexico named Zamora in the State of Michoacan. At the age of four I immigrated into the US but spent all of my summers in Mexico. In Zamora, like most cities in Mexico, there are street vendors on practically every corner. They sell everything from tacos, hot dogs, fruit, at all hours of the night. It’s great. So, one night a few of us had a late night craving for some tacos and a two minute car ride later we were ordering the most amazing tacos I have ever had. I was amazed at how good the tacos were and that we were standing on a street corner. After a few minutes of standing there more and more people started pulling up and before I knew it the curb was getting smaller and smaller. I looked over at my cousin who was wolfing down his tacos and I made a joke. Something like “Imagine if the guy making tacos came to the US and got a job at a fast food taco place.” My cousin laughed and shook his head and said, “Why would he ever do something like that? He would go nuts making that garbage.” That is where the idea started. I became obsessed with the idea of a taco-maker from Mexico who starts working at a chain taco place, and gets fed up with the nasty food he has to serve. So much so that he starts switching the tacos out for his own. I knew that the story would be funny and also take some jabs at Corporate America. I think that the final film makes people laugh, think, and hungry. Just thinking about it makes me want some tacos from back home!

What motivated you to get started in film-making?

Back when I was a kid my favorite thing to do was go to the movies. The second that I realized that there was a job out there where all you do is make movies I was sold. I have always loved telling stories and film-making was a perfect outlet for me, it allowed me to SHOW people my thoughts and ideas.

Are there any challenges that Latino film-makers face that perhaps others don’t?

Not really. I feel that EVERY film-maker out there faces the same challenges. Namely convincing people (usually investors) that your story is worth telling (and spending money on.) At this point in film, where you are from or your heritage is secondary to your abilities as a story-teller and film-maker. My peers come from all walks of life and when it comes down to it we are all in the same boat.

What’s your greatest challenge, both on a day-to-day basis and also as a young entrepreneur?

Taking my ideas and putting them down on paper. It seems like every moment of the day I am looking for my next project. Whether it be a commercial or feature, and when an idea hits me I tend to tell my friends and colleagues about it and we flesh it out to a solid concept. But, before I can sit down and write it down I find get distracted by another thought or idea and next thing I know I have moved on. I like to think that the ideas the disappear from my head are probably no good anyways. But, the thought that I let the greatest idea slip through my fingers scares me to death. So, I make it a point to write everything down nowadays.

Describe a normal day for Vince Navarro?

I wake up around 7:30am. I am pretty slow moving in the morning. I take a long shower, get dressed and head to work. I currently work at a production company in San Francisco called “Bison.” We produce commercials and music videos. At work I spend most of the day working on the pre-production aspects of whatever project we have going on. We handle everything in house and all wear several different hats, depending on the project. I can spend half the day in the office making phone calls, locking down locations, crew, etc. and the rest of the day on the road scouting new locations, picking up equipment props and any other things we need of the shoot. But, no matter what the day brings my colleagues and I always try to make it back to the office to play a few games of half-court basketball. Some games get pretty intense. At around 6pm I head home, make something to eat, hang out with my girl-friend. Do some more emailing, watch some TiVo. Do some more emailing, try to do some writing, then I “hit the sack” around 11:30.

What’s the perfect day for Vince Navarro?

Professionally: The day that I get the call that my next project gets green-lit.

Personally: Spending the day pool-side with my friends and family, barbecuing, and then when sun sets, head down to the bowling alley and score anything higher than a 180. That’s right. I like to bowl. Deal with it.

What were your greatest influences in your career?

Seeing how hard my Uncle and Father worked in their lives. They were farmers their entire lives and very early on they knew that farming was how they were going to provide for their families. So, they started their own strawberry company from the ground up. As children they never made it past the 2nd grade and would share the one pair of shoes they owned. They wanted better for their kids and they worked their asses off so that we would get the best education and not have to share shoes. Seeing them work so hard for what they wanted drives my work ethic.

What do you do outside of directing?

I like to read. My “to read” pile keeps growing each day. I have an unhealthy habit of going to the bookstore and buying too many books, despite the fact that I have 20 books at home waiting for me to read. I also have fallen back in love with reading comic books. I used to be an avid collector as a kid and the last few months I have started buying them again. The only difference this time around is that I buy them for the stories. Not, because I think they will be worth something someday.

What’s your professional background in?

I have a BA in Film Studies from UC Berkeley, and an MFA in Film Directing from The Academy of Art University of San Francisco. So, pretty much I will never that lawyer like my family wanted me to be.

Worst job ever held?

A receptionist/sales person at a laser hair removal clinic. I am the last person in the world you want to be describing all the areas you want to be hair-less.

What’s the best part of your day?

Driving home from work and realizing each day that I love what I do and the people that I work with are amazing.

What do you least enjoy?

Waking up at 5 a.m. to make a 7 a.m. crew call.

Give us 5 things you just can’t live without?

In no particular order:
Tapatio Hot Sauce
TiVo
My car.
My bed.
The love and support of my family, friends, and girl friend. AWWWWW!!!!!

So the apocalypse is coming and you can only save one movie… which would you save and why?

This is the hardest question ever. If I were trying to impress you I would say “The Godfather Part 2.” But if we are being honest, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

Worst thing someone said to you at the beginning of your grind…?

“There is a very large chance that it is going to rain today.” And our entire shoot day was planned for outside.

Best piece of advice someone offered you?

“Just fucking do it man!” –My Cousin John.

Who have you always wanted to meet?

Orson Welles just after making “Citizen Kane.” I would ask him about making the movie and tell him to put the fork down.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Cleaning my house. I have been traveling for a while and my house could use some spring-cleaning. I find it hard to sit down and do work unless my bed is made and the dishes are done. I am a freak like that.

You know you’ve attained your ultimate level of success when______?

My Aunt (who raised me) finally understands exactly what it is that I do. She still has no idea and she has seen everything I have ever done. But, if I were to ever make a Spanish-language novela?!? Oh man, she would be so proud.

What does the future hold for Vince?

More films and more projects. I am currently working on a script for an original series that I will hopefully be able to sell to one of the bigger Cable Networks….(HBO are you reading this? I hope so!)

What legacy do you want to leave behind?

I want people to look back at my career and say that I made great movies. If people are still talking about my films after I am long gone, (even if they hate them) then I feel that I lead a good life professionally.

Any advice for our young entrepreneurs and budding film makers reading this right now?

Just fucking do it man!

The 718 area code has birthed some magic over it’s lifespan. It’s given us Biggie, Jay, and Mike Jordan. Hip Hop itself was born in the depths of the 7-1-8. Well, now the area code of creativity can claim another kid on its taxes: 7ONE8 Design.

The brainchild of Johanna Guevara, 7ONE8 has been “Visually Vocalizing” it’s clients, helping businesses, artists, and individuals develop every aspect of their identity since 2000. Johanna and the 7ONE8 crew provide services ranging from logo design to press and stationary kits to websites to promotional materials all in hopes of providing the client with an original identity that captures the essence of the client’s needs and wants. 8 years and countless accolades later, the Colombian-born Ms. Guevara was able to take some time out of her hectic schedule to kick aorund some answers and anecdotes with us at AMERICANISADO. Enjoy the read and love the grind…

What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Johanna Guevara. I am the founder, CEO & creative director of 7ONE8 Design Inc.

What products and services does 7ONE8 provide?
First of all 7one8 is a full service communication design studio. We specialize in brand vocabulary, stationery systems, sales material, promotional pieces, animated online media, interactive websites, e-commerce sites, html email design, logo creation, key messages, tagline development, online networking sites, talent image development, online banners, interface design, information architecture, iconography, content management systems, collateral templates, power point templates, kiosk/tradeshow booth design and brand styleguide.

When was your company established?
I start the company in 2000 but it was named after me. In 2002 I changed the name to 7one8 in order to transform the image of the company. I wanted my company to be a representation of the people that make up this beautiful city (New York City).

What motivated you to start 7ONE8?
Rent, son!!!! (laughs) Basically trying to keep a roof over my head. I was freelancing because no one would hire me. I got one client and that client referred me to another client and that client referred me to a friend and so forth and so on. I accumulated so many clients I couldn’t work from home any more. So 7one8 was born.

What’s your greatest challenge, both on a day-to-day basis and also as a young entrepreneur?
Staying sane (laughs). No but for real it’s hard trying to separate your personal & professional feelings. Sometimes I take it personal when a client doesn’t like something. I had to realize I’m not designing for myself. I have to make the client happy even if I’m not.

Describe a normal day for Johanna?
I get up around 7:00 am, hit the gym then take a shower. I get to the office around 10:00 am. I start off responding to the 10,000 emails I get a day. Create a to do list for the day. I give my staff direction & project manager every contract we get. I take meetings with both current & potential clients. I manage every aspect of the company from accounting to sales and everything in between. On a good day I leave the office around 6:30 pm. From there a head to one of the various networking events I attend in order to spread the work about 7one8 and potentially gain new clients. I get home anywhere from 11 pm to 12 am. Take a shower, go to bed, wake up and do it all over again.

What’s the perfect day for Johanna?
Having happy clients, my staff being inspired & all my bills are paid.

What were your greatest influences in starting 7one8?
My family, my mom and dad. I first came to this country from Colombia as an illegal immigrant. We got deported & eventually snuck back into the USA. My parents were determined to raise me here because they thought they could provide a better life for me in the States. My dad and my uncle started a construction company called PGP. People would hire them for jobs they couldn’t do. But they never turned anyone away. No matter what they would figure out a way to complete the job. Those are the values I live by in my professional life today.

What do you do outside of 7one8?
Photography, spend time with my family and yoga.

What’s the best part of your day?
Definitely the morning. Because that’s when I go to the gym.

What do you least enjoy?
Correcting people. I hate having to correct other people’s mistakes.

Give us 5 things you just can’t live without?
Music, lip balm, water, sleeping with lots of pillows, and trees.

Worst thing someone said to you at the beginning of your grind?
Some guy I shared a work space with had the nerve to ask me, “are you like a Jenny from the block?”

Best piece of advice someone offered you?
It is what it is.

Who have you always wanted to meet?
Jay-Z. Seeing what he’s been able to achieve in a relatively short period of time is an inspiration to me. I would love to sit down with him and pick his brain.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Fitness.

You know you’ve attained your ultimate level of success when __________?
I don’t have to look at price tags. I can buy whatever I want, whenever I want.

What does the future hold for 7ONE8? And, Johanna personally?
In about a year I hope to purchase a building that will house the 7one8 design studio, a gallery/boutique, art therapy space and a nursery. For myself personally, I’m looking forward to traveling to support my passion for photography and having babies.

What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I didn’t follow the rules. I created my own path by going against the standard way of obtaining success.

Any advice for our young entrepreneurs reading this right now?
Load up on Band-Aids.

for more info on 7ONE8 Designs, head over to www.7one8.com