In short, one dope-ass act of kindness amongst two strangers in another continent made me fall hard for the N-Y-C all over again. Faster than I could fumble my way through “Parlez-vous anglais”, I was refocused and re-centered and intent on Passing the Act forward… And then I gave a homeless dude outside of Trinity Church by Wall Street a couple quarters and he responded with “That’s all ya got for me?”. Regardless (or because of that?), I’m back on my NYC love affair.

And this edition I promise we’ve more than 2 quarters for you. The Latina Fashionista reports back from the Las Vegas tradeshows (How was that 104 degree heat for ya homie?). Art contributor Orlando Gonzalez gets a dope Q&A in with Elijah the Artist and Thee Lois Lane sits down with up-and-comer Natasia Peña as they discuss her background and her rise (keep an ear out for this young lady). We can’t forget the MANY submissions we receive every week from our readers. This time around we show love to Jason Visconti and his short: “Shop Class”. I think you guys will dig it as well…

On My New York $#!T,

M. Peralta

(who knows what she’s selling at MAGIC?; image courtesy Zex Sports)

S.L.A.T.E (SELECT.LIFESTYLE.APPAREL.TREND.EMERGENCE.)
But, overall my first experience was a good one.  The set-up of S.L.A.T.E was quite chic in uniform white booths that allowed canvases for designers to put their own spin on things.  Don’t get me wrong, the giants like Obey and Schmack had their shop set up like fort knox, no one was going to knock them off without a buyer hook up, but it did provide others a chance to really express the direction of their lines.

I browsed the aisles and only a handful of brands really jumped out at me. I was impressed by In4mation. The spring line brings back classic champion styled hoodies in muted colors and the windbreaker jackets were pretty cool.  Reminds me of the cool shit you find at Coat of Arms in the lower east side. I was happy not to see the overly graphic aesthetic common to streetwear, but a grown up beyond the gimmick approach to the collection. I also like the polo shirts and women’s plaid deconstructed jackets…I may end up buying one.

I gotta shout out Fi-Hi for the illest backpacks and handbags with built-in ipod speakers.  The shiny black leather backpack with gold piping was ridicules.  Shit combined the necessity and functionality of a hot bag, and bringing the world closer to your tunes.  I don’t know how that’s gonna fly in nyc on the subway system, but when chillin’ with your friends, you can easily put ‘em on to the latest sounds you downloaded online.

Another was Subscript, the streetwear focused collection of Triple 5 Soul.  The shorts were in cool plaids and the yoke details on the bum really stood out against the rest.  Again, a fresh approach to streetwear without losing its street cred, but not banking on the gimmicks like others.  By the way, has anyone see the alter ego anywhere?

(Mos Def spinnin’ at SLATE with Asher Roth and DJ Don Cannon in the background; image courtesy Zex Sports)

Project
I had no idea Project could be so good!  I guess when Magic is your only competition, it’s the crème de la crème in gaudy Vegas.  My time was limited and my vendors kept pulling me in, showing me what I already saw in NYC and set up appts for September, I was able to peep kicks from Alessandro de Aqua. Man, I knew designer collections like Pierre Hardy, Gucci and Kris Van Ashe were jumping in the sneaker game, but to see a booth at Project… I lost mad respect for them, not to mention the patent leather metallic kicks are soooo last season.  I did enjoy kicking it with Greg and Greg from Gourmet.  I was asked nicely asked not to post the pictures of the new kicks, but I love the style of their updated canvas shoe.  The clae, wallabies combination in cool colors caught my attention and forced me to send an email!  Mad love to the Gourmet team and BPMW!

(registration at Project is a Bee-atch)

ENK Vegas
This is a tough one.  ENK definitely has shit locked down in NYC with Coterie, Intermezzo and Accessories Circuit, but not sure how it stood up to Project.  Showing a day earlier than Project, the scene was dead.  I had more than enough time to catch up with the reps of the News Showroom, Hatch, People’s Revolution and Jarbo without interrupting a sale.  The venue reminded me of a wedding hall with very ugly fixtures, ugly beige walls with cheap stained rugs.  The rooms were cut up and merchandised rather ubiquitous, metal racks positioned awkwardly in the middle of the room with little aisle space.  The big wigs (Rag & Bone and Hatch) had their own conference room that didn’t promote buying.  I guess I’m used to seeing these brands in really cool showrooms, but the vibe just left me not thinking of festive holiday and resort get-a-ways, but a get out of here and view in NYC to restore your faith in fashion.

Born Mario Peña, Elijah the Artist has been giving art connoisseurs of the new millennium some pretty thought provoking pieces as of late. From illustrating sambo-like characters to surrounding hip-hop’s icons with beautiful imagery, Elijah has been cranking out artwork that makes you say “hmmmmmmmmm” (use your Arsenio voice when you say it).

In his own words Elijah confides, “Racism, Sexism, Stereotypes, War, and Injustice are major kinks that need to be removed. As an artist living in this situation, and also having been a victim of some of these circumstances. My goal is to create what I call a “ BlowOut” comb so that the kinks which are affecting this world and society can be combed out and at the same time educate my people through art.” Lofty goals indeed from the Dominican-bred artist, but, if anyone can push a healthy social conversation via visual mixed media, Americanisado is sure that Elijah can (and does).

Game recognizes game and Elijah’s looking familiar…

O: How did you get involved with Sound Of Art?

I got involved with the Sound of Art through networking online and searching for venues to exhibit and expose my art.

O: Explain a bit about Elijah arts and what you wish to accomplish with it?

Elijah Arts Unltd is a movement and a brand that is determined to share the gift of creativity through art and clothing. Our goal is to educate the masses with the truth and the realities of the world. And at the same time spread love, unity, and equality. “Fight for yours because we are!”

O: What made you want to pursue art?

Art is something that I been doing ever since I can remember. I was always doodling on paper and being creative with pretty much anything that allowed me to produce art. Always had the love for it and still continue to do so.

O: What is you earliest memory of creating art?

Around the age of 4

O: Do you feel that your ethnicity influences the way you interpret art?

Yes it does very much because I have grown up around so many traditions and diversity that it has allowed me to create my own language and vision.

O: You project a lot of iconic and powerful imagery in your art, what importance do they have for you?

They have a lot of importance because they help me express and get across the message that I am trying to portray in my work. And images speak loudly for themselves.

O: Describe to me your technique when creating a piece?

When I create a new piece I brainstorm briefly. But for the most part I try not to think too much about it I just like to go at it freely.

O: Why has this more of a collage approach attract you when you work?

Because I consider myself a story teller. And I like to piece together my work like a puzzle.

O: What future art projects do you have in store?

Just pretty much starting a whole new body of work for the upcoming year. No theme yet though.

O: In your opinion, what is the best thing about being able to call yourself an artist?

I think the best thing is to be able to create and have your voice heard on a local and international level and show the world what you have to offer.

O: Is there an artist that you admire?

There are many artist I admire not just one. I guess I would have to say Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, Robert Raushenberg, and many more.

for more info on Mario Peña and his art, visit: www.elijaharts.com

Who would have thought Family BBQ’s would inspire Natasia Pena to adopt singing as a profession, as a child raised in the Bronx impromptu talent shows at family gatherings seasoned Natasia to become a young entertainer. Whilst witnessing her Father’s rehearsals as part of the 90’s R&B group 4 P.M, recognized for their version of the song “Sukiyaki” encouraged Pena to follow in her father’s footsteps, her childhood was not entirely absent from the honesties of the industry.  The Baltimore group 4 P.M, which included Pena’s dad Roberto Pena Jr. and her uncle Reney (Ray) Pena, though ahead of their time did not flourish as well as expected. From her father’s experiences Pena was forced to learn the difficulties of entertaining at an early age, but in spite of anticipated hurdles in her career Natasia has consistently received many blessings from her father, “he was always telling me to push, push, push.”

Proceeding forward with her own tune this twenty one year old bossette is honing in on her own melodic sounds. Connecting in studio with the boss Rick Ross while he was in town for Summer Jam 2008 and ultimately featuring him on her sultry single entitled “Activate,” Pena pushes the envelope with lyrics aggressively instructing men on what pleases her.  “Activate can mean anything but in this song yes it’s pertaining to things that I need. Nothings for free, Love ain’t for free. You have to know you’re worth. I am a girl that likes to be catered to but it can apply to a male or a female, cater to me and I’ll cater to you.” Steadfast and as yet unsigned she blazes onward following up with a fresh collaboration featuring the self-proclaimed YB, Yung Berg on the track “Intoxicated.” Flipping the script with ”Intoxicated” Natasia sings breezily about being a better woman to her man, provoking listeners to take notes on what a lady in charge desires for her hubby. While she is undoubtedly focusing on creating a new face for romance Natasia Pena carries on family tradition proudly introducing her smooth sound confidently.
To watch more of Natasia Pena’s progress or to listen to her music log onto www.myspace.com/natasiapena

So say goodbye to tans (at least the natural ones), girls in gold-lameé swimsuits and fellas playing ball on the hardtops. Peace-out to BBQ’s, outdoor concerts and rocking flip-flops to restaurants. Laters to the Olympics, that crappy summer job, and that dope summer vacation.

Regardless of looming responsibilities, it’s been a dope Summer ‘08. And with most of the Summer in our rear view mirror, we look forward to savoring the last couple weeks we have left. What better way to wrap it up then catching a hot Step Show, gambling whatever money we have left in Vegas, and getting some chill time with a Basketball junkie.

Latino Frats and Sororities stepping through NYC and TheeLoisLane was there for the festivities in Roll Tape. Our Latina Fashionista is hittin’ the ground running in Sin City for a bunch of tradeshows. Check her preview in Latina Fashionista. And we get to chop it up with Joe Cruz, CEO of NYC’s version of Venice Beach Basketball: Hoops in The Sun @ Orchard beach in the BX.

PS: I’m BLASTING Mos Def’s Ms. Fat Booty from my mac at JFK as I write this, and the two 16 year old-ish Asian girls next time are singing along, LOUDLY… and they know EVERY word! You gotta love hip-hop…

It’s that time of year again, FASHION WEEEK!!!! But before I hound the IMG and all the PR firms for my goddamned ticket, I’m going to VEGAS!!! Out of all the trade shows I’ve participated around the world, never have I experienced MAGIC from the city of lights. I’m about to pop my cherry, Sin City awaits in my first trip ever to the desert.

It’s about the Magic, Project, Slate and ENK shows. I’m scouring the market for special finds, pieces that will jump out at you, the consumer, who desperately needs a fix in this weak ass economy. Something of value, that will make your stomach do flip-flops if you don’t own it. I, the Latina Fashionista am on a hunt and I’ve already started searching.

For starters, it’s all about the jewelry. I’ve been watching the ultra chic jewelry collection Fetty by Greenpoint-based designer Justin Tratner. The front man to the garage glam band Semi Precious Weapons and accidental jewelry designer took his love for the rocky hard knock blocks of NYC and for diamond engagement rings to create this edgy, hard, sweet and semi precious collection. With rock diamond pendant, diamond encrusted guns and hearts, and brail diamond bracelets I’m thirsty to see what’s next for spring ‘09. You can find the collection at Barney’s or the lower priced, Fame line at karmaloop.com. Debuting at ENK Vegas at the Venetian Hotel.

I’m also checking out D.A.T.E., the new lifestyle shoe that debuted at NYC’s ENK Blue Show. Four friends from Italy reunited in London and created shoes that contour to their lifestyle. Most def for et setters, businessmen, and those that like to play hard. The updated boat shoe with tassels is definitely street-gone-sophisticated-stupid, but never forgot where he came from. Check it out at ENK Vegas, tell Mark the Latina Fashionista sent you.

But one of my stops has to be the Project Show. I was told it’s actually worth walking, unlike its New York step cousin. I’m happy to revisit Amivectio, the new love child of designer Hector Estrada, this collection is the grown man in Triko’s life. He’s sophisticated, almost completely made of organic Pima cotton, but with a swagger of international confidence, much of the way Estrada lives his life. “I’ve grown up, I’ve seen the world and that’s what this new collection is about” he tells me at his first trade show, NYC’s Cargo. And full of swagger it is with unstructured bomber cardigans, polos and fashion forward crissed-crossed swooping yoke. It’s the birth of another dream that will take the industry to the next level.

(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

Unfortunately we have come to the time of year most of us dread, the end of summer. While this year we were chained to anthems from Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, summer tunes will soon be reminiscent, ‘like white airs and crisp tees.’ The familiar sound of school bells and alarm clocks have started chiming, and in the distance fresh fitted’s and backpacks indicate a new academic year is aligning. For many college students the question will arise, whether this year they will take part in the stroll of Greek pride. At the tenth annual Latino Step competition, sponsored by Latinosstep.com and Batanaga magazine, Fraternities and Sororities walked onto Lehman College’s stage ready to deliver the science of Step. A form of artistic expression, Step dates back to the efforts of the Phi Beta Sigma and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities.

This rhythmic attraction runs parallel to Greek culture, in addition to African American and more recently Latino customs. Hot97’s and MTV Tres’ own L.Boogs along side D.J. Cas1 hosted melody’s reduced to the sound of hands clapping and feet stomping. To the untrained eye composure may be deemed effortless, but this microscopic technique accurately creates more than a rhythm nation. It is an avenue for Greeks organizations to interpret their individual appeals.

After four hours of competition Sigma Lambda Upsilon and Lambda Sigma Upsilon won the 2008 championship Latino step title, however the process that brought them to their success made winning more worthwhile. Ultimately setting the tone early on, the ladies of Sigma Lambda Upsilon said it best chanting “we don’t need to take notes, we wrote the book,” taking charge of lady flips with black cowboy boots and straw hats they embraced the end of a southern era. Immediately after, gargantuan launching of female lifts on each others shoulders by the Soul Stepping Divas of Omega Phi Beta credited their matronly strengths. Though, it was Beta Kappa Psi’s demonstration that won the most silence from the audience. As a member of the Fraternity flipped entirely off the stage into the aisle just before spicing up their routine with amusing ballerina like acrobatics, it is fair to say the Greeks showed up with full force.

Both Fraternities Sigma Lambda Beta and Lambda Upsilon Lambda joined the adventures of the ever popular characters of the Batman series, as Batman himself, Two Face and the Joker. Green hair, red lips, white face and eerie smiles stomped head nods of approval. Howells, Hollers and sauntering strolls were the soundtrack for the night. And both Bachata and Salsa were added to exciting the dance. But, it was the frail point of the competition that stopped the audience from utter explosions.

Paying homage to a lost brother Lambda Sigma Upsilon took a different route working with the uncommon theme of the popular 90’s sitcom Family Matters. Shattering Erkyl skits with plaid shirts, bifocals and suspenders they defended their skills clapping machetes instead of the step celebrated prop of a cane. They took a march beyond their pain and cut through with originality. Timbales and flags floated in the reality that although this was a night for fun their mission was to pay respects to the brotherhood that brought them together as one.

To view more photos or commentary or to learn more about Fraternities and Sororities participating in this year’s Latino X Step competition, log onto www.latinosstep.com or www.greekflix.com

(all images courtesy: www.greekflix.com)