Notes from the underground--SPEAK EASY

Cav, Khalal, Supanova in a cypha

We can get down, we-can-we-can-get-down

The Legendary DJ Just Ice--Photo courtesy of Amaris

The New Rap Order's first female on deck, Trezure

Speakeasy patrons commemorate the occasion with a mural

The Faro--Only built for Afro Cuban Linx!

In the tradition of the the Zulu Nation and year Bronxite house party that started the hip hop movement, the SPEAKEASY is a monthly gathering of emcees, dj's, artists, poets & activists in NYC; hosted by the New Rap Order: post modern representatives of the native tongue tribesmen, complete with holistic dining. Though its founders currently reside in Brooklyn, it changes location on every appearance, goes 'all city' by rotating boroughs every month. My first was in a two bedroom apartment in Harlem packed to the seams; another at Far0-Z's apartment uptown, and a third in the Bronx, at Just Ice's studio. Cav steadily supplied the home cookin': laying down rhymes in between serving vegetarian delicacies and pointing patrons toward the punch; Faro celebrated a birthday and the release of his mixtape, Only Built For Afro Cuban Linx.

Like my man, the late Howard Zinn says, it isnt going to be one large movement, but rather, "the combined force of many small movements that will get things changed. Its the only thing that ever has." With movements like the Speakeasy series promoting holistic well being, good rhymes, beats, rice & beans, its definitely the type of movemnts we need more of.

Peace-Power-Respect