RodStarz: Top 5 Albums of 2010

As the year 2010 ends, I felt it was important to look back on the soundtrack to my year. I feel that what makes a great album are the memories you have that go along with it. How did that album make you feel? Did it make you feel inspired? stronger? happier? As an MC myself i dont listen to too much music and i def dont really listen to a lot of the garbage on the radio. Im blessed to be surrounded by talented peers and this year many of them put out dope projects that received heavy rotation on my boombox or ipod. So here are my top 5 albums/mixtapes of the year. Not in any order. Just my top 5.

1. Dead Prez and Dj Drama: Revolutionary but Gangsta Grillz



When this mixtape dropped we all went crazy at RDACBX. It dropped on their website for FREE!!! We were on our way to Detroit for the US Social Forum, and this joint was on 24/7 during that trip. "Marcus, Garvey, Huey" the joint they got with our BX family Divine of The Dey over that Beamer, Benz or Bentley instrumental became our anthem. We needed some Dead Prez in 2010 and I loved how they brought it over current beats. They flipped em! It was crazy how M1 takes his flow right back over Drake's "Over" beat, or how Stic Man single handedly made me stop smoking weed for 2 months with his verse over Gucci Manes "Wasted" beat. One of my favorite memories from 2010 was being on stage with them at the Black August concert jumpin around in my home made Marcus Garvey Huey shirt. All in all, Dead Prez continues to show us how to live healthy and be bout it with our politics.

2.Nneka- Concrete Jungle





I was put on to NNeka by my peeps Circa 95. Theyre alway puttin me on new shit! But when Rephstar showed me Nneka's video for "Walkin" I was floored. Immediately I went home and researched her online. I found her video for "Heartbeat" and for the next 3 months I bumped that track everyday. Ill never forget after a CIRCA 95 BBQ how we all danced at RDACBX to that song on repeat for like 15 minutes. One of my biggest frustrations this year was not being able to catch her at SXSW. I still havent been able to see her live and have that as one of my things to do in 2011.

3. Ana Tijoux: 1977





Ana is our sister. Our parents were both political prisoners together under the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. In the beginning of the year, while we were touring in Chile, Ana spoke to me about being her hype man for her US tour. She had signed to Nacional Records and was about to make her U.S. debut. I had a month to memorize her lyrics yet waited until the last week to get ready. I listened to this album 30X a day for that one week! I love this album. Producers Hordatoj and Foex brought it hard with the production!! This shows us how crazy talented the Hip Hop scene in Chile is. Ana's flow is like no others. Its like another instrument playing along with the beat. Apparently the Grammys agree. 1977 was nominated as Best Latin Alternative, Rock or Urban Album.


4. YC the Cynic- You're Welcome






YC is my little brother. I met him on my block like 4 years ago when i first moved to Hunts Point. I have seen him grow and become the super dope lyrical monster MC that he is. He recorded most of it at the RDACBX studio, so i had a sneak preview to the process. I also got to guest star on a track along with Hipnotic. If you havent heard YC, you need too. His wordplay is crazy. The fact he chose a lot of 90s classic beats to rock over only makes me appreciate this more. I know this is my shit cuz i know all the lyrics. I remember bumpin this on repeat in the RDACBX van while we played ball in the street. It was the soundtrack to many street bball games.YC had us all feelin like Superman with this mixtape and we cant wait to hear more!

5. The Reminders:



Im not sure when this album dropped and i dont care. I heard it this year and this is my shit! I bumped this album non stop year round. I met Big Samir and Aja Black while we were in Denver doing shows. Not only do i love their music but they are a beautiful family and wonderful people. Ill never forget watchin their cute little ones dancing on stage with them as they performed my joint " Black Roses" at an RDACBX BBQ we had. One of my goals for 2011 is to record a track with them, until then ill be bumping their album.

LAH TERE - CRUSH--OFFICIAL MUSC VIDEO

CRUSH [MUSIC VIDEO] from RDAC BX on Vimeo.

"Happy Holidays to all of my family, friends, and fans. This song "Crush" is very special to me. I have been performing it for the past 4 1/2 years as a member of Rebel Diaz. I never imagined filming a music video for this song, let alone shooting it in my hood "Humboldt Park aka Paseo Boricua" in Chicago. Now the world can see my beautiful hood who has worked so hard to make sure that we as Boricua youth never lose sight of our culture and how important real education is. I want to thank everyone who took interest in making this video a reality and for believing in my talents. Special shout outs to God, Las 7 Potencias Africanas, Mami, Papi, Bebo, Jeannie, Kandy, Irene, AJ, Cristian, Isabella, Julian, Diego, Juaquin, RodStarz, G1, Intikana, Billy Sanabria, Lil "O", Big "O", Janeida Rivera aka The Queen'a HP, Myra Rodriguez, Letticia Soto, Awilda Lyse, Lil Julia, Mia Jenkins aka "Lil Tere" and her mom Elisa Ortiz, John Vergara for his murals and artwork all over the video, Luquillo Barbershop, Botanica Victoria, Roberto Clemente High School, Dawn and Vanessa Massas and family, and Lizzy Medina. HUMBOLDT PARK NO SE VENDE! I will always represent where I am from Chi-City!!!!!"

Lah Tere- CRUSH- Video Shoot...

So last month, we had the chance to finally shoot a music video for Lah Tere's classic song "Crush". Intikana of RDACBX came thru from NYC to film and direct the video. We did mad different shots throughout Lah's old stomping grounds in Humboldt Park, as well as being blessed with rooftop access with a view of Chi Citys beautiful skyline.Big ups to our homey Billys older brother Jorge for allowing us up there. All in all we had a dope time doing it and from what it looks like the video will be just as dope as the song. It will be available this week on Christmas Eve. If you havent heard Crush check it out below. Peace!

Set The Record Straight. Intikana and Dj Charlie Hustle ft. Rebel Diaz

"Set The Record Straight" is a new joint from Intikana and DJ Charlie Hustle's project "The Master Cleanse", if youre a fan of Lah Tere's flow you will love this song. She goes absolutely bonkers on this!!!

Download this for free at:
http://mastercleanse.bandcamp.com/album/master-cleanse-ep

From the Bronx to Milwaukee, Chile to Chi City we be Holdin it Down!

SHUT DOWN THE SOA! by Karla Rodriguez

On the weekend of November 19-21, 2010, people from all over the U.S. gathered at Fort Benning, Georgia to demand-- through peaceful protest-- that the U.S. government shut down the School of the Americas, recently renamed, The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Many of this school's graduates have committed some of the most heinous human rights offenses in the world.
RDACBX and our fam Da Urban Butterflies took 15 folks out there from NYC. Rev. Claudia de La Cruz from DUB and RDACBX was a featured speaker throughout the events, due to her work with La Iglesia San Romero de Las Americas, and Rebel Diaz, IntiKana and Dj Charlei Hustle brought the cultural entertainment throughout the weekend. As you see in the video, one of the more memorable moments was the fact that Mario Venegas, G1 and RodStarz father spoke as well. He is a survivor of torture, as he was a political prisoner under the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship in Chile. He was tortured by SOA trained Chilean military officers.
RDACBX member Karla Rodriguez threw down and filmed and edited this video for a project she did while getting her Masters degree at The New School. Fresh!

Datura Stramonium: Kalae All Day ft. YC the Cynic

Kalae All Day ft. YC The Cynic. Off of the "Past Times and Crass Lines" mixtape, dropping on February 15th

Mr. Brown : YC the Cynic ft Sene

The song is called Mr. Brown. It features Sene, and is produced by the 2 Hungry bros. Its the first single off of Fall FWD (The Mixtape), which will drop at the top of the year.
Recorded and mixed by G1 of Rebel Diaz!

Ladies Love Project Pop Up Shop A Success!!!

Check out some shots taken at The Ladies Love Project this last weekend. Big ups to our very own Patty Dukes and to our sister TooFly for putting on such a dope event.... Look out for more pop up shops like this coming to RDACBX next year! Peace!

Photos by B FRESH Photography and Media | www.bfreshphotography.com

RDACBX gets the Union Square Arts Award

RDAC: 2010 UNION SQUARE ARTS AWARD from RDAC BX on Vimeo.

Check out footage of RDACBX receiving the Union Square Arts Award. Dope speech by G1 of Rebel Diaz..

Ladies Love Project Pop Up Shop

RDACBX AWARDED UNION SQUARE AWARD

The Union Square Arts Award recognizes the central leadership role played by arts and culture in providing educational opportunities for young people, building collaboration and promoting social change. The Award supports organizations working with youth and families in low-income communities across New York City in all artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theater, Visual and Media Arts.

Arts Award recipients are innovators motivated by a passion for the arts and social justice. They have created new possibilities for young people, built groundbreaking programs, and revitalized communities. Each Arts Award consists of a grant up to $35,000 comprehensive technical assistance, and the opportunity to apply for regrants to help build long-term organizational sustainability and community engagement. Recipient organizations are less than ten-years-old with annual operating budgets under $1 million.
In 2010 the Union Square Arts Award recognized seven organizations.

Haiti Cultural Exchange
Hester Street Collaborative
Maysles Institute
Pachamama Peruvian Arts
People’s Theatre Project
Purelements: An Evolution in Dance
Rebel Diaz Arts Collective

RDACBX Performs at SOA Protests in Fort Benning, GA

IntiKana and Dj Charlie Hustle drop their new EP. Master Cleanse!!

MASTER CLEANSE is the anti-thesis to oppression. It originates from the need for long awaited change. It is the cleansing of our spirits in alignment with our purpose. It is unforgiving truth and pure love combating disillusioning lies and boundless hatred. The ultimate sacrifice in cleansing from our "masters" or oppressors. It is the slave lynching the master. The fire illuminating eternal darkness. The restoration of independence, dignity, and true revolution. It is the ancestors communicating visions through symbols and scripture, while providing tools with which to translate them. Forever redefining the role of an MC (Master of Ceremonies) as the chosen facilitator. The lyrics and logic of liberation.

*Immediate download of 11-track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.*
Buy Now $6 USD

Rebel Diaz- "Libertad" (Official Music Video HD

Official music video for Rebel Diaz single "Libertad", filmed in Santiago, Chile. Produced by Artefacto Visual.

Anita Tijoux rockin live at RDACBX

FROM NY TO DETROIT: 2010 US Social Forum

FROM NY TO DETROIT: 2010 US Social Forum from RDAC BX on Vimeo.

On June 20-27, 2010, RDAC BX and Da Urban Butterflies traveled out to Detroit for the 2010 US Social Forum. With 2 vans packed with a full sound system and 20 dedicated artists, educators, and activists, this 26 minute Short Documentary entitled "FROM NY TO DETROIT: 2010 US Social Forum" chronicles a week long of unforgettable experiences that not only changed their lives but also bonded them together in a way that they didn't expect. From 8 performances in 6 days, painting a free mural in SW Detroit, conducting internationally televised interviews, to powerful protests and heated encounters with police/security, two organizations seeking social justice find refuge in not only affecting each other, but an entire community.

Rebel Diaz talks about the state of Hip Hop from the US Social Forum.

Rebel Diaz talks about the state of Hip Hop from the US Social Forum on John's Doe Main!

HipHop Hijack

HipHop Hijack from AstralJester on Vimeo.

HipHop has been hijacked by global corporations, including the US government, fronted by Barack Obama. Professor Griff, minister of information from Public Enemy, examines the relationship between HipHop and US president Obama.
Featuring (in order of appearance) :
Ice-T
Barack Obama
Kool Herc
Professor Griff
Busta Rhymes
Jay-Z
Dead Prez
KRS-One
Rebel Diaz
Stic. man
Russ Simmons
Kanye West
P. Diddy
Doug E. Fresh
Ice Cube
Lupe Fiasco
Damon Dash
Chuck D
Usher
Will I. Am
Diamond
Snoop Dogg
50 Cent
Quest Love
Kurtis Blow
Bun B
Egypt
Common
Melle Mel
Chamillionaire
Mistah F. A. B.
Young Buck
Killer Mike
Ciara
Redman
DJ UNK
Wyclef
Green Lantern
Pharrel
Will Smith
Eminem
Luke Campbell
T. I.
Big Block
Soulja Boy
Foxy Brown
Nas
LL Cool J
DJ Drama
Rick Ross
Talib Kweli
The Game
David Icke
Flavor Flav
Why G
Dr. Shaka Zulu
Black Dot

Teaching for Social Justice from the Ground Up

We are very excited that this November 20, 2010 will be the 10th Annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair, co-sponsored by Rethinking Schools. This year's theme is "Another Education is Possible, Another World is Necessary!"

In "science fair" format, and completely grassroots volunteer-organized, the Curriculum Fair will provide over 600 educators, activists, parents, youth & community members with a space to share curricula, resources, and inspiration. We'll be making friends & building relationships, exploring ideas & projects, connecting our histories & struggles. All in a spirit of social justice and education for liberation.

teachersforjustice.org

Video music by the DJ Limbms, Gil Scott Heron, Jurassic 5, Rebel Diaz. Some photo by Sarah Ji

Teaching for Social Justice from the Ground Up from Teachers for Social Justice on Vimeo.

Life is Living: Chicago

Life Is Living :: Chicago

Taking place as part of Brave New Voices 2009, this year's Festival is presented in collaboration with Chicago's Kuumba Lynx.

Featuring: B-Girl/B-Boy battles, Freshest Footworker, Tightest Trick Skateboard Competition, The Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, Baddest Burner, Soccer & B-ball Tournaments, and SPEAK OUT Offernda.

With performances by: Pharoah Monch, Rebel Diaz, Saul Williams, Kuumba Lynx Performance Ensemble, FootworKINGz, BNV Green Team, Peace Poets, Solar 5, FM Supreme, Purpose of Life, Theaster Gates, UPLIFT HS marching band.

And educational activities, including: Eco-education w/The Chicago Botanic Garden, Mosaic Art making w/Beacon Street Gallery, HIV testing w/American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Recycled Art w/Little Black Pearl, Guerilla Theater w/Kuumba Lynx, Live murals & stencil art w/Connect Force, and a mobile recording studio w/INFERNO

Life Is Living :: Chicago, IL from MVMT on Vimeo.

Y.C. the Cynic Performing @ SOB's Pt.3

Coming from Hunts Point, in the South Bronx, YC feels the need to bring more of the Hip-Hop scene back to its birthplace. He intends to do just that, while bettering his community as part of the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective. Lyrically, you don't hear many people that put in as much effort. He has been rhyming before he hit double digits in age. He has already developed a polished delivery, equipped with an unusually large vocabulary, an infectious energy, and a refreshing obsession with detail that makes for entertaining shows, songs, and ciphers. In under a year, YC has performed all over New York City, proving himself to Hip-Hop enthusiasts and pessimists alike. He is determined to be widely considered one of the best emcees ever to grace a microphone, and even though he has a long way to go, YC the Cynic knows the joy is in the journey. So, let the games begin

Y.C. the Cynic Performing @ SOB's Pt.3 from Hiphopworld.com on Vimeo.

Based in the South Bronx, we meet the members of the hip-hop group Rebel Diaz, who will open the doors to their socio-cultural and political project i

Circa 95 w/ Styles P & Rebel Diaz at Lehman College

All I Want Is You (People's Remix) - Rodstarz of Rebel Diaz and Baron of Red Clay

Boogie Mics returns! make sure to check out our new bi-weekly Open Mic!

Friday, August 20tth
7-10 PM
Featured Guests; The Sargonites and GodHead the General
DJ Danny Dan The BeatMann
Hosted by John Mega
478 Austin Place, BX
6 Train to E. 149 (walk two blocks toward the Bruckner Expressway, make a right on Austin Pl.)


all ages, all performers welcome...

Singers, Poets, Emcees, Comedians, B-Boys, B-Girls, Spoken Word Artists, Dancers, DJs, Producers, Mimes, Gypsies, Street Performers, Musicians, Actors, Magicians, Story-tellers, Promotors, Writers, Visual Artists, Revolutionary Speakers...

For more information contact:

RDAC BX @ 718-708-4701
John Mega @ castro1230@gmail.com
DJ Charlie Hustle @ djcharliehustle1987@gmail.com

Come out and have a good time in the Bronx!

Rebel Diaz "Libertad" Video Premiere RECAP

SATURDAY USSF Detroit Report Back, 7PM @RDAC BX

Black August Hip Hop Show FRIDAY hosted by Rod Starz and Lah Tere!

This FRIDAY, August 13th MXGM (Malcolm X Grassroots Movement) Presents Black August Hip Hop Show! 

Hosted by Rodstarz and Lah Tere of Rebel Diaz!  

Performances By Dead Prez, Hasan Salaam, Cody Chestnut, Pharoahe Monch and RDAC•BX's own Kalae All Day!

Highline Ballroom, $15 advance/$20 day of show. 

Doors @ 8, showtime 9 

COME OUT FOR A DOPE NIGHT OF HIP-HOP! 

Click here to learn more about Black August! 

Open screening and open Mic!

Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice and it PEERS 

invite you to a screening and open mic tomorrow!!

Restorative Justice for New York Public Schools!

The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective

Come and join us for free food, performances, and raffles. 

RDAC's Intikana Receives 2010 Brio Award!

RDAC is proud to announce Intikana as a recipients for the Brio (Bronx Recognizes Its Owns) grant for his achievement in the performing arts.

The Brio award is awarded to 25 visual, performing, or literary artists each year who reside in the Bronx. The selection for awards is based solely on artistic excellence and is decided by a panel of professional artists!

Click here to go to his website and download his album FREE!

RDAC Presents: Boogie Nights Open Mic this FRIDAY!

Friday, August 6th 

7-10 PM 

478 Austin Place, BX
6 Train to E. 149 (walk two blocks toward the Bruckner Expressway, make a right on Austin Pl.)

all ages, all performers welcome...

Singers, Poets, Emcees, Comedians, B-Boys, B-Girls, Spoken Word Artists, Dancers, DJs, Producers, Mimes, Gypsies, Street Performers, Musicians, Actors, Magicians, Story-tellers, Promotors, Writers, Visual Artists, Revolutionary Speakers...

For more information contact:

RDAC BX @ 718-708-4701
John Mega @ 646-592-1104
DJ Charlie Hustle @ djcharliehustle1987@gmail.com

Come out and have a good time in the Bronx!

Rebel Diaz raises awareness with Harlem RBI!

On Friday Rebel Diaz teamed up with Harlem RBI for a block party to raise awareness about domestic animal abuse. Talent from RDAC included the Young Rebels, Intikana, and a special performance from Rodstarz and G1 of Rebel Diaz.

Saturday's Freedom Festival was a success!

Over 400 people gathered on Saturday at Brook Park in the South Bronx to speak out against SB1070 and demand legalization for all through music, food and dance. Talent from RDAC included the Young Rebels and Rela El Supremo!







Bliz and Rela killing it on the mic representing RDAC










Face painting for the kids!










Delicious food provided by Friends of Brook Park







Photo Credits: Rahsmia N. Zatar

Immigrants Rights Freedom Festival @ Brook Park 2-8PM

Free Food, Music, Dancing, Friends and Neighbors!

LEGALIZATION for Everyone Now!! Stop the Raids and Deportation! No to SB 1070!!

Hosted By: Movimiento de la Peña del Bronx, Taller Experimental de Arte, Trabajadora por La Paz, Rebel Diaz Arts Collective

6 train to Brook Ave. Walk three blocks to 141st. 141st @ Brook Ave.

http://larebeldiadelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com

¡Habra Comida Gratis, Musica, Bailes, Invitan Sus Amig@s y Vescin@s!

¡Legalizacion Para Tod@s Ahora!! ¡Ya Basta Con las Redadas Y Deportacion! ¡No a la Ley de SB1070!!

Expondran Lideres de las Comunidades, Barrios, y Sindicatos

Convocan: Movimiento de la Peña del Bronx, Taller Experimental de Arte, Trabajadora por La Paz, y, Rebel Diaz Arts Collective

Toma el tren 6 hasta Brook Ave. Camina tres blockes a 141st. 141st @ Brook Ave.

http://larebeldiadelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com

LIVE STREAMING FROM DETROIT USSF!

Webcam chat at Ustream

CHECK OUT EL MERCADITO-FLEA MARKET AT RDAC BX JUNE 19TH!!

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR 1ST EVER EL MERCADITO- FLEA MARKET ON SAT. JUNE 19TH... ITS A GOOD TIME AND GOOD SHOPPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE. WE WILL BE RAISING FUNDS TO SEND RDAC BX MEMBERS TO THE US SOCIAL FORUM IN DETROIT. WE WILL HAVE VENDORS, MUSIC FROM DJ CHARLIE HUSTLE AND SOME SHOWS FROM CIRCA 95, GTP, YC THE CYNIC, INTI KANA, REBEL DIAZ AND MORE! 1PM TO 7PM... SEE U THERE!

No Human Being is Illegal T-Shirt Preview!

After the success of our "NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL" mural done by Chilean artist Dasic along with Bronx community members, RDAC•BX will soon be releasing a limited edition t-shirt that features the mural design. It will be available shortly on our website, and sales profits will benefit RDAC•BX membership's trip to the US Social Forum in Detroit this summer. Stay tuned!

Members of RDAC•BX on West Coast Tour!

RDAC• C-A-L-I! This week, YC the Cynic and Kalae All Day, young members of RDAC, joined Rebel Diaz on their West Coast Tour which will take them to 7 cities in California. Shows will include a fundraiser for police terror victim Oscar Grant in San Francisco, a fundraiser for South Central Farmers in LA, and an in-store in LA Fat Beats, among others. Collaborations with Bay-area artists Heiroglyphics Crew, Beeda Weeda, Los Rakas, and BRWN BFLO are also in the mix, so stay tuned for new music/pics/vids from our trip to Aztlan! Ay Bay Bay! For more info on tour dates and locations please visit www.rebeldiaz.com.

Work at RDAC•BX this summer!

Are you a youth ages 16-24? Are you interested in using Hip Hop as a form of self-education and empowerment? Learn how to make beats, record and mix music, edit film, organize cultural events, and even a lil rooftop gardening, all while making some summer money and building positivity within yoursef and your community... Still some slots open! Apply today at:

https://application.nycsyep.com/

make sure you specify:

Borough: BRONX
Provider: CASW
Worksite: Rebel Diaz Arts Collective (RDAC•BX)

See you this summer!

The 2nd Annual RDAC BX Film Festival--May 21st, May 23rd -27th..

Rebel Diaz Arts Collective BX PRESENTS: THE 2ND ANNUAL RDAC BX FILM FESTIVAL

When? MAY 21st, May 23rd- May 27th....2010
All movies start at 730pmish.
Events from 7 to 10pm

Where? The South Bronx.
RDAC BX
478 Austin Place
off of 149th and Bruckner....
6 train to E. 149th

What? A peoples film festival. Where hip hop meets politics and politics meet the South Bronx. We will have live post film performances and question and answer sessions with the directors...

All for Free!!!! Free!! Free!!


Friday May 21st.

"Xip Xop OaXaca"
(50 Minutes)

Hip Hop is alive and well today all over the world. This film is just another piece of evidence that by taking back identity, territory and community, Hip Hop can be part of a movement for hood liberation. In Oaxaca City, Mexico we see one more city in which young people continue to speak truth to power, through Hip Hop.
Directed by Simon Sedillo

Following the film there will be a Question and Answer session with the director.

And then a performance by HCP a Mexican Hip Hop crew

Film Trailer

http://blip.tv/file/3381741

Extras:
http://blip.tv/file/3381219
http://blip.tv/file/3381375
http://blip.tv/file/3381474




Sunday May 23rd.

"El Regreso de Lencho" ( The Return of Lencho)

110 minutes

The film is based on a script written by Director Mario Rosales about a graffiti artist from Guatemala named Lencho Aguilar. Lencho lives in NY for 10 years and decides to go back to Guatemala. Lencho organizes an artists collective and also is doing research about the killing of his father, a journalist killed by the army in 1980. By doing so, Lencho becomes a target of a secret social cleansing program that the Guatemalan government has right now.

After ten years in New York pursuing an art career,

30-year-old graffiti artist Lorenzo 'Lencho' Aguilar finds

himself back in his native Guatemala. As he organizes

a collective of multidisciplinary artists to develop

community-based arts projects, painful and unresolved

memories from Lencho's past resurface and threaten

both his project and his life.

Recently fiction and reality collided, about a month ago the police killed the youngest member of the cast, Carlos Chacon (aka El Chino), a 17 yr old boy. He was shot 5 times after leaving a public school where he was teaching a Break dance workshop. Carlos was a rapper, b boy and graffiti artist.

The idea of the film is to bring attention to this situation in Guatemala, where the government labels the youth as gang members and no questions are ask about the violence against them, the media is completely censor by the state and actually they are also persecuting journalists again. So Guatemala is back to the violence of the 70's...

After the film we will have a Question and Answer Session with the director Mario Rosales...

Film Trailer:

This is the website of the film http://elregresodelencho.com/


Monday May 24th


Sin Nombre

96 minutes

Making its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Sin Nombre is an epic dramatic thriller from award-winning director Cary Fukunaga.

Seeking the promise of America, a beautiful young Honduran woman, Sayra (Paulina Gaytan), joins her father and uncle on an odyssey to cross the gauntlet of the Latin American countryside en route to the United States. Along the way she crosses paths with a teenaged Mexican gang member, El Casper (Edgar M. Flores), who is maneuvering to outrun his violent past and elude his unforgiving former associates. Together they must rely on faith, trust and street smarts if they are to survive their increasingly perilous journey towards the hope of new lives.

After the movie we will have a Hip Hop performance by Honduran MC DeLaCeiba
and Salvadoreno MCs Reyes del Bajo Mundo!!!!


Film Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTSi0pKjC5g


Tuesday May 25th

The Art of Love and Struggle
Running Time: 1:18

A film of passion, ³The Art of Love and Struggle² profiles twelve amazing women. Artists, singers, emcees, activists, poets and writers who come
together in an explosive exploration of feminine creation. Independently minded women with voices that must be heard, each lady brings to the screen her innermost struggles, in an attempt to outline the obstacles that face the female artist. Based in New York City, this journey is narrated by the mystical Smokifantastic, and navigates the challenges of poverty, politics and personal sacrifice. Exploring love, identity and urban culture, our film dives deep into the underground movement of female artistry and features:

* Raqiyah Mays (Editor and Chief of the Ave Magazine, Hot 97 DJ)
* Amanda Diva (MTV2 VJ, Def Poet)
* Helena D, Lewis (Def Poet)
* Claudia Alick (Def Poet)
* Elizabeth Mendez Berry (VIBE magazine, TIME magazine)
* Toni Blackman (Recording Artist, Hip Hop Ambassador US State Department)
* Nemesis (Underground Emcee)
* Denise De La Cruz (Reggae Singer)
* Vista (Performance artist)
* Kyana Brindle( Smokin Word Playwright, Poet and Actress)
* Rosa Clemente (Media Activist and co-founder of National Hip Hop Congress)

Directed and Produced by Jessica Habie, Eyes Infinite Films.
Edited by Melissa Ulto.

Soundtrack Composed by Spiritchild of Mental Notes.
See www.eyesinfinite.com for more info.


Afterwards there will be a Question and Answer Session with Rosa Clemente who is in the film and a special performance from SpiritChild who produced the soundtrack for the film.


Wednesday May 26th

Operation Small Axe

directed by Adimu Madyun

"Operation Small Axe" takes a raw and unflinching look at life under police terrorism in Oakland. Through the stories of Oscar Grant ,Lovelle Mixon and POCC Minister of information JR Valrey, the film focuses on the occupation of Oakland's communities of color by militarized and racist police forces. Oscar Grant was shot in the back and killed by Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer Johannes Mehserle on January 1st of this year. On March 21st, Lovelle Mixon was killed by Oakland police after having allegedly shot five OPD officers, killing four.

Following the film we will have a a Question and answer session with members of The POCC and a local showcase with MCs addressing the issue of Police Murder by Police Departments across the country and globe.


film trailer:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfixe3-2RQo


Thursday May 27th


"APACHE LINE: FROM GANGS TO HIP HOP"


This documentary is a work in progress by Jorge "Fabel" Pabon.


It takes us on a journey through the trials, tribulations and triumphs of NYC street gangs/families that celebrated urban culture, through artistic expression, prior to the advent of what we know as "Hip Hop culture". This documentary is a testament to the power of transforming negative energy to positive. "APACHE LINE: FROM GANGS TO HIP HOP" captures testimony from some of these folk heroes who reveal untold chapters of New York City's urban history. Urban folk heroes, legendary street families and Hip Hop icons such as: Afrika Bambaataa, Yellow Benjy from the Ghetto Brothers, the Black Spades, Savage Skulls, Ching A Ling Nomads MC, Savage Samurais, Renigades of Harlem, T.KID 170, INK 76 and many others share their trials and tribulations experienced during the transition from gang to Hip Hop culture. Former gang members describe how they fought for survival and a sense of identity. "APACHE LINE" gives us an insider's view of a place that time forgot. This documentary also focuses on accountability and encourages our youth to think critically about decisions they make. It represents the experiences of generations of Americans and many who continue to search for acceptance, love and a family.


After the film we will have a question and answer session with director Jorge "Fabel" Pabon



Film Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdmQludvzBQ

Sunday BBQ w/ Circa95, The ReMinders and some serious dancing!

So on Sunday, May 16th.. the weather was extremely nice and it just happened to be that our good friends The ReMinders were in town from Denver. That's our peoples right there, so it was only right that we host them at The RDAC BX for a South Bronx style welcome/ kickin-it session/ BBQ. So like they do every other Sunday, Rephstar and Patty Dukes A.K.A. Circa95 were also doing their livestream internet radio/tv show on www.circa95.com , so we knew we had the components for a great time.

The Day actually got off to an early start as El Lucho Sigue showed up with some carne asada and came to kick it before noon to watch the Chile- Mexico pre World Cup warm up. Carlitos, RodStarz and G1 cheered for Chile and Lucho seemd to be alone, until Jay, who's Puerto Rican, shows up screaming in a Mexico jersey. Turns out Lucho invited him to a Mexico vs Ecuador game last week and the crowd loved him so much they bought him a Mexico jersey. The homey is a riot. So Mexico won 1-0, after a lucky toekick goal, and it was time for The Circa 95 Show.
The special guests for The Circa 95 Show were 8 and 9 Clothing, Luis Colon and Nick Howard of My Sneaker Apps, The ReMinders and Dama Nillz.The show went great as we leanred about a dope new clothing company. a fresh new app for all the sneakerheads out there, and a dope female mc. The energy from the show was definitely in the air as all the guests hung out for a while and kicked it...as folks trickled in.
We were especially happy to welcome Christie and PopMaster Fabel, and their cool friend. They do the dope old school park jams at Crotona Park, Fabel is working on a dope new movie about the gangs in Harlem from back in the day, and we love and admire them as people. Also Christie brought over some super bomb Apple Crumb Cake which everybody loved. You can peep their work at www.toolsofwar.com Also in the house were our comrades from El Salvador Los Reyes del Bajo Mundo, Alexplosivo de Chile via Queens, Lopez Victoria de Toronto via Peru, RDAC BX family; Bliz, Rela, Chris Diaz, Claudia De La Cruz ( who took the dope pics you see) , Cheebie and the homies from Castle Hill and many more friends.
After some good burgers,tacos, shrimp kabobs, bbq chicken and turkey burgers we were treated to an exclusive private show from The ReMinders. I first met this crew at a IMAN Community Cafe event in Harlem that Christie Z put me onto. While i went to see Brother Ali, I came home talkin bout The ReMinders and this dope jam they had called Black Roses. Well we connected and kept missing each other across the country in Chicago and New York. We recently touched base with them again in Denver and found out they would be in NY. Aja Black, Big Samir and their 2 beautiful little ones owned the stage! They had the crowd rockin and everyone boppin their heads with that fists and hands in the air status. Aja Black's got the ill voice and kills it on the mic as hard as any MC out, while Big Samir's flow is fresh and his lyrics hit home. Their topics range from love, family to just being happy in a better tomorrow. Our type of music. The highlight for me was when they rocked Black Roses and their little ones were on stage dancing. But truthfully every song they had was dope. The energy at RDAC BX was thru the roof. After like 2 encores, The Reminders left the stage, but they left it in flames.

To hear their music and buy it, go to : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reminders

The BBQ continued and PopMaster Fabel took over the IPOD Dj position and had the crowd rockin to some classics. He even played some old school jams from The Ghetto Brothers, a band that was also a local gang here in Hunts Point back in the day. Jay and Chris Diaz got to dancing and then next thing we know PopMaster Fabel treated us to some poppin and locking. Jay and Chris tried to keep up but couldnt hang with Fabel. It was a classic dancefloor scene. Jay had us all dying of laughter with his wiggles.
The sun was beginning to come down but the energy in The South Bronx from that day will have the RDAC BX shining for a while.
A beautiful start to a fun summer season coming up!


Peace!
RodStarz

The 2nd Annual Younity Markit

Refreshing! Energizing! Loved- filled! Just some words to describe the feel at the 2nd Annual Younity Markit celebrated this past weekend in the Lower East Side. This annual celebration is a definitely a family affair where all elements of the hip-hop culture live and community is experienced. While some children ran freely and the piragüero sold his colorful drinks, DJ Laylo was on the 1s and 2s spinning music for the soul. At the breaker’s corner Rokafella and a crew of b-boys were getting down! Walking and visiting the different tables was a celebration in itself as one experienced diversity at its best. From the children’s art station, eco-friendly and unique jewelry, to on- the- spot painters, original and unique t-shirts, and so much more. But no celebration is complete without cake. Whoever did not get to taste the Bake-One-Frost-Two brownie cup- cakes shared by Sofia, covered with her special frosting, a tasteful strawberry and a fun little umbrella needs to head to the Younity Markit next spring. And if you tasted these brownie cup cakes, I’m sure ya’ll be back for more next year…

The Younity Markit is definitely a space that brings together all the components for a beautiful spring-day gathering. Birthing nothing but joy, creativity, and inspiration… I’m excited for the years to come celebrating Younity…

By Claudia De La Cruz

Check out the May Day Freedom Fest Footage!!

MAY DAY FREEDOM FEST A SUCCESS!!!

The May Day Freedom Fest was a complete success! On Saturday May 1st, thousands of people came to Union Square to stand up for Immigrant Rights and say no to the racist anti immigrant laws passed recently in Arizona. There was also a strong stance taken against the supposed reform of the Schumer-Graham bill. The reality is is that we need legalization for now and an immediate stop to the deportations and raids. ICE seems to have become a rogue agency that terrorizes immigrants and divides families. Whats going on in Arizona is the revival of Jim Crow!

The response led to the largest rally that Union Square has seen since the marches of 2006. Families, students, workers, students Hip Hop artists and many different organizations came out. It helped that it was a beautiful 80 degree day under the sun.

The day started with the morning set up team meeting up at RDAC BX at 7am. From there we all rolled up to Union Square and set up shop. The whole RDAC sound system was put to use! We chalked up the whole area and there we had it: Hip Hop was back in the Park. Outdoors. For the people and free!

Around 11am the people started arriving, folks gathered....and the rally was on!

There was much teamwork that went on to put on the May Day Freedom Fest. RDAC BX came together with The May 1st Coalition ( www.may1.info ) and put out the calling to the masses. The result was a really dope program in that there were speakers for 30 mins and then culture for 30 mins. This led to a great balance between politics and culture and also between the generations. There were artists from all over that came to support. Artists like Hasan Salaam and Bad Sportt from New Jersey, Reyes del Bajo Mundo from El Salvador, Marcel Cartier, Fascious,GTP and Division X from The Bronx, Crosby from the Lower East Side, Immortal Technique from Harlem, Rebel Diaz from Chicago/S.Bronx, Dj Ethos from Los Angeles and Dj Charlie Hustle reppin Milwaukee. We also were blessed with the participation of Rev. Claudia De la Cruz from the revolutionary, La Iglesia San Romero de Las Americas. We also had the solidarity of some striking students in Puerto Rico and the son of PR Political Prisoner Avelino Claudio Gonzalez. Hip Hop was united that day and it wasnt only in performing. In true solidarity the artists not only performed but also helped take down the sound system and load the trucks afterwards. This type of camraderie is whats needed yall!! The march continued to Federal Plaza but we stayed back to take the sound system down.

This march was only the beginning of much work that is needed and that the RDAC BX will continue to support! We need Legalization 4 All! Lets not forget, besides the Native Americans and the forced Migration of Africans thru slavery, we are all immigrants. Like Immortal Technique said " We may not run America, but we make America run!!"