Where is Real Hip-Hop?

Right here! Still being birthed in the Bronx like honey from the rock. There are few people amongst the masses, who can translate every nuance of life into sound. They interpret passion, angst,  struggle, victory, all tales worth telling, which from the beginning of time have been passed down through song by those with the unrelenting call to transform the human experience into living art. With music streaming through their veins they go about their days collecting inspiration from the world around them, storing them to throw into the air later as collages of sound. They answer the call for beats that sync with the spirit, that make close your eyes and nod your head in deep affirmation. 

When you have two hip-hop beasts together on a Friday night something interesting is bound to happen. Boricua musicians Roberto "Plena" Irizarry and Maria Isa, blended their talents and managed to lay down some tracks that puts half of what's being pushed by the industry to shame.

Me with Plena & Isa at Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen - click to learn more about this awesome estrogen led hip hop movement

A dynamic Nuyorican poet who is a blend of all things traditional Puerto Rico, quality hip-hop and rock, Plena offers a sounds all his own. SotaRican Maria Isa, who is also an accomplished stage actor, is 1 part gypsy beauty, 1 part activist, 2 parts lyrical genius. With fresh rhymes and very clear perspective she is a true blue emcee, able to spit knowledge while keeping you fully entertained. One of the tracks, "Isa Bronx Freestylin", recorded completely off the top of her head seems as effortless as breathing. 

With our energy up from the night before, we headed over to Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen, Kathleen Adams and Lah Tere's free annual hip hop event at Hostos Community College on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Maria's stage presence and message blew the crowd away. Lah Tere is yet another talented sister who's musical talent is surpassed only by her spiritual beauty. She closed out an amazing afternoon with gratitude and a barefoot call and answer piece that moved the crowd while reminding us of what we were there for; The empowerment of women of all ages to improve our own lives and that of our communities at large through the confidence that comes with owning our creativity and voices. And with all that said, I am now pleased to present the first song of Isa's upcoming EP, 

Ruff and Uncut: Plenazo De Isa

Free mp3 download: "Basilando"

Visit our YouTube channel, BombaPlena. Add it to your favorites, make it part of a playlist, share it! Enjoy! 

"69 Years Young" - A Birthday Tribute to Miguel Algarín

On September 11th a well known, dynamic assemblage of accomplished Nuyorican poets will gather to honor one of our living legends. 

Our honoree is a Puerto Rican poet, writer, retired Rutgers University professor of English and co-founder of the most famous poetry hub in the United States, our home away from home, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. 

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of one of our own, Miguel Algarín.

With performances by-

Caridad De La Luz (La Bruja)

Simply Rob

Maria Isa

Jani Bomba Rose

Roberto Plena Irizarry 

Hosted by Papo "Swiggity" Santiago of Capicu Poetry &  Cultural Showcase

There will be music, surprise performances and two cakes! Bienvenido! 

$12 at the door

Brought to you by Bomba y Plena of MusingsAndScribbles.com

Sponsored by Latinos NYC

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Algarín was born in Puerto Rico and was educated and raised in a culturally-minded household. The love for all things involving culture always prevailed in his family. He received his primary and secondary education in New York and later went on to college. He developed a love and understanding of the works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare's antique tales were the force which motivated Algarin to strive to oneday have a place of his own where he could tell the story of where he lives. Eventually, Algarín became a Professor of Shakespeare, Creative Writing and United States Ethnic Literature at Rutgers University.

In 1973, Algarín's Lower East Side, Manhattan living room was being used as a gathering place for poets and artists. By 1975, there were so many poets and artists gathering and reciting their works in the apartment, that Algarín decided to look for a more comfortable location. After hosting the poets until 5am teaching at 8am became rather difficult. 

Algarín rented a space on East 6th Street and named it the Nuyorican (New York-Puerto Rican) Poets Cafe. In 1980, Algarín purchased a building on East 3rd Street to expand the cafe. The Cafe is now a non-profit organization that offers programs which include poetry and prose readings, theatrical and musical performances, and visual arts exhibits.

It is where we breathe our souls in sounds inspired by language. It where we bare our pasts, present and future. The newest and the most seasoned are welcome. It is where many of us find out who we are. Here we will honor his life and thank him for the gift and inspiration he has given us. 

Facebook: Jani Bomba Rose

We'll add you to the invite to confirm your attendance

Click: 

Facebook invitation

The Nuyorican calendar