RICE&BEANS

NEW SITE

2010-11-04T14:28:00.003-04:00

http://riceandbeanssound.tumblr.com/

PROXIMO

2010-06-07T13:56:00.005-04:00

Mi jen-tay!

A few upcoming eventos for your pleasure!

First up we have the next Rice&Beans event going down at The Cameo in Downtown Orlando. We will be officially introducing our newest member,A Kid Named Named Brooklyn. Deep crates for real! All you MP3 downloading and playlist making cats should act like Pun and Beware, Beware!

Of course we will bringing that love and energy that our people love and represent! No pretentious lounging or wine lists!

Later that month, on Saturday June 26th, the Sound will be back in Obama's neighborhood along with the Bio Ritmo familia at the Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington DC! More info coming soon!

BLES TRU MENTAL/SIEMBRA LISTENING PARTY RECAP

2010-05-13T09:26:00.004-04:00

The Bles Tru Mentals/Siembra party was a great success! I had a gang of fun the entire weekend! Peep below for some videos of the event:

RICE&BEANS SOUND: BLES TRU MENTALS Listening Party/"Siembra" Re-Release Party from Cool Out Christian on Vimeo.

Tek-Uno freestyle at Bles Tru Mental/"Siembra" Listening Party from Cool Out Christian on Vimeo.

Opening Salsa Gorda Set from Tek at Bles Tru Mental/Fania "Siembra" Listening Party. from Cool Out Christian on Vimeo.

Shouts to everyone that came out and showed love...the love was felt!

EL BARBERO KOOL

2010-04-27T09:28:00.007-04:00

If it isn't obvious yet, I am big fan of Bobbito Garcia AKA AKA. His commitment to continuously push forward our culture and our people is only matched by his humility.He is the Nuyorican Ricardo Alegria. Below you will find a few of his upcoming gigs. Do yourself a favor and check check check 'em out!

(cop the 45)

This event always represents the start of summer for me...

"MODERN" SALSA & BOOGALO

2010-04-22T12:57:00.011-04:00

I am often in discussions with folks about how today's music is pure basura and at best watered downed versions of what it "used to be". Usually at the end nothing new is arrived and I am left feeling like an old dude who should be rocking an unbuttoned guayabera,chancletas,and shorts while playing dominoes and drinking rum (a joy that I hope to one day experience!).

However, the fact remains that the majority of what is today being pushed as music (especially Salsa,Soul and Hip-Hop-my loves)is pure trash.

But the funk didn't end in '79.

Today there is a revival of the original sound and flavor that was both salsa and boogaloo. As Fania Records and others, such as Latin Soul Records, continue to re-release the classics,a new generation is becoming aware and falling in love with the sounds of the OGs.

Today as well there exist a hand full of bands and musicians that are reviving the sound and energy of the 1960's and 1970's and once again producing incredible music.

Today I want to mention two in particular.

Bio Ritmo is a 8 piece band from Richmond VA that have been producing some of the heaviest salsa heard in a decades.Puro puro candela! Let me not bore you with words...peep the video:

On the boogaloo tip,which has become extremely hip and cool again, we have Spanglish Fly. They are a band coming out of Nueva Yol with tons of flavor. I definitely co-sign! Again, I could bore you with with words but Id rather have you check out their rendition of the Ray Barretto classic "New York Soul":

LEGENDARY

2010-04-09T14:13:00.003-04:00

This clip is nothing but puro candela! Legendary performance of Tito Puente, Nicky Marrero and Kako at the equally legendary Village Gate!

BACK BACK TO ORLANDO

2010-04-08T08:41:00.008-04:00

Its been some time but the Rice & Beans crew will be back in Orlando! Or as I call it, the 79th municiplality of Puerto Rico!

We will be celebrating the release of the homie Bles' "Blestrumental" CD. Bles is an ill producer who has done work with some of the elite Hip-Hop cats in Puerto Rico and more importantly he is incredibly good peoples! Speaking of Puerto Rico's elite,as part of the release celebration we have none other than Tek-Uno coming live and direct from the Island of Enchantment! He will be doing a special birthday guest mix!

As if that wasn't enough, that night we will be celebrating along with the FANIA familia their official re-release of the CLASSIC "Siembra"! Without a doubt one of the illest records ever produced!

Por la esquina del viejo barrio...oooff!

REGGAE "MUSEUM"

2010-03-31T18:34:00.002-04:00

Roger Steffens' Reggae Archives from Babylon Falling on Vimeo.

OFFICIAL FANIA MIX LINK

2010-03-24T09:05:00.003-04:00

Familia this is the official link to the Fania Mix on Fania's website...check it out along with bio!

Many many many thanks to Kiko and the whole FANIA crew! It is truly an honor!

Click Me:

SIETE NUEVE, DJ LAYLO, SUCIO SMASH: LEYENDAS

2010-03-24T09:02:00.002-04:00

This is going to be an ill event. Support!

BOBBITO@CAMARADAS

2010-03-24T09:00:00.005-04:00

Bobbito will be spinning the FIRST MONDAY of the month at Camaradas-El Barrio....ya tu sabes,certfied!

Flyer reminded me of a modern version of this Puente in Percussion design:

Si*Se : THIS LOVE

2010-03-16T09:13:00.001-04:00

Joe Conzo! The Bronx: Mi Barrio, Mi Orgullo exhibit

2010-03-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

Joe Conzo! The Bronx: Mi Barrio, Mi Orgullo exhibit

Posted using ShareThis

NO REQUESTS

2010-03-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

BARRIO BOOGIE FUNDRAISER-NYC

2010-03-11T13:16:00.003-05:00

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

BIO RITMO LIVE! NYC & DC

2010-03-09T11:18:00.002-05:00

Nueva Yol..ya tu sabes...Bio Ritmo and T-N-T!!

DC be sure to come out and support Bio Ritmo at the Rock & Roll Hotel:

FUND BARRIO BOOGIE!

2010-03-05T12:32:00.004-05:00

I have been developing-in my head-a documentary about the story of Salsa and Boogaloo for some time now.It's been a project that I have been passionately and possibly irritatingly been discussing with friends, family,and loved ones.

To make a long story short...I have begun a fundraising effort to make this project a reality...and you can help!

You can click on the link below and learn about both the project and how to support it.

If you are interested in becoming involved,have questions,suggestions,etc. please feel free to contact me.

I appreciate all the support and please spread the word! Word!

BARRIO BOOGIE SUPPORT

FIRST FRIDAYS @ THE BRONX MUSEUM

2010-03-04T11:05:00.000-05:00

FANIA: EL MIXTAPE

2010-03-02T14:05:00.002-05:00

Quick mix done for Fania Records! Puro salsa clasica and boogaloo. Stay tuned for more project updates soon!
FANIA: El Mixtape by riceandbeans

GIFTED UNLIMITED RHYMES UNIVERSAL

2010-03-01T09:13:00.003-05:00

In our prayers..

RITA INDIANA

2010-02-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

This is puro candela! This shows the potential and the beauty of nuestra musica!

Peep it!

SUCIO SMASH ON RADIO

2010-02-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

Sucio Smash (Camuy!) breaks down the science of why most radio stations suck.

PROFILE: SUCIO SMASH from TONE on Vimeo.

Be sure to check out his show Squeeze Radio

MEETING OF THE MINDS

2010-02-21T18:01:00.003-05:00

Check this clip of Eric Bobo (son of legend/master Willie Bobo) and DJ Rhettmatatic (Beat Junkies) going live at Fat Beats in LA in order to promote their upcoming project.

Bobo Meets Rhettmatic from Bobo Meets Rhettmatic on Vimeo.

Do yourself a favor and DL the mixtape:

INTIFADA

2010-02-20T19:48:00.006-05:00

This joint brings me back to a very special period of my life. The group is Intifada,representing Puerto Rico. This is real Hip-Hop and not reggaeton ton ton. Very talented cats with a political (much needed) message.

Shouts to Intifada, SieteNueve,E.A. Flow, Tek-Uno, Chyno Nyno, DJ Godfather,Velcro, and all the rest of me gente killing ish in the island! Siete Ocho Siete!

A WALK THROUGH FORT GREENE

2010-02-20T13:47:00.003-05:00

Spike Lee, Rosie Perez,Chris Rock,Nelson George and others talk about the golden era (pre-gentrification) of Ft. Greene Brooklyn. This film should definitely be a must watch when it drops.

A Walk Through Fort Greene - TRAILER - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

BILINGUAL BOBBITO

2010-02-20T12:06:00.002-05:00

Bobbito...nuff said.

JOE CUBA RELEASE PARTY:NYC

2010-02-16T10:56:00.001-05:00

THE MAYOR

2010-02-04T10:32:00.001-05:00

TENGO FLY

2009-12-17T09:49:00.004-05:00

Pa' Washington Heights and Inwood! Showing there is more to the Heights and Inwood than just size smedium koi fish dragon shirts and pontusos! Dimelooos!

Official video for Maluca's debut single, "El Tigeraso"

TIPICA 73 @ JULIA DE BURGOS!

2009-12-16T11:33:00.002-05:00

Pura candela!

Tipica 73 is going to be playing at Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center tonight December 16,2009.

Click me for more info

TITO RODRIGUEZ LISTENING PARTY RE-CAP

2009-12-15T13:15:00.001-05:00

Bueno mi gente ya saben the Tito Rodriguez Listening Party was a great success...much fun was had by all!

Peep below for a quick slide of some of the photos!

Mucho mucho love to everyone that came out!
">

Tito Rodriguez “A Man And His Music” listening party will be host in downtown Orlando (Florida) this Tuesday night. | Fania

2009-12-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

Tito Rodriguez “A Man And His Music” listening party will be host in downtown Orlando (Florida) this Tuesday night. | Fania

MAMA GUELA

2009-11-20T12:35:00.001-05:00

just to wet your appetites about the December 8th Tito Rodriguez Listening Party...

EDDIE PALMIERI LIVE!

2009-11-19T10:43:00.002-05:00

The Master Eddie Palmieri will be performing live as part of his 73rd Birthday Celebration along with La Perfecta II!!

I had the pleassure of watching Eddie perform live in the middle of Division St in Paseo Boricua (Humboldt Park) in Chicago and he literally left everyone (young and old) in a frenzy...amazing night!

If you are in the New York area do not miss this living legend!

For more info:
Blue Note

FANIA LISTENING PARTY!!!

2009-11-13T14:05:00.003-05:00

With much love and much honor we bring you:

This the official Listening Party For FANIA's 2CD Release of Tito Rodriguez: El Inolvidable.

We will have tons of giveways and many surpises...so ya tu sabes!

For more info:
riceandbeanssounds@gmail.com

JOELL ORTIZ "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" BIG PUN TRIBUTE

2009-11-12T12:40:00.001-05:00

WILL Eh-SMITH

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

Just hit play...

BOBBITO PRO-KEDS RELEASE PARTY

2009-10-20T20:59:00.005-04:00

Do yourself a favor and check out this event..and cop Lo Tenny shu (Tennis Shoe aka Sneakers in Boricua)! The god Bobbito always represents! "Pa'lante" (siempre Pa'lante), "Baloncesto Boricua"...

TEACHER SABE

2009-10-19T10:42:00.003-04:00

I've seen all the previous episodes of Maestro Knows, and do to the large distribution online of the clips I never felt the need to re post here. This episode however hit close to me..in particular the last few minutes. Pay attention familia.

Maestro Knows - Episode 10 (The Dream Team) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

BOBBITO ON CNN

2009-10-16T17:20:00.001-04:00

Saw this a few days ago...Bobbito always represents!

CALLE 13 @ MTV LATINO AWARDS

2009-10-16T13:37:00.001-04:00

this is why regardless of what people say..im a big Calle 13 fan!

Vaya hermano!!

HBO ALWAYS ON POINT

2009-10-13T13:39:00.000-04:00

Lunch time at your desk entertainment:

A PUERTO RICOOO!

2009-10-08T10:25:00.001-04:00

COUNTY OF KINGS

2009-10-06T13:45:00.004-04:00

Lemon (Def Poetry Jam) is starring in a new autobiographical play being presented by Spike Lee.

Peep below for details:
Featured earlier this year as part of The Public Theater's Under The Radar Festival, Lemon Andersen's County of Kings gives a tough, yet poignant biographical account of a good kid growing up in an unforgiving environment. Lemon, whose parents met at a methadone clinic and passed away from AIDS, served two prison sentences before he was 21 and won a Tony before he turned 30. His on-stage memoir touches on young love, the birth of hip hop, slinging crack, ballet, stealing car parts, prison, and poetry as he takes the audience on an astonishing and surprising one-man journey toward self-discovery. Weaving hard-edged drama with urban poetry, the Brooklyn born and bred performer tells his coming-of-age story with profound honesty, compassion and humor. A true story of finding passion in the arts and finding one's way, Lemon paints a vivid portrait of his own life and the lives of countless other Brooklynites during the 1980s and 1990s.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lemon Andersen has been featured as a regular on HBO's "Def Poetry" presented by Russell Simmons and was also an original cast member and writer of Russell Simmons Tony Award winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. On screen Lemon has appeared opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's Inside Man and The Soloist starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

For tix and more info:
COUNTY OF KINGS

SIGUEN PA'LANTE?

2009-10-05T13:35:00.000-04:00

PUERTO POBRE?

2009-09-28T09:57:00.001-04:00

I’ve always theorized that the statehooders’ (those who support Puerto Rico becoming a state) plan would be to starve Puerto Rico into becoming a state. In other words their intentions are to make Puerto Rico as poor as possible in order to make people believe that their only salvation is statehood. Last week the pro-statehood viceroy (governor) announced the layoff of close to 17,000 government employees. So while most independentistas sit around quoting Albizu Campos and talking slick talk about the Yanquis, the statehooders continue going forth with their plans.

Despierta Boricua…and realize who the real enemy is! Hint: He/She doesn’t live in Washington…They are closer.

QUICK UPDATE

2009-09-15T08:57:00.002-04:00

Jay concert at the Garden was ill.
Kanye was staged.
And until Whitney tops "Every Little Step", I will be loyal to Bobby Brown.

Peace!

EL QUE SE METE CON MI BARRIO....

2009-09-02T13:24:00.001-04:00

CLASSIC COVERS CLASSICS

2009-09-02T12:23:00.001-04:00

ZOMBIE/VAMPIRE FREE MOVIES

2009-08-28T09:43:00.001-04:00

Santurce!

Where we murder for capitalism:

RICE & BEANS @ LA PREGUNTA FUNDRAISER

2009-08-26T14:13:00.002-04:00

We have the honor of participating at the Save La Pregunta Fundraiser Saturday Sept 5th. We will be part of an all day event aimed at saving La Pregunta Arts Cafe.

The event is from 4PM-4AM!

Room 28 (Comedy group), Sarah y Su Cachito (Latin Jazz), and the Rice&Beans Soundsystem! All for a great cause.

La Pregunta Arts Cafe
1528 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY

$10 Donation

SAVE LA PREGUNTA

2009-08-20T15:07:00.003-04:00

In an era of rapid gentrification and little to no space/dedication to events that go beyond the average commercialized bachata, merengue, reggaeton nights I can’t stress the importance of La Pregunta and all they do. Please do your part to support La Pregunta and what they represent.

Letter from Yscaira Jimenez (young Dominicana btw,not some yuppie),La Pregunta owner:

My name is Yscaira Jimenez and we are losing our business. A slow economy and a losing battle with financial institutions resulted in an eviction notice last week. If we don’t come up with $50,000 for back rent in 40 days, our doors will be closed. I started La Pregunta for the uptown and working class communities of New York City. This business belongs to you. It belongs to the poets, musicians, filmmakers, painters, photographers, writers, comedians, actors, playwrights, producers, designers, students, teachers, PTA’s, entrepreneurs and members of non-profit organizations. It belongs to the janitor, home attendant, cashier, baby sitter, beautician, banker, bodegero, street vendor and MTA worker. It belongs to Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood and the Bronx. This space has been offered to you either free of charge or at a low cost for you to share your talent and message with the community. The community has enjoyed this space at a low or no cost. NOW LA PREGUNTA NEEDS YOU!

Help me save it lending your talent and support for our

SAVE LA PREGUNTA FUNDRAISER.
SATURDAY August 22th, 2009 4pm-4am.
12 hours of DJs, musicians and performers
$10 Donation includes food tasting
$3 dollar beer, Sangria and alcoholic smoothies all day and night

We will be raffling artwork, makeovers, gift certificates, designer clothes and sunglasses and many other prizes from local businesses owners and organization supporting our cause.

ABOUT LA PREGUNTA ARTS CAFÉ
La Pregunta Arts Café is a venue for artist to share their talent with the uptown community of New York City. It is also a place where people can enjoy a different, tasty and affordable meal, use the Internet or just enjoy a positive and uplifting atmosphere.

The idea came from the need of cafes and art related venues in the community. Many of the residents of this community commute downtown to areas like Alphabet city, Soho, Greenwich Village, Williamsburg, Dumbo and to a lesser extend, Harlem and el Barrio to enjoy similar places.

We offer 2 services and 2 products. The signature service is artistic entertainment by local artists who are looking to showcase their talent. As a result of this service, many artists use the Café as place to sell their art, be it paintings, books, music, photography, etc. The secondary products and services are Internet, food and beverage.

Yscaira Jimenez, a young Dominican immigrant who has spent the last 10 years in this community and has never found a place like this in the uptown area of Manhattan, spearheads this venture. Our vision is to retain the talent of our community in the very place where it is cultivated. Young Dominicans, Latinos and immigrants need no longer go to Union Square to enjoy great art, community and atmosphere.

You can find us online at www.lapregunta.net and on facebook, twitter and myspace.

ABOUT FUNDACION LA PREGUNTA
Past Activities: The Fundación has been producing creative-intellectual activities for three years. Before securing a donated space in March of 2008, our programming consisted of a series fundraisers at several different locations. These events (see attached promotional materials) featured writers, painters and performers from New York City’s working class and immigrant neighborhoods, and provided an opportunity for residents and visitors to attend an affordable and stimulating night of entertainment while also contributing to the Fundacion’s future efforts.

Present Activities: As of March 2008, upon establishing ourselves in the current space [at La Pregunta Arts Café at 1528 Amsterdam Avenue] in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Harlem, New York, the Fundación has played host to a packed schedule of free and low-cost events including live music, theatrical performances, poetry showcases, non-profit fundraisers, comedy shows, book presentations, film screenings, art exhibits, art and dance classes, elementary and middle school poetry readings, and numerous multidisciplinary and hybrid creative events. The majority of Fundación events have been free and open to the public. When an entry fee is charged, 100 percent of proceeds goes to the organizing party, be it a non-profit organization or a group of musicians, and we ask all event organizers to charge an affordable price and strongly encourage a ‘suggested donation’ system in which no one unable to pay is turned away from participating. Every week from early March 2008 to the present, Fundación La Pregunta has had something on its calendar to offer to the public. Please refer to the following pages for samples of promotional materials for some of these events.

Future Activities: Upon acquiring 501(c)(3) status, Fundación La Pregunta plans to uphold our practice of collaborating with and providing space for existing organizations and artists, and to move into producing our own programming as well. We will inaugurate our founding with the launch of two pilot programs:

• Space Grant
• Kids in Movement Workshops / Proyecto Niños en Movimiento

The Space Grant will provide an opportunity for a local visual and/or performing artist or collective to showcase their work in our current location, benefiting from the use of in-house gallery space, audiovisual services, and exposure to our growing audience. We will publicize an open call for submissions to area artists, and we will draw on the expertise of local arts councils and arts alliances to convene an advisory committee to support our curator and partake in the selection process. The Space Grant is our way of making use of existing resources (the donated physical space, technical capabilities, audience) to further our mission of making “the arts more accessible in working class neighborhoods in order to strengthen these communities by increasing exposure to art,” while also building the Fundación’s connections to local artists and arts organizations in order to work together in future endeavors.

Our second pilot program, the Kids in Movement Project, will be a monthly morning of activities for neighborhood children age six to 12 and their parents and guardians. The Project will focus on promoting healthy and creative lifestyles among local youth. Participants will be served a nutritious meal and engage in hands-on healthy food preparation demonstrations. Each month participants will and take part in a different main activity that fuses exercise and cognitive development, such as Capoeira (the Afro-Brazilian dance and martial art), yoga or physical theater. While youth participate in the activity, Fundación staff and volunteers will engage parents and guardians in a discussion on child nutrition with particular focus on preventing childhood obesity and diabetes through affordable and accessible food options.

Other concepts for future activities include a series of professional development workshops for local artists, a monthly life drawing and artist networking night, and building a network of connections to public school arts programs and arts education organizations in need of space to share their students’ work and give these youth a sense of pride in their creative efforts. In addition to these programs, Fundación La Pregunta will continue to host a weekly array of cultural events, as we have been doing for more than a year. Gaining official recognition as a public charity will help us to devote more time to curating and managing our events schedule, honor our associated artists with a greater level of seriousness and commitment, and further develop an audience for different events.

NEW CLASSIC

2009-08-13T10:53:00.001-04:00

Find more videos like this on

2009-08-13T10:12:00.007-04:00

MAXWELL ..DOOGIE..COMIN' WITH THE NEW YORK

2009-08-11T09:44:00.000-04:00

BRING IT BACK

2009-08-11T09:14:00.004-04:00

JERZ

this shit is ill too...

Kooley High "Kooley is High"

LIBERATE THE 8 oh 8

2009-08-11T09:10:00.001-04:00

Feeling this..simple..good vibe..could be the "Island" in me.

Free Hawaii..and PR!

PUN

2009-08-07T09:22:00.002-04:00

In recent days,months,years Pun has become better known for the behind the scenes drama between Pun's wife and Fat Joe. I rather remember him for the reason I consider him one of the best EVER. This clip features Canibus, Mos Def, DMX, John Forte, and Mic Geronimo spittin' heat in what began as a round table discussion.

Peep how Canibus cries that he wants to anchor..bad move.Pun goes on to destroy shit with his now legendary "Dream Shatterer" verse. I love how Canibus' face shows his emotion after hearing Pun.

BIG PUN...

68-31..SO WHATCHA' SAYIN'

2009-08-07T08:19:00.004-04:00

This guy called it:

also...RIP John Hughes-tons of childhood memories.

WATCH HISTORY LIVE

2009-08-06T11:15:00.001-04:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

HAPPY SOTOMAYOR DAY!!!

2009-08-06T10:02:00.004-04:00

Today the Senate will be voting on whether or not to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court Justice...next June you will see her face screen printed on the Puerto Rican flag up and down 5th Avenue....in any case,VAAYYYAAA BORICUAAA!!!!

I picked this picture because it reminds me of one of my grandmother when she was pregnant with my mom..and is dedicated to all the Puerto Rican moms and to all the Puerto Ricans of that generation who overcame the cold weather and the even colder reality of the metropolis...

PELO BUENO?

2009-08-06T09:39:00.003-04:00

ya tu sa'es...

GOAPELE - MILK AND HONEY

2009-08-05T13:42:00.001-04:00

Milk and Honey - Goapele from goapele on Vimeo.

THE TIMES HADN'T YET CAUGHT UP

2009-08-05T11:19:00.004-04:00

Back in the 1970's this young self described "HungaRican" from Washington Heights was changing the face of T.V. His voice was one that most of America had not yet heard from..and sadly rarely still hears.

Freddie Prinze died at the young age of 22. But in the short time he spent with us, he was a pioneer who broke down so many barriers and walls (including most notably Pam Griers').

Along that same note I am including this clip from "House of Buggin'". This show which stared and was created by John Leguizamo ran from the 1994-1995 season on FOX. I still remember how proud I was to see Leguizamo doing his thing on a major network. By this time I had seen his now classics "Mambo Mouth" and "Spic-O-Rama" on HBO and was excited to see that hilariousness and genius on a weekly basis on FOX. Nevertheless, FOX wanted to make changes to expand the show's audience (read: add more White people to the cast-which would ironically lead to the death of another future FOX classic; "New York Undercover").

R.I.P. Baatin

2009-08-03T09:02:00.002-04:00

this was/is my shit...Descanse En Paz

LOVE IS ALWAYS FREE

THAT BROOKLYN BULLSHIT

2009-07-27T09:17:00.004-04:00

Just bought my tix...

For more info and to order tix:ROCK THE BLOCK BK

RESPECT THE ARCHITECH

2009-07-21T15:57:00.003-04:00

Watching this video gave me the same ugly face I got when I first heard Nas' "Halftime" or Pun's "Dream Shatterer"...

Tito Puente, Kako, and Nicky Marrero killin' it at the Village Gate...murder.

and I will throw this clip in for good measure:

VINYL IS FOREVER

2009-07-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

Wiken Recap

2009-07-14T13:13:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of catching "Soul Power" on Saturday...highly recommend it! If you have seen the Fania Live in Africa video, then you have seen the performance before-but this film gives you a lot of behind the scenes that add to your appreciation of the magnitude of the entire concert. The star of the show was James Brown,as he was the headliner, but what I felt and enjoyed most was Bill Whiter’s performance, the Fania All-stars along with B.B. King doing a parrandaesque performance on the13 hr flight from NY to Zaire (which of course lend itself to the fact that we make a party wherever we go-and that we are loud), Pacheco teaching a few ladies how they do it in the Bronx, Hector screaming “Africa” while feeling the love from within the crowd, Barretto’s impromptu performance with the local congueros, Mohammad Ali in his essence, and all the social commentary about what the trip meant. Dope movie.

On Sunday I went to check out Fania Live, and if you weren’t there you missed out on magic. Ilu Aye, Laylo, Bobbitto and Sake all esharon el adobo all over Santos! It was a multi-generational, multi-ethnic parade of dancing, chanting, singing, and respect for a label that gaves us so many memories and that is so many ways defined a sound and a culture. I am already looking forward to next years! Much respect to Laylo for making this happen! Vaya!

THIS WIKEN'

2009-07-06T13:43:00.006-04:00

As mentioned before this Sunday the FANIA LIVE tribute will be going down at Santos...Bobbito, Laylo, and Sake 1...ya tu sa'es...you can't miss this!

ADVANCE TICKET SALES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED..SO CLICK ME

also, Jonathan Mannion's Photo Exhibition will be closing this Saturday July 11 at Milk Gallery.

In case you aren't familiar with the name,he is responsible for this:

y tambien..."SOUL POWER" will be showing at the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas...looking forward to watching it...below is the trailer:

ROCK THE BLOCK BK: BAD BOY V. DEF JAM

2009-07-06T13:37:00.004-04:00

On Friday, July 24th "Rock the Block BK" will be presenting "Bad 2 Def"-Bad Boy v.Def Jam.

WHEN: Friday July 24, 2009
WHERE:ReBar
147 Front St. near Jay St. & Pearl. Brooklyn, NY
TIME:9pm-3am
SOUNDS BY: DJ Goldfinger & the Ahficionados
FREE admission
Dress attire is casual but "clean cut"

DONT FRONT

2009-07-02T08:32:00.002-04:00

this shit grew on me...and the video is proper...

Drake "Best I Ever Had" from kwest on Vimeo.

and so no one says ish...heres the sample for the "keep it real" folks...

SPELL IT WITH A "J" AND NOT WITH A "G"

2009-06-30T12:55:00.003-04:00

Came across this new joint from Kurios (Jorge)..

and if you need catching up:

MJ MIX BY PREMO

2009-06-30T11:40:00.003-04:00

I'm sure you have been drowning in a sea of MJ tributes..and bootleg shirts...but do yourself a favor and download this mix by another musical genius, DJ Premier...it will last you beyond the mainstream media's current praise of Michael...

CLICK ME FOR PREMO MJ TRIBUTE

BOBBITO @ APT TONIGHT

2009-06-29T11:03:00.002-04:00

self explanatory dope

R.I.P. Mike

2009-06-26T08:42:00.003-04:00

In an era of so much disposable music,its crazy to have lost a genius.

Que descanse en paz.

TRAVELING SOUND

2009-06-25T14:14:00.002-04:00

I happened to catch these cats on a show I was watching last night. I love the idea of what they are doing.

Check out these two clips below....

Also check our their website: I&I Sound

Central Park Summer Stage

2009-06-25T10:41:00.002-04:00

Because Mondays Suck

2009-06-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

shits mad funny

Habana Outpost

2009-06-15T08:59:00.006-04:00

Many thank yous to everyone at Habana Outpost for allowing Rice&Beans to a part of their Puerto Rican Day festivities. And thank you to everyone who came out and showed love!

Of course gotta start with this photo...

Lin-Manuel Miranda!!!

2009-06-15T08:39:00.003-04:00

VAYAAAA!

Another example of why we get loud and wave the flag up and down 5th Ave!

...and every other block...and highway....and bridge!

THIS WIKEN'

2009-06-12T16:14:00.005-04:00

This weekend the Rice & Beans crew will be spinning at a couple events. So if you are in the Orlando or New York City area be sure to come through and show your love.

ORLANDO:

WHEN: Saturday June 13
TIME: 10:00PM-2:00AM
WHERE:Eola Wine Company Downtown Orlando
*free CDs while they last*

BROOKLYN:

WHEN: Sunday June 14
WHERE: Habana Outpost 757 Fulton St. Brooklyn NY
TIME: 12:00PM-6:00PM
*This is part of Habana Outpost's Puerto Rican Day Celebration*

80 Blocks From Tiffany's

2009-06-12T12:27:00.006-04:00

"80 Blocks From Tiffany's" is undoubtedly one of the illest documentaries I've ever seen-probably only 3rd to "Pa'lante,Siempre Pa'lante" and "La Operacion". This documentary, which was made in 1979(best year ever)is focused around the various street gangs that occupied the South Bronx during that era. What makes this documentary so good is the sheer rawness of it. Unlike most other outside depictions of street gangs and urban areas (read: where Blacks and Latinos live) that tend to be overwhelmingly biased and layered with racial stereotypes, this film simply follows the everyday lives of a number of young men and women trying to survive the realities of urban decay and marginalization which were in full effect in that time.

Below is the first half of the documentary so that you can peep exactly what I mean...oh and the score of the film is crazy good too!

In keeping the same theme going, I figured it only be right to include a clip made by Truth&Soul Records of The Ghetto Brother's "Power".

Puerto Rico x Puerto Rico

2009-06-11T09:43:00.004-04:00

No, Puerto Rico is not collabing with Puerto Rico. The "x" means "por" or "for" in English.

In other words Puerto Rico for Puerto Rico.

This is a recent demonstration that took place in Puerto Rico to protest against the current administration’s actions to further privatize the island. The current governor Luis Fortuno-who is a member of the Puerto Rico’s statehood party (PNP), so he gets no “ñ” in his spelling-has recently made further measures to further deepen the island’s dependency on the outside.

Puerto Rico is a 500+ year old colony. Its current “commonwealth” status is merely disguised colonialism-which is both outdated and immoral. The most obvious example of this is seen in the decaying economic system which was not designed to benefit Puerto Rico’s reality-but rather a foreign nation’s needs. The thousands of layoffs and lack of employment opportunities are a direct result of this.

I theorize that the goal of Fortuno, and the rest of the statehood party, is to completely strangle Puerto Rico until it begs to become a state-which has never ever been offered as an option to Puerto Rico by the United States by the way.

Sorry, but this will never happen…

Below is a video of the protest, in it you will see René Pérez from Calle 13. In attendance also was his fiancé Denise Quiñones (Miss Univerese 2001)-she was born in Lares, so I always felt she was down! The video is in Spanish, so I appologize if you are not pani peekin’

ESTILO HIP HOP

2009-06-11T08:41:00.000-04:00

Familia I wanted to put you on (if you are not already put on) to a film by DJ Laylo (Liberation Lounge/Fania Live!) about the global impact of Hip-Hop...peep below for the official press release...and be sure to check it out when it airs on Global Voices Series on PBS WORLD Channel Sunday June 28 at 10PM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTShana Louallen 646.359.8448 ShanaLovesPR@gmail.com
For more information about the program, visit: http://wwwestilohiphop.net/http://www.pbs.org/itvs/globalvoices/estilohiphop.htmlFor downloadable images, visit http://pressroom.pbs.org/

NEW DOCUMENTARY, ESTILO HIP HOP, REVEALS THE POWERFUL ROLE HIP HOP PLAYS IN BRINGING SOCIAL CHANGE TO LATIN AMERICA

Film to Premiere on Global Voices Series on PBS WORLD ChannelSunday June 28 at 10PM

(San Francisco, CA) – Hip Hop music has the ability to give a voice to the disenfranchised in any country, and as music with a message it is a form available to all societies worldwide. Directed by New York based filmmakers, Loira Limbal and Virgilio Bravo, ESTILO HIP HOP chronicles the lives of three hip hop enthusiasts from Brazil, Chile and Cuba who firmly believe that hip hop can change the world. These three inspirational leaders mobilize young people to become politically active. However as the stakes assume greater risks, the leaders are faced with challenges and have to make life-altering decisions that ultimately impact the course of their lives and of the hip hop movement. ESTILO HIP HOP will air nationally on Global Voices on PBS WORLD on Sunday, June 28 at 10 PM.

Within vast breathtaking landscapes we meet, Eli Efi, Guerrillero Okulto, and Magia. As we delve into their lives, we learn about the movements they lead and the personal price they pay because of their political stance. Eli Efi is a hip-hop artist born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil who addresses his community’s dire living conditions through his lyrics. Inspired by American Rap groups such as Public Enemy, he founded the politically charged rap group “Defenders of the Black Movement” (DMN). DMN recorded five albums, receiving praise from the hip-hop community and music industry. As the group becomes successful, DMN is approached to sign a new record deal with a label that has nationwide distribution through SONY. When faced with the choice to “lighten” his lyrics or to remain true to his political beliefs, Eli makes a drastic decision that alters the trajectory of his burgeoning rap career.

In Santiago, Chile, we meet Guerrillero Okulto, hip hop recording artist and absentee father to two pre-teen girls. As one of the most respected and effective youth organizers in the nation’s capital, Guerrillero is propelled to bring change to his community. He leads a citywide collective known as Hiphoplogia [The Logic of Hip Hop] whose primary focus is to conduct alternative political education workshops throughout marginal neighborhoods in Santiago. Guerrillero spends his time conducting free workshops on the media, rallying teenage kids to become politically active while struggling to hold down a construction job in order to provide for his daughters. Despite his daughters feeling the void created by his absence, Guerrillero pursues his first solo album; not only to spread his political messages further but to keep his commitments to his family.

In Havana, Cuba, Magia and her husband Alexei, form the popular rap duo Obsesión. Using limited resources to create their music, Magia reflects on the contradictions of Cuban socialism and the often times repressive role that women face within it. Obsesión’s music has created an afro-centric movement among black youth challenging the Cuban Revolution to address the racism and sexism that often times goes ignored by the government. Their well-defined sound has caught the attention of many across the world, allowing Obsesión the privilege of performing in the UK, France, Venezuela, Canada and the US. Magia is also one of the founding members of La Fabri¬_ka, a collective of artists dedicated to using hip hop to promote messages of political involvement and social change. As La Fabri_ka prepares for their next event, Magia comes face to face with a government that wants to silence their voice.
ESTILO HIP HOP is a journey through the lives of three modern day freedom fighters who truly believe in the power of hip-hop to bring awareness and social change to their countries. The film will be available for download to own on ITunes Summer 2009.

***
http://www.estilohiphop.net/

Fania Live! w/ Bobbito Garcio, DJ Laylo & Sake One

2009-06-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, July 12th the vibrant sounds of 1960’s New York City salsa come to life, refreshed and reinvigorated, at Santos Party House, courtesy of DJs Bobbito Garcia, Laylo and Sake 1, as they spin their own contemporary take on the classic sound of Fania Records. Taking inspiration from Fania greats like Willie Colón, Hector Lavoe, and Celia Cruz, who pushed the bounderies of Latin music to blaze the path for genres like salsa, boogalu and Afro-Cuban jazz, Bobbito Garcia and crew have updated the Fania catalogue for the modern dance floor, blending in elements of hip-hop, house, and reggae, making the classic recordings more accessible to a younger audience while retaining their authentic flavor.

Anchored by Bobbito Garcia, one of the world’s most respected DJs and an icon for urban Latinos everywhere, the “Fania Live” party presents the classics of yesteryear infused with the consciousness of today’s hip-hop-influenced culture, creating a unique event that will bring people of all walks of life and three generations of salsa fans together! Garcia’s formidable counterparts for “Fania Live” will be DJ Laylo, who, born in Puerto Rico to Dominican parents, is the co-founder of Liberation Lounge in NYC and has ignited dancefloors from Brazil to El Barrio, and DJ Sake1, who is among the most respected and prolific DJs in the Bay Area (in 2008, he mixed Fania Live 03, the official CD release from Fania of remixes of their catalog). The event will be hosted by Flaco Navaja and will feature a live performance by Ilu Aye, a Latin Caribbean percussion outfit that interprets traditional and original songs from Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

When: Sunday, July 12th 2009 from 7pm-12am
Where: Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette Street, NY, NY 10013
Ticket Info: $15

Yo naci con mi...

2009-06-10T12:52:00.000-04:00

I wake up to this every morning...

Let's get back to the BOOM BAP...

2009-06-08T09:44:00.001-04:00

JAY-Z "Death of Autotune"

That's good money right there...

2009-06-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

...she got college in her!

A Bronx Tale: In Search of Sonia Sotomayor from weekendvids on Vimeo.

SPINNA-The Recall

2009-06-04T10:36:00.001-04:00

ya tu sa'es...from the good folks at High Water Music (Camuy!)

CLICK ME

Boricua Pa' La Corte Suprema!!!

2009-05-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Puerto Rico and the first news I read is that Judge Sonia Maria Sotomayor was nominated by Presidente Obama to become the next Justice!

This news has certainly helped cure my Post Puerto Rico blues!

Vaya Boricua!

Also, I wanted to include these nice words from Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican elected to the New York Legislature:

"This is a Jackie Robinson moment,” “Puerto Ricans, who have been Hispanic pioneers in so many fields in this country, have broken another barrier for all of us.”

Fiesta en La Calle Fulton!! (PR DAY)

2009-05-20T08:58:00.000-04:00

On Sunday June 14th in honor of Puerto Rican Day in New York The Rice & Beans Soundsystem will be spinning at Habana Outpost in Brooklyn!

Come ready to dance and have a good time all in the name of love for Puerto Rico and all the Boricuas! This will be a return to the essence of what the Parade should be all about! No corporate sponsors, no cafreria, no using the flag as an accessory...just real authentic love for Borinken-its history, its culture and its people!

We will be spinning Bomba, Plena, Boogaloo, Salsa Classica, Latin Jazz, Latin Funk, Hip-Hop, Reggae, House, Freestyle, and everything else that captures the diverse sabor of PR!

There will be plenty of surprises..so be ready!

In addition at 8:00 PM Habana Outpost will be showing the classic "Salsa"!

Ya tu sa'es you don't want to miss this!

Fiesta en La Calle Fulton (PR DAY)
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
12:00-6:00 PM-The Rice & Beans Soundsytem
8:00PM-showing of "Salsa"

More info and flyer coming soon!

*hit us up for more info

JOELL ORTIZ COVERS THE CLASSICS!!!

2009-05-14T11:18:00.000-04:00

Mi gente... I had to upload this...had to.

If you grew up on Doo Wop, S&S, Craig-G, Double RR and GBO-The PRO, Tony Touch, Ron-G, Siva Surfa,etc then you already know!(Thank you Blue Note-Miami, Fulton St-Brooklyn)

Joell Ortiz and DJ Green Lantern..nuff said!

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD

*courtesy of OnSmash

ESPERANZA SPALDING IN DC TONIGHT!!!

2009-05-14T09:25:00.000-04:00

For all my Washingtonians..Esperanza Spalding will be performing tonight Thursday, May 14th at the Kennedy Perfoming Art Center in DC as part of the 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival...this venue is amazingly beautiful as well. Saw Jay-Z there last year..he was even impressed.

If you havent yet checked out her music...do so. She is a bassist, vocalist, and composer with an amazing sound. Truly an experience which blends Caribbean, Brazilian, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Soul.

For more information:
kennedy-center.org

RICE & BEANS MIXTAPES

2009-05-14T08:42:00.000-04:00

Below are a few Mixes the collective has done in the past..feel free to download and enjoy...many more on their way..stay tuned.

THE RICE&BEANS SOUNDSYSTEM VOL. 1 (Salsa)

THE RICE&BEANS SOUNDSYSTEM VOL. 2 (Salsa)

THE RICE&BEANS SOUNDSYSTEM VOL. 3 (Salsa, Latin Jazz, Boogaloo)

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE METHOD AND THE HEART (Soul,Boogaloo,Salsa,Reggae,Hip-Hop)

GHETTO BROTHERS LIVE!!!

2009-05-13T12:32:00.000-04:00

Living Legends, The Ghetto Brothers will be opening up for Lee Fields & The Expressions' Album Release Party on Truth&Soul. There will also be a special guest performance by Aloe Blaac.

It all takes place Friday, June 5th at Southpaw in Brooklyn.

Mi gente, you don't want to miss this...

Despierta Boricua!

Also, if you have the OG Vinyl of Power/Fuerza my birthday is coming soon...just sayin'

Fri. 6/5
Lee Fields & The Expressions with special guest apperance by Aloe Blacc (Stones Throw)
The Ghetto Brothers
DJ's Akalepse & Jeff Dynamite (Truth & Soul), Eothen Alapatt (Stones Throw)
$15
8 pm doors
www.truthandsoulrecords.com

Stay clean...

2009-05-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

For those who grew up with me...

look at the white shoes..look at the white shoes

WONDER-Full in Brooklyn

2009-05-08T12:56:00.000-04:00

Mi gente,mi gente! Do yourself a favor and do not miss this year's WONDER-Full event..this is one of if not the best yearly event...

Saturday May 16, 2009
KeiStar Productions Presents
WONDER-Full™ (XI)
Annual Tribute To The Wonders Of Stevie
The BK Studio Lofts- 525 Waverly Avenue (Btwn Atlantic & Fulton St.)
Doors 10pm-4am
Featuring DJ Spinna & Bobbito a.k.a Kool Bob Love
Spinning All Stevie Exclusives, Covers, Samples, Remixes, etc…
Admission $20 (w) Advanced Tickets / 21 & Over, ID Required

**ADVANCE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT**

Tickets Available At: brownpapertickets.com

MONTHLY:EOLA WINE CLUB (Orlando,FL)

2009-05-08T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Rice & Beans Crew in Orlando hold down a monthly at the Eola Wine Club Downtown..be sure to check it out...

PAST EVENTS

2009-05-08T11:23:00.000-04:00

For those who are new to The Rice & Beans Soundsytem below you will find a few flyers and select photos from past events….for those who attended let this serve as a reminder of good times and as a thank you from us to you….seguimos!