Local is Global: ISLA on Staten Island THIS FRIDAY!

February 24, 2014By Nati

►►► ISLA (translation: island) is a new monthly global club night on NYC’s 5th borough of Staten Island every final Friday at The Full Cup in Stapleton starting February 28th. The party is FREE and starts at 10 PM!  Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1409515295967968/ This Pan-American & Pan-African diasporadically fly new pari (translation: party!) is brought to … Read More

Los Rakas New Playlist On VEVO For Converse Cons

February 24, 2014By Nati

Converse ambassadors Los Rakas put together a tight CONS playlist w/ ASAP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, deadprez, E-40 and more. Check it: http://goo.gl/3pPnA4 #RakaConverse #SoyRaka

Where is the love? #RakaConverse, Faces & Connecting Los Dots

February 18, 2014By Nati

Where is the love? I really dig Aura Bogado – who writes about race and politics for The Nation and Colorlines, among others.  Her poignant yet simple expression on Facebook this weekend regarding the absurdity of the George Zimmerman interview on Univision and our peoples’ deep issues with their African history/roots hits so close. Those … Read More

Um Novo Movimento: Zuzuka’s Baile Crunkin’ in Brazil!

February 12, 2014By Nati

Zuzuka Poderosa has been in Brazil the last few weeks, hanging with family and performing amazing shows in Curitiba (see photos), Sao Paulo (thank you Avalanche Tropical & Dago Donato!) and in Rio with Rio Neurotic Bass. Follow her on Instagram for hilarious and beautiful transmissions from the Queen herself: @ZuzukaPoderosa Earlier last month, Zu … Read More

#RakaLove: Yo sí soy raka in Chicago!

February 12, 2014By Nati

From Los Rakas: “Lee el artículo de Beat Latino escrito por Catalina Maria Johnson en www.vivelohoy.com nuestra gira llega a #Chicago este sábado 15 de febrero #rakanoticias #rakanews #soyraka | Beat Latino: Yo sí soy raka [READ IT]” Los Rakas hit the midwest this week and finish up the #ColdestZoneTour with DJ Ethos, supporting Samoan/Californian … Read More

Shero Sundays: US HAPPEN US HAPPY WE HAPPY!

January 17, 2014By Nati

AMEN SISTER! US HAPPEN US HAPPY WE HAPPY! URBAN WORD IS SUCH AN AMAZING ORGANIZATION #NEWYORKCITYIS #FUTUREROOTS #OGIMMIGRANTS RAMYA RAMANA: A constellated skyscraper moving gracefully to jazz beat, finding the Gil Scott-Heron in all her footwork, gripping the streetlights like an eclipse of hymnals, this is home. The lost voices, the heart’s devotion to beat and … Read More

[conrazón news] circles 2013 rappin UP!

January 8, 2014By Nati

It’s been a minute since I’ve sent one of my email blast recaps. Can’t tell you how much it touches me when someone tells me they dig the voice in these letters. It’s all from the heart, all this work, which is evolving and I’m working to articulate. We are in transitional times with digital … Read More

Gr(attitude) For Latitudes: Seeing Ourselves & Our Scars

November 28, 2013By Nati

Gratitude’s an attitude. Recently, I was put on to the writings, philosophy and purpose of the self-described “Jane Bond of Innovation” – Nilofer Merchant.  She’s been providing clarity, imagination and new ideas as a thinker and entrepreneur, urging us to “navigate the #SocialEra powerfully” for the sake of our individual and societal potential to shift … Read More

#TwitterRantz: On the J.Lo & Celia Cruz 2013 AMAs Tribute

November 25, 2013By Nati

via conrazon: “Most impressive of Jennifer Lopez / Celia Cruz tribute was dancer in red “d*ck in the face” death dive, Beyoncé-pump mid-Salsa & that ABC did dat, right? I left watching that performance like “y’all betta know!” …that’s the win regardless of my least fav parts of the “tribute” #AMAs #HI$PANIC. Tho the centralization … Read More

The Roots, Rhythms, & Future Possibilities of Tropical Music

November 24, 2013By Nati

LA MECANICA POPULAR ALBUM OUT NOW! On iTunes: http://bit.ly/18bFP9T And/Or Own The Vinyl LP via NYCTrust: http://bit.ly/1b6msLT NYC Psychedelic Salsa Band La Mecanica Popular Release Debut Self-Titled Album With Brooklyn-Based Vinyl Label Names You Can TrustThe Album Represents The Connection Between The Roots, Rhythms, & Future Possibilities of Tropical Music & Culture! Features Guest Percussionist … Read More