Needle Through Brick movie trailer
I just watched the Needle Through Brick movie late last night for free on Hulu.com. What an amazing documentary about the expansion of China and the lost of interest in traditional martial arts. Needle through Brick was about the fact that times have changed and we all are effected by globalization and the ebbs and flows of the new economies. Traditions and cultures are facing serious changes as well being that the people who practice them and keep them alive are changing with the times. The younger generations are following the new trends and learning as fast as technology is growing but in turn are they learning about there history and traditions as well? Well according to this documentary in china the ancient art of Martial arts and its masters are being left behind due to the lack of support of the society in which they were developed. From the perpective of the those who practiced the Kung Fu for years and year “People need to earn money, no longer do you need kung fu to protect your family, your village, your lively hood, So why would you spend countless hours learning the ancient moves of your ancestors.” So in turn the Traditional Martial Arts practices are dwindling down to the point of non existence, and is in need of more support, funding, and new generation excitement toward the ancient practices.
The music of this documentary paints a powerful yet subtle text of traditions gone astray and I would recommend watching this film for the music by “Gil Talmi” and visuals alone even if the context of the documentary doesn’t interest you. I found that there were many parallels to the evaporation of the martial arts and the diminishing of old school hip hop within the hip hop culture. There was this parallel I seen when they showed how the youth was interested in and began supporting the Wushu styles. Which were more flashy and external rather than internally powerful and hard to look at. In Hip hop music today the youth and the society mostly support the aspect of the cultures music that is about the “show and the look” rather than a display of the inner values of the culture itself and upholding traditions. The stories reminded me of stories told from KRS-One and other legends of hip hop that depict a time where hip hop was an art that was useful in upholding the people at the moment and allowing them to speak out against the oppressive conditions at the time where as now people use hip hop to sell products and to market gadgets and lifestyles that are way out of reach of the original people and culture that birthed the art form.
These summer days I am giving service as an yoga teacher at the local Karate School here in Brooklyn. I personally feel the ancient arts and practices might go through changes due to moving from one location to another, one culture to another but they will never die as long as we preserve the conscious minded individuals who possess the abilities to harness them. Something doesn’t have to be popular to be of value. As long as one person remembers deep from within, the truth still exists and always will.

Guess what? Akim Funk Buddha will be performing an Exciting Urban Dance Musical with elements of
Waacking, Vouging, Breakdance, Waving, Locking, House, Martial Arts and more. Today at Summer Stage in the Von King Park area of Brooklyn you will witness the greatest show this spring. Akim’s Summer Stage show will begin with a dance workshop at 7pm so get there early for sign up. Check out the details below.

Featuring:
PRINCESS LOCKEROOO – Co-Choreographer/costume designer

The Flying Boom Box
Akim Funk Buddha creates a fascinating musical and visual experience with this live interactive Urban Theatrical. The Flying Boom Box takes you along the passionate journey of a young Hip Hop artist growing up in NYC. When the trials of city life and peer pressure reveal, he finds sanctuary in his Boom Box. By chance he discovers that his Boom Box is ”magical” and by manipulating the electromagnetic field of sound waves from his tape deck, he can navigate himself through time. He travels back to Africa where he discovers the roots of Hip Hop. He’s then swept off to Ancient Japan and 18th century France where he meets perplexing characters and is faced with unique challenges. This Urban musical, first of its kind is truly a fairy tale for all ages. With a cast ranging from age 10 and beyond, exciting choreography, unimaginable costumes you and your whole family are sure to have a blast.

I was at 100B Graffiti shop in the Lower East Side talking to the one and only Mark Miller of President of the LES BID. (http://www.lowereastsideny.com/)Check the behind the scenes “undakova” inconspicuous interview.

5_25_10 5_52 PM _Interview with Mark Miller of the LES BID

What is the LES BID?
The LES BID provides a variety of services to promote economic activity and improve the quality of life in the Lower East Side. Efforts are tailored toward assisting property owners and merchants who are in the Lower East Side Business District, and improving the quality of life in the community. Services include beautification efforts like street cleaning, graffiti removal, tree plantings, and holiday decorative lighting installations; economic development and business assistance in the form of storefront, security camera, and website development grants; and validated 3-hour free parking for shoppers, as well as discounted rates for merchants. The LES BID also markets the neighborhood through free walking tours, the Go East! Shopping Guide, a gallery guide, a website, co-op advertisements and special events like fashion shows and street festivals.

In the mean time: THINK APPLES!

On Sunday September 26th 2010 come visit Orchard Street for the third annual Apples on Orchard, NYC Apple Day is a free outdoor festival that pays tribute to New York City and the neighborhood’s historical connection to apples. The Lower East Side was an apple orchard farm in the 1700s, owned by a French farmer named Delancey. This event also highlights LES’s culinary venues, retailers and cultural institutions.

This year’s festival will be held on Sunday September 26th 2010 on Orchard Street between Broome and Grand from 11am to 4pm.

Come and discover what the Lower East Side has to offer!

I won’t spoil the surprise of what company I will be working with but I recently got my music into a commercial that will be on television. Yay. Believe me when I tell you its the ish! Here are a few of the songs I created to be submitted for the commercial so you can get an idea of why I love what I do. Let me know which one you like the best.

Undakova Track 1
Undakova Track 2
Undakova Track 3

BLOGGING LIVE FROM THE EVENT: This is a great conference set up of 3 panels.

PANEL 1: GETTING TO THE BUCKS
David Rose – newyorkangels.com
Jennifer Wright – ecoincorporated.com
Don DiMartini – nybdc.com
Pravina Raghavan – sba.gov
Steve Kessler – scorenyc.org

PANEL 2: MAKING THE MOST OF TECHNOLOGY
Rasu Jilani – cdtbk.com
Jay Greenstein – ragnewyork.com
Ben Kaufman – quirky.com
Nelly Yusupova – digitalwoman.com
Ramon Ray – smallbiztechnology.com

PANEL 3: PREPARING FOR THE TURNAROUND
Jessica Johnson – johnsonsecuritybureau.com
Lisa Price – carolsdaughter.com
Sarah Endline – sweetriot.com
Rob Walsh – nyc.gov/sbs
Maria Gotsch – nycif.org

I am excited to hear more about Lisa Price which is a small business out of Brooklyn called Carol’s Daughter. During the second panel of “making the most of technology” it was fun to hear the debate about where’d or not to create a business plan. Now I am goin to check out Rasu Jilani of Coup D’ Etat and Nelly Yusupova of DigitalWoman.com. Did you know about the websites quirky.com that empowers creative people or S.C.O.R.E. NYC where you can have a business counselor for FREE.

The Small Biz BIG IMPACT Conference is sponsored by the Daily News, CUNY, Newtek (the small business authority) here at BMCC.

Robert Lieber, New York City deputy mayor for economic development speaking at the Small Biz Big Impact Conference last year in 2009

Sponsers of the Event:
The City University of New York – cuny.edu
Borough of Manhattan Community College – bmcc.cuny.edu Newtek Business Services – newtekbusinessservices.com

Event Vendors:
North Coast Financial, an office of MetLife – northcoast.metlife.com
NYC Printing 123 – nycprinting123.com
U.S. Small Business Administration – sba.gov
SCORE NYC – scorenyc.org
NYS Empire State Development – empire.state.ny.us
NYC Small Business Services – nyc.gov/sbs

The Rapoet appears (performances, lectures, and workshops) at venues ranging from cafes to colleges, receiving praise from poets like Alice Walker (’08) and MCs like KRS ONE (’09). Recently, he performed at Yale University, hosted the Hartford Hip-Hop Festival with Rock Steady’s Crazy Legs (Nov. ’09), and continues leading workshops on positive self-expression for inner city youth.

IN my opinion Self Suffice is one of the best that ever did it in the LES. Check out his music here Self Suffice’s Music

One of the best (that I have had the benefit of witnessing) to do it like it needs to be done.

Wow who would of thought that inspiration could go on for this long and flow this far. I am excited to see what this song will bring into the world and hearts of many. Sometimes you just have to create and let the rest take care of itself one step at a time. What a blessing.

Please be the first to review this song by going to “Dear Haiti download page”

PS may this song make a difference in the lives of those who hear it and share it. Peace and Love

Yours Truly
Undakova

This Sunday I am going to be rocking out with some of the best in the Hip Hop Underground scene here in NYC and beyond. Check out the details.

Start Time:
Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 8:00pm
End Time:
Monday, May 3, 2010 at 3:00am
Location:
Southpaw
Street:
125 5th Avenue

THE BEATARDS are one of the dopest groups in NYC right now. Fresh off being a featured artist at 2010 SxSW many agree they are on the verge of BIG things. The three eclectic innovators: DJ O, Chuck Wild and UTK the INC, started the popular MIXTAPE RIOT! parties and continue to pump out bass heavy party style tunes using elements from many genres and their diverse backgrounds.

The Beatards Website

LOKI DA TRIXTA is always on the move, known for rocking all over the world and connecting with cutting edge musicians from Chile to Poland. In 2009 he released the EP Electrograph with a Polish producer as The Breadmakerz. This is his last show in NYC before leaving on a 3 month trip to India and Africa.

Loki Da Trixsta’s Website

CHAZ KANGAS is one of the most creative and clever emcees around. Known for winning hundreds of freestyle battles with his witty, humorous delivery and his idefatigable passion for Hip Hop and popular culture. Seeing Chaz perform is always a treat and one never knows what to expect next!

Chaz Kangas Website

WE STOLE THE SHOW have been creating a buzz for themselves with fresh tunes, a tireless work ethic and of course, a string of amazing live performances. The two emcees Grand Phee and Rhyson Hall connect on stage bringing humor, smarts and dope beats to rock the set!

We Stole the Show Website

HOSTED BY the legendary, interplanetary RABBI DARKSIDE!!!!
Rabbi Darkside Website

TUNES FROM Supreme Scratchmaster DJ ANUBUS
DJ ANUBUS Website

AND JUST ADDED ALL THE WAY FROM THE WINDY CITY….

KINKY NOTTI

Kinky Notti is Chicago’s love child…a sonic collision of funk, soul, hip hop, pop, dance & rock sandwiched between two layers of passion and creativity. Tshurhad Chivas & Havanah Maxie present themselves as more than just a music group. As the producers, writers, vocalists, graphic designers, marketeers and stylist of their musical offspring, Kinky Notti is an intersection of art, culture, fashion, sensuality, spirituality, possibility & just plain old fun- a refreshing expression of the modern human experience.

Kinki Notti

Hope you can come through and enjoy the festivities with me and the rest of the brooklyn family. Peace and love

I caught up with Rabbi D and Hired Gun when they entered the Bowery Poetry Club with this album. Classic times.