Urban Exploring: Episode 6 - Queen Ella
THE SYNOPSIS
In episode 6 of Urban Exploring Season 1, Iquan and Guru spent an entire day with Newark based R&B singer Queen Ella as she gets dolled-up for her show at the Apollo Theater later that evening. The two started out at popular Newark barber shop Center Stage Cuts, where they meet Queen Ella and waited for her to get her weekly unorthodox hair cut. Then the three jumped in the car and made way to Montclair, NJ to grab food from Raymonds an American New York themed restaurant located in the center of Montclair's church street. After a nice lunch the 3 split up to get changed for Queen Ella's Apollo Amature Night performance. Prior to this day, Iquan tagged along with Queen Ella and her crew to the Metropolitan Room in New York City as she headlined for first ever New York show.
THE DISCOVERIES
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QUEEN ELLA
Known for her incomparable and captivating performances…two time Apollo winner Queen Ella, born Queenella Nicole Gibson, is a full-time recording singer/songwriter with ambition. Unemployed since July of 2009, the rebellious red-head Queen Ella decided to put aside her career in International Business to pursue her career in music. She has been performing for small crowds of all ages since the age of 4. The center of her mother’s living-room was her stage; performing for friends, family, and stuffed animals is how she discovered her passion as an entertainer. Learn More[/one_third]
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CENTER STAGE CUTS
Barbershop for Men and Women
Center Stage Cuts is proud to offer a mix of grooming, entertainment and local retail - cuts & culture for men and women. Housed in a 19th century converted food market, we're located on the corner of Broad and Grant Streets in downtown Newark, the arts capital of NJ. The shop is filled with artwork by emerging artisans and designers. Additionally, we host a weekly calendar of events including live bands, spoken word poetry, karaoke, and art exhibits. Learn More[/one_third]
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RAYMONDS (MONTCLAIR)
In 1989, when Raymond Badach opened his postage-stamp-size luncheonette on Church Street, coffee was just coffee and Montclair wasn't a mecca for New Yorkers.
One thing remains the same—our wish to provide great-tasting, fresh food at decent prices in an interesting atmosphere.
At Raymond’s you can always catch up on the local gossip, hang-out at the counter with a newspaper, or meet some new friends—especially if you’re the new kid in town. Learn More[/one_third_last]
METROPOLITAN ROOM
Voted #1 Jazz Cabaret Club by New York Magazine, The Metropolitan Room is one of the most critically acclaimed venues in NYC and is known as the "Home" for big name talents and rising stars. This famed, Flatiron District, 22nd Street bastion for singers, is located in the heart of Manhattan in the Flatiron/Chelsea District. A high-end cabaret and jazz club, the Metropolitan Room brings the best in live music to New York City. Every night of the week, at 7pm, 9:30pm and 11:30pm. Fabulous award-winning Broadway, TV, Film and Radio performers take the stage in an intimate 115-seat atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of cabaret. Our renowned Chelsea club and performance space provides an intimate for a range of entertainments as diverse as New York itself. From spectacles like “The Sophisticates: Strip as it was Meant to be Teased” to performances by drag comedienne Hedda Lettuce, side-splitting comedy acts and moving cabaret sets by top Broadway stars, the 115-seat room provides the perfect setting for audience-pleasing shows, night after night. Learn More
THE THANK YOU'S
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MEDIUM APPAREL
Thank you Zac & the crew over at Medium for the care package, I felt fresh in my CREAM t-shirt. Much love to my fam out west. - Iquan
Get Your Own
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FLAT FITTY
Shout to my home girl Dove for having my hat game on point in this episode. - Iquan Cop One
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PHOTOBOOTH: Mott Street Cycles
A few weeks ago we posted Iquan an Guru's travels through NYC on their brand new custom bike from Mott Street Cycles, here are a few of the pictures. Enjoy! Oh, and if you didn't get to see the video, check it out here.
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Urban Exploring: Mott Street Cycles (Special Edition)
In this special edition of Urban Exploring, Iquan takes Guru to pick up his bike from Mott Street Cycles in China Town NYC. The two explore the shop and then cruise through the lower east side and Manhattan Bridge.
It all started a week prior to this journey when Iquan discovered Mott Street Cycles and immediately brought his bike from the unique and well branded bike shop. While heading back to Jersey Iquan texted Guru about the discovery and sent a few photos of the bicycle, Guru instantly said... "I want one". The very next day, the two headed over to China Town to order Guru's custom bike. It was a simple process, walk in, point at what you want, tell them the colors and what accessories then within 5 minutes your bike is ordered. Guru color choice was based off Iquan's color scheme which is the color scheme of the Artoholiks overall branding.
In a matter of days, Guru got the call from MSC to pick up his brand new means of transportation, the Urban Exploring duo got there within an hour and began they're exploration around downtown Manhattan. And just like that they created another story for Artoholiks.com, enjoy the video above and check out more photos in the photobooth. Deuces!
THE DISCOVERIES
MOTT STREET CYCLES
MSC Customs is a local bike and apparel company based in China Town Manhattan. Specializing in assembling fine personalized bicycles at a reasonable price, built with a commuters mindset. Learn More[/one_third]
Urban Exploring: Episode 5 – Orane Williams
In this episode Iquan get's up earlier than usual to catch his friend Orane Williams at the gym as he get's ready for a very important day. Watch Orane and Iquan workout at Retro Fitness in Kenilworth, NJ, grab breakfast from Mark Twain in Union, NJ, then head to Montclair State University as Orane sits on a 'swagger panel' in front of over 300 young males.
Discoveries:
- Orane Williams
- Mark Twain Diner
- Retro Fitness
- Montclair State University outreach program
Music:
Clear Blue - Light Roast
Shot Written & Edited:
Iquan Worthington
Thanks:
Orane Williams
Urban Exploiring: Lil Wyte (Special Edition)
In this special edition of Urban Exploring, Iquan and Guru get access to hang out with Memphis rap star Lil Wyte and his friends in New York City at the Merchants Cigar Bar for his album release of 'No Sick Days'. Check out the recap of their night.
DISCOVERIES in this EPISODE
Lil Wyte:
Patrick Lanshaw better known by his stage name Lil Wyte, is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee. He is a member of the rap collective Hypnotize Minds and owner of the independent label Wyte Music. Read More
Merchants NY Cigar Bar:
Cigars & cocktails are accompanied by an American food menu at this clubby basement lounge. Learn More
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Urban Exploring: Episode 3 - Sunday's Beats for Brunch
In our third episode of Urban Exploring, IquanW hops in a cab with Guru and DJ Ream Supreme to check out "Sunday's Beats for Brunch" at Pianos in the LES of Manhattan. As the crowd enjoyed food and drinks, Laytonic, El Siete, DJ Polarity and The Grand Affair each had an hour to bless the crowd with good music. Enjoy this mini recap of event.
"Sundays Beats for Brunch was once just an idea, but with a little bit of time, networking, and getting to know one another, Laytonic's idea for Sunday's Beats for Brunch came to fruition.
It's always astounding when something imagined or pictured in the mind becomes a reality, but when that reality becomes a successful idea, it just let's you know that you were born to create.
To us, this day was a success not because of the number of people that attended or because of the amount of money made, but for the simple fact that all of our friends that share the same story as creators were here to witness an idea turn into a goal. That goal became Sunday's Beats for Brunch." - IquanW
Urban Exploring: The Internet x Phony PPL (Special Edition)
This past weekend we went out to chill with the lovely folks at SOB's and was treated to a great show performed by The Internet and Phony Ppl. Phony Ppl set the tone of the night, their energy was great and they kept the crowd excited at all times.
When The Internet took the stage, the crew went nuts as if they weren't hyped enough. Syd & Matt Martian lived up to their expectations, mixing some of their old joints in with tracks off their latest release Feel Good.
Even after the show, both bands came to hang out and chill. Everyone was extremely friendly, posing for photos with one another, exchanging social media handles and simply soaking up what was the end of a dope night out. But of course you know the night didn't end for us, Urban Exploring with The Artoholiks always require food. We left SOBs and headed East, to enjoy a burger from Mikey's on Ludlow St. in the Lower Eastside.
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Photobooth: Segment Commercial Recaps
This past weekend the gang and I hooked up at the GMLV studio to work on some segmented commercials. What do I mean by 'Segmented Commercials'? Are you familiar with the Happy Hour and Urban Exploring videos posted here? Do you know that for the past two weeks we've been sharing brunch spots while putting together a mix of music for you on Sunday mornings? We call that Sunday's Beats for Brunch. What about the post that features a photo timeline based around your favorite pair of sneakers titled In My Shoes?
Urban Exploring, Happy Hour, In My Shoes and Sunday's Beats for Brunch are all part of our Original Content series also known as segments. Each segment features an Artoholik crew member and a featured guest/host. So we decided to create short videos, similar to commercials, that will feature a future host and guest that we all can share.
As usual Guru documented the process in between his recording sessions. Here are a few photos, but stayed tuned for the spots as they'll roll out starting next week. We're also putting together a gag reel to share some of the embarrassing moments. None of us love the camera. lol
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BLUEPRINTS TO MY MIND/UNDERCONSTRUCTION PART 3
Remember episode one of Urban Exploring when we caught up with our homie Verbally Visual? When he was in Newark to shoot video for a track off his Under Construction Poetry album? We'll guess what? The video was released today and we're pleased to debut the video for BLUEPRINTS TO MY MIND/UNDERCONSTRUCTION PART 3 right here right now! Enjoy!
Urban Exploring: Episode 2 - Harvey Hirsch
In this edition of Urban Exploring, IquanW's former employer Harvey Hirsch takes over the episode to show him and Guru his old neighborhood, Coney Island. The trio started the day by having breakfast at one of Harvey's favorite spots, The El Greco Diner in Sheepshead Bay and after chowing down on the Brooklyn Breakfast of Eggs, Locks and Onions, they took a short ride to Brighton Beach where Harvey grew up. Harvey then showed the two where he made his first dollar by hustling comic books, sandwiches and lemonade to the beach goers. The last stop was lunch at the Original Nathans for some good old fashion hot dogs!
Here’s why we decided to ask Harvey to be included in this month's adventure...
Harv has traveled the world, in the US ARMY in Vietnam as a helicopter Crew Chief in 1968 and as an international marketing expert. He started and managed one of the most innovative direct market firms in America, winning all sorts of prestigious awards for his strategic communications work and for his revolutionary patented marketing technology. In fact in 2006 Xerox named his firm #1 on the planet when they awarded him their First Place PIXI Award for Variable Marketing. IquanW and many other students worked as paid interns in his agency, (and learned secrets that enable us to get and keep jobs). Now he's a food video blogger, specializing and having fun with getting his videos placed on page one of organic Google searches. But most importantly, Harv said he would buy us a real Brooklyn breakfast. He’s just a fun guy and he knows things and that's why you hang with a foodie! Check out his YouTube channels... Food of the World and Free Range Chow Hound. That's it for this month's Urban Exploring, stay tuned for Episode 3.
