The music industry has had its control over our art for far too long. I do not have a critique for Kelis telling the music industry what they need to do to treat Black artists better and her issue with her contract with the Neptunes and their management. It is already public news that the music industry takes advantage of artists and use unintelligible jargon in arrangements. I do not disagree with Raphael Saadiq, either. Streams and the math behind converting streams into revenue amongst these streaming services is highway robbery. Steps in the right direction are significant, but permanent and more concrete gestures need to turn into laws in favor of the artist, not the major corporations. Estates and catalogs need to be protected and respected. Royalties paid.
Category: Opinions
-
Dealing with racism through “new eyes”, Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian just wrote an essay expressing her fears about racism and her fear for raising her daughter with Kanye West in a racist world. Read her honest thoughts from her website titled “On My Mind”.
I never knew how much being a mom would change me. It’s amazing how one little person and the love I have for her has brought new meaning to every moment. What once seemed so important, now feels insignificant. It’s like I get to see the world for the first time again but through someone else’s eyes. It’s a beautiful thing to feel and experience so much more, but with that beauty comes a flip side – seeing through my daughter’s eyes the side of life that isn’t always so pretty.
To be honest, before I had North, I never really gave racism or discrimination a lot of thought. It is obviously a topic that Kanye is passionate about, but I guess it was easier for me to believe that it was someone else’s battle. But recently, I’ve read and personally experienced some incidents that have sickened me and made me take notice. I realize that racism and discrimination are still alive, and just as hateful and deadly as they ever have been.
I feel a responsibility as a mother, a public figure, a human being, to do what I can to make sure that not only my child, but all children, don’t have to grow up in a world where they are judged by the colour of their skin, or their gender, or their sexual orientation. I want my daughter growing up in a world where love for one another is the most important thing.
So the first step I’m taking is to stop pretending like this isn’t my issue or my problem, because it is, it’s everyone’s… because the California teenager who was harassed and killed by his classmates for being gay, the teenage blogger in Pakistan who was shot on her school bus for speaking out in favour of women’s rights, the boy in Florida who was wrongly accused of committing a crime and ultimately killed because of the colour of his skin, they are all someone’s son and someone’s daughter and it is our responsibility to give them a voice and speak out for those who can’t and hopefully in the process, ensure that hate is something our children never have to see.
-
Review: Cantina Royal (Williamsburg)
On a rainy night in Williamsburg, I opened the unassuming door, only to stare at a red velvet curtain. I pulled the curtains to the side and was greeted with an ornate dining room in the shape of a large square. A complete tequila bar was in the foreground and the queen of the room was a massive chandelier hovering above my head. Later, I would learn that this chandelier had once belonged to Chef / Owner Julio Mora’s grandmother in Mexico. The logistics of shipping such a massive piece were unfathomable, but Mora had somehow done it. Its extravagance adds to the decor of a room that spares no design detail in achieving the authentic feel of Mexican culture. And as I got to know the man behind Cantina Royal, I understood how being deliberate is what makes him the salsa master of New York (among other things).
You see… “try all the salsas” was likely the best piece of advice a friend gave me coming into this dinner. Never have I experienced such craftwork and varying flavours of salsa. The crown jewel was the “Tamaulipeca,” made with chile pequin, tamarindo and fish stock. Fish stock in a salsa?! It totally works and is can’t miss stuff. The spread featured salsas with pistachio, cinnamon and a wide array of chiles, some of which were “marinaded in lemon, lime and spices for 2 months” according to Mora. The flavours are as complex as they sound, but the salsas are merely a delicious appetizer for the main event.
The chicken risotto, which boasted a distinct flavour of cotija cheese, just screams fine Mexican fare. The Califa steak taco was reminiscent of the classic quesadilla Suiza from San Francisco favourite taqueria El Farolito. Comfortable in its simplicity because it can be (see why in the photo below). Smooth chorizo tostadas that were perfectly smoky. But not as perfectly smoky as the Mexican BBQ pork ribs in a Hennessy BBQ sauce served with smoked rice and the most exquisite smoked cheese. The ribs pulled right off the bone and the flavours of the ribs, rice and cheese together were out of this world.
Every detail was carefully crafted. I have a friend who says “The best barometer for how good a Mexican restaurant is, is the rice and beans.” It’s a statement that speaks to being excellent while not trying too hard and it accurately describes what Cantina Royal is. “I want it to feel like it’s a secret spot,” says Mora. “You walk through the curtains and boom!” And it still feels like Williamsburg. It’s a cool spot to be at, the margaritas taste like they should (deliciously balanced and not too sweet) and it’s a slice of true Mexican food culture. Do yourself a favour and go visit the Salsa Master… if you can find him. Orale!
5 of Julio’s salsa creations. He truly is “The Salsa Master!” 
When you think risotto, you think Italian and the flavour of parmeggiano cheese. Cantina Royal’s Mexican variation achieves the same effect with the classically Mexican flavour of cotija cheese. 
Smooth and smoky chorizo atop crispy tostada shells. 
The Califa Royal taco is Angus rib eye and melted cheese on corn tortillas and it’s perfect. 
The Salsa Master has quite the sense of humour. He’s travelled the world and brings recipes inspired by both his family and his experiences all over the world. 
Traditional Mexican decor at Cantina Royal. 
Shrimp. No words. Just admire the color of the sauce. 
Ain’t nuthin like a well-crafted margarita (I had two!)
*Cantina Royal is located at 58 North 3rd Street in Williamsburg off of Kent. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 3 PM to midnight. The restaurant also offers cooking classes, catering, coupons, a calendar of events and a music event space in the back room called LA SALSA!
Words by Adrian Spinelli
Photos: NaShish Scott for GRUNGECAKE
For more about Cantina Royal, just click here.
-
Review: Cantina Royal (Williamsburg)
On a rainy night in Williamsburg, I opened the unassuming door, only to stare at a red velvet curtain. I pulled the curtains to the side and was greeted with an ornate dining room in the shape of a large square. A complete tequila bar was in the foreground and the queen of the room was a massive chandelier hovering above my head. Later, I would learn that this chandelier had once belonged to Chef / Owner Julio Mora’s grandmother in Mexico. The logistics of shipping such a massive piece were unfathomable, but Mora had somehow done it. Its extravagance adds to the decor of a room that spares no design detail in achieving the authentic feel of Mexican culture. And as I got to know the man behind Cantina Royal, I understood how being deliberate is what makes him the salsa master of New York (among other things).
You see… “try all the salsas” was likely the best piece of advice a friend gave me coming into this dinner. Never have I experienced such craftwork and varying flavours of salsa. The crown jewel was the “Tamaulipeca,” made with chile pequin, tamarindo and fish stock. Fish stock in a salsa?! It totally works and is can’t miss stuff. The spread featured salsas with pistachio, cinnamon and a wide array of chiles, some of which were “marinaded in lemon, lime and spices for 2 months” according to Mora. The flavours are as complex as they sound, but the salsas are merely a delicious appetizer for the main event.
The chicken risotto, which boasted a distinct flavour of cotija cheese, just screams fine Mexican fare. The Califa steak taco was reminiscent of the classic quesadilla Suiza from San Francisco favourite taqueria El Farolito. Comfortable in its simplicity because it can be (see why in the photo below). Smooth chorizo tostadas that were perfectly smoky. But not as perfectly smoky as the Mexican BBQ pork ribs in a Hennessy BBQ sauce served with smoked rice and the most exquisite smoked cheese. The ribs pulled right off the bone and the flavours of the ribs, rice and cheese together were out of this world.
Every detail was carefully crafted. I have a friend who says “The best barometer for how good a Mexican restaurant is, is the rice and beans.” It’s a statement that speaks to being excellent while not trying too hard and it accurately describes what Cantina Royal is. “I want it to feel like it’s a secret spot,” says Mora. “You walk through the curtains and boom!” And it still feels like Williamsburg. It’s a cool spot to be at, the margaritas taste like they should (deliciously balanced and not too sweet) and it’s a slice of true Mexican food culture. Do yourself a favour and go visit the Salsa Master… if you can find him. Orale!
5 of Julio’s salsa creations. He truly is “The Salsa Master!” When you think risotto, you think Italian and the flavour of parmeggiano cheese. Cantina Royal’s Mexican variation achieves the same effect with the classically Mexican flavour of cotija cheese. Smooth and smoky chorizo atop crispy tostada shells. The Califa Royal taco is Angus rib eye and melted cheese on corn tortillas and it’s perfect. The Salsa Master has quite the sense of humour. He’s travelled the world and brings recipes inspired by both his family and his experiences all over the world. Traditional Mexican decor at Cantina Royal. Shrimp. No words. Just admire the color of the sauce. Ain’t nuthin like a well-crafted margarita (I had two!)
*Cantina Royal is located at 58 North 3rd Street in Williamsburg off of Kent. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 3 PM to midnight. The restaurant also offers cooking classes, catering, coupons, a calendar of events and a music event space in the back room called LA SALSA!
Words by Adrian Spinelli
Photos: NaShish Scott for GRUNGECAKE
For more about Cantina Royal, just click here.
-
FoodGasm: Sweet Carolina Cupcakes (Savannah, Georgia)
Image: K.B. Ansari Eat. Enjoy.
With only $60 in her bank account and her grandmother’s recipes at hand, owner of Sweet Carolina Cupcakes, Holly Slayton has become the business woman she has desired to be prior to opening her shop. Holly Slayton not only has one location for her shop, but two — one resides in 1 North Forest Beach Dr. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina while the other is at 38 Whitaker St. Savannah, Georgia. You can say that Slayton has already made it to success. Not only is she busy baking and running a business, but she also does various chartable works.
Choosing Sweet Carolina Cupcakes was honestly a last minute decision, due to the fact that other shops were closed on Sunday. Although, the decision was late, I still left the shop as a happy customer. Being a fan of cupcakes and only going to a cupcake shop once did it for me. There were plenty of deserts to choose from, plus a staff member guided me on what choices to make. Let it be known that cupcakes are not the only desert items on the menu. Sweet Carolina Cupcakes also carries whoopie pies, cakes, muffins and other deserts. So come and experience a multitude of flavors ranging from classic vanilla to mocha latte. The winter menu (January 6- March 1) consists of 21 different flavors but there are four all-year long everyday cupcake flavors as well. Was it mentioned that there is also a gluten-free cupcake? For anyone who loves anything gluten-free, Sweet Carolina Cupcakes thought of you. Not only is everything freshly baked, but many of the ingredients used are bought locally; also come from the Farmer’s Market.
Three cupcakes were given a bite: Sweet Carolina, Almond Joy, and Hot Chocolate. No need to ask if all three were amazing — the answer is yes! Unlike some cupcakes, the cake alone carries moisture and the cake to frosting ratio is great as well. Not too much cake and not too much frosting, everything balances itself out. The best out of the three cupcakes that were tasted will have to be the hot chocolate, which is a brown cake with a butter crème frosting that is infused with cinnamon and a bit of cayenne pepper for a little kick to your bite. The first bite will make you want to melt; while the rest will have you begging for more. Each cupcake is priced at $3.50, so take as many as you can afford.
Let’s not limit the “pretty-ness” to the cakes, the store is another eye grabber and will have you wanting to eat because of all the pink colors that beautifully decorate the store; also the photographs of cupcakes and a full space to enjoy your sweets. The whole ambiance will put you in a mood to where you want to give everything a taste. Does it help to say that Sweet Carolina Cupcakes has a 93 percent thumbs up rate on urbanspoon.com? That surely does help a lot when it comes to convincing people to try out the desserts. Whenever anyone is in town in either location, stop by Sweet Carolina Cupcakes where your inner child will come out.
For more FoodGasm, just click here.
-
Rihanna’s full monty in Lui Magazine
Rihanna joins Kate Moss in the line-up of celebrities who have posed nude for Lui [He] Magazine, and the images are hot! Rihanna is on fire with her recent conquests in fashion (River Island and Balmain campaigns), in her personal life with unconfirmed reports of her relationship with Drake, and upcoming in August, Rihanna and Eminem will be co-headlining a series of stadium shows for their Monster Tour. Not to be outdone by any other female artist of the moment, she’s following up with fierce appearances on covers guaranteed to heat up our Summer.
Take it off, again
Rihanna has teased and taken it off for a slew of magazines including but not limited to V magazine with Supermodel Kate Moss, British and American GQ, Esquire, and a recent topless wet-n-wild Vogue Brazil shoot.
Although the bad gal is uninhibited most of the time, none of the images found in her prior magazine appearances or taken by paparazzi holds a candle to the images from the French magazine. The cover is NSFW with a prominent image of her pierced nipple, and gone are the Janet-Jackson-wardrobe-malfunction-excuses and income the welcome full monty nudes. Rihanna can be seen bottomless in a child’s pose Yoga position, and seen sunbathing while being partially covered. In short, get ready for tan lines galore, a shameless pierced nipple, boss bitch tats, and her own brand of IDGAF.
Check out the bad gal below:
Afterthought
Is it me or does she have one nipple pierced? I’ve heard that it’s a painful thing to do, but go ahead Rih. Get the other one pierced and send us a selfie! What are your thoughts on Rihanna’s Lui Magazine cover?
-
Review: Kes’ “Audio Justice” EP
“Authentic”, “unique” and “beautiful” are the first words that came to mind after listening to Kes’ EP “Audio Justice”. The lyrics and creativity brought forth is deeply moving and unique. Audio Justice provides the perfect soundtrack for mellowing out after a long day, preparing for a night out at the trendiest new age spot, or if you just want to hear a dope new sound. After the first listen, I was sold and found myself wanting more and hopefully you will too!
- Redemption: This was by far my favorite track of the EP. This track was so honest and pays homage to all of us who rise above criticisms. “Excuse my expression, but don’t tell me how I should be talking”…that’s all I needed to hear and it became somewhat of a personal anthem.’’
- Horses: The word play in this song is incredible and puts a new spin on what turns women on. This song has the roots of Cameo and The Gap Band infused with The Dream and Frank Ocean all in one impressive new age sound.
- Gimme Your Luv: “Something changed the day you walked into my life, and now I can’t believe you’re mine”… that is all!
- Carry On: The vocal effort put forth in this track is amazing and I feel the emotion behind each lyric. It was almost as if you could imagine the girl he sang this about and could almost picture who you would dedicate this to as well.
- Arabian Paradise: The last track of the EP brings the whole project full circle. I would have loved to see a feature or collaborative effort on this one but nonetheless the true gem of Arabian Paradise is the clever tempo and how it changed in between hooks to really create an amazing signature sound!
Audio Justice painted a picture that displayed the caliber of artist Kes is and why he’s on his way to being one of the most prominent fresh faces of the game. It is rare that I hear an EP that brings forth anticipation for more songs, and Audio Justice did that for me.
For more Kes, just click here.
-
Why TriBeCa’s Legendary Art Supply Store Pearl Paint Closed Its Last Door This Year
Image: César Gonzalez Paloma O
ver ten years ago, I was a design student commuting from Downtown Jamaica (Queens) to Canal Street Station in preparation of earning a college degree as a Graphic Designer to work for the very media conglomerates I’m working with now, as a Journalist. Before that milestone, I was an Art & Design major at a high school located in East Elmhurst who lived in Jamaica where we (who were interested in art) were without a local art supply store to purchase items from (and we are still without one), so Pearl Paint was the only sensible option for me. Pearl Paint seemed to have everything but as much as I like to travel and as much as I loved to ride the E train from its first stop to a stop short of its last stop, in recollection, I didn’t really enjoy my experiences at Pearl Paint, in-store and online.
*Whilst many others will view this article and see it as a negative subjectivity about one of New York City’s most legendary art meccas or landmarks much like the 5 Pointz, I can only tell this story through my personal encounters. Stay with me and hear me out, if you have tough skin and you know what a flying buttress is.
Here’s why I believe Pearl Paint is no longer with us:
As much as I would have liked to check-in on Foursquare, or I would have liked to text a fellow artist to brag about that amazing stretched gesso I just purchased from Pearl Paint at half price, I didn’t. Painstakingly, our beloved art store (once with a few offshoot nearby locations on Lispenard Street) did not truly join the rest of us in our new world of Digital Media, (Online) Direct Sales Marketing and Crowdfunding.
Website:
From what I remember, Pearl’s website (like most art store websites) was really hard to navigate because its menu and site fonts being microscopic. As the site loaded, there wasn’t a real sense of focus either. I couldn’t be tricked into impulse buying even if I wanted to and in my opinion, that’s a grand failure for a retail business. As an online customer and someone who has a trained eye for good design, I didn’t want or feel the need to return to their website, so I didn’t. And in time, the same happened with being a walk-in at their flagship location on Canal Street.
For crying out loud, pearlpaint.com still has a moving marquee at the bottom of its homepage! (Kindly see your browser’s status bar or the image below)
Can you see the marquee? Location:
Aside from having to ignore the groups of African men who will inevitably try to sell miscellaneous things to you and if all doesn’t go well, asking for your hand in marriage is the next best business venue, you might have to ignore middle-aged Asian women who will walk up close to you and halfway whisper the name of a designer bag, in hopes of fetching your interests — if interested — this might require your presence and your money in a scary underground passageway somewhere off of Canal and Broadway to get the goods.
For the times, it’s in a weird location. The truth is most of the cool kids who like to party and socialize, musicians, artists and college kids don’t stay in TriBeCa or really have the need to come to Canal Street. They’re all across the water in Brooklyn: Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant or Williamsburg. And to add to that disappointment, tourists aren’t really looking to purchase art supplies when they’re on vacation.
During the early 2000s, when I was in there like I worked there, it was welcoming. At times, there was a sense of perfunctory and irritation. I wish I was certain as to why, but I chalked it up to being a young student. Wanna know why? Because a large percentage of my peers stole at least 25% of their art supplies from Pearl Paint. They just couldn’t afford it.
In all fairness to the business as a business person, I’m not sure Pearl Paint could cut down the prices on art supplies for many reasons (shipping, customs, etc.), but from what I remember, items were expensive for the average art student at that time. We were coming out of a recession that began two years prior.
In hindsight, as an adult and a previous consumer, I can say that I wish there was more of a ‘community’ for all art students that shopped at Pearl. Perhaps, students would have felt like they belonged to something and they would think twice about stealing art supplies from one of the most well-stocked locations in Manhattan. A location that the young artist in us will have to now be without.
Education, Internet Phenomena:
As we’ve progressed into the future during the mid-’00s, our academic interests as creative humans have changed, especially in Entertainment and so did the necessary tools to execute. So unless you’re majoring in a field that requires fundamental ideas such as design elements and principles, unfortunately, a place like Pearl Paint is not really a necessity to you.
Over the years, I’ve seen ads on my Twitter timeline and my Facebook newsfeed from Pearl’s competitors (Blicks, Michael’s and Utrecht) but none from Pearl. Pearl didn’t truly change with the times. It remained traditional without a plan to compete in a new world.
Image: mooman82 Things I’ll miss:
Hearing the creaks in the wooden floors.
Reading those interesting squares of information pinned to the bulletin near the elevator.
Riding the elevator and looking at myself in that old security camera.
Walking through the back door on Lispenard Street.
Testing various Staedtler pencils to find the right one before drafting a portrait of someone who (or something) I fell in love with that week.You should also know that Pearl Paint, as of today, only has 877 Twitter followers — I’m not one of them — and their last Tweet reads:
Paramus Store Closing: Furniture Must Go! http://t.co/BNymv2wnwI
— Pearl Paint (@PearlPaint) April 22, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
-
Review: VDKA 6100 Vodka Launch Party at the Marquee
I made my way into Marquee night club in Chelsea with the promise of “The Vodka of Tomorrow.” The folks at VDKA 6100 (pronounced “vodka 6100”) had piqued my interest the moment I walked in with a banner that boasted “Originated in Australia, Distilled in New Zealand, Designed in New York, Sculpted in France”… Jeez, this is some well-travelled stuff! My thirst lingered and I walked into a packed dance floor with beautiful girls serving shots of VDKA 6100 at my disposal. I’m not generally one to shoot vodka so pardon me if I was a skeptic, but I took down the small glass of the spirit of the night and was pleasantly surprised. Smooth from beginning to end with a subtle flavor that was so enjoyable it made me laugh at the lemon wedges on the tray. This was good stuff. It had a refreshingly cool finish and before I knew it, I had shrimp and flatbread being offered my way as well. The DJ’s were spinning 90’s classics from the likes of Crystal Waters and Robin S and with a 6100 vodka soda in hand, the vibe was super cool into the night.
Midway through the party, an acrobatic dancer was raised on a sheet to the ceiling and danced above us next to the disco ball (Think: Pink’s classic 2012 MTV Video Awards performance). This certainly purveyed the feeling that it’s #AlreadyTomorrow. All things considered, the folks at VDKA 6100 succeeded in introducing their new spirit to New Yorkers in style. And even though it might already be tomorrow for VDKA 6100, we’ll have to see what the bright future holds for the budding brand. Check out our photos below:
Greeted with quite the tagline. The vodka of tomorrow is apparently an adventurous one. 
The DJ’s must’ve known what a sucker I am for classic 90′s dance hits (and the rest of the crowd.) 
Contorting and spinning in and out of her cocoon, the crowd gazed in a splendor at the acrobatic dancer. 
“The Vodka of Tomorrow” towered over the party and brought good vibes to all.
Words by Adrian Spinelli
-
Review: Sage The Gemini’s “Remember Me” Album Release Party
Sage The No-Show
On Tuesday evening, the team set out to attend Sage The Gemini’s album release party at Brother Jimmy’s in Union Square; eagerly anticipated the man of the night’s arrival with an alleged childhood friend. We’ll keep his name private.
If you’re not familiar with the artist, you’ve probably heard his music before. He is best known for his hit single “Gas Pedal” featuring fellow Californian and HBK Gang affiliate IamSu, which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 100, and “Red Nose”, which also peaked at #54 on the Hot 100, all of which can be found on his previously released EP “Gas Pedal” and his new album “Remember Me”.
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LUd51IuiA&h=315]
As recapped by my Music Manager, upon entering the room, he was greeted by a diverse audience. They were all supporting Sage The Gemini on his latest accomplishment, an album release, but with various intentions. In any event, the spacious room quickly filled up with supporters and free alcoholic drinks with the purchase of a Sage’s album kept the bartender busy, working triple-time. Heeding to comments of slightly watered-down mixed drinks, Yen (Music Manager) made the most of his time at the bar with few a shots of Patrón to jump start the experience.
As stated by the four team members who attended, the food was served in a Superbowl party style as a courtesy of Brother Jimmy’s BBQ and it was available to whoever was willing to indulge. Buckets of Brother Jimmy’s chicken wings and well-dressed nacho platters became an afterthought, as the people silently testified in agreement, plate by plate. Not only was the food really good but surprisingly to one of the team members, he won a raffle. Unluckily, he was outside making a phone call so he couldn’t claim it. If claimed, he was promised to attend an after party plus one with the recording artist “and more”, in which I am still not entirely clear on. I don’t think anyone was.
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I-YY5p0uq8&h=315]
“Remember Me” spun on repeat and the official videos of his more notable records “Gas Pedal” and “Red Nose” continuously played on the television screens. His music, full of heavy baselines, catchy hooks, and a mixture of West Coast undertones definitely reflected on the rhythmic movements of his audience. Besides the two notable tracks mentioned, that are getting heavy radio play, it was difficult to establish any connection to the remaining records on the album. We anticipated an attention-grabber or vibe-changing audio. It never came.
Unfortunately, this event definitely felt more like an industry after-work event as opposed to an album release or listening session, with the absence of the man of the hour, Sage The Gemini, appearing to his own celebration. However, with a full day consisting of an 106 & Park video debut, live Twitter feed interviews, and a variety of press and media scheduled events, we all know the label logistics can often interfere with and sometimes sabotage their own artist branding with lack luster events. We’re sure he’s a great guy. We just didn’t see him.
When I asked my other team members what they thought about the event in general, there were questions about who might have handled the event and later, there was suggestion that perhaps, interns handling the event.
“It was just… I don’t know. It was just an event. We went around the room, networked with everyone. That was basically the whole night. It wasn’t that good. I didn’t hate it, but it was kind of — bullshit, because he didn’t even show up,” one team member shared.
“One of his childhood friends was really anxious to see him,” another team member shared. “He hadn’t seen in years.”
We’d like to thank Peeps Out for inviting us and taking handling our requests.
Words by Richardine Bartee & Yen
For more Sage The Gemini, just click here.