Photo of Leon Laing by Anwar Curtis.
On March 9, my friend Anwar Curtis and I drove to Brooklyn to observe hip-hop. But instead of attending a concert, we visited two exhibits. Continue reading ‘Swizz and Alicia share art’
On March 9, I photographed 226 St. James Place in Brooklyn. Biggie grew up at this residence, which is now a national landmark. Photo by Leon Laing.
DJ Smitty, based in Harrisburg, Pa., opened for several legendary rappers. The Notorious B.I.G. was no exception. On March 9, the day of Biggie’s passing, we commemorate one of the greatest rappers of all time. To me, Biggie was also a family friend. Here’s Smitty’s story. Continue reading ‘DJ Smitty reflects on Biggie’
My current reading material. Photo by Leon Laing.
My current reading material. “The Book of Hov” and “Titles Ruin Everything.”
One documents Jay-Z’s illustrious career, and the other is a stream of consciousness by Drake. These rap giants have collaborated on songs. And my son, friend and I listened to Drizzy’s new album on our way to see The Book of Hov exhibit because it dropped the same day of our trip. Continue reading ‘My current reading material’
My son Christian poses at the Book of Hov exhibit. Photo by Leon Laing.
My son Christian, friend Darian and I visited the Book of Hov exhibit at the Brooklyn Library on Oct. 6. That same week (Oct. 2) Jay-Z and his mother, Dr. Gloria Carter, were honored at the library.
Going back to Brooklyn felt nostalgic because I used to visit there as a child, and I’m linked to some Brooklynites. I knew Biggie, and I’m acquaintances with dream hampton and April Walker. I met Spike Lee.
I’ve been listening to Jigga, also a Brooklyn native, since day one. Continue reading ‘Brooklyn’s Finest’
Rick Ross. Photo by Leon Laing.
On May 6, the Heat smashed the Knicks 105 to 86. Another Miami-based local triumphed that night, too.
When Rick Ross rocked the mic at XL Live in Harrisburg, he performed in front of a sold-out crowd. He was clad in blue and white Jordan 3s, distressed jeans and a Los Angeles Dodgers hoodie and hat. Harrisburg University Presents held the show. Continue reading ‘The Bawse in the Burg’
Teddy Swims. Photo by Leon Laing.
A whopping two million people follow Teddy Swims on Instagram.
So it was no surprise tickets sold out for Nov. 11 concert, which was held by Harrisburg University Presents. The YouTube sensation from Conyers, Georgia, performed at XL Live in Harrisburg. Continue reading ‘Singer swims in success’
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Photo by Leon Laing.
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
On June 14, I returned to Harrisburg Area Community College, one of my college alma maters.
I wasn’t attending class, but it sure felt like it.
Aside from making his lecture feel like an African American Studies class, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the keynote speaker, took the audience to church. And I hung on his every word. Continue reading ‘Juneteenth events embrace black empowerment’
Keri Hilson. Photo by Leon Laing.
The Keri Hilson and Shad “Bow Wow” Moss show reminded concertgoers of the 106 & Park TV-show era. The Juneteenth concert, held at XL Live in Harrisburg on June 18, was sold out, but attendants had to request a ticket for the free event. Continue reading ‘Free Juneteenth concert draws many’
Kathy Barnette. Photo by Leon Laing.
Kathy Barnette may have conceded for the U. S. Senate race, but she earned the third-most votes among her Republican counterparts. And she clinched her spot without spending as much money as Dave McCormick and Mehmet Oz, the two front-runners. Continue reading ‘Barnette takes bronze in GOP Senate race’
A$AP Ferg (left) and Rocky at State College in 2011. Photo by Leon Laing.
The A$AP Rocky Drink Champs interview aired on May 12. During the interview, both Rocky and co-host N.O.R.E. mention their link to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Rocky once lived here, but N.O.R.E. talked more about his experience at the state capital. Continue reading ‘Rocky and N.O.R.E. reminisce about Harrisburg’
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