Consider this an amendment to my "Come Uptown" post from last summer. This year I had the privilege of being commissioned to document two of the 5×5 Block Parties in honor of hip-hop's 50th anniversary. For this offering, I want the galleries to speak for themselves, but I will provide some context for the energy captured on these two incredible days.

“Well if it wasn't for The Bronx...”

This block party took place right outside the very birth place of hip-hop as we know it today. 1520 Sedgwick Ave, now known as Hip-Hop Boulevard, is where Kool Herc split the atom. This was the big bang, and the folks that came out in droves proved just how long that first boom has echoed from '73 to now.

I saw legends like KRS-ONE, Public Enemy, Pete Rock, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Beanie Sigel. There were gold rope chains, Phat Farm shirts, and genuine Ruff Ryder leathers.

Folks were so proud to show out for this culture that has taken over the world. The block could barely hold everyone who showed up, yet somehow it did. It was truly something magical.

“Go Uptown to Harlem...”

It was only right to follow the energy of The Bronx with a final block party in front of the legendary Apollo theatre. This day, while not as chaotic as the X, was just as full of life and warmth. These types of gatherings really do energise my spirit. Whenever I visit Harlem, I'm reminded why I miss living there so dearly. Our fingerprint can never be erased. No matter how many monuments are torn down and replaced, we still show up and shine bright.

Legends that blessed the stage this day were the likes of Fu-Schnickens, Da Bush Babees, and KRS capped the night with an incredible meditation by way of an off the top freestyle. An unexpected addition to officially send us home was Korey Wise and Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five. Space was held to acknowledge the injustices those five men had endured all those years ago, but love was shown as well.

To be honest, I’m still floating from that weekend. While it was work, it didn’t feel like it at all.

I love hip-hop with all of my heart. It helped raise me. I’ve contributed to it as an emcee traveling the states going on tour. Artists that I came up listening to as a youth, and had in my iPod Classic, became peers. Such a surreal experience. I’ve lived a life thanks to this culture. I am indebted to it, and look forward to all of the other powerful memories that will be created through it. I pray to see another decade.

Come Uptown…it’s beautiful up here.

This past Saturday, I had the honor of being one of the photographers asked to document the Bronx Narratives’ "A Very Bronx Summer" block party. I feel as though this moment was the culmination of the years I've poured into photography. My mission hadn't been as clear as it was on that day. Now I'll never forget. I was meant to be there, and the photos further prove that.

Beautiful people from all over the diaspora showed out. We were shining together as proud Uptown natives. The Puerto Rican BBQ tent, Jamaican food truck, and the Gun Hill Brewery were bustling with passionate home cooks and hungry residents. Providing food straight off the grill and drinks fresh from the tap to the community. Everything we needed was present along that section of Laconia Ave.

The DJs and musical acts were the thread that held everything together. If you guessed "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly was in the rotation, you'd be correct. Two steps were strong even in the 90 degree weather. The jams were jamming the way they needed to. Also, hearing hip-hop in the Bronx is a spiritual experience. No other way to describe it. On this night, there was also true and original reggae played by some very talented singers and songwriters.

This was a historic exhibition of community, togetherness, and Uptown as a whole. I've never been more proud to be from here. This day will be cemented in the community thanks to the photos taken by every photographer who came through. We’ll live forever.

If I may, I strongly suggest you take that trip Uptown (Harlem, The Heights, or The X) if the opportunity presents itself. Even if it doesn't, make the time. It's beautiful here...

“That's it. That's the post.”

Hip-Hop 50.

“Well if it wasn't for The Bronx...”

“Go Uptown to Harlem...”

Come Uptown.