Urban Exploring: Open Crates + Sweet Chick (Special Edition)
THE SYNOPSIS
In this Lost Episode of Urban Exploring, Guru and Ike share clips about the success and growth of Open Crates in the earlier part of 2014. The duo also spent a day in Williamsburg Brooklyn at CMJ to catch up with drummer Layton Weedeman of Courtesy Tier as he performed with his friends Isle Of Rhodes. Lastly, they grabbed grub from Sweet Chick, a soulful Chicken and Waffle restaurant also located in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
THE DISCOVERIES
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OPEN CRATES
Open Crates curates music, breaks records and builds culture for progressive vinyl heads. We vibe on all genres of heavy percussive music.
Check them out monthly in Jersey City for Open Dig, click the flyer for more details.
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SWEET CHICK
Sweet Chick's philosophy is simple: Great Food, a Cool Vibe, and interesting Cocktails at a great price.
Along with some of the best fried chicken and waffles in New York City, we're serving what we like to call American cuisine with a Southern accent: Rustic but Modern American comfort food and twists on classic dishes and cocktails, plus home-baked desserts that will make you feel like a kid again. The dining room, on the bustling corner of North 8th and Bedford Ave, is as cozy and inviting (and locally-sourced) as our food. Check them out on Yelp
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CMJ
CMJ connects music fans and music industry professionals with the best in new music through interactive media and live events. CMJ also produces a legendary Music Marathon, the largest and longest-running music industry event of its kind, in addition to live events across the US. LEARN MORE[/one_half]
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ISLE OF RHODES
Isle of Rhodes is the moniker for Rob Farren's hard hitting indie rock project. Known for interweaving dynamic stylings and virtuosic abilities, while fashioning rock with an ensemble flair, Isle of Rhodes, draws upon on blues, funk, and classical elements, with influences ranging from Gershwin, Beethoven, Radiohead, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, to Roy Orbison. LEARN MORE[/one_half_last]
LAYTON WEEDEMAN
Layton Weedeman is a drummer and DJ from Moorestown, NJ who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music from the Berklee College of Music in 2004. He moved to Brooklyn, New York soon after with his alt-rock-indie band Courtesy Tier. As a drummer, he’s been featured on records by local artists Jessi Robertson, Isle of Rhodes and Man Made West. With Courtesy Tier, Layton has toured the US, played showcases for CMJ in New York City as well as SXSW in Austin, TX and has been named one of the top artists in New York’s indie rock scene by the Deli Magazine three years in a row. As a DJ, he goes by the alias DJ Laytonic and exclusively spins vinyl records highlighting hip-hop instrumentals from the 90’s. His mixes include music by A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Premier, J Dilla, Buckwild and Pete Rock. For more on Layton Click Here
THE MUSIC
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PAT VAN DYKE - Frequency
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PAT VAN DYKE - Swindle
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DJ CENTER -
Dem Say Ah
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HäZEL - Badoowap
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LAYTONIC - Until You Were Gone
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BIG JACK - Live @ OC
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Urban Exploring: Bongo Boy + Mikey's Burgers (Special Edition)
THE SYNOPSIS
In this Special Edition of Urban Exploring… Iquan and Guru dig through files shot earlier this year and came across YouTube star Bongo Boy. From the LES to Midtown the duo spent an afternoon learning how young Matthew got his start. Lastly, The Artoholiks were blessed with the opportunity to create their own burger at Mikey's in the Lower Eastside.
THE DISCOVERIES
MATTHEW COHEN B.K.A. BONGO BOY
At the age of 13 Matt decided that he wanted to ditch the slow and boring New Jersey suburb life and pursue his curiosity for Music and Fashion. Since then, Matt has produced over 200 video interviews under his nickname “Bongo Boy”. Interviewing big name brands and artists such as Johnny Cupcakes, Benny Gold, Flo Rida and French Montana just to name a few... Today, Matt and his production team are producing music videos and working on a top secret video series. For more info on Matt aka Bongo Boy check him out here
MIKEY'S BURGERS
We’ve eaten at this spot a number of times while hanging around in the LES. Mikey’s is one of those spots that you find yourself in after walking the strip and just needing something to eat. Surprisingly, this hole in the wall serves up one of the best burgers in the area and the Lower Eastside community loves their cheese fries. We tried the shakes and loved them, we ate the fries and loved them, long story short… We don’t have anything bad to say about this Burger joint, especially since they have The Artoholik burger on the menu! Learn more about Mikey’shere
THE ARTOHOLIK BURGER
The Artoholik burger consist of American cheese, corned-beef, caramelized onions and mustard topped on a Turkey burger in between warm toasted buns.
Get yours at 134 Ludlow St. New York, NY 10002
MODERN AMUSEMENT
Shout out to our peeps at Modern Amusement for the hooking us up with the fresh threads in this episode. Shop now at PACSUN.com
THE MUSIC
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J-Louis - THAT DUDE JAY ( J-LOUIS x JBIRD )
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Digable Planets - Jettin'
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lAlexGl - Harco Pront – Trust
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PHOTOS
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 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: 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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Urban Exploring: Starter Club House (Special Edition)
Last week we got an opportunity to get a sneak peek into the Starter Clubhouse, which is now open in NYC's Times Square at the Paramount Hotel.
The clubhouse offers Starter NFL, NBA, and MLB Satin Jackets, as well as limited edition collaboration products under the premium Starter Black Label. We were amazed at the merchandising of the space as well as the assortment. Products ranged from Satin Jackets to Snapbacks, Crewneck Sweaters and knit hats. Not to mention they're killing it when it comes to collaborations by teaming up with folks such as Dee & Ricky, Stussy, Slo Bucks, Kith and more. The shop is now open through the end of February to the general public, so be sure to stop in and shop their one-of-a-kind apparel. Shout out to Starter for letting us come through, we definitely enjoyed the tour before the doors opened. Oh yeah, if you choose to swing by, be sure to tell them the Artoholiks sent you! Peace!
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Photos & Video: IquanW & Guru