PIECE MAGAZINE: December 2012

Here we are again my peepholes. Thank you for those of you that have given feedback whether (+ or -) i appreciate all of your views about mine "point of view" that is.

Now this is my wrap up about this particular Beat Swap Meet (12-10-12). As a frequenter i was well simulated to the geography and atmosphere and was looking forward to the day's festivities. This Swap Meet was significant to me because it was the 1st with respect to Hosting an On-Line Show and more recently Writing with Piece Magazine. So i was looking forward to in addition seeing all my Colleagues (In the Underground Hip-Hop Scene) but, introducing them to my Piece Mag and OptionX Fam.

So our (Corrin, Milinda, Natalie & I) day began after a night of partying at the Best Western on Hill St. not even 1 full city block from Chinatown Plaza in anticipation for what that Sunday had in store. So after our continental breakfast at the Hill St. Cafe' which was actually really decent especially when you think of continental breakfast as a bagel and cup of coffee. This was a four star in comparison with a wide variety of anything you might want for breakfast. We made our way down to the plaza to find some vendors already either partially or almost fully set up. With the Booth being shared among Piece Mag and ABKlothing we held the spot until Justin showed up and brought the PA for announcing the raffle's we had scattered through out the day. Once everyone arrived it didn't take very long for the booth to take shape and quickly draw people to the free sticker's, magazine's, a chance to win shirts, tickets to a KRS One show, a Signed Immortal Technique package filled with CD's, DVD's, Album etc. Once everyone was settled in there I saw the opportunity to go wander around and see who else was there and what the landscape looked like. I ran into Asterix and he told me he was doing a Show & Tell later that evening about his new product a Beat Machine Work Station that promises to be easier and more functional than the MPC so i told him i would be there. After that i made my way to the B-Boy Area where there was no shortage of hungry ambitious young dancers that were more than willing to exhibit there physical abilities. Moving in syncopated rhythms to the break-beats that the DJ was spinning as if translating a language that could only be understood if you were taught by those who have studied before them. After not even 2 hours i knew that this was shaping out to be memorable and well organized Beat Swap Meet. There was even some expansion out to area's that weren't utilized in previous BSM's particularly the parking lot directly in front of the Grand Star Jazz Club which in my opinion was well orchestrated and responded to giving not only more vendors a chance to showcase there merchandise but, visitors more audio and visual choices to enjoy. I loved seeing how many people that are engaging in the creative process by making and selling item's that bring attention and awareness to our thriving Culture (Hip-Hop). From Firefoxiness's record clocks, and jewelry to artist's doing canvas art "live" like our friend KUF all the way to Handroids who were offering DJ's an open spot to show off there skill's with 4 DJ's stations and open to the public. With everyone hopped up on Monster Energy Drinks the party continued until after dusk and after several winners of the raffle's and the crowd dwindling we called it a night and went to celebrate with the ABK Fam at there loft and go through the video and pictures we collected throughout the day. Lot's of good vibes, food, music, culture, and many reminding reason's of why "I Love this Hip-Hop Culture and am willing to give back what i can to see it sustained".

Shout Out's to Upmost for doing the Most for the Coast.
Written by. Desmond