Arts & Entertainment

from New York Amsterdam News Issue December 16- 22,. 2021 Issue

by AmsterdamNews

Your Health

Music page 17 | Dance page 19 | Jazz page 23

Pg. 20 Your Stars

Greg Tate: A massive loss for cultural criticism, a bigger loss for those who loved him

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH

Special to the AmNews

Greg Tate, known to the world as the “Grandfather of Hip Hop Criticism“ and a profound voice in Black culture, shared his unique, Boombastic, ironic voice with the world as a longtime journalist for The Village Voice from 1987 through the 2000s. He was also the founder of the Black Rock Coalition, giving a powerful platform to Black rock and roll musicians who made undeniably important contributions to the genre but were largely unacknowledged by the white media in America. His debut book, “Flyboy in the Buttermilk,” published in 1992, became an essential collection of cultural criticism often read in university courses across the world. Not only did he cover rock and hip hop, but he examined jazz and Black films with his humorous and insightful understanding of what would become staples in music and entertainment history.

He wrote like no other, his writing voice displayed in colorful, often made-up Black colloquialisms that could not be duplicated. As he got older his voice did not become more refined by the standards of white colleagues but smoothed out, became more buttery than rebellious, honing his mind-expanding, at times eccentric linguistic stylings into vivid and imaginative descriptive offerings.

In one of his last pieces for the Criterion Collection he wrote a thoughtful critical exploration of Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” (1999) in which he writes, “Whitaker’s man-strong eyes are a Technicolor dream machine for any director whose protagonist is a mercurial, silent hulk of an antihero. And most especially for the director of ‘Ghost Dog,’ whose script requires his leading man to convincingly deliver stoic savant, vulnerable puppy dog, self-possessed everyman, effortless charmer of precocious but wary hood children, sharkeyed triple-tap professional assassin.” I personally am a humble disciple, mentee and journalistic descendent of Tate’s. He took me under his wing while I was writing an article for The Village Voice on the Black shoegaze rock group, The Veldt, who are mutual friends of ours. I was having some trouble with one of the editors at the Voice (it’s all under the bridge, thanks to VV for the opportunity), and Danny Chavis of the group exclaimed “Don’t you worry about it, baby girl! We gonna call Greg Tate!” Danny connected us via instant messenger, but it wasn’t until I wrote an essay-manifesto entitled “Black Voices in Music Criticism are Essential” for East Bay Express that Greg reached out. We quickly became collaborators, as I hosted the Baltimore book release of his book “Flyboy 2: The Greg Tate Reader,” and added him to a panel of the same name as my East Bay Express essay at the Baltimore Book Festival. Over the years, we’ve sat on panels and shared coffee as he listened to my woes at the best hangouts in Harlem.

Greg knew everyone, he was at the center of the International Black glitterati––he was a connection and source of love and friendship between Black intellectuals and artists who only grew in stature and prominence while in association with him. Nonetheless, Greg was humble and never boasted of his worldwide acclaim and never spoke of his A-list friends, giving everyone attention as if we were his only comrade. He was far from intimidating and as wise as an owl in his prime––sharp senses, clear vision and deeply aware of his surroundings.

I can tell stories, but I cannot find the words to truly express how important he was to me. I called him Baba Greg Tate. “Baba” is a Persian word for a

Greg Tate reading at New York University in 2013 (File:Lozgregtate.png: Alex Lozupone derivative work: Innisfree987 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Greg_Tate_2013.jpeg), “Greg Tate 2013”, https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode)

See GREG on page 21

Greg Tate, visionary cultural critic, dies at 64

By RON SCOTT

Special to the AmNews

Greg Tate, journalist, essayist, and author—one of the most influential writers of this century, who elevated writing on Black culture and all it influenced from jazz to hip hop, art and film—died on Dec. 7, in New York City. He was 64.

His daughter, Chinara Tate, confirmed the death. No cause was given.

Standing on a long line in Trader Joe’s, casually glancing down at my phone and suddenly without any self-control, I yell out, “What, What the hell!!!!!” Immediately all eyes are on me. People standing near me on line started inching away. Tears were running out of my eyes like a waterfall at the cashier, words were difficult. No, they didn’t understand: the text on my phone stated, Greg Tate has died.

NO, not Tate. He was our indestructible “Iron Man,” a Black warrior, fighting through America’s dark cloak of myths, swinging his sharp words like a long sword penetrating through the B.S. Just acknowledging he is gone is very difficult.

No fronting here, Tate and I weren’t running buddies but we were kindred brothers. We appeared together on a few panels some years ago. Every time he spoke I wanted to pull out a pen and take notes, he was that prolific. This cat was like a ray of sunshine: in his presence he made you glow, gave you confidence to move forward with your project or another perspective on whatever subject.

He was a mentor to thousands from around the world. After contacting a friend in South Africa, he texted me the following, “I will never forget the long silent walk in the direction of the mountain of the San and Khoi gods, Table Mountain, in Cape Town where we were both scheduled to talk at a literary festival, Open Book Fest. I will never forget Greg. I will never forget not to forget Greg. Even if, in a fit of exorcism I try to: because Greg now fully lives in our spiritual and intellectual blood streams. The realm of the gods,” said Bongani Madondo, personal friend and one of Tate’s mentees by osmosis, in Johannesburg, SA.

You didn’t have to be in his presence; just read his works to feel his WORDS and understand the urgency of Now. His “Flyboy in the Buttermilk: Essays on Contemporary America” and “Flyboy 2: The Greg Tate Reader (2016)” are mandatory readings. If you date back to the 1980s like me, then reading him every week in the Village Voice (which hit the newsstands on Tuesday night) was an automatic reflex. His weekly afro-futurism interpretation of the music from funk, jazz, hip hop, art, literature, sci-fi, race, film, and history were astounding (at the same time he opened doors for so many young folks in all these fields). He was a Black intellectual with roots in the hood never looking to take prisoners, writing in the middle of a Cecil Taylor tune which only the hip or inspired could really dig. Not seeing him playing and conducting his big band Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber is a big loss. They were unlike any other, but you wouldn’t expect any less from the cofounder of the Black Rock Coalition. Their repertoire of classics and original compositions swung in deep funk, hip hop, avant garde and everything in between. Earlier this year, Tate conducted the Arkestra during a live performance at the Apollo Theater during the screening of the original Gordon Parks film of “Shaft.” Kicking a new rendition of Issac Hayes’ theme song “Theme from Shaft.” And, lest we forget, his collaboration with one of the most important figures in jazz, composer Butch Morris on the Burnt Sugar Album “The Rites.” The rock group Bad Brains would have never entered my vocabulary if not for Tate.

Those in-person chats made it possible to see that smile, the twinkle in his eyes and hear his words that flowed like a Wayne Shorter solo. Always one to ask “How is the writing going?” or “What are you working on?” It wasn’t about him, it was about him sharing his knowledge and just being real.

During his time at the Village Voice, young Tate was writing with big willie cats like Stanley Crouch, Nat Hentoff, Gary Giddins and investigative

By LAPACAZO SANDOVAL

Special to the AmNews

It might sound cheesy, but family, friends, and our family of choice matter. In short, the little gestures mean a lot. Here are a few gift ideas to get you started.

Buy Black

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Owned by 15-year-old entrepreneur Sir Darius Brown who knew from an early age that he wanted to make stylish bow ties for both people and pets.

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Owned by chemist Obia Ewah, who has used her training to create her own all natural skincare products. Obia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while at medical school at the age of 26. Looking into the cause of her cancer led her to examine the chemicals that go into many skincare products and inspired her to make her own healthy alternatives.

We Gifts

Broadway Up Close — https://bit.ly/32fR5El - Times Square, Nyc 10036

Broadway Up Close gives a “behind-the-scenes” look at Broadway theater and they offer unique, innovative gift ideas that are perfect for any occasion. Their tours are given by professional working actors and stage managers in addition to being licensed tour guides.

Arabian Oud — https://bit.ly/3cxjnMz — 1584 Broadway, Nyc 10036

This company’s goal is to spread their eastern culture and Arabian heritage through their signature fragrances, and with more than 30 years experience they have assembled the best fragrances that are unique to Arabian Oud. They have branches in more than 50 cities and 33 countries worldwide, from London to Paris and all across the Middle East. Their chip OUD’s are magical. (https://bit. ly/3DHFLi8).

Self Care Starts Here

Vitamix One — Https://Bit.Ly/3ketljo

Self-love begins with care and as part of marking its 100th anniversary, Vitamix launched the Vitamix ONE (May 2021) which is the smaller-format blender designed for those just starting on their wellness journey. The Vitamix ONE delivers smoothies, dips, and sauces with the superior blend quality and intuitive use that all Vitamix fans are accustomed to. Vitamix ONE gives more people access to the brand’s iconic quality and makes whole-food nutrition simple and affordable.

Gift Sets

Bloomeffects Tulipa Candle –– https://bit. ly/3nAULZC

Transport yourself to an afternoon in the Dutch countryside surrounded by blooming flowers, lush greenery, and crisp air with the Bloomeffects Tulipa Candle. Inspired by Bloomeffects’ 115-year-old family farm, the brand’s first-ever and limited-edition candle for Holiday 2021 features notes of Fresh Tulip, Waterlily, Blond Woods, and Petitgrain and up to 50 hours burn time. This soy-and-coconut-blend scented candle provides the perfect balance of floral and green to add a freshly cut fragrance to any home this holiday season. How to Use: Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ of an inch for even burning.

Maison Margiela Paris - Replica Gift Sets –– https://bit.ly/3nCnihp — https://bit.ly/3CCLLaL

Replica By The Fireplace Gift Set — https://bit. ly/3FvmctS

In this bundle find By the Fireplace 100ml and a By the Fireplace Candle. Made of a warm heart of chestnut and woody accords, mixed with sweet notes of vanilla and red berries, the addictive fragrance is softened by the floral combination of orange blossom and neroli essence. Made in France with a sophisticated manufacturing process using high-quality wax, the Replica candles have a burning duration of 40 to 41 hours without any wax deterioration. perfected skills, hope, and cultural symbols that have persisted through time. How products are made matters. Check out the classic, 18k plated gold Amani Hoop handmade in Kenya by partner artisans. (https://bit.ly/3qTvThX)

Arabian Oud — https://bit.ly/3cxjnMz

Check out Madawi (https://bit.ly/3kWmKBe). It’s one of the most popular selling fragrances throughout their branches that are spread out in 50 cities and 33 countries worldwide from London to Paris and all across the Middle East.

Fenty The Before-Bed Set — https://bit. ly/3kV4iZM

Beauty sleep in a box: The toner serum, night cream and lip balm you need to wake up to juicy skin + kiss-worthy lips. This first-ever limited-edition Fenty Beauty x Fenty Skin set will take your bedtime skincare routine to the next level.

Dior — https://bit.ly/3FytHjU

High end because you are worth it!

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His Gift

Arabian Oud — https://bit.ly/32nxBxN — Scent for Men— https://bit.ly/3x5d6wo

Arabian Leather

The gold standard of elegant men’s cologne, Arabian Leather offers a combination of intensely pleasing notes that include citrusy bergamot, pink pepper, caramel, orris, amber, vetiver, and musk.

Special Nights

A staple in every gentleman’s wardrobe, Special Nights generously offers the enduring spiciness of sandalwood and sensuous warmth of musk, which are then lifted by bright hints of lavender and cranberry.

Moody

The musky sweetness of jackfruit — the largest tree-borne fruit on the planet, indigenous to the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats in India, gives Moody its unique fragrance. Zesty notes of bergamot, lemonpeel, and a soft base of aromatic sandalwood give perfect balance to this memorable scent.

Amiri

An everyday must-have that’s as versatile as it is high-performing, Amiri comes with bergamot, pink pepper and tangerine, topped with cedar, patchouli and nutmeg, to be based on musk, sandalwood, amber, and vanilla.