P H I L L Y 3 6 0째 2009 New Stories for a New Generation
contents
philly360.com 12
03
intro
04
rich medina
08
king britt
10
khari mateen
12
stacey “flygirrl� wilson
14
syreeta scott
18
rah crawford
22
ethel cee & maori karmael holmes
26
the roots
30
spot checks
32
credits
intro
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is launching an incredible new initiative that promotes new Philadelphia stories to new audiences in new ways. We’re focusing on expanding Philly’s current visitor base by attracting a new core group of travelers who are younger, technologically savvy and driven to an urban destination based on its mainstream attractions as well as its distinct creative scene and nightlife. This limited-edition book, produced in partnership with Little Giant Media, LLC, the publishers of two.one.five™ magazine, is an outgrowth of the Philly 360° Coalition, a group of 50 of Philadelphia’s African-American thought leaders, cultural entrepreneurs, marketers and other stakeholders committed to promoting a 360° view of the city’s abundant cultural offerings.
We love this place and the people who make it special. People like our creative ambassadors King Britt, Ethel Cee, Rah Crawford, Maori Karmael Holmes, Khari Mateen, Rich Medina, Syreeta Scott, Stacey “Flygirrl” Wilson and our lead ambassadors, The Roots, who are drawing critical acclaim as the house band on NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” These are the folks who invigorate the city and take Philly with them when they travel around the globe. Inside this book, you’ll discover where these “creators-of-cool” shop, chill, party, eat, drink, socialize and philosophize. Philly’s got it all—soul-stirring music, off-the-wall art, renowned museums, delicious eats and fine dining, taxfree shopping, plenty of green space, hip hotels and rich multicultural heritage. Get on your (or someone else’s) laptop, desktop or PDA and go to gophila.com/philly360 to watch the behindthe-scenes “making of” the book, find out how you can live the Philly 360° experience and plan your stay. We’ll see you soon,
Meryl Levitz President & CEO GPTMC
Patricia Washington Vice President of Cultural Tourism GPTMC
gophila.com/philly360 philly360.com 1203
medina As a DJ, I travel the world through my music, but I’m also a journalist, songwriter and performance poet. Philly has a rich musical heritage, both storied and present, which is extremely inspirational to me, both in the studio and in the club.
Why do you choose to live/work in Philly? It’s very difficult to impress the average Philadelphian, so when a Philadelphia artist of any sort takes their craft outside the city, they have a leg up on any competition. It is here that I feel I will be tested the most before my product goes out to the world. How would you compare the city to others you’ve lived in? You cannot compare. It’s a truly unique city in the sense that downtown is densely active with an extremely diverse population. Valley Forge is 40 minutes outside the city; electricity was discovered here. The Declaration of Independence was signed here. What inspires you about Philly? The blue-collar work ethic of not only the city, but also the artists in the city, across all disciplines. Also, the illustrious musical history of Philly plays a huge role for me. That and the fact that when I need to get away from the city, Fairmount Park is Central Park on steroids. I can totally forget that I’m even in a city once I go there. Grass and birds and fresh water streams aren’t regular within most city limits along the East Coast, and we have that in abundance here. There is also some of the oldest, best-maintained classic architecture in the country here, so the sense of what things were once like is still present in the sconces and structural styling of the buildings.
gophila.com/philly360 05
Sound of Market St.
Fairmount Park is Central Park on steroids. I can totally forget that I’m even in a city once I go there. How would you describe the city to someone who has never been here? A beautiful, musical, creative, slow-paced, dusty, sad/happy, dark/light, pretty/ugly, hard-working, fantastic-place-to-raise-a-kid type of city. What is something a person wouldn’t know about Philly unless they live here? I think the majority of the city, aside from main thoroughfares, are one-way streets built for horses and carriages, not cars.
PICKS Dining: Latest Dish (613 S. 4th Street) Buddakan (325 Chestnut Street) There are a lot of different places, so many great restaurants in Philadelphia.
What do you think is the city’s greatest asset?
Under-the-Radar Restaurant/Bar:
The fact that it’s the birthplace of the idea of independence in this young country of ours.
Fez (620 S. 2nd Street)
Silk City
06 gophila.com/philly360
It’s dope.
Silk City is
REALLY RED, really chill.
-Khari Mateen philly360.com 12
I wear many hats, but my main mission is to spread great music worldwide through my productions, DJing and Internet store and company. I am constantly reminding the world of Philadelphia’s contribution to our rich music history.
britt philly360.com 12
How important is the sense of place to your work? Your environment always seeps into your work, no matter what you do. For me, creating the soundtrack to the city, it is of the utmost importance that my surroundings are positive and free. How would you compare other places to Philly? New Zealand, I have to say, is very similar in vibe as far as the togetherness of creative minds. But all in all, I love coming home. What about Philly inspires you? Everything that surrounds me: smells, tastes, visuals. All the [sights] and sounds go into my work. This is best displayed by my album When the Funk Hits the Fan, which is a mini-audio movie of growing up in Philly. How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here? I always say Philly is the sh*t, because it is. The history of America to the history of popular music is all here. What is one of Philly’s best-kept secrets? Back2Basics on Mondays at Silk City is the longest-running dance/live party. We don’t really advertise a lot, but the word-of-mouth has been amazing. How would you describe Philly’s parks? Fairmount Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful. Serenity now! But Rittenhouse Square feels like you’re in a movie. What is something a person wouldn’t know about Philly unless they live here?
PICKS Breakfast:
Burgers:
Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat (800 N. 4th Street)
Rouge (205 S. 18th Street)
Sabrina’s Café (910 Christian Street)
It has the best burgers in the U.S.
Just get there early.
I always say Philly is the sh*t, because it is. The history of America to the history of popular music is all here.
That Astrud Gilberto lives in Society Hill. Silk City
gophila.com/philly360 09
I’m a music producer, composer and musician. I choose to live in Philly because it’s an integration of a lot of
different cultures.
mateen
philly360.com 12
n
If you craft something here and take it somewhere else, you have already been though a high level of competition. Ritz at The Bourse Bluebond Guitars
How would you compare other places to Philly?
What do you think is the city’s greatest asset?
I like a lot of places I’ve been, but Philly has a piece of everywhere in it. Philly has some NYC speed, the taste of L.A., a homey vibe like Atlanta, the chill of Toronto and the food of Texas. When I land, I know where I am. I never feel bad coming back from a long trip.
I think Philly is the breeding ground for a lot of talent. If you craft something here and take it somewhere else, you have already been through a high level of competition.
What inspires you about Philly? I get inspiration from the people. That’s where I feel it the most. There are people with some great taste here. I like to always try and challenge the person checking out what I do. I make music for me and for people to enjoy. It is a great feeling to see someone dancing to something that came out of my brain. I think about that all the time. How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here? It’s a big city—but not like New York. It’s like a small town, but more open-minded and mixed up. Great art and artists, tons of food. A nightlife that includes everything from high-class clubs to crazy house parties, and so much history it could keep you occupied for days.
PICKS Annual Festival:
Music Store:
Philadelphia Film Festival (phillycinefest.com)
Bluebond Guitars (511 S. 4th Street)
They play them at the Ritz at The Bourse (400 Ranstead Street), among others. I love movies, and there are a lot of good films and underground stuff.
All the people there are musicians. They know how to play; they know what you need.
gophila.com/philly360 11
I’m a jane of all trades, a visual artist/event producer/promoter/ graphic designer. I’ve been here all my life. Our community is like a huge, slightly dysfunctional family.
wilson “FLYGIRRL”
Soy Cafe
Fluid Nightclub
The F.U.E.L. Collection
What inspires you about Philly? All the creative and artistic people that live here. Our artistic and musical history is amazing. I also find inspiration in neighborhoods, seeing different people. Each section of the city is so distinct and special. How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here? Laid back; hidden gems; creative haven; tough love. Where would you take out-of-town friends? I really like Warmdaddy’s (1400 Columbus Blvd): a great atmosphere. You
get some live music, and there’s the rooftop so you can sit up top outside under the stars. And if they’re female, I like to take them to a jewelry store called Halloween (1329 Pine Street). It’s actually a place that you need to call ahead to let them know you’re coming, but it’s the most amazing little hidden gem in Philly.
Tell us about Tastytreats. We’ve had every DJ come spin with us—Q-Tip and Pete Rock and, of course, Jazzy Jeff and Cash Money and the Beat Minors and Biz Markie. Everybody’s been really happy being booked there because they can spin what they want.
What do you think is the city’s greatest asset? Its creative people.
PICKS What is something a person wouldn’t know about Philly unless they live here? The infamous Philly word “jawn.” You may have heard of it, but you only know its meaning if you live here! It can pretty much describe anything.
Lunch Spot: Soy Cafe (630 N. 2nd Street) There’s a consignment shop in the back and free Internet. I start my days here sometimes. Dancing: Fluid Nightclub (613 S. 4th Street) It’s the place I’ve had my weekly Tastytreats parties for eight years. It’s kind of special to me.
gophila.com/philly360 13
philly360.com 12
scott
I’m the proprietor of Duafe Holistic Hair Care (2947 W. Girard Avenue), a natural hair care shop. The thing about Philly is you can make a left turn somewhere and fInd a whole different place that you never knew anything about. Duafe Holistic Hair Care
What should people outside the city know about Philly?
What’s your favorite Philly escape?
That it’s not just cheesesteaks and french fries. There’s a wealth of food and culture. If you want that mixed bag of Caribbean, African, Irish, where you’re meeting and finding little nooks of really phenomenal places: University City. If you want to throw on your stilettos—I’m a little biased, I love stilettos—and go out, there’s Old City. You can’t just come to Philly and see the surface and think that you’re seeing what the city has to offer. You have to scratch under the surface.
Parks. It’s very important for me to stay close to nature. I have such a stressful life at times, and that really comes from taking yourself way too seriously. When you get to that point, you have to put yourself in a situation that’s bigger than you, and for me, that’s nature. Longwood Gardens (longwoodgardens.org), The Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park (North Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue), something as easy as just walking on Kelly Drive.
gophila.com/philly360 15
The Horticultural Center
You can’t just come to Philly and see the surface and expect that you’re seeing what the city has to offer. You have to scratch under the surface.
Material Culture
What is one of Philly’s best-kept secrets? Joan Shepp (1616 Walnut Street). It’s a phenomenal boutique. You can find a little bit of everything. They have those little pieces that will enhance your closet. Where do you take friends when you want to show them the city? If they’re nature buffs, I’ll take them to Longwood Gardens or the Valley Green Inn (valleygreeninn.com). I love Wissahickon Valley Park (fairmountpark.org) because it gives you a chance to get away from the city, and the inn is a phenomenal restaurant. You can walk, you can see the ducks by the pond and then you can eat.
16 gophila.com/philly360
PICKS Furniture:
Annual Festival:
Material Culture (4700 Wissahickon Avenue)
Odunde African-American Festival Weekend (odundeinc.org) It’s like an anniversary to see everybody.
I love it because it has Indonesian, African—all the little things that you can’t find anywhere else.
philly360.com 17
cra
philly360.com 12
awford I am a creative pioneer. A visual artist. A social observer. A painter. A thinker. I was born in Philadelphia. I have traveled around the country a bit as well as abroad, and Philadelphia has a realness to it that equals my own.
The Coffee Room Cafe
Philadelphia Museum of Art Why do you choose to live/ work in Philly?
How important is the sense of place to your work/art?
It’s not a city of hype—it’s a city based on real people doing real things. Those accomplishments ring out and shine into the world, but at home you can still be you. Philly isn’t a starstruck city, so you can just be normal here—just like at home on the sofa.
I emotionally absorb my surroundings, so it’s important that I am inspired by what I see and hear: the people, the locations, the art, the culture. I spend a lot of time creating so it’s also important for me to have an environment that is productive to my work style and not a distraction. To be
seen when I want to—and to disappear when it’s time to work. What are some of your favorite neighborhoods in the city? I love Old City because of its history. The cobblestone streets remind me of Amsterdam (my second home). Pockets of North Philadelphia have been
growing on me too. It’s got a soul that is just pure and rich with flavor. I’m really digging the new sections sprouting up, such as Northern Liberties and Brewerytown.There are lots of new people—like fresh buds of growth on the city’s branches.
gophila.com/philly360 19
It’s not a city of hype—it’s a city based on real people doing real things. How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here? It’s a city full of artists of varied disciplines; a city of good people who are passionate about their interests and very open to visitors; a down-to-earth place that looks for substance over flash—results versus talk. What is something a person wouldn’t know about Philly unless they live here? One would have to live in the city to know that it functions more like a small town, meaning everyone knows each other, or there is just one degree of separation. What do you think is the city’s greatest asset? The city can take its lumps and keep going, all while producing thick-skinned creative citizens that do the same.
20 gophila.com/philly360
Reading Terminal Market
PICKS Bar: Alfa (1709 Walnut Street) Their scene is really cool. You get all different types, a nice range of age, professions and style. I like variety.
Dining: Parc Brasserie (227 S. 18th Street) If you want to dress up, have a meal, take a nice young lady and see some people, this is the place.
ethel karmael holmes philly360.com 12
World Cafe Live
I am a fIlmmaker by training. I write sometimes, produce events, teach and manage a couple of artists. I fell in love with a tight-knit community of artists who are now like family. What neighborhood do you call home? I live in Northern Liberties. It’s a cool neighborhood full of artists and bohemians, and I love it. On my block alone, over half of the residents are musicians, graphic designers and glassblowers. I feel so at home. What about the city inspires you? The people in the city inspire me. Their style, authenticity, take-no-prisoners attitudes and hard-working ethic. I am inspired by my friends and colleagues and their work. Philly can be a tough crowd, and it makes you push your work to perfection. I just recently realized that the abundance of DJs and cool, unpretentious parties is a rarity. There is also (thankfully) a strong proliferation of
independent coffee shops, which seems counterintuitive in the Starbucks age, but is nice. Indie coffee shops are the absolute best! How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here? Philly is full of surprises. New neighborhoods, new restaurant finds, new musicians and new history can pop up at any time when and where you least expect it. It’s an old city, rich in the American experience, diverse in its politics and bursting at the seams with art to share. What is something a person wouldn’t know about the city unless they live here? I am still learning a lot about Philly myself. But I guess
Lost + Found
gophila.com/philly360 23
one thing you couldn’t know unless you live here would be how incredibly diverse it is—in class, ethnicity, race and landscape. There is a neighborhood for any kind of personality. What do you think is Philly’s greatest asset? The arts and culture scene. Music is a major one, but the independent film, visual art, folk art and design scenes are all really fresh and innovative.
PICKS Dining:
Dancing:
Mercato (1216 Spruce Street)
Fluid Nightclub (613 S. 4th Street)
It’s my most recent favorite. I’ve only been there once, but everything was great there.
Silk City (435 Spring Garden Street) Fluid for Rich Medina’s party; Silk for King Britt’s.
Brown Betty Dessert Boutique
ethel
I am an emcee. I also host lots of parties and events in Philly. Y’know, keep the crowd interested and pumped up while they party. I also do work in the community around HIV awareness and testing. I was born here in the Mt. Airy/Oak Lane/Germantown area. Where do you live in Philly? Where I live is called University City, in West Philadelphia. It’s an extremely diverse area.
How important is the sense of place to your work/art? Philly tests how serious you are about your art. Hip-hop crowds in this city
24 gophila.com/philly360
tend not to give props very easily, so someone with thin skin may want to give up instantly. But I’ve grown to love that. It toughens you up.
many people here from all unique walks of life. It’s hard not to be inspired.
Do you take inspiration from the city? If so, what, exactly, inspires you?
I have to steal a line from my friend Barry Eichner who said, “Philly is just like New York, but on sale.”
Absolutely. There are so
How would you describe Philly to someone who has never been here?
What do you think is the city’s greatest asset? Our passion. Whether it’s a suspect call that a ref made at a game or a City Hall decision to shut down certain libraries and pools, you are going to hear about it. We are a loud town that makes sure we are heard.
Rittenhouse Square UBIQ
PICKS What’s a favorite in-city getaway?
Museum:
Live Music:
I like Rittenhouse Square mainly because it’s near where I usually hang out in Center City and also a very good place to people watch. You’ve got your starving artists strumming on banjos; you’ve got your kids and dogs running around; you’ve got your people who are richer than rich, you know what I mean?
Mutter ¨ Museum (19 S. 22nd Street)
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Avenue)
I’m a weirdo. I’m interested in anatomy and the body and things like that. If you’re in the sciences or are just a little creepy, the Mutter ¨ is definitely the place for you.
I played there a couple times now, and the sound and lighting are incredible. I like the way it’s built and structured. You’re still very close to the crowd, but it has a big-stage feel.
What’s Philly’s best-kept secret? We’re tough, but we’re not mean. You can meet a perfect stranger and play six degrees of separation, and you’ll probably have somebody in common. It’s a very cute characteristic about the city.
gophila.com/philly360 25
30 philly360.com
philly360.com 31
The Roots, Grammy Award winners, became the iconic hip-hop band of this decade on the strength of their genre-bending live instrumentation and forward-reaching lyrical brilliance. Alongside founders ?uestlove and Black Thought, the lineup includes Damon Bryson, Frank Knuckles, Captain Kirk, Kamal, Owen Biddle and James Poyser. Embodying the very spirit and creative spark of the city, they have long been Philly’s favorite sons. ®
?uestlove answers on behalf of The Roots
What does it mean to be creative ambassadors to the city? It makes sense. I think we’ve done a lot for the city culturally in the last 17 years. The Roots’ rise has been more like the tortoise and the hare, but we will make the finish line eventually. We are in a rare position—still together as a band after 17 years, with a record deal.
How does the city inspire you? The Philadelphia I knew of was caught somewhere between the post-doo-wop generation and Gamble and Huff’s contribution, their invention of modern disco as we know it. That’s the environment we grew up with on Broad Street. Philadelphia International Records was near the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, so you soak all that in.
Why do you choose to live in Philly? People have yet to discover that Philly is the last cosmopolitan city that’s as affordable as an industrial city. It’s priced like an industrial city, but it’s still hip like a cosmopolitan city. Philly’s potential has yet to be realized. A lot of New Yorkers are still under the impression that Philly is four to five hours away, but I tell them if they don’t use the West Side Highway to get to Queens, we can definitely beat them going home. I just think Philly is a still-undiscovered palette of gems. There’s a huge amount of culture and things to be discovered here.
28 gophila.com/philly360
What is something a person wouldn’t know about Philly unless they were from here? They definitely don’t know the musical history behind it. From a jazz standpoint—between Philly Joe Jones, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie—a lot of cats lived in Philadelphia. They don’t know about the musical heritage. The Roots have always claimed Philadelphia with great pride and alacrity and shouted it from the highest mountains.
I have been dreaming of the day my city would embrace me to head a cultural campaign, and here it is. What Philly icon do you admire? Miss Patti LaBelle, for one, but she has been lying through her teeth. For years, she’s been promising me potato salad. Ever since 1989, I’ve been waiting to taste this damn potato salad, and I have yet to get any part of this woman’s cooking.
PICKS Live Music: Wachovia Center (3601 S. Broad Street) I plan to headline that spot before I die. Annual Festival: Odunde African-American Festival Weekend (odundeinc.org)
Cheesesteak: Tony Luke’s (39 E. Oregon Avenue) My number one spot, without a doubt. The perfect bread, the meat is perfect. Great after-taste. Just an awesome spot.
My last house was chosen specifically for its proximity to that festival.
gophila.com/philly360 29
SPOT CHECKS
khari mateen Ritz at The Bourse 400 Ranstead Street landmarktheatres.com
rich medina Bluebond Guitars 511 S. 4th Street bluebondguitars.com
Sound of Market St. 15 S. 11th Street jazsound.com
Silk City 435 Spring Garden Street silkcityphilly.com
syreeta scott Duafe Holistic Hair Care 2947 W. Girard Avenue dua-fe.com
stacey “flygirrl” wilson The F.U.E.L. Collection 249 Arch Street fuelcollection.com
Material Culture 4700 Wissahickon Avenue materialculture.com
Fluid Nightclub 613 S. 4th Street fluidnightclub.com
The Horticultural Center N. Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue fairmountpark.org
Soy Cafe 630 N. 2nd Street
KING BRITT Bar: Eulogy Belgian Tavern 136 Chestnut Street eulogybar.com Festival: The Roots Picnic myspace.com/theroots
30 gophila.com/philly360
Live Music: Johnny Brenda’s 1201 Frankford Avenue johnnybrendas.com ETHEL CEE Dining: House of Jin 234 W. Chelten Avenue
Honorable Mentions
rah crawford
ethel cee Philadelphia Museum of Art 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway philamuseum.org
UBIQ 1509 Walnut Street ubiqlife.com
Reading Terminal Market 12th & Arch Streets readingterminalmarket.org
Rittenhouse Square 18th & Walnut Streets fairmountpark.org
The Coffee Room Cafe 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue
Brown Betty Dessert Boutique 1030 N. 2nd Street brownbettydesserts.com
maori karmael holmes Lost + Found 133 N. 3rd Street
World Cafe Live 3025 Walnut Street worldcafelive.com
RAH CRAWFORD
SYREETA SCOTT
Dessert: Casual Food: Tartes Fine Cakes & Pastries N. 3rd 212 Arch Street 801 N. 3rd Street norththird.com RICH MEDINA Art Gallery: October Gallery 7o1 Market Street octobergallery.com STACEY “FLYGIRRL” WILSON
Books: The Last Word 220 S. 40th Street KHARI MATEEN Dessert: The Franklin Fountain 116 Market Street franklinfountain.com
Live Music: The Fire 412 W. Girard Avenue iourecords.com/thefire
Under-the-Radar Spot: Xochitl 408 S. 2nd Street xochitlphilly.com
Dessert: Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant MAORI KARMAEL HOLMES (Mango sweet coconut rice) Under-the-Radar Restaurant: 3630 Lancaster Avenue Taco Riendo 1301 N. 5th Street
gophila.com/philly360 31
credits Rich Medina:
Rah Crawford:
writer – Rob Stillwagon photographer – Marco Roldan
writer – Rob Stillwagon photographer – Marco Roldan photographer – Dan King
King Britt: writer – Rob Stillwagon photographer – Marco Roldan Khari Mateen: writer – Janday Wilson photographer – Lenyon Whitaker Stacey “Flygirrl” Wilson: writer – Janday Wilson photographer – Saleem Tosih Ahmed photographer – Jesse Johnston makeup – Andrea Gilletti
Ethel Cee & Maori Karmael Holmes: writer – Piers Marchant photographer – Ethel – Saleem Tosih Ahmed photographer – Maori – Lenyon Whitaker The Roots: writer – Piers Marchant photographer – Dom Savini photographer – Tayyib Smith
Syreeta Scott: writer – Rob Stillwagon photographer – Lenyon Whitaker makeup – Meredith Marshall
Design: Little Giant Media, LLC
Thank you to our creative ambassadors: The Roots, King Britt, Ethel Cee, Rah Crawford, Maori Karmael Holmes, Khari Mateen, Rich Medina, Syreeta Scott and Stacey “Flygirrl” Wilson. Thanks also to: Roz McPherson/The ROZ Group, Marc Byers/Rockstar Entertainment, Shawn Gee and Brandon Pankey/Sports & Entertainment Financial Group, Almaz Kinder Crowe and the entire GPTMC staff and Philadelphia, our inspiration! And special thanks to: Tayyib Smith, Meegan Denenberg, Irving Evelio Navarro, Piers Marchant, Matt Bacine and the rest of the Little Giant Media, LLC team who worked so tirelessly to make this happen.
32 gophila.com/philly360