Once upon a time the great Lisa Turtle asked the question ‘Are we art? Or is art, art?’ And the visual merchandising department at LightHouse Immersive created fashionable art inspired by the great Vincent Van Gogh
Se llama Ranking Stone y es conocido como El Rey de los Melones pero en verdad creo que debe ser conocido por su voz que en las palabras de Romeo So Nasty! Pues lo puedo escuchar el día entero.
His name is Ranking Stone and he's known as the King of the Melons but really he should be known for that seductive voice, he's like the Puerto Rican Barry White. I can hear talk all day.
Fan: Ranking!
Ranking Stone: What's going on? How are you? Fan: You sand Los Melones! I'm happy that you sang it. Very good, very good.
Bionica: Well, for starters, Ranking Stone the King of the Melons, but with that voice–did you ever think about working as an announcer? You just speak so beautifully. Ranking Stone: Well, I did study broadcasting before getting into music although music has always been a part of my life because I come from a family of musicians that have always played in bands. My grandparents were troubadours. During Christmas in Puerto Rico we were always the ones who did the Parranda (wassailing) and what not bus aside from that I did study broadcasting. But after I finished my studies, I dedicated myself more to music although I had done all of the news practices, commercial announcing…but I just left it at that. Many people have told me that, but, well I stayed in the path of music. Bionica: You can tell me that I'm ugly, that my hair is a mess and it will still sound good because Ranking Stone said it. Ranking Stone: No, no, no, you're beautiful. Everyone is having a good time here. Bionica: But with that voice… Ranking Stone: You're hair is beautiful. (Sexy voice on!!) Bionica: I love it!! (Me encanta) Ranking Stone: And some spectacular eyes! Bionica: Thank you. Ranking Stone: See, see chuckles. Bionica: Aside from reggaeton, what is your favorite type of music? Ranking Stone: Well, check this out, I really like merengue. Merengue by Grupo Mania, Elvis Crespo. I'm also a salsa lover. I like all genres of music but especially the Latino ones. In regards to rap, hip-hop and the like, I like some but have always had a preference to the latin rhythms. The rhythms that have also instructed me into putting together my songs.
My style is a little different than others and it's because of what I like.
What I really like is Latin music. Bionica: What do you enjoy most about working with your friends? Ranking Stone: Well um chuckles it's a group of humble people above everything. The old school crowd, well we're somewhat seasoned. We enjoy life, we enjoy what we do and we have a lot of passion. For example, DJ Nelson, right now we're here doing this recording and he's around somewhere jumping, dancing, having fun… DJ Negro too!
You know, we're a little older in age in comparison to the kids that are starting out now, but we enjoy life and the truth is that we enjoy what we do. It's the passion that moves us. Bionica: What's the best advice that you have ever received that you still adhere to today. Ranking Stone: Well, my grandparents had always told me to keep my feet on the ground. Humility is the best thing one can have and I think that it's something that has always been a trait of mine. I've always been humble and it's what I've always taken with me and I've tried to stay on that route doing all things with a humble heart and a lot of respect. It's a bit of advice that has lasted me forever. Bionica: Thank you so much. Ranking Stone: Thank you.
He's a dad, he's a husband, he's a cook and also a hard working man that made sure to make his mark and stand out–he's DJ Negro!!! Pioneer of that old school movement that has helped shape reggaeton into what it is today.
El es padre, un esposo, chef esquisto, un hombre luchador que trabajó duro para sobresalir–el es DJ Negro!!! Pionero de la vieja guardia, ese movimiento clave que ha influido lo que es reggaeton hoy en dia.
Bionica: DJ Negro, what is it that you like most about your job? DJ Negro: What I enjoy most about my job?Seeing people enjoy what I do. Me at the turntables, preparing the music, getting people pumped and then you see how they dance, they sing… It's kind of like when you make rice & beans or whatever it is that you're eating and you prepared this meal that's really good. You set the table and then nobody eats and you say to yourself 'Wow, after I spent all this time making it…' You know, its satisfying to see people having a good time as a result of what your doing. Bionica: If you weren't a DJ, what would you be? DJ Negro: A cook. Bionica: Si? Yeah? DJ Negro: Because I love being in the kitchen. Todo Latin Network: Food is great. Bionica: What's your specialty? DJ Negro: Lasagna. Bionica: Really? DJ Negro: I love lasagna. Bionica: OMG DJ Negro: Listen, for your information, I graduated as a chef. I've got my certification and everything, and I'm also quite good. And if it's bad, then I really won't make it at home, my wife will make it laughs. Bionica: Do you have kids? DJ Negro: Yes, I have 3 kids. Bionica: What is it that your kids like the most, about their dad being DJ Negro? DJ Negro: Well, I already have 2 adolescents. My son is 25 and my daughter is 23. They don't always say it, but every once in a while I'll hear 'Papi, I met this person and when they found you're my dad they went crazy' laughs. When they were kids, they didn't really listen to reggaeton, they were more into rock and the like. They didn't really keep tabs on me in that sense, but now that they're older and have seen what their dad has done, they say 'Wow.' Bionica: What's something that you always try to teach your kids. DJ Negro: Well, I tell them they shouldn't smoke, they shouldn't be dealers and that they should try to do things legally. It's worked up to now. Todo Latin Network: What does a legend like you say to the new generation that wants to DJ? What advice do you have for them? DJ Negro: Well, when I started in '83, I'm going to tell you this story that happened to me. I couldn't DJ for the life of me. I had never even touched the turntables but I felt that I knew how to do what the DJ was doing and I remember this DJ from the town I was born in, La Perla San Juan. I told him 'Listen, let me play something, I know how to do it' and this is what he said to me '#@$% off and don't bother me' and I told him 'I'm going to learn and I'm going to beat you at your own game.' I ran into him some 10 years after that while I was DJing and he tells me 'S@!* DJ Negro let me play something' and I asked him 'Do you remember what you told? #@$% off? Now it's your turn to #@$% off' laughs
But really, my advice is to keep going. Perseverance is your tool to show others that yes you can do it. Bionica: Thank you so much.
Le encantan los animales, mas que eso los perros, algo que para mi
sencillamente merece un 10. Y no le tiene miedo aventurar, mudando se a
otro país y empezar de nuevo. Una persona que no teme viajar, se esta
abriendo las puertas a lo mejor que la vida puede ofrecer, y esa persona
es Alberto Stylee.
The man is an animal lover, more than that, a dog person which gets double points in my book. He is also one who is not afraid to try something new like moving to a new country and starting a new. A person that is not afraid to travel, just opens to some of the best things that life has to offer, and that person is Alberto Stylee.
Bionica: I know you have a little dog named Danita. Alberto Stylee: Yes. Bionica: Como esta ella? How is she? Alberto Stylee: She's going to be 3 years old. She's my daughter because I don't have any kids yet. I'm working on it, but she's my little girl and my heart. I love that little dog. I'm working on getting her travel permit so I can bring her with me everywhere I go. So next time you will see her with me all over. She's the baby. Bionica: Yes! I have 3 little dogs and I love them so much. Alberto Stylee: Look, I'm the type of person that for example will use animals in general to feel a person out. I will ask a person if they like animals and if they tell me no…Because it's not the same to say that you don't like animals as to say that they aren't really your thing. There are people that like animals, they're cute and all but that's about it. There are people who simply don't like them. And I've always said that a person that doesn't like animals, has no heart. It's a good way to learn about the people that are around you. Bionica: I agree because they have a sense that we don't and go by vibes. For example if they bark at a certain person a lot… Alberto Stylee: Exactly. And an animal is just going to give you love. They're beautiful, what's not to like about them? It's one thing for a person to like animals but not want one, but if you just don't like them well…You know what I mean? And it is a good way for you to be able to pick out your friends by simply asking them because let's say that one day you're with your dog and they come over… For example, one of my best friends, Latin, he's Christian now but he was a reggaeton artist, he takes care of my dog when I go away. My dog loves going over to his house and they love her. Bionica: What's the wildest thing she has done? Alberto Stylee: When she was a puppy, if someone left a piece of paper on the floor, she would rip it to shreds. One day she took a whole newspaper while I had gone out and when I got back home there were bits of newspaper all over the house. And another thing, when she does something wrong or pees or poops where she isn't supposed to–she's trained but there are times…we know that she did something because she will hide. 'Where's the dog?' She did something, but if you look around the house you'll find her hehehe. Bionica: She's too cute. Once, I was either at work or school, we had 2 dogs and they took the paper towel and made a mess! Alberto Stylee: Yes! They have a party, they mostly break everything when they're in that puppy stage, they experiment a lot. But she is the light of my life that little dog. I love her so much and I love animals and have always been a part of my life. Bionica: Your song Her Name is Sara (Ella Se Llama Sara), was there a special love in your love named Sara? Alberto Stylee: Never, and people have always asked me, and it's called I Imagine You (Te Imagino) not Her Name is Sara (Ella Se Llama Sara). Bionica: Aah. Alberto Stylee: Everyone always asks me that, but in reality it's a rhyme. No one compares to you, her name is Sara (ti ninguna se compara, ella se llama Sara). It's the name that came about at that moment and I think it was also the most popular name in Colombia, thanks to my people there whom I love and miss so much, they made it #1. Bionica: What do you like most about your job? Alberto Stylee: I love being able to sing. I love singing. I love being able to receive the euphoria and applause of the audience when they sing my songs. One of the good things about being a musician aside from the fact that you do have to work hard, people think it's all fun and games but you do have to sacrifice a lot. I love traveling and going to different places. It's one of the great things about being a singer/musician. Bionica: I also went to Colombia and I loved it, especially the warmth of the people there. What about Colombia made you fall in love with it because I had spoken with Nicky and I think it was him that said that you told him to go to Colombia. Alberto Stylee: Yes, he and I practically moved in together and our careers took off once again there. But what I liked most about Colombia was the pleasantness of the people and the weather in the city, especially in Medellin. It was always exquisite, compared to where I'm from an island where it's always hot but I love my Puerto Rico. I call Medellin my second home, I really like it, the way people are sherry loving and how Colombians are just so welcoming, how they greet you…Especially in Medellin, the weather–the country itself is just beautiful. The vegetation and mountains are one of the key things that got me. Christmas in Puerto Rico is like no other and for a Puerto Rican person to spend the holidays away from home it's hard but Colombia is that place where I can tell you that it's almost the same, it's where I was able to feel like I was home. That's when I said 'I really can live here without a worry' Because you know, it's not easy leaving your home to go live in another country and to a republic no less when you are an American/Puerto Rican citizen. Some people will find it odd, but I tried it and it has been one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. The situation at hand is very sad but we're working on it. I'm innocent and I say it everywhere I go, we're working hard and I hope to one day be able to go back and enjoy some good times with my people. My wife is Colombian and I know that one day things are going to get cleared up and I'm going to be able to sing over there. Bionica: God willing. Alberto Stylee: Amen Red Bull Music The Brand Phoenix
Betabrand es una compañía Que te da la oportunidad de darle vida A tus diseños innovadores través de su gran equipo
Así es, al someter tu diseño y todos sus detalles Tu producto puede ser elegido para que Betabrand Fabrique una muestra que será financiada de manera colectiva Con el propósito de llegar a todos los armarios!!
Y el martes pasado pude compartir con Betabrand rodeada de diseñadores con buenas ideas en su función de NY en Black Door aprendiendo cada dia mas Gracias Liz por la invitación!
Betabrand! What is it you ask? Well it's the company That gives you the opportunity To make your design dreams a reality At least in terms of fashion that is
That's right! You can submit your design And its fun details to the Betabrand team That may choose it & produce a sample To be crowdfunded And reach buyers everywhere!!
Earlier this week, I was invited to their NY mixer at Black Door where I was able to meet designers with great ideas over some drinks, lowlight and hors d' ouvres As we learned more about the beauty of Beta-Brand Thank you Liz for the invite!
La semana pasada tuve el honor de asistir a la gala de Foundation for Letters (fundación por las letras) en el edificio de IAC en NY
Foundation for Letters fue creado por Mike Jackson en el 2002
con la meta de llevar programas de lectura a las comunidades urbanas en NY
Estos programas han servido para mejorarle la vida a muchos adolescentes
que han tenido el apoyo para dar lo mejor de ellos y así hacer un cambio
positivo en el mundo através de la educación
Marley Dias es una de esas personas que esta dejando su huella en el mundo
través de su esfuerzo para reunir 1000 libros que llevan a la mujer morena como protagonista
Con tan solo 11 años, esta jovencita pudo conseguir mas de 4000 libros, los que han sido donado a la Retreat en Jamaica
Aquí comparto con ustedes algunas fotos de este gran evento celebrando la importancia de la educación
Last week I was honored to attend the Foundation for Letters Gala at IAC building in NY
Foundation for Letters was created by Mike Jackson in 2002 with the goal
of bringing forth literary programs to urban communities in NY
These programs have turned around and touched the lives of so many children
that have been given the encouragement of working to their full potential
so that they too may make a difference in the world via the power of education
One cool kid making her mark is Marley Dias, who pledged to collect and donate 1,000 books that feature black girls as the main characters, at 11 years old, Marley has been able to collect more than 4,000 books, many of which have been donated to Retreat School in Jamaica
Here are some images of those celebrating this wonderful cause
