It’s not very often that a stranger can be so familiar in everyone’s life and have the ability to simultaneously invoke a range of emotions in those stranger’s lives. Kobe Bryant was one of those rare individuals that undisputedly belonged in that group.

It’s still surreal referring to Kobe in the past tense but as the shock and disbelief starts to transition into this reality, it only brings a profound feeling of sadness for this global icon and his family.

Watching a kid accomplish his dreams through hard work and perseverance while inspiring millions to relentlessly push forward, leaves a timeless blueprint at achieving greatness. Watching that kid turn into a father that teaches and motivates the youth to strive for excellence, leaves the ultimate level of respect.

There are a few people out there that don’t understand why this may have hit them so hard or why there’s such an emotional outburst around the world. For that minority of people, let me take this moment to educate you on why.

Certain qualities transcend all barriers universally and are revered by everyone from all walks of life. Some of those qualities are what we directly associate when uttering the word Kobe. Passion, dedication and love are what we all clearly saw in watching him live his life to the fullest. The relentlessness and tenacity he played with was beyond legendary to behold.

Personally it was gratifying for me to see the representation of a multifaceted brother displaying intellect, athleticism and an appetite for worldly interest. His unique combination of talents dispelled the plethora of stereotypes that have plagued my community for centuries. The mark he’s left will be shared with generations to come. He will remain one of our greatest cultural ambassadors of all time.

The Black Mamba will forever be missed.

OTM Media Group has announced You Made It A Hot Line: The Most Influential Lines in Hip Hop by Alfred Obiesie. This book highlights the social significance of each line and its impact on our culture through savvy commentary and dope illustrations.

Those familiar with One Track Mine may know Alfred (Alf) better as Crazed Afrykan, our friendly neighborhood hip hop aficionado, whose wry wit and penchant for biting social commentary is legendary around these parts. As a hip hop producer (Nas, Damien Marley, DV Alias Khryst, King Prince) and super-fan for over 30 years, he’s intimate with the motivations, rhymes and reasons for one of the most revered genres in modern music.

Last year Alf suffered “sudden cardiac death,” spent two weeks in a medically induced coma, and not only lived to tell the tale, but wrote the hysterical and insightful You Made it a Hot Line in the months that followed. And you thought you were busy.

With over 30 radio stations blogs, podcasts and hip hop publications praising the book (Vibe, Sirius XM, This is 50.com, Jack Thriller, Beat Minerz Radio, 90.3 FM, 88.7FM, etc…) You Made It A Hot Line is rapidly making a significant imprint on hip hop culture. The book was recently requested by the Brooklyn Public Library and has since been added to their catalog in multiple branches borough-wide.

EVENTS

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PRESS

FANS

New York Film Festival
The 53rd Annual New York Film Festival promises highly anticipated films from Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis and bio-pics on Steve Jobs and Miles Davis, among many others.

The Art of John Lennon
Apart from being one of the best songwriters in the universe, Lennon also channeled his creativity into delightful doodles.  

The Gin Game
James Earl Jones and Cecily Tyson bring their gravitas to Donald L. Coburn’s two act play The Gin Game at New York’s The Golden Theater.

Wavves
Check out San Diego rock band Wavves at St. Vitus Bar rocking tunes from their brand new CD V. 

NYC Craft Coffee Festival
The NYC Craft Coffee Festival is the official kickoff to NYC Coffee Week. You didn’t even know that was a thing.