8/3/20 O&A NYC LOCKDOWN LEARNING: YelloPain – My Vote Dont Count

YelloPain explains why you MUST VOTE and why local, city and state elections do matter. This video shows you how your vote makes a difference. So the next time a misinformed person says, “Obama did do enough for black people”. You can explain how government works and and who actually makes the laws.  Continue reading

7/22/20 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: Buddy – Black 2

Los Angeles born and raised rapper Buddy returns with his new Black 2 music video following the single’s release back in June at the height of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests throughout the United States. Continue reading

7/14/20 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: DaBaby – Rockstar feat. Roddy Ricch

Rockstar is by HipHop artist DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch. The song was released on April 24, 2020 as the second single from DaBaby’s third studio album Blame It On Baby.The song was written by the two performers and its producer SethInTheKitchen. Continue reading

7/4/20 ITS SATURDAY- EXTRA: NWA Fuck Tha Police

“Right about now, N.W.A. court is in full effect
Judge Dre presiding
In the case of N.W.A. vs. the Police Department
Prosecuting attorneys are: MC Ren, Ice Cube
And Eazy motherfuckin’ E”- NWA
Continue reading

7/3/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lazarus by Rennie Harris (AAADT)

Ailey All Access presents Rennie Harris’ Lazarus. It’s the Company’s first ever evening length work shown in two acts. Through hip-hop dance, Harris reflects on Alvin Ailey’s life and addresses the racial inequities America faced when the Ailey company was founded 1958 and still faces today. Watch it now through Thurs, July 9 at 7pm EDT. Continue reading

6/24/20 O&A NYC WaleStylez HIP HOP WEDNESDAY Pt.1: Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture

Lil Baby takes on police brutality and the nationwide protests in the wake of the officer-involved killing of George Floyd on his somber new track The Bigger Picture; which dropped on Friday June 12, 2020. Continue reading

6/24/20 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY Pt.2: Bris – Need Hammy

Rising Sacramento Hip Hop artist Bris shot and killed.The 24 year-old talent passed away just days after his latest release.Sacramento Hip Hop artist Bris, born Christopher Treadwell was shot and killed on June 21 according to confirmation by the Sacramento County Coroner. Continue reading

6/14/20 O&A NYC DANCE: Meet James “Banks” Davis- Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Company of Brooklyn

By Walter Rutledge

James “Banks” Davis is a real New York success story. Banks grow up in the urban environment of Queens and Brooklyn and as a teenager found acceptance and recognition as an urban street dancer. A natural athlete Banks quickly excelled in dance and gymnastics. He loved entertaining people often turning a street corner into a stage.

Then on Halloween night 2009, gun fire erupted on a crowded Brooklyn street and Banks was shot in the knee- another innocent victim of a random shooting. His injuries would have been a death knell for anyone pursuing a career in dance. Instead, Banks treated this not as a detour, but the course appointed.

The original diagnosis was amputation; but miraculously sensation returned to his leg and Banks immediately turned his attention toward recovery. Through mediation, prayer, dedication and hard work Banks was able to return to dance. Banks broaden his aesthetic horizons through his association with Jamel Gaines and his dance company

For over 26 years Gaines has used dance to inspire inner city youth to achieve; and often his prodigy has aspired beyond their own expectations. Gaines has the unique gift of working with dancer from many diverse disciplines. And Banks (whose specialty was the L.A. street dance style called Krump) developed his art under Gaines holistic approach to dance.  

Banks combines the refined, codified styles of modern and jazz with the raw edginess of Krump. In 2014 Banks stole the hearts of many on social media as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Season 11. Banks played the role of the angel Gabriel in the English National Opera’s The Gospel According To Mary and toured New Zealand with the Park Avenue Armory’s production FLEXN. In 2019 Banks was featured in the groundbreaking Revelation of Proverbs Reggie “Regg Roc” and the D.R.E.A.M. Ring at The Shed.

Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Behind The Scenes

On June 19 Creative Outlet and Summerstage will present Hanging Tree, an on-line celebration of the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. The virtual presentation will take place on June 19, 7-8pm on Summerstage YouTube. In addition to Banks the production (choreographed, staged and conceived by Gaines) also features vocalist Marcelle Davies Lashley, poet Carl Hancock Rux, and musician Talu Green. The performance will be followed by a panel discussion entitled The Importance of Juneteenth’s History & How It Affects Our Community’s Lives Today. The panel will feature RestorationArt Executive Director Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Gaines and Rux.

For more information about Creative Outlet’s programs, classes and upcoming event visit jgcodance.org.