We New Yorkers have hit a few rough patches throughout these last few months: the Knicks sucked the entire season, our governor got caught up, and economic worry has us all holding our wallets tighter than ever before.
But alas, a glimmer of hope: if history serves us correctly, New York City summers produce the stuff of legend, especially when it comes to hip-hop. Here are a few of our early recommendations to help you get your fix during the day or at night…or at least when you’re not out in the Hamptons.
Night:
Manor Fridays
The Manor
SHADE45’s DJ Wonder has held down this weekly Friday night party in Manhattan’s Meat Packing District for the last few months; guests have included Nelly, Keri Hilson, Nina Sky, Tony Touch to name a few.
Click here for more info on The Manor.
R&B Live, Tuesdays
Spotlight Live
R&B Live is a bi-weekly performance-based event where you can bring your boo/jumpoff (or come alone to find one of those) and enjoy live contemporary R&B (hence the name) in a great atmosphere. Performers have included Ashanti, Ryan Leslie, Mario, and Bobby Valentino.
Click here for more info on Spotlight Live.
Studio B
Brooklyn’s underground hotspot is becoming the stuff of legend, with performances by both up-and-comers and seasoned vets. Don’t miss their May 2nd party celebrating the opening of their rooftop deck.
Click here for more info on Studio B.
Déjà Vu
Libation
Hosted each Thursday by Voodoo Ray and Lyricist Lounge’s Danny Castro, this weekly event in the Lower East Side features some of the best hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall in the city, as well as live art and massages!
Click here for more info on Libation.
After Work:
Afterwork Thursdays
The Plumm
Resident spinner DJ Camilo brings it live and direct for those looking for a little fun immediately afterwork. Get there early as this one usually gets packed.
Click here for more info on The Plumm.
Therapy Thursdays
Stay Lounge
Uptown meets the Lower East Side as promoters Kevin Swade, Eugene Abreu, and Alex Thayer host one of LES’ newest hotspots.
Click here for more info on Stay Lounge.
Outdoors:
Habana Outpost
If you’re walking through Fort Greene during the summer, and happen to hear A Tribe Called Quest blaring from a courtyard that looks like it’s straight out of Sesame Street, you’ve probably hit Habana Outpost. HO has evolved as one of Brooklyn’s outdoor hotspots; summer movie screenings, car washes, and the live DJ make it the it afternoon party spot. Oh, there’s food too.
McCarren Park Pool
Mayor Bloomberg has approved a $50 million plan to turn the legendary Brooklyn pool back into a, well, pool, so it seems that the Summer of 08 will be the last to host concerts, so get it in while you can. Performers this summer include MIA (June 6), and DJ Shadow (July 17).
Click here for more info on McCarren Park.