I learned this Summer that the x32, an express MTA bus designed to service Bronx Science students from the East Queens area was discontinued due to budget cuts (amongst other public transportation necessities). The alternative to this was the frequently snuck-uponed Gagnon buses (bka as the “cheese bus”) which many of us weren’t too thrilled to ride. Rekstizzy knows. He road the Gagnon bus all the time.

I figure with the re-design of the blog I ought to share the end of what was a pretty important part of my high school years. If you missed this bus you were left 3 alternatives–(1) Pray that the aforementioned Gagnon buses hadn’t gotten on to the Whitestone and would let you you on by some type grace of good will from a higher being (this never happened) (2) Get on a bus towards Main Street and take that 1 hour + subway ride to the North Bronx OR (3) Get on the Q44 and transfer at Castle Hill Avenue to the BX22 (the one going to Paul Avenue not Zerega Avenue). For most Asian males from North Queens, the concept of traveling through the South Bronx wasn’t exactly a safe option. For me it was the only option. Maybe because I was sort of like this guy…

Or maybe because of my infatuation with Hip-Hop made the South Bronx a tourist attraction of sorts. I wouldn’t purposely miss the x32, but I sure as hell wasn’t taking the 7 train if I did. I certainly didn’t set foot in Castle Hill and Parkchester to look for trouble, but exploring a world away from the plush streets of North Flushing helped keep me sharper, a little bit more street smart and a point of reference to those other Asian males who also decided not to take the 7.

The Q44 and Bx22 are still running, with little change in service (especially the Q44 which connects South Queens with the Northwest Bronx). Sadly, the bus that introduced me to them (and in effect introduced me to the South Bronx) is no longer available. Until these budget cuts are rectified, I’ll have that green sign to remind me where I was from and where I went.

I went through a lot of old magazines the other night. Many of them were from my formative years, and were close to 10 years old. I happen to come across what I was looking for–an issue of Mass Appeal I had purchased due to my interest in the underground hip-hop scene. I can’t lie I was an unadmitted backpacker at the time (note: when someone tells you their not a backpacker there’s a good chance they are), and would routinely go down to Fat Beats to buy vinyls of songs I already had on CD or on mp3 OR couldn’t find on the internet or couldn’t buy anywhere (Disc-O-Rama doesn’t always sell underground music). I was that much of an enthusiast. As ass-backwards as it might sound, there is a comfort in purchasing a vinyl over a CD, but that I’ll go into in another blog entry.

It doesn’t just stop at Mass Appeal. Buried in my collection of old magazines are issues of Vice (back when that ish was raw–and I mean RAW[II]) and yes even Complex (I also have old issues of Don Diva and FEDS, but just like the aforementioned vinyl, I’ll save that for another entry). Perusing the pages of these magazines took me down memory lane . It was magazines like this that influenced me to move towards writing. More importantly they conjure up a feeling of nostaligia that defined pre-and-post 9/11 New York for me. As weird as it sounds but there is a driving connection that I have with these magazines. These magazines were my introduction to underground culture, which as it evolved has turned into the present streetwear/hipster culture and essentially become mainstream. It’s here in these pages that authentic street  culture and art is documented, unadultered and accurately presented by those who were genuine gatekeepers.

In this one issue alone Mass Appeal had Alife as it’s creative director, the IRAK crew as a photo spread, the SSUR store as a filler feature and graffitti photos that would make Commissioner Kelly blush.

Here I was a passive 14 year-old eager to become either (a) a DJ (b)a music video director, or (c)something in the music industry that involves getting taking seriously for having good ideas (which I would learn is technically an A&R, and would later learn there is no such position), and being exposed to street culture in one of its most authentic magazine not thinking that this culture would eventually hit the mainstream.

I guess this nostalgia also leads me to have a wakeup call. The scene has changed (or evolved). Mass Appeal is no longer published. If I had been a little less passive, maybe I would’ve attempted to intern for Mass Appeal or Vice. Of course even 10 year ago, having an under-18 year old intern would have been risky. I guess you can say that all of this looking back, helps me to look forward.

It’s amazing where a decade can take you. I look at this as the beginning of it all and though the landscape has changed, the inspiration remains the same.

…for the most obvious rap video to get posted around the blogosphere. Lol. But in all seriousness this song/video is a classic. It’s a Queens thing. Maybe Rek and I will do a remake. Ha.

This is actually a bit old (the trailer that is). It’s scheduled to be released in February 2010, and a screening in NYC in January. Looks dope. I own the Hulk Vs. DVD and it was pretty good for a Marvel animated feature.

Yesterday I posted about the legendary DJ Neil Armstrong being a Bronx Science alum. I also mentioned that Scott Sasso, founder of 10 Deep was also an alum. Though this is mildly related to the last one I figure I wow readers yet again by name dropping my high school once again (sorry for the shameless pseudo-self promotion). 10 Deep,a pioneer in streetwear is holding a sample sale with Rocksmith in DUMBO Brooklyn. Sorry to the non-New York folks. At least if you’re in LA, The Hundreds and Freshjive got you. In any event click on the image to find out more about it. Shouts to my homey Che Guerilla for looking out!

Pardon the blunt title, but as a Bronx Science alum, I must say it speaks volumes to me that DJ Neil Armstrong, a decorated DJ and turntablist (who happens to have a degree in chemical engineering), is also an alum. I wish the admin would push stuff like this more. Instead they feel compelled to either push Nobel prize winners that you’ve probably never heard of as the face of Bronx Science. Don’t get me wrong winning a Nobel prize is a notable thing and an undeniable achievement, however I do sometimes feel that promoting awareness of a school and it’s accomplished alumni involves delving past the most prominent names.

After the interview Neil informed me that Scott Sasso, founder of 10 Deep also attended Science. Maybe one day all of these guys who didn’t pursue science tracks for their careers will one day get recognized and be asked to give a speech and inspire a bunch of nerd stoners to do something that doesn’t involve science.

Not that there’s anything wrong with pursuing the science field.

I’m just saying.

Some of the best teacher’s I had while in high school were non-science related. They were also non-traditionalist. Which brings me to the point–maybe doing something outside of the box can get you the results that you need.

And is isn’t that the gist of science anyways?

I digress–the video was dope. The interview went really well–Neil had much to talk about and he was really candid about his experience. Much thanks to the folks at Goliath for hooking us up.