A deep, first-person profile of Dotimus Prime, exploring his creative origins, writing, photography, DJing, and the communities that shaped him.

Feature Article: https://www.newyorksaid.com/the-many-lives-of-dotimus-prime/

Explore the remarkable career of Matthew Jordan Smith, renowned photographer who captured Oprah, Halle Berry, and other celebrities. Learn his techniques and artistic vision.

Feature Article: https://www.newyorksaid.com/through-the-lens-of-faith-walking-tokyo-with-photographer-matthew-jordan-smith

Photo Credit: An attendee, paying tribute with a hat reading "RESPECT," watches Franklin's funeral service in Detroit. Photography by Matthew Jordan Smith

Tune in for a special episode featuring Destiny Mata, the visionary behind the Lower East Side Yearbook. In this episode, Destiny shares the inspiring journey of creating a multimedia archive that celebrates the vibrant spirit and enduring legacy of New York's Lower East Side. Discover how poetry, graffiti, fashion, and oral histories come together to reflect the diverse talents of public housing residents and preserve the rich history of this iconic neighborhood.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/immortalizing-the-lower-east-side-with-a-yearbook

In this episode we talk about the Quesada Reserva Privada Barberpole, aged tobacco, double cap, retail Tobacconist, taste/aftertaste, pairing and sip to smoke, Combustion, air flow and ash.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/quesada-reserva-privada-barberpole/

Jerry Saltz and Amon Focus talk about being radically vulnerable, the importance of deadlines, the Pulitzer Prize and his new book, How to Be an Artist.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/in-conversation-with-pulitzer-prize-winning-art-critic-jerry-saltz-interview

In this episode we talk about Dion and Illusione Brand, removing a cap, toasting the foot (how long do you toast a foot for), butane/torch lighters, cedar spills/matches, draw of a cigar, combustion on Boxed Pressed vs Parejo Cigars, premium cigars, optimizing a good experience with planning, the reach of a cigar, relighting a cigar, purple smoke, seeds and classifications.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/illusione-68/

In this episode we talk about Brugal 1888, the Padron Family, small cigars, shorter formats, dog walker, anatomy of a cigar, aging a cigar, stories of Big Smoke, layers to the taste, palette, salivation, geography of growing tobacco, pairing a spirit with a cigar and ProCigar Festival.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/padron-1926-no-35-natural/

In this episode we talk about, cutting a cigar and how to cut a cigar, beginner cigars, toast the foot and why, composition of a cigar, combustion, flavor profiles, seeds, geography of tobacco flower, experience with Guillermo Leon, construction of a cigar, aging a cigar, uniformity and Boveda Packs.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/guillermo-leon-signature/

In this episode we Celebrate the Legacy of Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. With over 35 years in the industry, Ralph sits down and shares his story with us.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/celebrating-the-legacy-of-ralph-mcdaniels-and-video-music-box

Juan Sanchez is joined by Amon Focus to introduce Sunday Cigar to the New York Said Network. In this episode they give a brief overview of what the show is about and what to expect.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/introducing-sunday-cigar-a-smoke-along-with-juan-and-amon

The Times of Bill Cunningham is a film by Mark Bozek. Mark and Amon take a moment to converse about the inception, journey and process of taking Mark's film to the silver screen.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/mark-bozek-talks-the-times-of-bill-cunningham

ICP's Curator-at-Large Isolde Brielmaier talks Tyler Mitchell, critical engagement with broad communities and the history of imaging.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/curator-at-large-isolde-brielmaier-talks-inaugural-exhibitions-at-the-international-center-of-photography/

This talk with iconic denim designer and businessman Maurice Malone feels like a fashion industry Masterclass but in the form of a great conversation.

In this two part episode we cover the good, the bad and the ugly of navigating the worlds of fashion and denim design. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/maurice-malone-fashion-denim-design-interview/

Peter Feliciano, a man whose journey from Far Rockaway to the upper echelons of the fine jewelry industry embodies the spirit of New York City. From his early days navigating racial tensions and forging alliances on the streets to his transformative experience in the United States Marine Corps, Feliciano's story is one of grit, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Through his immersion in the world of precious stones and his relentless pursuit of success, Feliciano has built a thriving business and a legacy that shines as bright as the gems he sells. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/grit-grind-and-carats-the-peter-feliciano-story

Collecting New York's Stories: Stuyvesant to Sid Vicious exhibition opens today at the Museum of the City of New York. Yesterday, Sean Corcoran, MCNY Curator of Prints & Photographs took a moment to highlight the gallery of historic and contemporary photographs showcased with New York Said's Amon Focus.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/sean-corcoran-curator-at-the-museum-of-the-city-of-new-york-talks-collecting-new-yorks-stories/

This talk with iconic denim designer and businessman Maurice Malone feels like a fashion industry Masterclass but in the form of a great conversation.

In this two part episode we cover the good, the bad and the ugly of navigating the worlds of fashion and denim design. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/maurice-malone-fashion-denim-design-interview/

Happy Holidays Good People!

You know what time it is, this is the year end episode where Juan and Amon recap the progress of New York Said. This year we talk about the roll-out of Sunday Cigar, highlight episodes that stood out as well music and books that moved us. 

See you next year!

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/2019-year-end-wrap-up/

Happy Holidays good people! In this episode I sit down with my younger sister Delilah to play New York Said Shuffle. NYS Shuffle is a Q&A game that allows me to ask my guests an assortment of question in a less linear way.

In this episode Delilah and I talk about eating crickets, looking out for the youth, suicide, getting into trouble and lessons learned.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/don-dada-delilah-hennessy-rumchata/

Happy Holidays good people! In this episode I sit down with my younger sister Delilah to play New York Said Shuffle. NYS Shuffle is a Q&A game that allows me to ask my guests an assortment of question in a less linear way.

In this episode Delilah and I talk about tasty alcoholic beverages, fun with the family dog, growing up as siblings, becoming a dialysis technician, eating healthy and love in your twenties.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/don-dada-delilah-hennessy-rumchata/

In this episode we sit down with Terrence Kelleman and discuss making a million, critical business values, defining success, going viral, the importance of grit & intuition and much more!

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/terrence-kelleman-founder-of-the-be-mighty-project/

On a rather beautiful day in the Lower East Side, Rame and I caught up on life. In this episode Rame shares a few stories of growing up in The Lower, his experiences as a stick-up kid, skating, graffiti, being on the run, life in Cali, getting shot, life as vegan and what is new with his art.

Show  Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/rame-loves-life/

Greg Miller and Amon met up in Chelsea to converse about painting, westerns, surf culture and his participation in The Wild Bunch exhibition at the JoAnne Artman Gallery.

Carl is a staple in South Jamaica Queens as well as one of the many unsung heroes we at NYS aspire to document and whose stories we aim preserve. In this episode Carl and I talk about owning your own space, resilience, commitment, the importance of story, truth being stranger than fiction and the 50th Year Anniversary of the Black Spectrum Theatre.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/carl-clay-black-spectrum-theatre-interview/

Today's guest on the show is artist, photographer and director Stephen Wilkes. In this episode Stephen shares his experiences in creating the film Jay Myelf.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/stephen-wilkes-interview/

René Mantilla, a New York-based luxury hat designer whose handcrafted fedoras have become a symbol of the city's effortless style and a favorite among celebrities. From his humble beginnings in Ecuador to his breakthrough moment at Nordstrom, Mantilla's story is one of unwavering faith, tireless dedication to his craft, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dreams. The article delves into Mantilla's creative process, his commitment to using the finest materials, and his mission to empower wearers through his designs. It also highlights the designer's grounding in faith and humility, despite his success, and positions his hats as a subtle but powerful reminder of our shared humanity in an increasingly divided world.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/crafting-crowns-rene-mantilla-and-the-art-of-luxury-chapeaux

Jay Maisel and Amon had a fireside chat in a conference room somewhere in the heart of midtown Manhattan. In this episode they talk about light, color, gesture, Arthur Miller, cigars, buying the "The Bank" also known as 190 Bowery, shooting 65 years worth of photography, editing and a new documentary by Stephen Wilkes called Jay Myself.

Show Note: https://www.newyorksaid.com/jay-maisel-interview/

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders is an American portrait photographer and filmmaker, known for his intimate portraits of celebrities, public figures, and artists. In this episode TGS and Amon converse about The List Films, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, The Power of Words, Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcock, George Hurrell and the secrets to taking an iconic portrait. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/timothy-greenfield-sanders-interview

Armen Djerrahian is a photographer, director and creative director. In part two of this conversation, Armen and Amon talk capturing Jay Z, exploring life in Queens Bridge, meeting Littles and developing a working relationship with Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

If you're a budding photographer then you should listen to these episodes twice. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/armen-djerrahian/

Armen Djerrahian is a photographer, director and creative director. In this  two part conversation, Armen and Amon talk about bodyboarding, BMX, graffiti, B-Boy, Ska, Armenian Genocide and the thought process of capturing iconic photography.

If you're a budding photographer then you should listen to these episodes twice. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/armen-djerrahian/

Born in 1938, Alex Harsley is a Documentary Photographer, a Curator for The 4th Street Photo Gallery and Founder of the Minority Photographers Inc.

Alex and Amon sat for about an hour or so to talk about photographic sciences, visual conversations and surviving the nature of life. 

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/alex-harsley/

Obarh and Amon hold court in the 14th Street/Eighth Avenue underground New York City Subway station. In this episode they talk about vampires, having a heart, energy, messages for young artists and the chosen few who are able to see the light.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/obarh-interview/ ‎

Back in the Lower East Side but this time to kick it with Marc Leader of 212 Arts Gallery. Marc talks about growing up in Coney Island, his introduction to Jan van Eyck, his love for the movie Road House, the key to selling art and the misconceptions of owning a gallery in New York.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/marc-leader/

Julius Wiedemann and I met up at NOMAD Works in midtown to talk about his experiences at TASCHEN, the importance of Gutenberg, global challenges and reading philosophy.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/julius-wiedemann/

Amon Focus kicked it with Power Malu at Overthrow Boxing gym in the Lower East Side to talk about the club scene in the 90s, various hustles, the Lyricist Lounge Show, getting into running, Bridge Runners, sports injuries, living a healthy lifestyle, his early days with Al Sharpton and activism.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/power-malu/ 

Carlo McCormick is an American culture critic and curator living in New York City. He is the author of numerous books, monographs and catalogues on contemporary art and artists.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/carlo-mccormick/

Jan Kaláb, born in 1978 in Czechoslovakia, has emerged as one of the most prominent contemporary artists of his generation. From his roots in Prague's graffiti scene to his current international success, Kaláb's artistic journey is a testament to his unrelenting passion, innovation, and ability to push boundaries. This article explores Kaláb's early years as a graffiti pioneer, his transformative visit to New York, and his evolution into a globally recognized artist known for his unique geometric style and thought-provoking installations. Gain insight into the mind and work of an artist who continues to redefine contemporary art and inspire others with his commitment to growth and discovery.

Show Notes: Geometry, Color, and Innovation: The Captivating World of Jan Kaláb's Art

Carlo McCormick met up with Amon Focus in a kitchen deep in the Lower East Side to talk about art, culture and history. In this episode they talk about youth culture, owning your history, privatization of public spaces, huge cultural shifts, Emory Douglas, Jamie Reed and the broken window theory.

Show Notes:

https://www.newyorksaid.com/carlo-mccormick/

A few days ago I had an incredible conversation with the "First Lady of Graffiti" Lady Pink. In this episode we talk about her early days of painting trains with elite graffiti writers, proving herself, playing the construction game and mentoring young artists.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/lady-pink/ 

Met up with Leo in midtown to talk about growing up in Washington Heights, being a wild curious kid, the cultural microscope, demystifying the facade of the art world, being a Social Scientist and empowering the disenfranchised.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/leopold-vasquez/

Crash talks comics, Style Wars, painting trains, Keith Haring, types of spray paint, caps and our responsibly to tell the history of graffiti correctly.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/john-crash-matos/

Damn this year went by quick. Juan and I are back with this year's 2018 Year End Wrap Up. We met back up in Tudor City to reminisce about past episodes, the launch of Sunday Cigar and what we've learned along the way. Happy New Year Good People!

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/2018-year-end-wrap-up/

Kenny Vera talks running a small business, launching his LOOT Lifestyle brand, learning new languages and overcoming mistakes.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/kenny-vera/

Today's episode is a continuation with our guest is James K. Alicea aka BlusterOne. This is the 2nd part of a two part episode. In this episode, Bluster and I talk about PNB Nation, dogma, street wear, quality of life and keeping your word.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/blusterone/

Today's guest is James K. Alicea aka BlusterOne and this is going to be a two part episode. In this episode, Bluster and I talk about growing up in the Lower East Side, his early graffiti days, Rakim lyrics, religion, spirituality, the Five Percent Nation and his introduction to Islam.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/blusterone/

What's up good people welcome to the New York Said podcast, I'm your host Amon Focus.

This week I headed to Metropolitan High School out in the Bronx to talk to some of the kids in the Beacon Youth Program. I was asked to talk about Podcasting. I kept it simple, I showed them the audio equipment but I said the best way to learn about podcasting is to record one… So we did.

If you're a long time listener to the show then you're familiar with the card game I created called New York Said Shuffle, if not then it's simple. New York Said Shuffle is a game where I have the guest shuffle a deck of question cards that I created and then they answered them.

In this episode I played a lightning round with the students. I asked each person in the group one question each and then they flipped the tables then interviewed.

This is a light fun episode which I really enjoy. Shout to Leo of SOA Life for making this episode possible.

I'm out of here, enjoy!

Show Notes: Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/chopped-cheese/

We're back in Brooklyn, DUMBO to be exact and this time we are kicking it with Vikki Tobak. Vikki is a journalist, producer and the author of Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop. In this episode we talk about growing up in Detroit, her photography moment, working with Gang Starr, working at Paper Magazine, interviewing Diddy when he was on the come up and her journey to Contact High.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/vikki-tobak/

During a recent conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kimberli Gant, an art curator at the Brooklyn Museum. She is known for her innovative approach to curating contemporary art exhibitions. Gant's style involves going beyond just the aesthetics of art and focuses on how it reflects our time's culture, history, and human connections. Her curatorial selections in this latest exhibition, "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys," showcase her ability to combine the narratives of various artists from different generations, backgrounds, and mediums. She creates an immersive experience that encourages reflection and conversation.

Read Full Article: Kimberli Gant, Art Curator for the Brooklyn Museum, Unlocks "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys"

Put out the word Blahzay has emerged to give New York Said an hour of his time. We appreciate that. In this episode we talk about his early days in hip-hip, eating right, dream hunters, the G.O.B. project with Al Skratch and going inward.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/blahzay-blahzay/

On a pretty hot day in Washington Square Park I met up with Al Skratch to talk about his journey through the music industry, life, loss, family and resiliency. We also talked about Al's new project called G.O.B. (Get on Board) with Blahzay Blah, his early Ill Al Skratch days, collaborations with Brian McKnight, Michael Jackson, loving your craft, investing in oneself, travel, no expectations and other life lessons.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/al-skratch/

Today's guest on the show is Clayton Patterson. Clayton is a documentarian, an artist, a historian and staple of the Lower East Side. In this episode we talk about how to survive as an artist, the Clayton Cap, the 80s, the forgotten ones, citizen surveillance, documenting history and the Tompkins Square Park police riots.

Show Notes: https://www.newyorksaid.com/clayton-patterson/