Musician • Interests: Music, Art Galleries • Live from: Hunts Point, South Bronx

"The Bronx always had it's own separate feel. It's kinda like a small town vibe where everybody sorta knows each other because people don't really leave; it's home. Growing up here I used to rollerblade through neighborhoods, it kept me kinetic...as an adult, I find myself looking for quiet places to unwind, especially away from the city. Creating music kept me indoors, with that comes a certain need for solitude. So I tend to gravitate towards places that are isolated. There are spots like that in Manhattan but for me, going there means subway stations, city block and traffic. Places like Barretto Point Park resonate with me, the walk from Mott Haven (my neighborhood) to Port Morris/Hunts Point is nice, very industrial and secluded and, among all those factories a green spot by the water that feels dream-like."

"Overall, the South Bronx has changed but you can still feel it hasn't changed much in comparison to the other boroughs. What we're seeing here and in Harlem are a few places with a trendy Brooklyn vibe but you can also see spots popping up that are owned by locals and preserve the community identity. That gives me hope."

"People often feel intimidated by the borough, don't get me wrong, you might get a stare or two, but that's the community vibe; most people know their neighbors, so if you're not from here then you'll definitely stand out. If you know somebody here, then maybe they can show you around and, if you plan on coming on your own then i'd say be understanding."

community vision: "I'd like to see more book stores and options to not have to go to the city (Manhattan)."