taji ameen
HiriiTheHuman Is a Suburban Rap Prodigy
For this week's Mahal, I met up HiriiTheHuman, a 15-year-old member of Rochester's suburban rap scene. While hanging out with Hirii, I asked him about growing up in the suburbs, his new song, and why there are no spaces in his name.
TV Killed the Lower East Side
This week, I'm presenting my friend Jade Katz's new video, TV Killed the Lower East Side. With the help of Jade's pet rat, Petunia, the video shows how television and movies convinced millions of people to move to New York City, ruining the...
These Art Kids Are Hosting an Ancient Greek Sacrifice in Bushwick
Instead of charging admission for their production of "Electra," these artists are requiring audiences members to offer a sacrifice of some kind. This includes—but is not limited to—fruit, meat, wine, a lock of hair, cigarettes, art, and socks. I spoke...
This Skateboard School Is Keeping Kids Out of Trouble in Brownsville
For this week's Mahal, I checked out the Summer Skateboarding Program at Mt. Ollie Baptists Church in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The program is a result of a collaboration between the Harold Hunter Foundation and Airwalk. Through the program, skateboarders...
George Gage's Cult Classic 'Skateboard' Is Coming to BAMcinématek
For this week's Mahal, I talked to director George Gage about his film 'Skateboard.' Released in 1978, the film tells the tale of a semi-bald loser who decides to manage a team of skateboarding teens in hopes of covering some unsettled debts with his...
The Amazing Falcon Bowse T-Shirt Transformation Program
Falcon Bowse has spent many years traveling between New York and San Francisco tattooing people and doing interior design. His most recent project, the Amazing Falcon Bowse T-shirt Transformation Program, creates five-panel hats out of t-shirts.
Billy Rohan Left Florida to Create Illuminati Videos
This week, I caught up with my forever friend, the pro skateboard personality and filmmaker Billy Rohan. After spending a year in Florida to gather his thoughts, he’s back in New York City to launch a new video series called Illumignarly.
2013 Summer Roll
Between the outdoor drawing sessions and the sweet breeze of the air-conditioned cinemas, summertime is the most exciting time to mess around in New York City. In honor of the summer's encroaching end, I decided to share another summer photo roll.
Meet the Legends of the Lower East Side
Throughout the past year, Clayton Patterson has written about the crucial figures and courageous artists of the Lower East Side. He honored them this week at the Acker Awards. I spoke to Clayton to learn more about the legends, the ceremony, and how he...
Wildstyle with Clayton Patterson
For this week's Mahal, I got to experience the Wildstyle and Tattoo Messe, a traveling carnival of odd and extreme tattooing, circus culture, and avant-garde body art, through the lens of Clayton Patterson. Over the last few decades, Clayton has been...
Rolling Blunts with the OG Dutch Master and T. Kid
For this week's Mahal, alongside VICE's other regular weekend column, Weediquette, I hosted a blunt rolling contest between Baltimore rapper OG Dutch Master and New York's T. Kid. After hearing all the hype about Dutchy, namely his rapping skills and...
Jade's Roll
For this week's Mahal, in honor of the recent warm weather in New York City, I bring you Jade Katzenellenbogen's photographs of even warmer people. Here is what she had to say about the series: "I've learned over these past couple of years how...