Anna Nathanson’s Column: Part 4

New York City!

I’m traveling round America for 6 weeks on my own at the moment, and am having a great time.

My New York adventure started at the famous Chelsea Harbor for a night of mingling with the stars at the annual SESAC New York Music Awards, which saw the likes of Swizz Beatz, Nate ‘Danja’ Hills and my friend Jack Knight pick up prestigious awards for their work.

The night was put on to honour the cream of the song writing arena, and it didn’t disappoint. Songs that picked up awards included Tanbourine by Eve, Be Without You by Mary J Blige, Omarion’s Icebox and Ayo Technology by 50 Cent.

The venue overlooked the river and New York City skyline, and everyone enjoyed the spread of free food and drink, and wondered what the goodie bags would contain on the way out.

Jack Knight, Bad Boy’s senior song writer, who you can find out more about by clicking www.jackknight.blogspot.com, won for P Diddy’s Last Night and Let It Go by Keisha Cole.

I then headed to Jay Z’s club 40-40, where you can pick up a bottle of Cognac from the cabinet at a cost of 10,000. The five rooms are decorated with sporting memorabilia, and most have a pool table, where I enjoyed a couple of games.

The private rooms however were out of bounds; only those who can afford the $3000 admission fee can enter. If you’re rich enough to afford the $2500 membership, they’ll send you updates on new products and events, and you’ll be treated to VIP entry and guaranteed seating and a whole host of other goodies. For more info, go to www.the4040club.com

Another night I checked out while I was in town was the infamous End of the Weak (EOW) weekly hip hop open mic night. It was founded in 2000 as one of the few weekly platforms in NYC where hungry MCs could showcase and hone their talent.

I got there early and interviewed founders Vice and Pro, who told me all about how the venue started as a small open mic in the back of a restaurant and has now grown into the longest running weekly hip hop show in NYC and an international hip hop movement, with DJ Snuff representing in the UK.

I had a wicked night and even got shouted out on stage during the freestyles, like “we got Anna from the UK showing us love!” We were then treated to some amazing MCs, best of whom I liked Majesty. We then saw the premier of the Hip Hop 4eva video by Final Outlaw, and saw some full on talent grace the stage.

End of the Weak (EOW) takes place every Sunday night @ Pyramid, 101 Avenue A, between East 6^th and East 7^th, New York. Click on www.endoftheweak.com

Well that’s all for now but look out for the next installment, coming soon and don’t forget to check this blog regularly for upcoming shows and events, as well as all the info on a host of UK and international artists.

Take care,

Anna x

Posted by Anna Nathanson