Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram
New York, New York. Ah, the city of dreams. The place where people travel near and far to make something of themselves and pave the way for their future. We’ve all seen the city’s undeniable beauty depicted in cinema, but to me, that represents everything the city could be, not necessary its reality. Underneath that facade of glitz and glamour lies a fiery underbelly of grit, pain and anguish. Only those who experience the heat of that underbelly can appreciate the city’s beautiful potential. While he’s not out of the furnace quite yet, Spanish Harlem’s Bodega Bamz is hustling his way onto the game’s radar.
Growing up on the tough streets of 119th between 2nd and 3rd avenue provided Bamz with his rugged shell and a magazine of lyrical ammunition. His words detail his soul’s pain; what he’s had to go through to even begin to get a whiff of success; what he’s willing to sacrifice to ensure his son doesn’t grow up in the same conditions. But in pain, we find beauty. I mean hey, that’s art. Bamz’ territory shaped his identity. In his words, Spanish Harlem is in the way he walks; it’s in the way he talks; it’s everything. It made him who he is, and for that, he’s grateful. Spanish Harlem transformed Nathaniel De La Rosa into Bodega Bamz.
Bamz’ overall demeanor is derived from his hood and reminiscent of one of my favorite rappers, The Game. Game has a zero bullshit mentality and will gladly make a grown man run for his life while wiping tears and pulling up his pants. We’ve all seen the 40 Glocc video.
And that right there is what I love about Bamz: He’s engorged with authenticity and his words paint this vivid imagery of his surroundings and struggle. I truly appreciate hearing someone spit with such passion, especially when you know they’re not frontin’. His lyrics tell it like it is and transplant you from a safe environment into the dark unknowns of street culture. Off his track “Woopty Woop Blahzay Blah”, he asks “Ever see somebody die right in front of you?/Now you can't sleep, nightmares for a month or two/Ever been in beef so serious afraid for your kids?/Even gotta hide your mother to
o?” He’s not trying to sound cool or put on airs; he’s filled with painful memories and writing proves cathartic. Check out his rhymes on his projects: Loosies & Brewskies, Strictly 4 My P.A.P.I.Z., Sunday Service, Sidewalk Exec, Menace Tan Society, and his most recent drop, All Eyez Off Me. Each tape is packed with hard-hitting bars and dope features, such as Hip hop heavy hitters, Flatbush Zombies and Joel Ortiz.
Bamz’ pride extends past his music and Manhattan subsect to the entire Hispanic people. Fed up with feeling like a second class citizen and being called Spanish despite his Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, Bamz started the Tanboys—a moniker appropriated to Latino people to eradicate ignorant classifications and to regain their power. This movement also sparked Bamz’ Tanboys clothing line, which features an assortment of streetwear that can be purchased here.
Rap is not a boy’s game. It’s not for the faint of heart and it damn sure ain’t for those without hunger. Bamz is well aware of that sentiment. He’s well aware of what he’s invested in the game and what he needs to continue to produce to elevate his career. Tours and late night recording sessions have become pedestrian to Bamz as he continues to chase his dream. He’s trying to get a glimpse at that glitz and glamour. He’s craving to experience New York’s beautiful potential. And he’s not stopping until he gets there.
ZeusWolf Choice Picks:
Bring Em Out
Say Amen
PEEPHOLE