Afro-Punk's Halloween House: Demon Mode Activated
Before I begin this piece, I have to acknowledge the serious crisis that took place prior to traveling to said, “Saturday party”. My tire hit a nail and I heard a hissing sound after I put $10 in the gastank. Don’t know how, don’t know why, it seems the devil had it in for me. As I looked at the nail, I had a decision to make; Go home thinking, “my night is over” or find some way to make it through. I came up with a possible theory about the journey: If the emergency “tire light” comes on before I reach the Holland Tunnel, I go home. If not, we’ll worry about it in NYC. As I pumped the air in the tire with the portable emergency pump, I took a prayer with me as I traveled to one of the biggest Halloween events in Blerd History:
H.O.C
Stationed at the House of Cannabis, AfroPunk lived up to their name as the premiere spot for the Blerd community. I didn’t know. REALLY, I didn’t know. 6 flights of entertainment, each floor with a bar, cash for some, open for others. There really is no way to describe how their first ever Halloween house brought out so much in the Black community. As much as I want to describe the inner workings of this phenomenal event I’ll channel my inner “tyler durden” and say this to y’all readers.....
Rule 1: You do not talk about Halloween House
Rule 2: YOU DO NOT Talk ABOUT HALLOWEEN HOUSE!!
Yes, that’s how I feel as I discuss what took place in the famed historic house of greenery. I’ll say some but can’t reveal all. This one was for the culture, and you had to have been there to witness a once in a lifetime event. But I have to reveal some, so as to make sure, if you’re in the area, you can understand how and why you need to be at the next one. So much positivity, inclusivity, and togetherness; while we all came in as strangers, many left as friends.
And that is the movement of Afropunk, “We Got Us” and they sure do take care of you. This was a gathering where creativity and connection were celebrated, where the Blerd community could truly be themselves. It was a night where the House of Cannabis wasn't just about the greenery but also about the blossoming of new friendships and the nurturing of old ones.
DJs on every floor, live entertainment, and the cosplay. Yes, as I stood in this famed house, taking pictures, writing notes, the night belonged to the Blerds and it was here that Black pop culture took over for Halloweekend 2023.....and we loved every minute of it.
Floors
Each floor of the house boasted its own unique specialty area. One was a cozy lounge, complete with soothing tunes and well-crafted drinks, creating a haven for relaxation. Meanwhile, other floors catered to various interests, featuring games, delectable food, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, from gaming competitions to thrilling live performances and a "fright night of a view."
Among these intriguing spaces, was a room designed as a colossal tree, evoking a sense of eerie enchantment that beckoned guests to unwind, relax, and immerse themselves in the delightfully creepy ambiance. For some, it was a much-needed respite, a sanctuary for those who had navigated the arduous climb up the initial flight of stairs. As for me, the brief moments of breathlessness ascending the stairs was a small price to pay to explore the enigmatic offerings of the Afropunk Gawds and community.
From top to bottom, it was clear that the organizers had a meticulous plan in place, a carefully orchestrated symphony of engagement. Whether you sought culinary delights, fine beverages, or a chance to bask in a “euphoric state”, they had something in store for you. The event was a testament to their artful curation, ensuring that every guest could savor good food, great drinks, or simply unwind in an atmosphere of pure bliss.
Sidenote: I absolutely must give a well-deserved shoutout to Rogue Panda for their extraordinary creation – the delectable Sesame "Dan Dan" Noodles. These noodles, served in a pint container, were a true culinary masterpiece. Sichuan street noodles artfully tossed with an Impossible™ meat ragu, bok choy, and crowned with crispy onion crisps. The combination was so good that I find myself still thinking about them. These noodles were more than a meal; they were a culinary experience that lingered in the memory long after the last bite.
As the night unfolded across those six floors, it was an immersion into the essence of Afropunk, a culture that defies definition but radiates with inclusivity, artistry, and a commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of Black creatives. The spirit of unity and kinship was so palpable that it's impossible to capture in mere words. It was a night where the music, the cosplay, and the shared moments were the ingredients of a unique and unforgettable experience.
DJ Taylor Senpai
Among the “sonic sorcerers” who poured their heart and soul into the night festivities, there was one floor that weaved their own particular magic, SonicBoomBox’s own DJ Taylor Senpai. Headlining on the third Floor of the Cannabis house, entering that room was similar to traveling to another dimension. A dark lit silhouette of Afro Punk’s moniker, providing a trippy experience; nothing prepared me for the historical exhibitions of the famed little green plant. A giant nug in the middle of the room, the floor was a testament to the senses as the walls discussed the magic of “terpenes” and how they played a significant role in defining the plant's aroma and flavor.
Here, in this dimension, DJ Taylor Senpai was unquestionably in his element. With a skillful touch and an uncanny ability to read the crowd's energy, he assembled a musical journey that transcended boundaries and genres as he, mixed hip hop, anime themes, and trap music. Additionally, he also curated the unofficial Blerd national anthem, “Eye to Eye” first sang by Goofy Movie’s Powerline, into the mix. As the crowd danced and sang to one of Disney’s theme songs, it's safe to say that "Eye to Eye" has solidified its place as a beloved anthem within the Blerd Community.
Trauma Club
On the fifth floor, I managed to listen to the musical works of Trauma Club’s Makeoutshinobi. Headed by Rohan Gurram’s Label, Trauma Club, Shinobi and another artist, Tox The Creation, had the crowd live with their musical collab “Lame B.” This track, a fiery anthem, delved into themes of betrayal, deceit, and the harsh realities of the streets. The energy in the room was intense, and it resonated deeply with the audience, drawing them into the raw and passionate performance. The crowd was not just hyped; they were fully attuned to the intense energy and emotion pouring from these artists.
The Wisdom of H.O.C
One room was on a mission to confront the profound impact on the war on drugs, with a particular emphasis on the Black and Brown communities. Here, the House of Cannabis didn't shy away from these critical issues; instead, they brought them into the spotlight, making them visible to all. This room was not only a space for candid discussions but also a place where the relationship between marijuana use and the war on drugs was explored.
The discussion, encompassed four vertical televisions and panels that spanned a spectrum of topics, ranging from housing and immigration to education and family regulation, with a focus on how marijuana laws have disproportionately affected these areas in communities of color.
The collaborative efforts between AfroPunk, THC-NYC, Nappy Zeus, and BlerdCon provided an ecosystem for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and fostering change. It was also a testament to the commitment of these organizations to shed light on social injustices, advocate for meaningful reform, and ensure that the voices and experiences of marginalized communities were heard and respected, especially in the context of marijuana use and the criminal justice system. Respect.
Cosplay
Indeed, who could not forget the mesmerizing cosplay that graced the event? Black and Brown faces illuminated the night, as their creative and meticulously crafted costumes stole the spotlight. Many didn't merely step into their costumes to become characters from a story, video game, comic, or manga; they transformed into their authentic selves, revealing their love for their particular genres.
In this monumental gathering, cosplay transcended mere mimicry. It became a celebration of identity and self-expression, where the boundaries of fantasy and reality blurred, allowing each participant to shine as their genuine, unapologetic selves. This vibrant array of costumes was not only a visual extravaganza, but also a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of authenticity. And I loved every minute of it.
Final Thoughts
In every corner, and at every turn, AfroPunk’s Halloween House had something to offer, a testament to their boundless creativity and passion for bringing the community together in unforgettable ways. It was a celebration of the richness of Black culture, a showcase of artistic brilliance, and a testament to the power of inclusivity, reminding all who attended that they were part of something truly exceptional. This event wasn't just a house party; it was a cultural phenomenon and a legacy of togetherness that would be etched in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to be there.
And it’s a good thing the tire light never came on.
Respect.
