Brook Avenue Gardens

I sat back this evening and found myself reminiscing about my old neighborhood in New York. I don't exactly know why, but it was nice to remember fond memories of the people I left behind when I moved to Pennsylvania.

It wasn't too long ago, while living in our first floor apartment on Brook Avenue in the legendary South Bronx, birthplace of hip hop, that I would spend every waking hour on my stoop right next to old man King's windows, listening to his old time music being mixed into the surrounding noise and the blares of car systems as they zoomed down the block hurriedly trying to avoid the light from switching to red. After all, in New York, you are always in a hurry for no apparent reason.

It wasn't until the Summer of 2009 that the neighborhood began to really change. You see, that summer was when Cash came home and his cousin, Hell Rell (former Dipset artist) began to frequent our neighborhood. Living in that neighborhood on and off for over ten years, and up until they arrived, things were pretty bland and uneventful.

The Legend Hell Rell

I have to say that I was immediately curious about the new group of guys who began hanging out in front of the building, with their jewelry blinging and swag on the rocks, who wouldn't take notice? At the time, I had no idea of who Rell was, to be honest I didn't know he was a member of Dipset until a friend informed my ditzy ass. I would see them everyday at this point and at all times, day or night. They were immediately becoming a notoriety of our little corner, but I tell you no one on the corner had swagger like them. There were people from other blocks making their way to our block just to lay eyes on this hip hop legend. Eventually, their friends and family began to visit them as well and that is when the fun really began.

Culinary Master Cash

The whole summer was filled with the smell of Cash's deep fryer and grill hard at work, supplying the block with fish, shrimp, burgers, dogs, etc. This being said, and my daughter being a huge fan of food, her and Cash immediately became best buddies. It got to the point that as soon as she would step out the entrance door of our building, her immediate focus was up the block and the first thing out of her mouth was "Where's Cash"? My baby still ask for him from time to time. Cash and King were thick as thieves, which meant the perks of a close and open apartment for restroom and kitchen needs. I miss King a lot too. We had our ups and downs and many an argument, but he was like a grandfather to all of us with many stories to tell. 

Clement King "King" Resident Pimp

A lot of other faces started appearing as well, Ron, Richie, D, G Five, and many others. I interacted with all and had secret crushes on some. Others realized my fantasies, but will remain nameless as I am married and so are they. That block has an aura of infidelity, even the most faithful couples arrive at that dwelling and change their philosophies on monogamy. It was all fun and grooves, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A brazen bunch we were, no respect for the laws or individuals who upholded them. After all, these weren't small get togethers, these were massive un-official block parties, and how can you really tell who is intoxicated among so many people? It wasn't anything a little perfume, gum, hand sanitizer, and visine couldn't fix rapidly. A girl's handbag is her magic sack after all. I remember the time when Cash, I, Jadi, and Richie got caught by 50 and was mandated to go to court for a hearing. That was a fun morning. We joked around in the waiting area of the court and then walked home stopping by third avenue to window shop before departing ways, but I digress.

Although, we all shared many a good evening in the company of our neighbors, there were times when we clashed. So many personalities intertwining can make for an explosion of opinion. One night while mingling, an argument erupted between Rell and D over something unknown to myself, but I can tell you that Rell is not a man to be trifled with. I mean D held his own, but was promptly given a reality check. I have to say that Rell is extremely attractive when angered. Most of the women around, whether they would admit it freely, must have been turned on. A man with corn rolls in a wife beater, sagging jeans, and a gold rosary designed with guns instead of saints is definitely a thug chasers dream.

It wasn't up until all the complaints from angry tenants to management slowly stopped the gatherings. They went as far as posting signs stating "No Barbecuing No Loitering No Music Playing" so no one could say they weren't informed of the change in the untold rules of the building as there were none at that time. I moved shortly after, but until this day, the rebels still spend their time on the stoops. Recently, while visiting, I noticed that the signs weren't there anymore so I can only assume that means that if its not posted its not obeyed.

I miss my home and all those who played such an enormous role in the lives of myself and my family. I hope everyone is in fine health and doing well. I will be writing more about my old stomping ground, as I have many stories to tell. If you enjoyed reading this, stay tuned for the next installment. The saga continues...