This pair of drums was in the window of Reggae Central, a Jamaican clothing and music shop in Charlotte’s Plaza-Midwood district. Directly next door was Mama’s Caribbean Cafe.
Charlotte NC
Rap City Fashion, Charlotte
Rap City Fashions is yet another hip-hop shop in Charlotte, this one on the north side of the city on Tryon Street.
The NoDa Music Festival takes its name from the NoDa neighborhood along North Davidson Street. Once the business center for a village of mill workers, the area has become a center of the arts, boutiques and night clubs.
Parrish Smith (@PMDofEPMD) Speaking at Midatlantic Music Conference @MidatlMusic 2012
Parrish Smith (@PMDofEPMD) was the keynote speaker for this year’s Midatlantic Music Conference (@MidatlMusic) and afterwards took questions from those in attendance, 10/06/12
The 7/11 chain of convenience stores was one of the sponsors of the Midatlantic Music Conference (@Midatlmusic) and were at the event on Saturday afternoon offering free coffee and free slurpees which were very much appreciated, 10/06/12
Prince’s Chicken Coop is to Charlotte what Gus’ World-Famous Fried Chicken is to Memphis and West Tennessee. At lunch you won’t be able to get in the door, but once you do get inside there are four lines, and they move rather quickly, all things considered. The biggest disappointment to me is that Price’s is a to-go only restaurant, which I imagine is fine if you live in Charlotte. On the other hand, if you are visiting the city from elsewhere, as I was, you have to find a place to take your food and eat it. Ultimately I took it to the Midatlantic Music Conference at the Chop Shop and ate it during PMD’s keynote speech!
Blowing Your Musical Mind at Manifest Charlotte (@ManifestCLT) @FyeGuy
Manifest (@ManifestCLT) is Charlotte’s largest record store, and undoubtedly one of the largest in the United States. Although it is owned by Transworld Entertainment, the parent company of FYE stores, it is large and has a more indie feel than the average FYE store. Prices are reasonable, and browsing through the extensive vinyl collection would take the better part of a day. Manifest is not to be missed on a trip to Charlotte.
Fresh Gear and Hot Mixtapes at the Black Republic in West Charlotte
The Black Republic is a new hip-hop shop in West Charlotte on West Boulevard just east of Remount Road. Besides an impressive selection of hip-hop clothing from Fly Society, Playwear, 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles and more, Black Republic also sells mixtapes by local DJ’s including Carolina legend DJ Chuck T. It’s kind of off the beaten path, but worth a detour.
Toast Cafe (@toastofdilworth) in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood is a great place to start the day with breakfast. Lots of people have figured that out, however, so expect to wait for a table, particularly on weekends.