By Hip hop music has been a cultural pillar of New York City since its inception in the South Bronx in the 1970s. Hundreds of famous hip hop artists have come from the five boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, over the last five decades.
In addition to their creative talents, many of these artists have leveraged their fame to build successful businesses. The following is a row of restaurants in New York found local musicians and lovers of hip hop culture.
1. Coffee Uplifts People (CUP)
The Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) style coffee shop was open in 2020 by entertainment radio personality Angela Yee. And her two business partners, LaRon Batchelor and Tony Forte. Yee opened this cafe during the pandemic because he realized there was a lack of coffee shops in his neighborhood. The cafe’s contemporary decor and close-in seating make it a great place to work remotely or take a break from the hustle and bustle around you.
2. Juices for Life
Juices for Life originates from the Bronx and found by Styles P and Jadakiss, two members of the rap group The Lox. This restaurant offers a wide selection of smoothies, juices, juice shots, namely juices in small packages that can be carried practically. Inspired by Styles P who uses juice to control his health, while Jaddakis wants to help those in underprivileged communities to pay more attention to their health.
3. Beatstro
This restaurant, which really respects hip-hop culture, was founded by Junior Martinez and Alfredo Anguier in the Bronx. Designed with graffiti murals, photos of hip-hop legends like DJ Kay Slay, and paintings of early New York subway trains. The menu served is a combination of typical American food and typical Puerto Rican dishes
4. Boogie Down Grind Café
Boogie Down Grind is a coffee shop that showcases hip-hop culture. The founder is South Bronx native Majora Carter, who aspires to be a rapper and loves hip-hop. Beyoncé acknowledged this with a grant from BeyGood for the revitalization of the restaurant. Using the gift, Carter created an open space that mimicked a New York subway car for his design.
5. Stay Press’d
Stay Press’d is the place for those of you who want to enjoy healthy juices, smoothies and fruit bowls in Crown Heights. Founded by rapper Meechy Darko, former member of the Flatbush Zombies, along with his two old friends. This small shop is designed inspired by fruit on one wall and a complete menu on the other wall.
6. Sweet Chick
Sweet Chick is a popular place and has been all over the city for the last 10 years, its mainstay menu is a combination of brunch foods such as chicken and waffles. Some of the shares are owned by Queens-born rapper Nas.
In addition to chicken and waffles, there are also pancakes, shrimp and grits, and breakfast sandwiches. With casual decor and a lively atmosphere, this is the perfect place for a quick and easy dinner or lunch with friends.
7. Killah Koffee Shop
Killah Koffee is a restaurant owned by Ghostface Killah, rapper and member of the Wu Tang Clan. This coffee shop brews the best Arabica coffee, and has a selection of other branded products. This place is a great stop for a hot cup of coffee while exploring the many other places on the island.
8. Paint N Pour
If you want to enjoy a night full of music and express your creativity, you can visit Paint N Pour on the Lower East Side or in Harlem. The studio walls are covered in graffiti, as well as murals of legendary musicians such as Biggie Smalls and Beyoncé. The food menu offered includes fish tacos, sliders (small hamburgers), and jerk chicken empanadas (a kind of spiced meat pastry).
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