Schondra Aytch is a Buffalo, NY-based Freelance Writer who covers all things Music + Culture

Sneakvibing •

Ayam JC 's "BreadHead" finds luxury in simplicity.

If there's one artist who encapsulates intentional minimalism, it’s Ayam JC. The Buffalo native’s most recent offering, Breadhead, integrates his mantra-like rap style with bouts of self-reflection and ambitions for “Big Dough,” his standout single. The 3-piece EP, produced by longtime sonic architects Kage Durden and SG Retro, is riddled with thundering 808’s, synthy piano taps, and stark ad-libs; a staple aspect of JC’s shuttering sound and coded lyricism. The first track, titled “Rich,” encap...
buffalospree.com •

The Bricks Collaborative

In early 2023, business strategist Shai Arnold and successful restaurateur Ronnie Dubose joined forces to open the Bricks and the Bricks Collaborative, a forward-thinking food space supporting rising entrepreneurs. Situated at the corner of Michigan and Perry Streets, the quaint restaurant is known for curated kitchen pop-ups and late-night comfort food, but it serves up more than crispy fish frys and juicy burgers. With unique partnerships and a growing cohort of collaborators, Arnold and Dubos...
Sneakvibing •

Green Tea is Changing The Game.

In 2015, Barry Rosenblum opened a recording studio with his friend Joni Myllari in Santa Monica to create a safe space for artist development. Now 10 years later, he's growing an ambitious roster of rising artists under his own distribution company in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer David Dann. With a mission to disrupt predatory music industry practices, Barry aims to create a new culture for the modern music scene. One that centers artistry and community.“We move very intentionall...
buffalospree.com •

Buffalo Blerds unite

For Anthony Pierce, creating Hidden Village 716 was a no-brainer. Pierce, also known as “Ace the Outsider,” was experienced in community organizing, producing online content, and finding success curating events, so an Instagram page was a natural next step to amplify blerd representation in Buffalo. The portmanteau blerd—for Black nerd—is embraced by people like Pierce, who find connection at the intersection of the Black experience and nerd culture.  “Black people were the first nerds, because...
buffalospree.com •

Jae Skeese Comes Home

In November 2024, rapper and lyricist Jae Skeese held his first headlining show in Buffalo. At the time, Ground Level had been released just a few months prior, anticipation was growing for his tour, and Skeese was ready to “put on for his city.” That night, Rec Room was packed with Buffalo’s hip-hop upper echelon: to name a few, Toney Boi, Billie Essco, K Pistol, and Conway the Machine graced the stage. Out-of-town artists like Big K.R.I.T, Berry A, and 100 Grand Royce also made appearances, se...
Buffalo Magazine •

Crafting statement makers: DAME’s handcrafted leather wares

His interest piqued by experimenting with different materials, the skilled craftsman then began recycling old leather clothes from family and friends to create keepsake wallets. With over a decade of experience in design and a growing passion for leather work, Dame started making custom bags and purses—an effort first initiated by his own need for a camera bag when he had to pick up an additional job during the pandemic.

“I had to travel, and I was doing sports marketing and content creation. I
Buffalo Magazine •

Cee Gee: A Man Of Many Beats

Picture this: You’re sitting on a comfy couch watching public access television and it’s snowing outside. Jimmie Green of the weekly “Buffalo Talent Showcase” appears on your screen, inviting you to stay tuned for riveting musical talents.

Clips of local Black musicians spanning genres brighten your screen—along with rising creatives, fellow programmers and a short, fun segment of the dancing Green Beret Kids that brings the show into a commercial break. Occasionally, the camera cuts to a hand-sized sculpture of a white buffalo that Jimmie made back in his Air Force days.
Cornelia Magazine •

Buffalo Kids: Visual Artistry grows in Buffalo's Hip-Hop Scene

A major lure of Buffalo hip-hop lies in its audacious imagery. The Queen City’s brand of rap music is rooted in artistic expression without boundaries — whether it’s reimagining Caravaggio’s David With the Head of Goliath (1601) with flashy chains or performing live wearing Nicolas Cage masks — and so far it’s been successful. In the last few years, longtime street rap trio and label conglomerate Griselda has broken into the mainstream music industry, a handful of regional acts have signed major