Swizz Beatz Slammed By Bronx Activist

Activist Ed Conde Garcia called out Swizz on social media for the event’s lack of Bronx talent and ties to a pariah real estate developer.

Erica Y. Lopez

The streets are always watching, and music producer Swizz Beatz was reminded of that this past week when his art series, No Commission: Arts Performs, was met with opposition from South Bronx residents.

Bronx blogger and community activist Ed Conde Garcia called out Swizz on social media for the event’s lack of Bronx talent and its association with real estate developer Keith Rubenstein.

Rubenstein became the pariah of Port Morris last year when he tried to rebrand the area as the Piano District and hosted a tasteless Halloween event that used the South Bronx’s violent past as a party theme.

This latest event seemed to be another slight to the community but within days of the exchange, Swizz — a Bronx native, met with Conde Garcia and other artists to discuss his vision and their concerns.

“The reason why I did the show here is because I am from here. I could have done it in Brooklyn or Harlem but I didn’t want that. I wanted to do it in my hometown,” recalled Swizz.

The collaboration between Swizz’s The Dean Collection and Bacardi is a four-day celebration of visual art and music. Artists from all around the world showcase their work and collect 100% of their sales. The event will run through Sunday, Aug. 14.

According to Swizz, who also funds the Bronx Charter School for the Arts, No Commission brings something global to his borough, which he believes is beneficial for everyone in the community.

“That is why I have many artists who aren’t from the Bronx. I wanted a very diverse show. If I didn’t see things outside of the Bronx, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now,” he said.

For the tireless champion of the Bronx, Conde Garcia, it was a refreshing to see a celebrity — Swizz is married to Alicia Keys — have such a personal response.

“I was really impressed with the fact that Swizz wanted to talk to people and that he reached out directly. It seemed like a genuine effort, but I am still not happy with the event’s location,” said Conde Garcia.

For many in the area, especially those with roots in the community that span generations, the revitalization of the South Bronx is a divisive topic. Activists like Conde Garcia remain committed to keeping the area from becoming the next Williamsburg.

“The Bronx has had front row seats to watch the rest of the city fall into the trap of gentrification and the destruction of the cultural fabric of neighborhoods. I hope that we are better prepared for it,” said Garcia.

Swizz has offered to help the community find some common ground with Rubenstein and has also committed to curating another art show in the future that will solely showcase work from Bronx artists.

“There are people that think the Bronx should stay how it was. I don’t feel that is an option. What I do know is that with this particular property there can be communication and we should take advantage of that,” Swizz said.

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