SuperSpitz Helping North Carolina's Hip Hop Scene Grow

When you meet Raleigh Rapper Carldrelius SuperSpitz, you realize right away that being an artist from the Tarheel state really means something him. "This is all for Carolina. We want to show people what we're all about and unite. I'm talking all the races," said the Spitz, who I interviewed during the production of his latest music video for his hit song Sushi, a track you can find on Sound Cloud. 

"Sushi is a song that is about little bit more than just the food," Spitz says with a smile. He came up with the song when his good friend Andrei Dood, a chef in Raleigh told Spitz he should write a song about Sushi.

Andrei Dood L encouraged Spitz to write a song about Sushi

"I invited him over for Sushi one day and I said Spitz, you got to write a song about Sushi. So we got a beat and he started saying Sushi. I said, come on Spitz you have to say something more than Sushi.

So I gave him a little bit of this green stuff we call Wasabi. He spit that out beccause it was hot. Then I gave him Sriracha and he was like what in the world and he spit that out too. So that's how the lyrics were born," Dood said with a laugh.

Sushi has become a hit in North Carolina across social media platforms and the NC Hip Hop scene."It's just a fun song with a great beat." said Spitz

Spitz grew up in some of Raleigh's tough neighborhoods during his early years but his Mom eventually moved him to Fuquay Varina, NC to get away from the street life. It's a decision he says he appreciates. " I was raised with gardens, pigs and chickens but it actually made a better person so I appreciate her for that," said Spitz.

Spitz says he's a had a lot of help from mentors across the Hip Hop spectrum in Raleigh including Frank Dobson AKA "Big Delph", the owner of Smoking Grooves where the video was being shot. "Big Delph is the man. He gives us a venue to perform our craft and really sharpen our skills in all facets. Without him we couldn't have made this video happen," said Spitz.

Big Delph, an artist himself, knows how important Smokin' Grooves is to the Hip Hop Community in Raleigh. "I look at it as we are part of the big picture of the music industry. If we all come together then we can bring the whole music industry here to North Carolina because the most talented artist I've ever seen are here in Raleigh and Durham or course Charlotte also," said Big Delph.

Riding in Spitz's corner is adviser Sergio Fitzhugh Huff II. Fitzhugh Huff II has been in the entertainment business for more than 30 years. He says working with Spitz is something he really enjoys. "I'm here to mentor and give advise and help him advance in his career. Artists need someone in their corner especially when they're first coming up, I've seen a lot in this industry and I'm here to share my knowledge" said Fitzhugh Huff II.

                                                       Promoter Sergio Fitzhugh Huff II

As for SuperSpitz, he says he's just getting started. And you'll be hearing from him for years to come. "I want people to say: Look what they're accomplishing in North Carolina and check them out. From there you'll see the North Carolina Hip Hop Community grow. That's my goal, it's to help create an industry in our state," said SuperSpitz.

With his talent, enthusiasm and songs that are hot like Sushi, there's no doubt this is just the beginning for Spitz and the North Carolina Hip Hop Community.

The Mega Fight That Will Cost Boxing The Casual Fan.

Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao Saturday night in the richest purse in boxing history. But many casual fans wondered why they wasted their time for another boring boxing match. I had a chance to talk to both the hardcore and casual fan to see what they thought. 

"He ran the whole night," said James Hutchison. "He's a master at his craft, you just don't understand boxing," said his roommate Ted Forsyth. So goes the story with Floyd Mayweather once again in his victory over Manny Pacquiao Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Two ringside judges scored the fight 116-112, while the third had it 118-110 giving Mayweather the unanimous decision.

The roommates paid 30 bucks a piece to watch the fight at Hooters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hutchison admits he's a casual fan but he expected much more action out of Floyd Mayweather. "I was just disappointed is all I can say. I've watched Mayweather fight a few times and he's always running around the ring. There needs to be a little bit of showman in him. Throw some combinations," said Hutchison.

There's no doubt in most people's mind Floyd Mayweather was victorious over Manny Paquiao. He used his lighting quick feet, good left jab and counter right to out box Pacquiao most of the night. Pac Man did get in some good shots but for the most part it was Mayweather on his bike beating Pacquiao to the punch. But despite what boxing purist say was a great performance It left the casual fans wondering why they'd forked over 100 bucks for such a boring match "I can't believe I wasted my money on this," said Bill Wetzel  from Cary, NC who paid 100 dollars on Time Warner Cable to watch the fight of the century. "You pay good money to see guys fight. Pacquiao landed more hard shots. All Floyd did was run and jab. I will never watch another Mayweather fight again...we got robbed,"said Wetzel.

After watching the fight several questions arose in my mind. In the big picture did boxing miss a real opportunity here? Was it Floyd Mayweather's responsibility to give people an exciting fight? Should Floyd have deviated from his style and engaged Pacquiao just a little bit more? The problem with that line of thinking is when he fought toe to toe he got hit. Watch the early rounds of the Sugar Shayne Mosley fight. Watch his first fight with Marco Maidana...a fight most experts thought Mayweather lost. The truth is when he fights toe to toe he is not the same fighter. Love it or hate it that's the way it is. In order for “Money” Mayweather to earn the green he’s got to be on the go in the ring.

So Why Were We Surprised Floyd Fought This Way?

Probably because for the first time since the 1990's boxing actually had a buzz. It seemed the stars were aligned and they certainly surrounded the ringside. It harkened to the days of Frazier vs. Ali, Leonard vs. Hagler or Tyson vs. Lewis. I think many, even those who study the sport expected a little more from Floyd Mayweather, especially given the magnitude of this moment. I even heard experts I won't name say they expected Floyd to stay in the pocket more, establish his power and even make a show out of it. But any wind that set those sails quickly blew away.

Mayweather while masterful was boring in his 12 round victory. He was extremely graceful but not glowingly entertaining and yes he walked away with a pile of our cash…but it had many wondering: Did Mayweather manage to alienate most of the casual fan who made this fight happen? If so...that my friends means you won’t see another one like this for a very long time.

The boos that echoed from inside the arena after Saturday night quickly made their way to social media. “It seemed boring...this is why I like UFC," wrote one fan female on Facebook. A man on Facebook who obviously appreciated Floyd's effort wrote " Those of you who know nothing about boxing should be quiet. He is paid not to get hit. You guys want him to go in the ring and take shots? That's not his style".

While both fighters walked away with a pile of cash from the 300 million dollar purse, the casual fan walked away wondering why they'd contributed to it. The bigger question is: Will they be fooled again? I guess only time will tell. In my humble opion Mayweather is a masterful boxer and I'm a huge fan of his. Full disclosure I was rooting for him during this fight. But I'm not sure he can market his way into another mega fight like this.

As for Hutchison and Forsyth they'll continue their debate in the car ride home. "I will never watch another Mayweather fight," said Hutchison. "Maybe someday you'll appreciate greatness," said Forsyth.

This reporters advice. You better fight Amir Khan at Wembley Stadium in London if you want another mega fight. Because the fans in America aren't buying it anytime soon.

Band Together Announces Headliner For 2015 Concert!

ALL START CAST RETURNS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

       NBC's legendary comedy show turns 40 this month. 

This Sunday night  from 8:00 pm to 11:30 WNCN will air the SNL 40th reunion. We've put together a few links of the best characters and sketches. Check out these links 

TOP 30 SKETCHES

SNL OVER THE YEARS

SNL ON HULU

Mike's Favorite Super Bowl Recipes

It's no secret I love food. Thank Goodness I like to exercise! The foods I love the most are anything Hispanic. I grew up in Miami and have always loved Puerto Rican, Cuban and Carribean foods. I graduated from NC State in 1996 and I can't believe the selection of Hispanic restaurants we have in the Triangle now. In the mid-ninties there weren't many.

These are some easy recipes from my favorite food blog sites that you can make for the Super Bowl. Most are actually pretty easy to make. It may take an adventurous spirit to give it a try but I'm sure you and you're guests will be impressed by what you can make with some fresh ingredients and a few helpers.

I also included some videos from a show I hosted while I worked on the West Coast. It was called En La Cocina (In The Kitchen). We traveled around the Northwest highlighting restaurants and I'd make a few recipes here and there. I still maintain the website Hispanic Food Network. Please log on for recipe Ideas from every Hispanic country.

RALEIGH PUERTO RICAN RESTUARANT HAS SOME LOYAL CUSTOMERS!

TROPICAL CHICKEN PICKEN AUTHENTIC PR FOOD IN THE TRIANGLE!

When Ilia Scrivano retired to Raleigh from Long Island with her husband Franchesco 5 years ago she thought she'd never see another authentic Puert Rican restaurant again. "I thought I'd have to travel back to Long Island to get authentic Puerto Rican food again. I couldn't believe I'd be able to get it here. This is just a blessing", said Scrivano. 

FIND THIS ARTICLE ON HFNTV

Scrivano was eating Puerto Rican chicken soup when I caught up with her at the Tropical Picken Chicken in Wake Forest North Carolina. She says what may be better than the food is the service she gets from owner Randy Hernandez and his entire staff. "It feels like home and the food is so authentic," said Scrivano, who is  mean cook herself according to her husband.

Hernandez who also owns Latin Quarters in Raleigh, opened the restaurant 3 years in Wake Forest. A tiny town just outside of the thriving Raleigh metro area. Many people thought the restaurant would work in such a small town. "In the beginning it was tough because no one new where we were at.  But this is a great location. In the beginning people thought we were in the middle of nowhere. But the Wake Forest Community and the Wakefield Community and Raleigh has really really really supported us. People come from all over the place to support here.

Loyal supporters not only include the Scrivanos but a gentlemen whose first name is Pa. Pa has eaten at the restaurant almost everyday for the past year according to Hernandez. I never got a chance to interview Pa. He seemed into his food so I didn't want to bug him. Man...I wish I would have asked what he thought of the food! Before I knew his story...Pa was gone. 

"We are unique, no one else has this kind of food we're very personal with our customers. It's like coming in Abueliata's house. Pa is one of our greatest supporters, he's always here. He comes to the other restaurant. He's constantly bringing new customers in. It's good to have that kind of customer and constantly shouting us out," said Hernandez.

The small restaurant has a big city feel. Perhaps that's because Hernandez, a Nueva Rican has decorated the restaurant with New York Yankees pictures and a variety of Puerto Rico memorabilia. Hernandez says what makes his restaurant great is the variety of people and the taste of the food.

"What makes this place special is we are the only Puerto Rican Restaurant in Wake Forest and we have a great Mix of Latinos working here, we have Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Colombians, Cubans and we cook from our hearts,"said Hernandez.

Hernandez showed me what was cooking inside Tropical Picken Chicken kitchen. Today's special the Jerk Chicken with 2 sides and a drink for just 6.95.  For me, Hernandez cooked up some Pollo Guisda with black beans and rice, a traditional Puerto Rican recipe. Hernandez also showed me why his rotisserie chicken is so good without giving away his secrets. "What happens is we season this chicken in our herbs and spices but I'm telling you what," said Hernandez with a smile. "After we season it for 3 days we let it marinate then we slowly cook it on the grill for an hour and half. When it's time to serve, we cut and put it into our seasoning again," said Hernandez.

If the food wasn't enough, Hernandez brought out some new deserts on the menu you that are absolutely delicious. "This is a new desert called Flan Cocho, flan on the top with chocolate cake on the bottom. Then this is Flan de Coco.This is Flan de Queso...flan with cheese. This is Coquito...kind of like a Puerto Rican egg nog," said Hernandez.

Hernandez is planning on opening his third restaurant in Raleigh called El Jefe Latin Street Food in January. The restaurant is just on Wake Forest and Six Forks Road. "We are planning to take the best that we have here and the best that we have from Latin Quarters and create another store but it's pretty much just street food," said Hernandez.

As for Ilia Scrivano she says she'll follow Hernandez to wherever he goes but for now coming to Tropical Picken Chicken is like coming home. "When I was a little girl we would go to my Grandmother's house every Sunday. There were 9 brothers and sisters and we would all gather at my Grandmother's house and I remember all my Aunts in the kitchen. I remember who's cutting what. And everything was prepared. And my Grandmother expected us every Sunday. When I come here it's like being in that kitchen again," said Scrivano.

And it's that feeling of home that keeps loyal customers coming through Tropical Chicken's doors.

Puerto Rican Chicken Soups From The Hispanic Food Network

For those of us who get nostalgic thinking of our Grandmother's kitchen, on the days when the whole familia came over for a Sunday meal, this is a recipe that will bring those memories rushing back to you. This Puerto Rican Chicken Soup Recipe will warm your soul. The Hispanic Food Network brought this one out now that the weather is cooling off, it's sure to warm up the soul. Enjoy!
Ingredients

12 cups water
1 cup raw long grain or medium grain rice
3 chicken breasts in small chunks
2 big potatoes cubed
1 envelope sazón seasoning
2 tblsp. sofrito
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
2 tblsp. Manzanilla olives
2 tblsp. capers
2 slices chopped pimiento morrones (roasted peppers)
1 tsp. ground coriander (orégano)
Adobo to taste for the chicken
1 bunch chopped cilantro
1 chicken bouillon
1/4 cup beer or dry wine (optional)
2 oz. chopped cooked smoked ham
1 16oz. can petit pois (peas) (optional)

FROM OUR AMIGOS AT RICAN RECIPES
Directions
Season the chicken with adobo about 1-2 hours before cooking.

Place the raw rice in a pot and cover with water. Let it soak while we prepare the rest.

In a separate deep pot add the water, chicken, potatoes,sazón, sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, capers, wine or beer, pimientos morrones, orégano, bouillon and chopped cooked ham. Bring everything to a boil.

Drain the rice, slowly add the rice to the other ingredients and stir well.

Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes. DO NOT cook on high heat or it will stick.

Add the cilantro and peas the last 5-10 minutes before it's done.TipsServe with aguacate (avocado) or sprinkle cheese, if you are a cheese lover.

Serve pan sobao on the side.