New York City 

I’ve been visiting A1 Records almost every week since 1999. Lots of inspiration for what to play on the radio show comes from talking with Jeremie [Delon] and Shef who run things at the shop.

A night out starts (or ends) with a Manhattan made by Ivan Berko over at Clandestino. He’s got the best music playing in the bar too.

If you’re hungry in Dime’s Square, stop by Kiki’s for some Greek food. Favourite dish: branzino with the lemon potatoes!

When I’m over in the East Village and I’ve got time after stopping by A1 Records, then I head down the street to Mast Books. Amazing selection of new and old books. I love checking the rare books section.

I love searching out a good farmers market whenever I’m on tour. When friends come to New York, I send them to the Union Square Greenmarket. You’ll find something fun to eat.

If you need to tighten up that haircut, go see Coco. She takes no bullshit – and don’t forget to bring cash.

New York loves a good bagel. Russ & Daughters has your bagels, your lox, your cream cheese and an amazing chocolate babka if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

A new favourite that just opened at the start of 2023 in the Lower East Side on 191 Chrystie Street. Bringing quality music back into Manhattan.

Tim Sweeney's Guide to New York City 

Manchester

Alkaline Way is a family run business that provides an array of plant based products at excellent prices. From soft body butter creams to Sea Moss, their website is the perfect shop for keeping your body healthy, inside and out.

Pull Up Bar is a late night, laid-back Jamaican joint serving up spicy and authentic food. Dining in here, you'll see the floor-to-ceiling murals and eat some of the best Jerk in town. There's also a Reggae Roast on Sundays (with a vegan option of roast pumpkin) and a yummy list of rum-laced cocktails that provide all the vibes.

Boogie Moli is an artist, who uses a mix of different mediums such as wheat paste, acrylics and spray paint, to create unique canvas’s you can purchase directly from his website.

Delicious bite-size cake pops and other mini sweet treats in and around the city.

A modern barber shop with a good mix of clientele and a barber with a knowledge of many cool and modern hairstyles including comb-overs, fades, hightop etc.

Serves contemporary Caribbean food and cocktails with travel-inspired flavours all the way to Manchester.

Owner, Javeno, runs this gym of the year with an aim for all community residents from young to old to have as many opportunities as possible to better their health.

A travel on request hair service that specialises in custom wig units, micro-rings, sew-ins, bundles, closures, as well as dyeing and styling. Hair can also be done for bridal events and other special occasions.

Prince Cofie Owusu, known as Shakka, launched Trap Kitchen in 2016 from his mum's flat on a housing estate in Camberwell. Now, it's so successful, it's branched all the way in the North. Expect a mouth-watering and eclectic menu with influences from soul food to Chinese to African-American cuisine.

A lash technician and beauty therapist specialising in all things fabulous lashes. Deposit required before booking.

Offers authentic Caribbean cuisine just for take away at the moment, on Deliveroo and JustEat, as well as delivery via phone number in their IG bio. All of their dishes are cooked using the freshest ingredients, and all meat dishes are certified Halal.

Fresh authentic Caribbean food that specialises in jerk chicken made with beautiful blends of Jamaica spices.

A Mancunian foodie at its finest who recreates street foods from across the world with bold flavours. A take-away service for those who want to eat good.

Delicious home-cooked meals delivered to your home by Chef Exose, a Masterchef The Professionals Finalist in 2019.

Manchester-based label flipping the script on the ethics of the fashion and textile industry, found in the Whitworth Art Gallery and established by textile designer, Ibukun Baldwin.

Black-Owned Businesses in Manchester

MMYYKK

Minneapolis 

This is a staple Black-owned restaurant in North Minneapolis. They definitely keep non-traditional hours but if you catch them while they’re open, you’re going to want to try the “Soul Roll.” Basically, it’s an egg roll but with unique soul-food inspired filling combinations. My favorite is the “Nanny”, which has a Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, and Fried Chicken filling. **Chef's kiss*

Located in the Greater Rondo area in St. Paul, Taste of Rondo is a Bar and Grill with great Soul food and southern cooking. Their signature dish is catfish but they also make a mean philly sandwich, which is my favorite item on their menu. The restaurant has also been featured in Small Business Revolution Season 6.

Black Table Arts is a community driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis. They have a great bookstore, shared workspace and a performance space. It’s a really great place to connect with other artists and organizers and they offer dope arts activities and events. I’ve purchased some great literature from them.

Juxtaposition Arts (or Juxta as we call it) is a teen-staffed art and design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio space in North Minneapolis. Juxta does a lot of great work with youth in the community and really empowers young artists to become entrepreneurs. They also have a skate park that anyone can access and use at any time which is super dope. I’ve actually played a show in the skate park and it was a great time.

FYI, the location changes every month! The Black Market mpls is an organization that creates marketplace events specifically for black businesses around the twin cities. They are super dope because they give black businesses that may not have a brick and mortar location, a place where they can regularly set up and sell products or services.

They hold events usually once or twice a month and there’s usually a great diversity of products. I’ve purchased fresh produce, skin and hair care products, men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry and cosmetics, body work, cleaning products, books, vinyl, all sorts of great products. The location changes month to month so make sure you check their website for the location info and schedule.

One of the only black owned music venues in the twin cities, Pimento Rum Bar is a great place to find black music, entertainment and events. They have Afrobeatz nights, Dancehall, Reggae, Afro-cuban bands, open mic events, karaoke, etc. They have a really nice patio and stage setup in the back where they host bands in the summertime. When you come to turn up, make sure you grab a Rum Punch from the bar. But be careful because it will get you there QUICK. They also have a restaurant attached where they serve Jamaican food. The restaurant has some of the most fire Wings in the cities.

Houston White is a Barber, entrepreneur and community leader. And his barber shop is one of the dopest spots in the cities. Not just because he’s an amazing barber and does great work, but he also has a storefront where you can buy his branded ‘Black Excellence’ apparel; and a 3rd space where folks can chill, listen to music, engage and exchange ideas. Houston is just a really good dude and his vibe permeates the space. He’s been a supporter of mine for many years as well and I have mad love and respect for him and everything he does in the community.

For the ladies, Beauty Lounge is a fantastic salon owned by my friend Melissa Taylor. It really is THE Minneapolis multi-cultural hair destination. They can work with any hair texture and also offer workshops on styling hair for kids as well as more advanced training for hair professionals. Melissa is super dope and really has a passion for what she does so if you’re looking to level up your look definitely stop in.

MMYYKK’s Guide to Black Businesses in Minneapolis

Lichen is located in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s a design shop that’s helping to democratise design and proselytise more under-the-radar participants. Founded by Jared Blake and Ed Be the two have curated an exceptional archive of accessible vintage and contemporary furniture.

Sitting at the crossroads of Chinatown and the Lower East Side, Chop Suey Club is a boutique store in downtown NYC focusing on contemporary Chinese design, arts and culture. They procure design products from young Chinese creatives around the world, showcasing seasonal rotations of items for diverse lifestyles. They believe the best way to dissipate xenophobia is to make your own culture more accessible to others. Chop Suey Club is an effort to open up contemporary Chinese culture to a larger audience.

Rooted is a modern-day plant company reconnecting you to nature, one houseplant at a time. Rooted was started because they firmly believe in the positive mental, emotional and physical health benefits associated with having greenery in your space.

.IMAGE is the first sneaker consignment shop to open in Queens, New York. Located in the heart of Queens, Main St Flushing, they carry many hard to find and limited sneakers you will not find anywhere else.

The space is a more than a restaurant, it’s a home away from home. With a growing number of Korean-Americans and Korean internationals working and studying in the city, Her Name Is Han wanted to create a place where these busy dwellers of New York can find the perfect home-cooked meal, prepared with the goal of bringing about the flavours of their mothers’ cooking.
Using only traditional Korean ingredients and recipes to produce what we like to call “Korean soul food”, their mission was not to replicate the fancy contemporary culinary experience, but to design a nostalgic one, where guests can enjoy an authentic Korean meal, all with the same feeling of comfort as eating at home.

Make sure to get your trim at 12 Pell, one of our favourite barbershops and community spaces in the city.

Mint By Mai is an amazing lash extension business run by lash artist and educator Tammy Mai. In addition to her lash services, Tammy offers educational 1:1 training to those who are looking to start their own businesses.

Jeepney is the best Filipino Food in NYC hands down. The restaurant, founded by Nicole Ponseca’s and Miguel Trinidad, has been at the fore-front of popularizing Filipino food in the city. It’s named after the "Jeepney", the WWII jeeps left behind by US occupation. Filipinos took the left-over jeeps chopped them up and tricked them out, creating a vibe, a mode of transport and a symbol that is uniquely Filipino. That is the essence of being of Jeepney and being Filipino – it's a vibe, a mode, and a symbol of uniqueness.

The original Lhasa in Jackson Heights is one of our favourite places in the city to eat momos. Each momo flavour is so delicious it’s understandably difficult to choose which flavour you want to commit to. So to make it easier for you, they do great combo selections, perfect for lunch of dinner.

Asian-Owned Businesses in NYC

San Francisco 

Theres been a few really dope independent galleries that have popped in the last few years including Schlomer Haus, and House Seiko and MRKT Gallery. MRKT is curated and owned by Nora Suliman who has a curatorial taste that expands your awareness of the contemporary art world. She gives platform to artists that may get overlooked by the institution.  I’d check their calendar for their Friday night art openings. 

Dying Breed is a locally-born art supply and clothing brand that honors the essence and community that gives San Francisco the moniker of the “SFC (Sucka Free City). 

Stashed is my favourite mens clothing stores. The selection of curated streetwear has a wide range of designers and brands that can fit a lot of vibes. 

The best home goods/bookstore/gift shop in the city if you ask me. I also love being on Clement Street for any reason so its one of the best moves to stop by Park Life buy an amazing book or something for the crib and then take a stroll for some of the best Asian food in the city all up and down Clement St. 

Nothing stresses me when I travel than stressing about a bad cut. Mike’s is the best barbershop in the city. My barber is Paul, but everyone is super solid. 

This is one of the most “is this a dream” views in all of San Francisco. Baker Beach has a great beach, a mellow tide, and has an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

I think Golden Gate Park is my favourite place in the world. Me and my lady spend mad time in the park and just disappear in all of its nooks. It’s got multiple Museums, a James Turrel space, gardens, buffalos, ponds, and meadows. I would start at the Conservatory of Flowers and enjoy a nice long walk to the De Young Museum, dip into the James Turrel garden, and just take every left and right turn and get lost. Keep going West until you hit the Pacific Ocean, and if you can make it a weekend activity the Great Highway is closed on the weekends now, so you can enjoy a surreal walk on the highway next to the Pacific Ocean. If you need a coffee when you’re out there, drop a pin at Blackbird Bookstore where you can get a cup of coffee and book too. 

You can’t come to San Francisco without visiting North Beach and Chinatown. I would start at Washington Square Park and just walk around in and out of Chinatown and onto Columbus Ave. Trek up to Coit Tower or do something a bit more touristy but still cool like the Cable Car Museum. 

Mohammad's Top 8 Things to Do in San Fransisco 

Kevin David

São Paulo

Bar da Bete is the best place to warm up before heading to your favorite party.


If you are in the centre, you must go for a beer with a group of 20 friends.

If you are an LGBTQIAP+ person you have an obligation to live in the zig. a gay nightclub in the basement with pop music, darkroom and gay cruising.

Imagine a funk party in Brazil? now imagine an LGBTQIA+ funk party in brazil, where the G, the T and the L dominate everything. That's it, just living to see.


If you are looking for a more cozy place, where you can spend the afternoon with friends and still listen to some music, then lote sp is the place.

As a fan and lover of Hip-Hop culture, I find everything here, ribbed tank tops, jewellery, sneakers, t-shirt prints - the rock gallery is a good option for those who want to spend their evening lookinging and don't have time to adventure so much, as there are several floors with wonderful curatorship. 

I cut my hair for 15 years in the same place with your rodriguez. If you're looking for a ruler cut, this is the place.

My favorite food in São Paulo is here: a dish made of pot roast and carrot cake dessert is what I eat the most.


This is where I find all my fashion and culture magazines.

The Creative Underbelly of Sao Paulo with Kevin David

Copenhagen

If you want that authentic Ethiopian dining experience, this place will everything you imagine it to be. Delicious, easy well-priced food. Bring some friends, eat with your hands and spend the evening satisfied.

Hidden in the back of a club space in Copenhagen’s old and famous meat packing district, you’ll find MMH Radio. MMH Radio is a community centred radio station at the forefront for pushing towards more versatility and inclusivity in the Danish capitals music scene.

A pan-African inspired restaurant, which celebrates Africa, the African culture, traditions and the African people through food, art and music.

A physical and web shop that sells hair and skin care products, as well as hair extensions. They do hair extensions, braids, curls, manicures and pedicures in shop.

All-natural skincare line inspired by raw natural ingredients that women in East Africa have been using for generations.

Beadhouse has the largest selection of jewellery; earrings, rings, pearls and loose trinkets.

A free African music festival held every year in June to celebrate its rich history.

Organic and Fair Trade body and hair care with products handmade in Copenhagen and only sustainable and recyclable packaging used.

An award-winning Ugandan food concept and street food company serving delicious and healthy dishes made from organic ingredients from Uganda and Denmark. Look out for their physical shop coming soon.

A barber shop with the friendliest, warmest owners to go with a fresh cut.

Black-Owned Businesses in Copenhagen

deadHYPE

Berlin

Come by on a Saturday as we are also doing radio, so you get to see some of Berlin's best DJs

Book a table in advance and order the pistachio kofta.

Head to the champagne bar. Get any Blanc de blancs!

Always a great exhibition, extremely well curated - go in the week as it's really relaxed.

A lot to take in so book the tour ahead of time

Amazing lunch spot also good for fresh meat and fish

If you come and need a haircut go to Reydy - it's about 20€. He's a legend and can really cut (go to the back and ask for Reydy explicitly).

deadHYPE's Berlin City Guide

Merca Bae

Madrid

First stop: my go-to barbershop in Lavapiés. A proper night out starts with looking your best. Tito and Mayo will have you fresh and ready.

Central Madrid has become quite hostile to locals (it feels more like a theme park nowadays). But this market still keeps the neighbourhood’s essence alive. A perfect spot for a few pre-party drinks.

One of my go-to restaurants when I’m organising parties. Amazing Chinese food, right in downtown, cheap and authentic. Don’t miss the eggplant with garlic sauce and meat, it’s impressive.

A classic cocktail bar in the heart of the city. I always go for an after-dinner drink. My favorites: the “Cielo Raso” and the “Bronx”.

One of Madrid’s most iconic clubs, which opened in 1989. Like most venues here, the independent promoters are the ones that keep it interesting. Some of the city’s most cutting-edge collectives like Post Club and BRRRRRAP have held events here, Fridays or Saturdays mainly. I co-organise the ‘MERCABR5AP’ party at Siroco with BRRRRRAP, a collective that’s been active for over 12 years. It’s a small venue (around 180-capacity), and could definitely invest in a better sound system and also improve conditions for promoters, but for me still feels like home.

Since the pandemic, most of the most exciting parties have moved out here. Solid clubs, serious respect for sound, and really interesting line-ups. No names mentioned, gotta keep the secret location vibe alive. 

Right now, I think this is the most exciting neighbourhood in Madrid — although gentrification is creeping in fast. It's packed with recording studios, art galleries, dance schools, and more… It still keeps that authentic neighbourhood feel.

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