Bekay Shoots Video In Famed Gleason’s Boxing Gym

Today, Brooklyn veteran emcee Bekay has released Hunger Pains on Coalmine Records. This is the emcee’s most elaborate work to date, boasting production from multi-platinum produces Alchemist and J.R. Rotem, as well as appearances from R.A. The Rugged Man, Masta Ace and others. In celebration of the release, Bekay has premiered his latest video, “Bloodsport” on HipHopDX.

The video, directed by MonStar Films, was shot in Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym, famed training facility to both Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. Bekay explained the significance of the shooting location to DX. “We decided to make ‘Bloodsport’ a single ’cause this record is what my fans have come to expect from me: that aggressive, hardcore, in-your-face boom-bap,” Bekay told HipHopDX early this morning. “It only made sense to shoot a video for ‘Bloodsport,’ since it’s such a descriptive and graphic record. We reached back out to MonStar Films who shot the video for my first single ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ and decided to shoot at Gleason’s Gym in D.U.M.B.O., Brooklyn.“

The emcee further reflected, “The gym has so much history and was a perfect fit for the video’s treatment. The end result was more then we had hope for. Gleason’s always been home to the world’s greatest fighters and to be able to intertwine my brand of Hip Hop with Gleason’s tradition is something I’ll never forget.“

Asked how he would be spending the biggest release date thus far in career, the Brooklyn native chronicled his November 10th in a fashion true to his lyrics, as well as his album title. “It’s 5:30 AM and I’m just getting back from Stonybrook, [New York], where [DJ] Dutchmaster and I were guests on WUSB 90.1 Street FM with the homey Mickey Knox. It was a perfect way to celebrate my release…we played joints off the album and I got to recap my story on my trials and tribulations in the game that bring me up to speed with Hunger Pains. I’m gonna pass out till 11 AM and since more then likely it’ll be past breakfast by the time I get things in motion, I’m gonna head up the block to Napoli’s Pizza on Nostrand and Ave I and cop a slice and a beef patty with cheese. I gotta have that neighborhood food that’s kept me alive for so many years, especially on a big day like today, no matter how unhealthy it is. After that, I’m probably gonna run a couple miles on the treadmill while I listen to the album in full on my iPod. When I get back, I’m gonna put my show set together for my in-store at Fat Beats at 7pm. Before I head out, I’m gonna stop by the house I grew up at, over on 18th street and sit on the stoop for about 15 minutes and just relect on my life and the journeys I’ve been through – it’s a good way to keep me grounded and humble; I do this from time to time. I’ll then head out to the in-store, meet-and-greet some fans and spit a couple tracks off the LP. Afterwards, a bunch of my closest friends have been with me through this entire journey are gonna head out to our friend’s restaurant, eat like kings, and celebrate…nothin’ too crazy, we’ll leave that for the release party on Friday, at Sputniks.“

Hunger Pains is in stores today.