New York, NY

One of my favorite spots in the city is APT, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Its entrance is unremarkable, nondescript. You might even walk right past, assume it’s the entrance to some frozen beef facility, and quickly change directions toward Brass Monkey or The Standard. However, once inside, the two-story lounge transforms into cozy salon-like room designed with warm tones and eclectic aesthetics. It’s made to look like the inside of a privileged academic’s home, complete with a library, painted portraits, and a bar made of smooth, cherry-like wood. If a dress and heels weren’t the typical fashion, I’d probably see myself wearing a purple velvet smoking jacket and reading glasses while holding a glass of vintage chardonnay.

The vibe at APT is even better. Now, I’m an OG hip hop fan to begin with, so any place catering to those in favor of hip hop’s original roots – jazz, funk, soul, even Latin grooves – it’s the spot for me. DJs like Rich Medina and Questlove spin here, combining hip hop beats with throw back urban classics, all in a mellow, laid-back style.

One DJ I recently discovered spinning at APT is Monk-One, AKA Andrew Mason, original crate digger and founder of Wax Poetics Magazine, the “world’s most respected read for discriminating diggers and intelligent hip hop heads,” according to Fat City Recordings. His beats are insane, if you’re into that awesomely good vintage jazz, soul, and modern up-tempo fusion; makes you want to smoke a cigar while taking in a performance of the Stylistics at the Buena Vista Social Club (hypothetically speaking, of course). I dug it, and I think you will too. Check out his info at:

http://www.myspace.com/thedjmonkone

http://www.nyctrust.com/

Info for APT:

Address: 419 West 13^th Street, New York, NY 10014

Phone: 212.414.4245

Web: http://www.aptnyc.com/