The Maloof brothers funded the $1.15 million project through the Adopt-a-Park program and will provide $225,000 for maintenance of the skate park over three years. Joe Maloof said, “New York was first on our list of expansion markets because it’s the headquarters for skateboarding on the East Coast and is home to some of the most iconic skate spots in the world. With the Brooklyn Banks set to close for four years, the timing was perfect for us to bring the Maloof Money Cup to New York City. The skateboarding community is really phenomenal in how open and inclusive they are of everyone.”

Here’s video of Paul Rodriguez, Shane O’Neill, Ishod Wair, Ryan Decenzo and Louie Lopez breaking in the park: The park, which was built above the old Astral Fountain from the 1964 World’s Fair, has “Original Brooklyn Banks 9-stair replica rail; Union Square rail/steps Police Plaza 7-stair rail/various stairs; Ziegfeld ledge; Chrystie Park ledge; Exchange Place street gap; JFK Banks; Con Ed Banks; Pyramid ledges; Flushing Meadows Park ledge-over-the-grate replica.” The Parks Department estimates there are 1 million skaters in the five boroughs. As for the Maloof Money Cup, tickets are free, but were distributed through certain venues around the city (there is a giveaway at the Festival Village, though). You can also watch it via webcast. [http://www.maloofmoneycup.com/dev/] http://gothamist.com/2010/06/05/maloof_money_cup_kicks_off_new_quee.php

New York City’s premiere skateboard brand has come together with one of New York City’s original MC’s for a very special deck collaboration. In their December holiday product release, Zoo York will drop limited edition Rakim decks to honor one of the godfathers of hip hop. The limited edition decks will come packaged with Rakim’s brand new album “The Seventh Seal” which drops in stores and online November 17th. The deck will be available through the Zoo York and Rakim websites.

Two NYC originals: Rakim and Zoo York.

[ ESPN Skateboarding ]

In anticipation for his upcoming album, The Seventh Seal, Hip-Hop MC Rakim has teamed up with Zoo York to create a limited edition skateboard deck.

Zoo York in association with RA Records, SMC Records, TVE and Cornerstone Promotions announce an exclusive collaboration with Zoo York (a skateboarding-inspired lifestyle brand) to create a limited edition skateboard deck.

The skateboard deck will feature graphics designed by Rakim himself, Zoo York and NYC artist Dean Nicastro.

The limited edition piece will come packaged with Rakim’s new CD The Seventh Seal and will be made available for collectors and fans in December 2009 at select retailers.

Interestingly enough, radio has not been too kind to Rakim’s released single’s most notably his lead single “Holy Are You” – which in personal opinion is a phenomenal single that combines impeccable lyricism and an ongoing theme.

Rakim’s The Seventh Seal is scheduled for release on November 17.

[ Examiner ]