They have names like Kid Love, The 80s Baby, Manolo and Dasiaa and all look like Prince of Bel Air Doubles. Squared shaved flattops, turned around base caps, fat golden necklaces and bleached jeans accompanied with a ghetto blaster and 90s hip hop music coming from it. 

Under the name Tribe NYC they describe themselves as an artist collective, joining dancers, models, djs, actors, stylists or musicians. The fashion of late 80s, early 90s and old school hip hop are their main inspiration and combine the nearly 20 members and their lifestyle.



In my interview with them, the four guys talk about their first cassettes, the Rolling Stone Cover dream and how to become part of the tribe and their expansions into other countries. So if you’re thinking about it, better keep reading. 



Since when does Tribe NYC exist? 

(The 80s Baby) Tribe NYC exists since about two years now, so was founded at the start of 2011. For us it is still weird to talk about the tribe in terms of existence. 



How many members are you?

(The 80s Baby) We are about 20 members in NYC and surrounding. But it is hard to name a definite number. 



How do you become part of Tribe NYC? 

(The 80s Baby) Membership is not as complicated of a process as people think. We seek a basic résumé, which includes, who you are? What you do? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (and what are you doing now to help you get there?) And lastly why do you consider yourself to be an asset to the Tribe movement? All applicants are interviewed and voted on unanimously by the group. It may seem complicated but it's really because we want ambitious people in our group, whom work hard for what their dreams are.


(Dasiaa) Joining the tribe isn't easy & it isn't difficult either. We're all based on what we bring to the table, such as talent, style, & personality.

What does Tribe NYC stand for?

(The 80s Baby) The Tribe is pretty self-explanatory; we are a collective group of individuals whom use each individuals skill sets to overall impact the group goals and objectives. 


(Dasiaa) Tribe NYC to me, stands for family, unity, & lots of retroness!!! We aren't just a group of random people doing what we do just for fun, we are all a wonderful family that sticks together no matter what. 



How did the idea come to place?

(Kid Love) I can’t say it was an idea more or less we know thing repeat themselves, I feel as if it’s just a good case of déjà vu.
(The 80s Baby) Well as I said the veterans of the Tribe have been doing this for a while, so many of us met online and decided to get together and combine our individual movements to create something special.

Are there any similar groups maybe not located in New York?

(The 80s Baby) Yes actually there are a few groups that are similar to us, and have actually contacted us in order to become part of the Tribe movement. This past summer we were able to expand the movement by establishing the first two Tribe international chapters. The first was Tribe France, and the second is Tribe Toronto.

Have you gained more recognition through becoming a group?

(The 80s Baby) Well it's complicated because each member may have their own fan base and may be recognized in their own light, but we also all make it a priority to let everyone know we are a group. We also go everywhere together so it's very rare to see one of us alone.
(Dasiaa) Honestly, yes I have gained some recognition. People always come up to me asking to take pictures or telling me they know/saw me from somewhere. It feels good but we get used to it!

What was the first record you bought?
(Dasiaa) I remember my mother buying a Rob Base mix tape with the 2 songs on each side of the tape! That had to be my first official record/tape.

(Manolo) Red Man & Method Man "BlackOut"
(Kid Love) PAID IN FULL Eric B and Rakim



What can’t you live without? 

(The 80s Baby) My Afro Pick. Can't have my hair looking all wild.

(Manolo) My Parents….. and Jesus.

(Kid Love) MY RADIOOOO, music and my confidents

Any Location you would want to travel to in the future?

(The 80s Baby) Berlin, but honestly we get a lot of love and support from all over the world so it's hard to pick a specific destination, we want to go everywhere...even the moon, I'm sure we have some aliens growing flat tops.
(Dasiaa) I most definitely would like to visit Paris, France. I really want to perform there & eat like crazy!! 



Favorite Piece in you Closet?

(Manolo) A 1988 Polo Cashmere Sweater…yea its dope 

(Dasiaa) My favorite piece in my closet has to be my jean overalls! I love those things!

(Kid Love) Yellow and black Mickey Mouse sweater.

If you could have a VIP pass to anything, to what would it be? 
(Manolo) The NBA all-star game

(Dasiaa) I would DEFINITELY want a VIP pass to backstage of a Kanye West concert! 

Can you live from your passion or do you have to work at another job?
(The 80s Baby) This is America hahaha even though we get paid to model, make appearances and perform many of us still maintain stable jobs. We also have members who are currently in college. 

(Dasiaa) I definitely can live with my passion, but i prefer to have a job anyway, especially since my music career is just getting started.

Best Meal?

(Manolo) Jerk Chicken

(Dasiaa) My best meal definitely has to be macaroni & cheese or the Red Lobster fettucini alfredo with the cheddar bay biscuits!! I'm a sucker for soul food! 

(80s Baby) Them Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

(Kid Love) Pancakes, French toast, and cheese eggs 



Where do you want to be with Tribe NYC in the future?

(Manolo) I would like too see Tribe NYC and my self heavy in movies, commercials, billboards, music videos, and all levels of entertainment as well as community activities and helping the world

What magazine would be your dream magazine to be published in?

(Manolo) The Source Magazine

(Dasiaa) It would be a dream come true if we were published in the Hip Hop XXL magazine! 

(Kid Love) ROLLINGSTONE (COVER)

Feb. 17, 2013

Labels: May I introduce