Every neighborhood has a story—a narrative that sets it apart from any other place. But certain neighborhoods have something more—a deeply specific quality that sticks with residents and visitors alike. Those places, which have produced some of America’s most unique artistic voices, don’t just have a story. They have a flavor.
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey is celebrating some of these neighborhood flavors through the lens of some of their most prominent people, who will serve as our cultural ambassadors to the areas they love so much. In doing so, we are also paying homage to the flavor of our own hometown neighborhood in Lynchburg, TN—a community of independent spirits that has always remained true to its roots and to Jack’s tradition of inspired originality.
Mick
Jenkins
Jenkins
Southside
In recent years, few communities have influenced American culture the way Chicago’s Southside has. Its alumni include a number of prominent athletes, some deeply influential musicians, and even a recent President. Neighborhood Flavor pays a visit to the community that is so deeply steeped in culture with our local ambassador, Mick Jenkins. Mick will provide us a bit of insight into his own Southside neighborhood experience, and share a unique, under-portrayed side of Chicago’s story.
Statik
Selektah
Selektah
Bushwick
Bushwick is one Brooklyn neighborhood where history still outranks hipsters. And that grittier cultural landscape is a big part of why Statik Selektah calls Bushwick home. For the better part of a decade, Statik Selektah has been a deeply rooted staple of Bushwick’s hip-hop scene–but his obsession with the genre goes back way farther than that. By the time he was eight years old, Selektah was already experimenting with his parents’ eight-track and turntable. Since then, as his talents have flourished, so has the roster of artists he’s worked with, which has included Nas, Eminem, Action Bronson and Joey Bada$$. Selektah takes us on a tour of Bushwick and shows us why the neighborhood fits him so well–they both have respect for tradition, but are always bringing something new to the table.
St. Beauty
Little five Points
Over the past 30+ years, Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood has risen from obscurity to become one of the most culturally vibrant areas in all of Georgia. It’s also the home base of Alex Belle and Isis V, the duo behind the music group St. Beauty. In this spirited community, many of Atlanta’s most distinct flavors converge. Alex and Isis are able to draw from little pieces of all of it to create something all their own, yet distinctly Atlanta. These two have come quite a long way from working in the vintage store where they first met, but their ATL roots have only grown deeper with time. Experience Little Five through their eyes and get to know the neighborhood that keeps them inspired.
E-40
East Oakland
No one embodies the Bay Area’s versatile spirit quite like E-40. Though technically a native of nearby Vallejo, he’s always been one of East Oakland’s own, making his mark as an entrepreneur, investor, and rapper. The neighborhood – which a lot of us might know better as “Oaktown” – has been a mainstay of hip-hop, and was the spot where a lot of iconic artists came up, including Too Short, Digital Underground, and MC Hammer. East Oakland also boasts as of the most diverse populations in all of Northern California, and E-40 himself is very prominent member of the community. He continually donates his time, money and resources to its betterment. Now, he he takes us on a unique journey through this place he loves so deeply, and shows why it means so much to him.
Letoya
Luckett
Luckett
Houston
Our friends at Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey stand with the city of Houston during this devastating time. The Neighborhood Flavor platform is all about celebrating unique neighborhoods across the country, and highlighting the importance of community. Therefore, they are foregoing the Houston Block Party and redirecting resources to aid in relief efforts.
We encourage our friends from across the country to join them in this effort. Please visit the Red Cross link below to learn how you too can help make a difference.