How to Be Outside, Inside Featuring Maiya The Don
The Brooklyn rapper’s NYC picks feature an eclectic mix — from bookstores in The Bronx to sexy lounges in Hell’s Kitchen.
Photo by Nereida Nichelle IG: @nuhrayduh.
Maiya The Don exudes Brooklyn in everything she does. Her confidence, individuality and unique sound have definitely made her one of the most exciting female rappers to emerge from the fertile NYC rap scene in the last 5 years. She’s dropping new music this year, but in the meantime, we reached out to ask about her favorite city spots for finding relaxation, calming interludes, entertainment and good vibes. Check out her picks below.
Okayplayer: Where do you go in NYC when you want to be outside without being outside?
Maiya The Don: I love The Lit. Bar in the Bronx. It’s a Black-owned bookstore, but it also has a bar with real lounge vibes, so I can sip a good wine while getting into whatever new books I just picked up.
Where do you go when you want to be around people but not with people?
Melba’s is my favorite restaurant in the city. They treat me like family every time I’m there.
And when I want to just have fun, Frames Bowling Lounge always does it for me. I like places where there’s energy without having to be at, like, a club.
I’m also really good for finding the nearest Barnes & Noble and disappearing for a while. I’ll grab a tea from the café, put my headphones on, and read. I like being in public because it makes me feel productive, even if all I’m doing is sitting with a book.
What does your perfect NYC day look like?
A perfect day starts with a solid workout at the gym. I love getting my body right early. Then I’m grabbing tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, easy. After that, I’m pulling up to a New York Liberty game; there’s nothing like that energy in the city. I don’t watch the NBA.
At night, I’m either catching a vibe at Manhattan Beach or heading to Record Room, depending on my mood. I might also go to Saint Restaurant & Lounge — one of my close friends, Nyla Symone, DJ’s there and has a residency, so the vibe is always right and the food is good.
And to really end the day right, I’m home, snuggled up with a good book. My favorite author is Kennedy Ryan. Right now, I’m reading The Scammer by Tiffany Jackson.
