How to Be Outside, Inside featuring MoRuf

MoRuf might be based in L.A. these days, but the East Coast is in his DNA. The Irvington, New Jersey native comes from underground rap roots, blending alternative hip-hop and R&B across his evolution. His latest project, MOOLODIC: Hotel Luxury, dropped in November and features standout guest appearances from SZA, Fousheé, Mick Jenkins, Vic Mensa, and more.

Beyond the mic, MoRuf is a father of two and a self-proclaimed extrovert-introvert who keeps things lowkey when he’s in town. His New York is about the essentials: art, good food, and making music with his people.

Okayplayer: When you want to be “outside” without being OUTSIDE, where do you go in NYC? 

MoRuf: This is actually my vibe, being that I'm an extrovert/introvert. I love people and human interaction, but also really love being in my own space at the same time. If I had to pick, it would probably be Café Rue Dix & Marché Rue Dix in Brooklyn. Some of the best Senegalese food in New York, ever. Amazing food, music, and right next door, their shop with the fly fits and all that good stuff. You can’t go wrong. 

Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not overwhelmed by crowds? 

Hmm..I may stop by the Brooklyn Museum for some art and vibes. Their exhibits always hit. It’s the perfect space where there are folks, but not overly crowded, unless I pull up on the first of the month. 

What does your perfect NYC day look like, from morning to night? 

Let’s see… getting off the PATH train from Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center. Head to Brooklyn, session with my bro Nathan Bajar. Create some music or just catch up. Head to Prospect Park and sit in some grass…a little solo decompression with some Jazz playing from the phone. Another season with my brother Matt Cody. Grab a drink from Sweet Chick (shoutout to Anu and my Sweet Chick fam). Then end the night at Marché for dinner with the family. 

I’m a simple man. Good people and good vibes are all that I truly need.