D-Stroy's 10 Favorite Hip-Hop Venues in NYC

New York City is home to many things: raw talent, greasy pizza, and mean mugs may be the first things to come to mind. But, you can't talk about New York City without addressing the birth of hip-hop and the many legends that have walked the streets of this concrete jungle. Fast forward a few decades. Although hip-hop's appearance in NYC may be different from pop locking in parks or intense street corner ciphers, its presence is still alive and well. D-Stroy Melendez, host of Flama's "Left Unattended," is no novice when it comes to hip-hop in New York City. Every Tuesday "Left Unattended" dives into the history of the genre with cameos from all manner of heavyweights. Click through to find out D-Stroy's choice venues for checking out hip-hop in NYC this summer.

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Website: sutranyc.com
Location: 16 1st Ave.

"Want to party with adults who survived the crack-era and out-a-towners who love hip-hop? Then sneak into Toca Tuesday when Tony Touch invites major DJs to fingerbang their Serato. You might see comedian Hannibal Buress babysitting a drink and a '90s hip-hop artist you remember from the back of The Source magazine. It's the only appropriate place to break dance battle against a fly chick for her number."

Website: sobs.com
Location: 204 Varick St.

"Want to see an upcoming rapper who might've dropped out of school or an amazing songstress who makes you miss R&B? Head to S.O.B.'s. With 28 years in the business, they have all genres come through from Latinos like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Mark Anthony, down to Drake and Kanye West, who performed there before sensitive rappers made you want to buy scented candles."

Website: no8ny.com
Location: 357 W 16th St.

"Ever wonder where A-List celebs go to dance to some of the realest DJs in hip-hop? Wipe that white stuff from your nose and visit No.8. Legendary DJ Stretch Armstrong goes in on everything other than underground hip-hop that'll make you feel high on Wednesdays. Producer/DJ to the stars Statik Selektah makes you feel like it's New Year's Eve on any given Saturday night."

Website: thegriffinny.com
Location: 50 Gansevoort St.

"Prepare to front. At this place you can act like a baller even though you live with your mom. Recently I had a chick tell me to calm down while I was dancing, in a club, where people are supposed to dance. It seems like the adults here DVR 106 and Park to learn the lyrics to the 'Hot' record of the week so they can look cool. Anyway, this place has potential, but I'm about partying and not fronting like I know the lyrics to every song. Just go and have a good time."

Website: thewicknyc.com
Location: 260 Meserole St.

"I use to walk pass this building back when I cut high school and loaned money to drug addicts. Fast-forward to today, where hipster's wear expired deodorant and gentrification has gutted the streets of Bushwick. This former brewery has been remixed into a pretty cool venue. However, it's a huge space, so you might think, 'why is no one here to see The Lox perform?'"

Website: websterhall.com
Location: 125 E 11th St.

"Unfortunately, bottle service culture killed the dance floor. Club owners placed tables and chairs where you normally would grind on a hoodrat who might have a razor in her mouth. Fortunately, on Thursday nights Just Blaze and company bring that Tunnel feeling back with four dim rooms of music, dancing and sweaty women."

Website: brooklynbowl.com
Location: 61 Wythe Ave.

"I know you've always wanted to battle someone on the dance floor and bowl at the same time. So, bring your friends to this hybrid venue that also has a restaurant. It's like the Bo Jackson of venues. I can't stress enough how I love this big space. If you want to dance with one person without the last person noticing, bring your trifling ass over here. You can also check out live hip-hop acts such as Talib Kweli and Questlove."

Website: giantstep.net
Location: 29 West 36th St.

"In 2014, A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip will step behind the turntables and introduce you to good vibes. OK, this isn't exactly a venue (his parties have taken place at a few different spots), but it's starting up again soon at Sankeys. It isn't so much about the place that makes this event worth checking out, but the crowd that "The Abstract" attracts. Party with Busta Rhymes, Nile Rodgers and people who love to party. Oh, and bring a whistle. I love it."

Website: centralpark.com
Location: Rumsey Playfield

"Last summer hip-hop heads were celebrating the 40th anniversary of hip-hop. I got to perform 'Touch and D-Stroy' with Tony Touch and DJ Premier at the iconic Rock Steady Crew Anniversary. RSC was a '90s NYC staple until it was forced to move to New Jersey. SummerStage does FREE events throughout the summer, and NYC/Hip-Hop is always an integral part of it. It makes my heart smile. You should come through."

Website: bbkingblues.com
Location: 237 W 42 St.

"Club vets rarely go out to parties on Friday or Saturday because you usually see new jacks who Instagram everything. However, The Freedom Party holds the crown with the tagline: 'The Longest Running Weekly Friday Night Dance Party.' Herbert Holler and crew have maintained a solid crowd for 11 years, with hip-hop, reggae and more. Have your running man and butterfly dance ready, because the Times Square location makes it extra NYC."