Blood and Fire in Harlem NYC - The Story of The Record Shack and Freddy's Fashion Mart 

I don't care how many people complain about the educational parts of your videos, don't ever stop educating us!!! The education of Harlem was important to this story. We don't just see everyone as victims but as human beings!!

As a homicide detective and hostage negotiator, working in Harlem for over 14 years at the time of this horrific incident, I was called out to the scene. I arrived just as the flames and smoke began. I assisted in removing two of the deceased from the store. I also conducted numerous interviews of witnesses as well as of Al Sharpton. I’ve seen a lot in my more than 23 years on the NYPD, but I will never forget this day. RIP to all the deceased. 🙏🏼

The narrator does an excellent job setting the stage with his descriptive,detailed back ground info on each story. Nice work.

Thanks! My kids were proud to see their grandfather's record store. He passed away a couple of years ago, but he always told them about these times.

I love how you represent “black” and “brown” people and victims on this channel. You make sure to preserve the respect and dignity of everyone’s culture, as opposed to making them look like the problem like main stream media does.

I’m from Harlem and remember this. It use to be more mom & pops stores with a few corporate stores on 25th, then all the small businesses were pushed out. R.I.P. to the victims!

I honestly just stumbled upon this channel and NO ONE tells a story like this creator. He doesn’t just jump right in he takes you on a journey and is so thorough. Thank you for the content.

I am a Born and raised Harlemite and this story is a tragedy, You have done a Great job telling this Historical truth, RIP those who were lost

I'm a Harlem native and work along 125 and remember hearing about the fire in 95. I don't think we ever truly recovered...and the Mart 125 needs to be reopened. It just sits there...

You have been blessed with the gift of storytelling history. I remember those stores. Record Shac Shack was immensely popular. The burning of Freddy's was horrific as the killing of so many. I want to add that before that time, I also remember that the stores on 125th St. were white owned as black business were not allowed to exist as you briefly mentioned. But there was a boycott of Blumstein's Department Store on 125th led by the mighty Adam Clayton Powell Jr that was successful to force the store to hire black staff. The rebuilding of Harlem has sought to destroy it. However the last sentences are most profound. They will never take away its importance, righteous protests, history and significance to the Black community.

Being a native New Yorker, the narrator did an outstanding job!!!

WoW! I am a New Yorker born and raised, Harlem was it back in the days!❤ Thanks, for the memories..Back then Harlem was family, fun and a closeness of community. Today?

I remember this my older brother was devastated. HE pretty much lived in the record store, especially that one because of the prices and the albums he carried. If he could've, he would've brought out the shop himself as much as he was in there . It was sad. Even though we were from Brooklyn, we had family in that area, so we were up there often. My father loved Freddy's to supplement our clothing needs in between seasons ( easy to shop for less when it's 5 kids in the house) . We even went to one of the protests, but my dad said things was looking crazy and we left

One of the reasons why I subscribed to this channel, not only do I find the stories interesting, but how the stories are researched and presented. The narrator keeps it real. Thanks for posting this video!

My childhood friend, died in that fire. May he Rest in Peace.

You are a spectacular historian and orator! I was born and raised in Harlem - St. Nick Projects (127th & 8th Ave)-- my late grandmother, grandfather, and late great aunts and uncles migrated to Harlem in the early to mid-1900s-- some resided in Sugar Hill too. Many great memories and much tragedy - my only brother was slain in our projects. I was fortunate enough to attend college at 18 and never returned to live but stayed visiting my family. You did a fantastic job. Your graphics were si nostalgic for me. 😢❤

I truly appreciate the history about Harlem. People forget about the sanctuary it was for African-Americans fleeing the brutality of the south. It’s also interesting seeing how history repeated itself. The parallels in the response in Black cities across the nation to MLK’s death and the country’s response to George Floyd’s death is uncanny. It’s interesting to see the racial and political motives to get the record store removed from the mart. Black art was created as self-expression, but viewed as political to non-Black folks and those who detested the art form. This story is also a testament to how important it is for Black business owners should be invested in the community. Sikhulu Shange did more than just sell records, he helped propel the art and preserved the culture. This is why they community came out in droves to protest for him to keep his lease. I remember Al Sharpton getting flack for his comments about this because he used the term “white interloper.” Overall, I wish it didn’t have to go down like this. So many innocent people lost their lives including a child. There was a more healthy, productive way to handle this and the killer unfortunately couldn’t see that. Sikhulu had the entire community and political activists on his side. This was uneccessary.

I live in 109th and didn’t know the history like this.. you’re underrated! LOVE LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!

I can lay here all night and listen to your voice. Very excellent story teller.

I lived on 149th street and Amsterdam Ave in Harlem we didn't have much but we was together..made fun and the music from tenants windows and the smell of soul food ..black teachers and the community of elderly and parents was respected..we all fought for equal justice..I miss those days it made me very strong..

Can you do a story on the Brooklyn beautician who was murdered by Her boyfriend inside her salon this happened around 2003 -2004 I believe . I can't tell you the name but it's my friend's mom and I think her story shouldn't be forgotten. But if you found all these cases you can find that one . I have faith in you

Cant speak on Harlem without telling its history. Love your approach to these videos.

You did an excellent job with your research and commentary on this matter. It is greatly appreciated. As a Harlem resident I never really understood the background of what happened. Job well done!!!

This is really sad. I was living in Harlem at the time....my daughter just a couple of months old then, my oldest son just 2... May all that perished rest....😔😔

Amazing job covering this story. I remember the days of Mart 125 and Harlem week. It was so beautifully deep-rooted at Black Culture and was an amazing place to hang out back in the day. It's never been the same😢

I work in Harlem and never knew about this . Gentrification has been going on for as long as i remember . This greed has also been around forever. However , it’s never ok to resort to violence . Words matter and I feel that people purposefully use specific words to send a message . A person who has nothing to lose and who feels righteous in their cause will take that and run with it . We’ve seen that happen through every culture since the beginning of time. Most people just want to be able to live, go to work, make an honest and decent living and come home to their families in one piece .

Binge watching these series and I applaud you for letting the rest of the world know of the horrific crimes that occured in New York. I'm from Houston Texas and I never heard or read about any of these cases you discuss with the exception of the Gladys Riccart case. I believe your series should be streaming on apps like Pluto TV, Tubi etc... Again thanks for sharing these events

I appreciate this video! You are truly gifted! Thank you for high lighting black American culture ❤ I was born and raised in Harlem, this was very nostalgic.

I lived in Harlem all my life (140th and Lenox) until 5 yrs ago. It's not the same 😢

I admire the historical background of these stories we can never forget. Your content is eloquent, factual yet with not forgetting the victims and their loved ones.

You put this video together so gracefully highlighting black American history. As an Afro Latina I appreciate the work you put into this video. Big ups to you and my God bless you, I see you narrating on the big screens someday. Peace ❤

I just found your channel Jose and I have to say you do not disappoint. This has to be one of the best channels I have ever heard. Although these stories are incredibly heartbreaking to say the least I have to say your eloquence and in the telling of these stories and your respect for all of the victims who needlessly lost their lives are second to none.⭐️🏆 I really appreciate all the hard work you put into the telling of these stories as well as the history of the Burroughs of New York where they took place.👍🏻 You have created a fantastic channel with some of the most compelling cases I have ever heard and I can not praise you enough. You deserve far more followers and I definitely plan on directing others to your channel as well. Keep up the great work! I’m here to stay!❤️🥰

I'm a born and raised NYer but was a child when most of your stories went down so I would've never known about all of these happenings. As messed up as they are, I'm Really enjoying this.

Born and raised in Harlem and I never knew the story behind Mart 125. It's sad knowing that the anger and hate that the killer had was targeted towards Latin people who were innocent and had nothing to do with what he was protesting for. RIP to the victims 🙏

I remember Freddy's and the Record Shack. I'm quite sure that my mother shopped at this record store!!! I like your channel. I'm from Brooklyn, but I grew up shopping in Downtown Brooklyn and in Harlem!!! Continued success my brother!!! I also remember when this happened, I was 13 years old.

You are so great at this! I love how you take your time to include the history of the city. Thank you! RIP to the victims & we miss you BIG L!

Keep up the good work. The stories are tragic but we need to be reminded of the lives list. You are always so respectful of the victims and their families. If you suspect something, report it. Don't wait until it is too late. God bless you and continue the story telling and nothing but love to the victim's families.

The way how you give the history before the actual story, is incredible!! 👍

Another great video! Wow I remember when this happened. Such a great loss if life and businesses on 125th street. I look at it now and it’s unrecognizable. None of the mom and pop stores are there anymore. Such great memories of my visits during Harlem week when people got dressed up and fly just to hangout on the boulevard, watch the dope cars parade down the streets, listen to great music and meet beautiful people. Those were the good ole days 🙏🏽🙌🏽❤💪🏽

Born and raised in Harlem. Just found your channel. Love the content. Keep it coming my dude

The history backdrop of Harlem was DOPE! Big ups to you for creating a channel for the victims to tell their stories.

Brother, this channel is rocking, and as long as you're busting out this great content, I'm with you.

the intro was beautifully done to represent Harlem...so sad to hear of the story to follow. Thank you for sharing with us.

The narrator is doing a great job telling us the history of Harlem. 👍

Wow I Remember when this happened . Back in 95 I was working in a Korean owned clothing store on 8th st in the village nyc . Everyone was on high alert . And nervous .

This is an excellent doco. Watching from Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. Well done narrator. Perfectly delivered with absolutely excellent delivery of the English language. It’s a pleasure to watch, and listen to, such a high quality and well produced piece. Well done 👍 😊

New York has such an interesting and influential anthropological history. Ty for sharing these stories with the context included.

Yo!!!! You tell our stories so well. I appreciate the hard work & accurate narrating you do to every story you tell. Great continent. 👍🏾 many Blk & Brn stories are unforgotten thank you for reminding us

That's crazy I just walked past the Apollo on my lunch break and decided to watch a RU-vid video and boom you popped up on my timeline on RU-vid with this video😂😂😂 blessing from the Bronx NY keep doing your thing..❤❤

I love the way you researched and included video clips from that era to this video.

Thanks for this story !!! Def needs to be shared . New York was so dope ! These kids don't even know how powerful new York was .

0:57 love the history talk… it’s vital and it’s one of those components that makes your content even more interesting! Blessings brother!!

Such an underrated channel, true crime at its best!

I like this dude, he is a true unadulterated New Yorker ‼️🔥💯💯👍🏾

Watching the store's owner sweep out the ashes from his store one of the most heartbreaking things that I have seen. I asked him could I help him and he wanted to do it all by yourself. The community had mourned the loss.

Thank you for these history lessons, I find the pre-2000s especially 70/80s city history so so interesting. I was born in Chicago in 1987. I've always been so fascinated by new York. Your videos are so educational while haunting. Thank you ❤️

Im from Brooklyn but hung out and lived in Harlem in the 90s excellent job best documentary i have seen so far great build up/ backstory 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 tragic event well covered im now a subscriber

Hey Jose, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your podcast, I love hearing and learning of the stories from this dynamic and interesting city, and I love that you cover stories on behalf of the victims that aren’t well known, I truly love learning about all of the different cultures and the unfortunate struggles they are put through, thank you for presenting the stories so well, please continue to make more I’m your number 1 Superfan💛💛💛

Love this guy and how he gives you a little history behind the story cause I learn a little part of history I did know of dope 👌🏼I’m glad I stumble across this channel

This one of my fav videos of yours. I am definitely born and raised and know my Harlem history. The record shack and The hut was where everybody got music back then. The hut use to have pop up stars visiting. Freddy's use to sell those colorful shirts. I vaguely remember the news about the people and deaths so thanks for the info.

I’ma harlem native born and raised and i’m 55 years young right now, I’d like to make a correction on the information that was stated in reference to the vendors that lined the streets of 125th from 5th ave down to St. Nicholas Ave. the correction that needs to be made is when he says they moved all the vendors into mart 125. that's not the truth, mart 125 always been there with black vendors in it... it was mayor Giuliani and his Gestapo military police of NYC that came into office in the year of 1995 and removed all the vendors from 125th st. to a big lot on 116th st and 8th ave... a location that didn’t have the heavy foot traffic that 125th st has or had back then. Giuliani also implemented the stop and frisk that didn’t go well at all for New Yorkers, in that year and beyond. that was the beginning of gentrification within Harlem...

No crime telling channel like yours. Your too Good I cannot stop watching.

Seriously I love thos channel. I never knew about Freddy's Market. Pls kept the videos coming.

Thank you for this.... I worked in the neighborhood & shopped at the store often! I so remember that! (125th St)

You make me want to go back in time.. and live. I could feel what it felt like to walk into that record store, hear the music.

i came across this man earlier today and immediately fell in love with his work his voice is very soothing i am officially a subscriber

I was in high school when this happened. I went to school on 135th and convent in harlem. This was definitely a sad story

Wow you brought me to tears. Eloquently well told.

Well said and we are still going through it today A DANG SHAME, now fast food stores, nails, and weaves..horrible site to see

While we were looking down on our phones, they came and snatched Harlem right back.

Fellow new yorker here (born and raised in Canarsie), been binging these videos over the last few days. It's refreshing to see stories from here, AND told by someone from here i can actually relate to. I gotta know, where is the music at the very start of the video from? I'm only a few seconds into the video so my bad if you mention it later.

I love how you dive into the history of the areas you cover before getting into main story.

Thank you for educating today’s generations about the truth in history. I try to tell my children who are adults now about how things were back in the day. It is important that generations today and generations to come to know the truths in the world. Again thank you 😊

I remember that day like it was yesterday. Rest in peace 😔

Thank you very much for all your video's, Jose you have a excellent speaking voice the best i have heard. This is so very sad what happened on 125th street Harlem It's all about greed for money. Greed is Evil. Murder is not the answers but they will have to face Jesus on judgement day. Love and best wishes for your exceptional channel. Love ❤ and blessings from Australia 🙏🏻

Born and Raised in Harlem!! I remember this, we as a community were devastated!! Our Black Owned Record Shop. So many stars could be seen on any given day.. We set the Trends #OLDHARLEM YOU HAD TO BE THERE ❤

This was great, very well done. I lived on 110th across from the park for several years and was always going up to 125th to shop. I passed there all the time. I never knew about this.

Dude, your channel is awesome! I share it with everyone! Great writing and storytelling.

Very, very sad. I want to thank you so much for all of the stories you cover. But, especially this one, where I felt like I learned a whole big part of our history. You put alot of time and effort and research in this episode, and all others. You are amazing at what you do. Merry Christmas..

My family was well known in Harlem. Even having a street named after my pop pop now. Love your your work

I love the way you narrate all these cases & also make me cry🥹 very sad all these cases I’ve cried with a couple of them specially when children are involved I subscribed fro the first video I saw very good channel keep those videos coming thank you♥️

Rest in paradise to all that lost their lives this day😢my condolences to the families🙏🏽😇🙏🏽🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏽

Your channel is dope bro ✊🏽 much respect

Im from NYC and I remember that tragic day of Mart 125. So sad😭Rip to the victims 🙏🙏

The Record Shack was legendary! You'd come there and just hum a song and the lady would help you find the cassette ! I agree with whomever said Mart 125 should reopen ... We stayed taking pictures in the little booth and what's the plan for it anyways... That and that theater next to the Apollo... Come on New York ! Let's reel it in... Make Harlem great again !

Wow dude I really love your content it makes my day.

I'm glad I found the channel

❤You had my full attention from start to finish with this one, I have never heard of this event but then again I'm from Idaho lol but love learning about history and different cultures👍♥️ Thank you for all your time and effort for this video and content.

Great story telling bro, has anyone ever told you that you were good at this? Lol keep up the great work.

Outstanding the way this was packaged. Really appreciated the footage of Harlem…the Harlem that I miss!

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Loved this. You are just awesome my guy. I've seen 3 of your videos and they are just informative and well told and written. Thank you 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

You are brilliant. I shared this with Rev Al

I am from Baltimore MD, n I want to thank you for all u do, I love watching your videos. I learn so much from all your content. I am a single mother of two boys. and not that it is important, I m white. I love learning things I never knew about. It hurts my heart for the pain and suffering. but thank you

I’m from Harlem! Born & Raised I’m 60 yo and left in 2006! It has changed so much. But it will always be home! My father owned Thompson Barbershop on 125th & Lenox pin the 70’s and my uncle wasn’t manager of Rainbow record shop in the 60’s & 70’s

Beautifully Done! Thank you for this.

I've only just found your channel, but I'm so glad i did! I've been bingeing your older episodes all night now lol. I love that you work historical facts about the particular area into your telling of these awful stories. You are gifted storyteller! ❤

$4K rent, back in the 1990s? 😱

Another one ✌️💥 Those background tracks are sounding nice.....

Good channel and well put together all his videos.

Your content is so detailed.