The Head Hunters
Posted on April 28, 2010 by Carlito Brigante |Head Hunter is an institution here in Brooklyn. It is one of the oldest and most respected barbershop in Bed-Stuy. I heard about it because it is a well known fact in the neighborhood that Notorious B.I.G. used to hang out there. Few weeks ago, Jason “Classic Beatz” Minnis mentionned to me that the shop was one block away from his house and that he goes there two or three times a week. I immediately asked him to hook me up with those guys. One week later, Jason calls me back and says “Mark, the owner of the place, is expecting us this Saturday. That we should go at around 2.30 PM when the place is packed so you have a feel of the place”. Bingo.
“More than anyplace, the barbershop is the black man’s way station, point of contact and universal home.” William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs
Jason told me that whether in Bed-Stuy, North Florida or Brixton U.K, the ambiance in a barbershop is indistinguishable. A barbershop holds a key role in African-American culture. It is a community gathering place, a discursive space where you receive words on local doings and the latest rumors of the neighborhood. The barbershop is also a neutral place where men interact regardless of class, education, or occupation. Kids, adults, cops, hustlers, nearly everyone takes part in the casual conversations where the barber plays the very active role of moderator. During the hour I spent there, the discussion touched upon an eclectic range of topics, switching from mentoring and education to culture, food habits in the North vs. the South to politics and of course girls.
He also told me to be prepared, because the three barbers (Mark, L and Boo) are very quick and have a sharp sense of humor. He told me that being an outsider, the barbers and the clients would scrutinize me at first. That is the rule in a barbershop, it is all about how one’s carries himself, and attitude and behavior dictate how one is being treated. After introducing myself to each an every one in the shop, I asked permission to unfold my gear.
Mark took over the business 18 years ago and plays the role of the patriarch. Boo has been working for 14 years with Mark. He’s a charismatic and well respected figure in the community. “L” is the last one of the three mousquetaires. “L” is still relatively young at 24 years old, but his 6 years working as a barber at head hunter was the perfect vehicle for developing his razor sharp wit.
Head Hunter: 1092 Bedford Avenue, Stuyvesant, NY
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HA!!! its dope to see this article, that shop is my second home.
I’m so proud to see my dudes getting shine. It was a fun experience rolling with you Carlito, heads were asking a bout you when i went back last sat. We gotta come up with a shop nick name for you.
Im gonna show this article to them tomorrow. They will get a kick out of it!
Jason
how about charly the crook?
WOW, this is a beautiful peace of artwork. The place I call work is actually a landmark that people actually take major interest in. I have a deep sense of compassion and love for the workplace, my co-workers, and our clients/friends. I want to thank you Carlito Brigante for bringing light to that. I would also like to give a HUGE “THANK YOU” to OUR friend/client Jason for making this happen. You are greatly appreciated brothers.
Thank you,
Laurent “L” Aladin
Awesome: great article and pictures!!!
Now the question is: did you get an haircut Carlito?
Incredible piece!
Well done carlito,good job once again.
I just went once in a “haircuts salon” when i was a kiddo.
As my mom want me to have my hairs cut.
What a traumatic experience…it ended with a tom cruise haircut style.
That was the first and the last time.
I think i still got a picture of that. :)
Carlito, it was a pleasure meeting. Thank u much for the write up. The pictures are also very well done. Come back anytime…. But a haircut for u is a must next time!!!!! U won’t get away next time! Lol… Thanks again bruh! Big shout out to Jason for introducing us to Carlito…..
Shop owner-Mark
Mark, Laurent, Thanks so much for stopping by, I happy to see that you enjoy the end result. I had a marvelous time with you guys capturing the passion and the essence of Head Hunter. You have a beautiful business!
I’ll pass by the shop this Saturday to say hi.
Carlito B
[...] Laid Back » The Head Hunters 2 Min.-Doku über den Friseur von Biggie Smalls. ("It is one of the oldest and most respected barbershop in Bed-Stuy.") [...]
Carlito I want to say big thanks for giving my older brother and owner shine as well as L and Boo. They are very good at what they do and take pride in every head. I try to get my sons in as often as possible…lol I’m very proud of all 3 of them much luv
Mark, I am soooo Proud of you. You were always focused and it is being showed to the world not just the BK Fam. Keep doing what you are doing. Boo, WOW!!! What can I say, from HS days to Manhood!!! Keep up the Good Work Gentlemen. Article was WELL DONE!!!
WHERE BROOKLYN AT??!!!!