World’s first hip-hop ice cream shop coming to Charlotte

This fall Charlotte will get something no other city in the world has –Soulmade.

What is Soulmade?  In its tangible, physical form Soulmade is an ice cream parlor, espresso bar and lounge.  Housed in approximately 1300-square feet in center Charlotte, Soulmade will serve one-of-a-kind gelatos and sorbets inspired by southern African American and other ethnic culinary traditions (think sweet potato gelato and mango mojito sorbet).  The space will also include a stage and DJ booth, all part of its goal to be more than your ordinary ice cream shop.

The brainchild of Charlotte native Eric Polite II, Soulmade is a lifestyle, a consciousness that recognizes the commonalities and links shared by diverse communities.  The shop is built on the legacy of social movement and counter-culture coffeehouses.  By using ice cream, music, art and many other forms to emphasize the value of communication and community, Soulmade aspires to create an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of the world in which we live.

It is this philosophy that caught the attention of Grammy-award winning producer and founder of the True School Corp, 9th Wonder during the 2008 CIAA tournament.  “I was hosting a tasting at a day party when 9th walked in,” said owner and Charlotte native Eric Polite II.  “After talking with me about the shop and tasting the ice cream he was hooked.  He pledged his support to helping make Soulmade a success on the spot.”

True to his word, 9th is partnering with Soulmade to host  the first of many events planned for this summer.  These events are designed to introduce Soulmade’s concept and philosophy to Charlotte.

The first event, the Nu Soul Movement, which will be held on Friday, May 16 at Woods on South, will create a space to inform, inspire, and empower people through food, music and culture.  During the event attendees will have an opportunity to:

·         Taste samples of Soulmade’s signature gelato – sweet potato pie.  Other flavors will also be served, including a mango mojito sorbet.

·         Listen to the sounds of Jocelyn Ellis

·         Dance to the beat as 9th Wonder spins vintage hip-hop classics designed to make you say, “Ooh, that’s my song.”

The event starts at 10 p.m.  In addition to the May social, Soulmade will sponsor Nu Soul Movement activities throughout July, national ice cream month.  More details are forthcoming.

“Soulmade is a revoluntionary concept,” said 9th.  “It has the ability to change the way people view hip-hop and take it back to its roots of empowering people to impact social change in our community.”

For more information on the May 16 event go to www.nusoulmovement.com.

-          www.soulmadeicecream.com -