PH Pumpkinhead: Late Rapper’s Brooklyn Street Renaming Bid Wins Initial Approval

Fans, friends and family of Robert “PH” Diaz (fka Pumpkinhead) have cleared the initial hurdle in their quest to rename a Park Slope street after the late Brooklyn rapper

After securing the necessary amount of signatures, advocates for the street name change took the petition to a vote at the Community Board 6 transportation committee, who passed the measure, starting the steps necessary for full board and city-wide approval. The wordsmith, best known as Pumpkinhead, passed away suddenly earlier this year at the age of 39.

FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES SPEAK ON THE PASSING OF PUMPKINHEAD

The proponents of the street name change, led by Diaz’s long time friend Claudia Imperiale, wish to rename a portion of Degraw Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, in honor of the long time Park Slope resident, who often referenced his neighborhood in his music.

“He spoke about his life and his truth, he spoke about the love of his friends, family, and of course growing up in Park Slope,” Imperiale told DNAInfo.com, extolling Pumpkinhead’s beloved standing in New York’s independent music community and never-ending amount of perseverance and positive attitude toward his artistry.

Despite the positive first step, New York City has been notoriously stingy when it comes to recognizing hip hop’s fallen. Leroy McCarthy has led efforts to rename a Brooklyn street after the late Biggie Smalls and the iconic intersection that appeared on the cover of the Beastie Boys album, Paul’s Boutique, both efforts that found considerable resistance.

However, the support for the movement is no doubt bolstered by the initial approval, and there will be further opportunities to discuss the importance of recognizing Diaz in this matter at upcoming steps along the way.