EFN and Crazy Hood Productions recently received the esteemed honor of West Kendall’s first key. In the heart of West Kendall, Camp Matecumbe holds a special place in DJ EFN’s heart. Over 60 years ago, the park was a haven for many young boys flown from Cuba to Miami as part of Operation Pedro Pan. Among those boys was EFN’s father, Fernando Narciandi. Fast forward to today, and the significance of Camp Matecumbe has expanded as EFN, alongside his ten friends who make up Crazy Hood Productions, received a proclamation from Miami-Dade County, officially designating October 20, 2023, as Crazy Hood Productions Day.
During this historic moment, EFN expressed wonderment that kids from Sunset High could reach these heights, having come so far in their journey to now enjoy this full-circle moment. Since 1993, Crazy Hood Productions has been a powerhouse in Miami’s underground hip-hop scene. Initially recognized for its mixtape series, which was Miami’s answer to DJ Clue or DJ Tony Touch, Crazy Hood Productions has evolved into a multifaceted brand, spanning a record label, multimedia company, a clothing shop named Crazy Goods, and most notably, the acclaimed hip-hop podcast Drink Champs, co-hosted by EFN and Queens-born rapper NORE.
EFN, whose real name is Eric Narciandi, shared with the crowd that the group consists of some West Kendall and Miami-Dade kids fueled by a desire to contribute to their local scene. For Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, the proclamation not only honored CHP’s hard work but also celebrated their contributions to the West Kendall community. Gonzalez, the issuer of CHP’s proclamation, emphasized the wealth of talent and community in West Kendall that often goes unnoticed. He sought to convey that West Kendall has a unique identity and culture and is home to many outstanding individuals.
The event had a sense of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in South Dade. Tables were adorned with pastelitos, and family members formed a small crowd around the podium where Gonzalez presented CHP with not only a proclamation but also the inaugural key to West Kendall. The CHP crew, dressed in various Crazy Hood apparel, stood with pride as the commissioner listed their accomplishments. In a surprising turn of events, even Miami-Dade police officers joined in chanting “Crazy Hood” at one point.
Back at the office, the crew’s vibrant personalities shine. Songs from early CHP mixtapes blast over a boombox, and a collage of Drink Champs pictures hangs on the wall. The crew playfully debates who among them is the oldest while some members spontaneously start freestyling over Nas’ “One Mic.” It was undeniably a great day to hail from Kendall.
The celebration holds a special place in the story of hip-hop. It mirrors the broader narrative of hip-hop, starting from humble beginnings and evolving into a global sensation. On a local level, Crazy Hood Productions represents the essence of this journey, proving that dedicated high school hip-hop enthusiasts with no industry connections can make a significant mark. As EFN put it, they initially just had aspirations to be mentioned in Source Magazine, but now the dynamic group has achieved so much more.
