• Harlem's Rucker Park is about to become a whole lot more famous. The summer comedy Uncle Drew–based on a popular Pepsi Max ad starring the NBA's Kyrie Irving–follows the titular septuagenarian as he takes a cross-country trip to gather a team for the legendary Rucker Park street ball tournament. The production spent about a week last year filming at the actual park in Harlem. [NY Times]
• Speaking of Uncle Drew, have you heard A$AP Ferg's "Harlem Anthem" yet? The new song from the movie's soundtrack is full of fun samples and funk. Check out the just-released video for a quick tour of the 'hood, including stops at Jimbo's Hamburger and Levels Barbershop–there's even a cameo from Dapper Dan. [Complex, Hypebeast]
• After four years, Jamaican spot Hyacinth's Haven on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard has closed. The owner announced on Instagram that she has sold the business. [Hyacinth's Haven via Instagram]
• Herman "Denny" Farrell, one of Harlem's last "political lions," died late last month at the age of 86. The funeral for the Manhattan assemblyman was held on Friday at the Church of the Intercession in Hamilton Heights and was attended by Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Most Harlemites will remember Farrell for helping build Riverbank State Park, overlooking the Hudson River. It was renamed for him last year. [NY Times, NY1]
• President Bill Clinton was supposed to be promoting his new book with James Patterson at the Schomburg Center on Monday night, but ended up defending himself after earlier comments about Monica Lewinsky on the "Today" show. [NY Post]
• Two Harlem pie-slinging spots made it onto a list of the city's best sit-down pizzerias. Most pizza obsessives have heard of the legendary Patsy's in East Harlem, but it's great to see Sottocasa included in the roundup (listed under its original Brooklyn location). I'm here to confirm that this Lenox Avenue pizzeria makes some seriously amazing pies. [Eater NY]
• Melissa McCarthy was spotted in East Harlem last week shooting a new movie called The Kitchen about '70s mob wives running their husbands' business while they're in jail. While filming in the area, McCarthy tried getting into Rao's, but had to make do with take-out. [Daily Mail, NY Post]
