May 21, 2025

Grey in Motion: From Beats to Brews – A Story of Craft, Culture & Staying True

In a world that glorifies hype and constant change, there’s something powerful about staying grounded. For Taufique, former hip-hop artist The The Tarik Crew turned café owner, that grounding has always come from craft — first in the studio, now behind the counter at Code: Black Espresso.

Back in the Day: Music, Meaning & Making Something Real

“I grew up on thought-provoking R&B and hip-hop,” he says. That early influence led to a deep passion for the craft — from beat-making to lyricism. In college, he met Mizz Nina, and casual rapping turned into serious projects: EPs, shows, and albums — all independently produced before social media took off. Despite the momentum, he struggled with the darker side of the industry. “I loved the music, not the madness,” he reflects. A family emergency eventually pushed him to take a full step back.

From Mic to Machine: The Code: Black Espresso Era

What followed wasn’t just a career shift — it was a quiet transformation. “I always had this vision of a place — where good music meets good food.” Years passed. Life evolved. Coffee, sourdough, and a newfound love for artisanal baking took root. Eventually, the vision became reality: Code: Black Espresso. The name? “It’s a nod to urgency. Like code red, but Code: Black Espresso — serious. This area didn’t have proper specialty coffee, so we made it our mission to fill that gap with intention, not hype.”

Craft Over Clout: A Shared Ethos with New Balance

It’s no surprise that Code: Black Espresso is hosting New Balance Grey Day 2025 — grey reflects their identity: timeless, understated, and focused. That quiet confidence mirrors New Balance’s philosophy: craftsmanship over chaos. “We don’t chase numbers, we chase quality. Just like back in my music days. Whether it’s the perfect beat or the perfect pour, it’s always about doing right.” His first pair? The CM576HHB “Heaven and Hell” from Leftfoot — a reminder of his music days. “Amid chaos, they kept me grounded.”

Advice to Creatives: Dream with Discipline

His advice for those trying to leave a hype-fueled industry? “Put your vision on paper. Mind map your goals. Be realistic. Passion is important — but so is financial sense. Too many creatives don’t plan — don’t be that guy.” And while Code: Black Espresso has big things brewing — including coffee machine rentals and barista training — he’s selective with collaborations. “We’d love to work with likeminded folks. Maybe even serve coffee at Sneakerlah someday. Who knows — maybe this blog is the beginning of something.”