Know NYC: Harlem Soul Singer Drew Vision Shares his Favorite Uptown Spots

Get to know talented singer Andrew McCreary, also known as Drew Vision. The born-and-bred New Yorker, talks about his love for the city and his fall style.

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Complex Original

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New Yorkers on the best of New York in 2015

Andrew McCreary, also known as Drew Vision, is a born and raised New Yorker. Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, the soul singer was surrounded by a musical family. At a young age he began signing in his church choir and went on to study music with a mission to inspire others with his voice. He has since shared the stage with artists like Kanye West and was featured in a Beyoncé music video.

Now, Vision is living and working in Harlem. He shared with us a little bit about his favorite neighborhood fixtures and why New York City is so unique. 

Photography by Liz Barclay​​

Vision wears the COACH MA-1 jacket in surplus nylon and the COACH TOMPKINS hiker shearling boots in black. Jeans, T-shirt, chain and bandana are his own.

Angel of Harlem is your favorite restaurant, what do you like about it?
At Angel, the staff is really passionate about their food. My favorite dish is the Arroz Con Pollo, it is a rice and chicken dish. It is really different and good. I almost always get the Yucca fries too. It is just one of the places in Harlem that hits it on the nail every time when it comes to their food. They also play the kind of music that I like. That is kind of hard to find in New York, because most places are commercialized.

Vision wears the COACH RIP and repair down ma-1 jacket in military. Jeans, T-shirt and chain are his own.

You also mentioned you like to frequent Juke Box in Harlem. What’s it like there?
Juke Box makes organic shakes, but they infuse it with natural roots that have different elements like anti-oxidants. There are all types of things, but they don’t use the fake powder, they use the organic roots. It is really good. I try to always make sure I have greens, and natural proteins. I gave up dairy and it changed my life. I see a big difference in my energy. The only time I treat myself is on special occasions.

Vision wears the COACH BLEECKER backpack in black leather. T-shirt is his own.

What do you do when you aren’t in the studio?
I will skateboard over to Central Park and take a book. I will start writing some music. I like watching life go by. When families are pushing their strollers and people are walking and moving, I like to just sit and watch. There’s also another place on 122nd Street called Nabe where I like to go because they have an open mic there. Sometimes if I feel like singing I will get up and sing a song or two. Harlem has a lot to do now. It is really cool to see the community changing for the better. 

Why is New York City so special?
I have visited many places. I am New York born and raised, but every other place I go, even L.A. I am disappointed. New York spoils me. There is no other place where I can get around on a train and be somewhere in 15 minutes.  Here, at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, if I am hungry I can find plenty of 24-hour restaurants or late-night spots.  Whatever you want, you can have. Other places I feel limited. I love New York there is no place like it. 

Vision wears the COACH MA-1 jacket in surplus nylon. Jeans, T-shirt and chain are his own.

How would you describe your fall style?
Obviously everyone loves layering because you get to show more personality.  Especially in contrast to the summertime, when you wear the least amount of clothes possible. I am really into long tops and T-shirts that go past my waist, but not as far as my knees. Everything is long and drapey. Now, I am finding I wear skinny legs more because when my top is loose, my pants need to be fitted. When I go out I tend to always wear a dressy hat. When I am in the studio I am a lot more relaxed, sometimes I show up in sweatpants.

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