The Dominican Day Parade in New York City has long stood as a vibrant showcase of culture, unity, and heritage. But in 2025, the parade took on new meaning when artist Rick Bars used the celebration as the backdrop for his latest music video. His single “What I Wanna,” featuring Lyrivelli and CristionDior, was filmed in the midst of the parade’s colorful crowds, and within just two days of release, the video has already surpassed 200,000 views on YouTube.
This was not just another music video shoot. It was a moment that blurred the lines between entertainment and community engagement, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who was there.
A Celebration Beyond Music
Rick Bars has steadily carved out a reputation for mixing his music with philanthropy, and the Dominican Day Parade provided the perfect stage for that approach. Throughout the shoot, he could be seen walking among the crowd, handing out gift cards, bottles of Rica Juices, and even a Nintendo Switch to lucky parade-goers. For the artist, these giveaways were not simply promotional gestures. They were acts of connection.
The crowd’s reaction said it all. Flags waved high, families danced in the streets, and people’s faces lit up as Rick Bars shared both his music and his generosity. The Dominican Day Parade already symbolizes cultural pride, but his contribution turned the event into something even more personal and interactive.
The Power of Spanglish
At the heart of the video is “What I Wanna,” a track that thrives on bilingual expression. Teaming up with Lyrivelli and CristionDior, Rick Bars tapped into the unique rhythm of New York City, where English and Spanish flow together naturally. The song’s mix of languages reflects the realities of communities in Inwood, Dyckman, the Bronx, and beyond, where Spanglish is not just casual speech. It is identity.
The visuals of the music video capture this perfectly. From the parade floats draped in red, white, and blue to scenes of the artists rapping alongside fans, the footage feels authentic to both the music and the culture that inspired it.
Recognition from the Industry
Momentum around Rick Bars’ work only grew when hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes showed love by commenting on the video shortly after it premiered. For an independent artist working his way up, acknowledgment from a legend carries weight. It signals that his movement is catching attention outside of his immediate circle and entering the wider conversation of hip-hop.
More Than a Viral Moment
What makes this release stand out is its sincerity. Rick Bars is not simply creating content for views. He is curating experiences that matter. The giveaways, the interaction with fans, and the decision to film inside a major cultural parade show that he is interested in building community, not just an audience.
This is not new territory for him either. Rick Bars has built a pattern of merging outreach with artistry, hosting giveaways in neighborhoods like Yonkers, uptown Manhattan, and the Bronx. The Dominican Day Parade was simply the latest and perhaps most impactful expression of that vision.
Looking Ahead
With “What I Wanna” gaining traction, Rick Bars seems poised for a breakthrough. The viral success of the parade video, paired with the cosign from Busta Rhymes, has positioned him as one of New York’s most exciting emerging voices. If he continues to balance creativity with community-driven energy, he may soon transition from local star to national name.
For now, fans can hit replay on the video and relive the parade’s excitement, where music, culture, and generosity collided in one unforgettable moment.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/iMgYVJpQQv8?si=IYe7DRatQF4j7ucj
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