Somewhere between the tough streets immortalized in hip-hop and the hot-topic chatter of gentrification and hipster-invasion lies the real Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of North Brooklyn's largest, most storied neighborhoods. The diversity of Bed-Stuy's blocks--from brownstone to project high-rise, nail salon to wine bar--is slowly being matched by its population. Partly revitalized and yet still bearing the brunt of decades of economic struggle, today's Bed-Stuy offers an interesting mix of transition and history in one of the borough's most fascinating areas.By all means, be prepared to say hello to those you pass kibitzing in their gardens or tidying their steps. Most of all, be prepared to be welcomed to a neighborhood bursting with pride, culture and community.