New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams said on Wednesday that he partnered with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to host a public celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary in Lower Manhattan.
Part of DCAS’ Summer Concert Series, Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, said the event featured music and dance performances, artmaking, games and a ceremony “honoring some of the people who have helped shape the music and culture since.”
He said BRIC, the Power & Music Awards, and the Universal Hip Hop Museum also presented the event.
The celebration was Emceed by Ralph McDaniels, or “Uncle Ralph,” the host of the legendary program Video Music Box, and fixture in the growth and development of Hip Hop and its artists for the last several decades. He was also honored by the Public Advocate at the event.
Other honorees included: Roxanne Shante, a pioneering artist who has been called the Queen of Rap, and helped to break gender barriers in the genre; and DJ Hollywood, one of the earliest MCs on the scene, who originated the practice of delivering extensive rhymes over recorded music, and is credited with coining the term “Hip Hop”.
Other honorees were Mr. Cheeks, a member of the seminal group Lost Boyz, as well as a successful solo artist; and Dance crews, including Dynamic Rockers, Full Circle Souljahs, Fresh Kids and KR3Ts.
“The celebration featured an open mic for the public, custom graffiti art, a lyrics competition, and other activities focused on all elements of Hip Hop culture,” Williams said.
