Notorious B.I.G.’S Life, Legacy Commemorated

NEW YORK – Last Thursday, Budweiser and Live Nation commemorated the life and legacy of rap icon and Brooklyn native Notorious B.I.G., with a tribute concert featuring lively performances by hip-hop legends Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Kim and Junior M.A.F.I.A, The LOX, DJ Stretch Armstrong, and DJ Steph Cakes during the “Celebrate Biggie” tribute concert in partnership with the 43rd annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival at Prospect Park. The event was hosted by famous NY hip-hop radio personality Angie Martinez and included a guest appearance by DJ Enuff.

Kicking off the high-spirited event, DJ Steph Cakes took the stage and immediately let the audience know they were in for an evening of energetic celebration. The NY-native DJ, who studied under Angie Martinez and opened for Meek Mill during his “Motivation Tour,” performed a dynamic set that had the crowd dancing from the start.

Following DJ Steph Cakes, the iconic DJ Stretch Armstrong, who is internationally recognized as a pioneer of hip-Hop culture, continued hyping festival-goers with a performance that included Biggie classics “Warning” and “Respect.” Armstrong’s dynamic style was on full display as he continued to keep the enthusiastic audience moving between sets.

New York hip-hop staples The LOX took the stage next, greeted by a roaring crowd. The group, comprised of rappers Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch in turn responded with a performance that included hits “Mighty D-Block,” “Money, Power, Respect” and “I Got 5 On It,” taking the energy of the entire venue to a new level.

The tribute to the King of New York, Biggie Smalls, then continued with a performance by Lil’ Kim, who was joined by members of the music legend’s own collective, Junior M.A.F.I.A., a group famously formed in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. The audience screamed with excitement at the sight of the group together on stage, whose powerful and nostalgic performance included tracks, “It’s All About the Benjamins,” “Quiet Storm,” “Put Your Lighters Up” and “Magic Stick.”

Capping the electrifying evening, Brooklyn-native rap icon Busta Rhymes, along with his hype man Spliff Star, performed hits like “Break Ya Neck,” “Pass The Courvoisier” and “Touch It.” As the night came to a close, Busta toasted Biggie and Brooklyn to which the crowd responded with thunderous applause.

In addition to putting on Celebrate Biggie, Budweiser is celebrating the King of New York and the late rapper’s legacy with The Notorious B.I.G. Tall Boy Budweiser cans and collectible merchandise, which were made available to fans at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park at the event.

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival will continue through September 18th with upcoming performances including Wizkid, D-Nice with special guests, Glass Animals, Rita Indiana, Mr. Eazi, Trombone Shorty, Kool Keith and Yaeji.