VP Kamala Harris Shimmies to Iconic Beats at Hip-Hop's 50th Bash

Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a gala celebration at the vice presidential residence in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The event featured a lineup of iconic hip-hop artists and pioneers, including Common, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and more

The celebration marked a significant milestone in the genre's history, with hip-hop enthusiasts from across the nation gathering to honor its cultural impact. Harris, a self-professed fan of hip-hop, emphasized its profound influence on American culture.

"Hip-hop is the ultimate American art form," Harris declared. "It tells stories that often go unheard, serving as a powerful medium for truth. As the great Chuck D once said, rap is Black America's CNN. It calls us to action."

Let's be clear: Hip hop culture is America's culture.

It was a joy to celebrate 50 years of hip hop with some of the greats. pic.twitter.com/FgPKiPWu1b

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 10, 2023

The event, a collaborative effort between Harris's team, the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective, and Live Nation Urban, drew approximately 400 guests. DJ D Nice, renowned for his Club Quarantine events during the pandemic, co-hosted the celebration, adding musical flair to the festivities.

Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff embraced the hip-hop spirit, dancing to classic tunes, including Q-Tip's "Vivrant Thing." The celebration showcased hip-hop's evolution from a local phenomenon in the Bronx to a global cultural force, intertwined with social and racial justice movements.

Notable political figures in attendance included Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland and Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri. The event underscored Harris's connection to hip-hop, a cultural touchstone that resonates deeply with a diverse range of Americans.

The celebration also featured electrifying performances, with Lil Wayne making a surprise appearance and thrilling the audience with a rendition of "Mrs. Officer" from his critically acclaimed album "Tha Carter III."

Lil Wayne raps “Mrs. Officer” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hip at Kamala Harris’ DC residence pic.twitter.com/hx5yi9lJxF

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 9, 2023

Lil Wayne Honored with BMI Icon Award at 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

The 2023 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, a showcase of music excellence, unfolded at Miami Beach's LIV Nightclub this past Wednesday. Presented by BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), the event shone a spotlight on artists and creators who have profoundly shaped the R&B and Hip-Hop genres.

Lil Wayne, a BMI cornerstone for over two decades, claimed the prestigious BMI Icon Award—a testament to his astounding legacy. With an impressive 53 BMI Awards, his influence on the music landscape continues to evolve. BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI VP of Creative Catherine Brewton, based in Atlanta, presented this honor, lauding Lil Wayne's transformative impact on Hip-Hop and aspiring artists.

The event was punctuated by electrifying performances, commencing with an enthralling medley from Big Freedia, followed by Bobby V's rendition of "Mrs. Officer." NLE Choppa ignited the audience with his take on "A Milli," while Trombone Shorty delivered a spellbinding set.

Lil Wayne joins an elite cadre of music creators, including Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and James Brown, who have forever altered the industry.

Adding to the evening's accolades, rising star Ice Spice was awarded the inaugural BMI Impact Award. In just two years, Ice Spice has garnered acclaim with four top 10 hits on the Hot 100, collaborating with luminaries like Taylor Swift, Pink Pantheress, Nicki Minaj and Aqua.

BMI also celebrated the previous year's top producers and songwriters for the 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs in the U.S. The coveted Song of the Year award was clinched by "About Damn Time," authored by Ricky Reed and Blake Slatkin and brought to life by Lizzo. This track, which held the Billboard Hot 100's top spot for two weeks, also secured a Grammy for Record of the Year.

The Songwriter of the Year honor was shared by three outstanding artists. Chris Brown, known for hits like "Baddest," "Come Through," and "Under the Influence," was among them. Doja Cat, celebrated for her contributions to tracks like "Get Into It (Yuh)," "Vegas," and "Woman," also shared the title. Tems, known for impactful songs like "Free Mind," "Lift Me Up," and "Wait for U," completed the trio.

Tay Keith and Lil Yachty shared the title of Producer of the Year, a tribute to their roles in crafting hits such as "Jimmy Cooks" by Drake, "Rich Flex" by Drake and 21 Savage, and "Hot Sh-t" by Cardi B featuring Kanye West and Lil Durk. The ceremony also recognized other outstanding producers, including ATL Jacob, Rob Bisel, Dougie F, Finatik N Zac, RiotUSA and Metro Boomin.

Sony Music Publishing was hailed as BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Publisher of the Year, representing a significant portion of the previous year's most-performed songs, including the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year, "About Damn Time," as well as hits like "Break My Soul," "Get Into It (Yuh)" and "First Class."

In commemoration of 50 years of Hip-Hop, BMI united a constellation of stars, each representing a distinct chapter in the genre's history. New York was brought to life by Ja Rule and Doug E. Fresh, while Too Short celebrated the West Coast. Representing Atlanta, the Ying Yang Twins delivered an explosive performance. Flo Milli introduced the Miami sounds of Trick Daddy and Trina, and other captivating performances included Mannie Fresh and Capella Grey.

Hip-Hop Legends Wu-Tang Clan Team Up With King Ice for Exclusive Jewelry Line

Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and Los Angeles-based jewelry brand King Ice have announced an exclusive collaboration inspired by the iconic album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)." This unique partnership brings together the worlds of music and fashion to pay homage to Wu-Tang Clan's enduring influence.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection includes meticulously crafted jewelry pieces such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, all plated in 14k gold. Each item features hand-set stones on the front, side, and back, showcasing the attention to detail that has become synonymous with the Wu-Tang brand.

Enthusiasts of both Wu-Tang Clan and high-quality jewelry will appreciate the versatility of this collection. With 16 distinct pieces on offer, fans can mix and match necklaces with earrings and rings to create their own personalized Wu-Tang style.

A standout piece in the collection is the "Ice Pick" necklace, which draws inspiration from Method Man's iconic pendant. What sets it apart is its concealed compartment, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

King Ice, a renowned name in the jewelry industry, has previously collaborated with influential figures in music, including Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records and NLE Choppa.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection serves as a testament to the impact of Wu-Tang Clan on both music and culture. Prices for these exclusive pieces range from $60 to $500, and the collection is available exclusively at KingIce.com.

For fans of Wu-Tang Clan and those with an appreciation for finely crafted jewelry, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to connect with the group's legacy through wearable artistry.