Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

The musical genre known as Hip-Hop has defined movements, communities and generations for 50 years.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) celebrated the genre this past weekend in its home base in Stony Brook Village. LIMEHOF was founded in 2004 and has spent the last 19 years preserving and honoring Long Island’s enriching music and entertainment history. In addition to celebrating Long Island artists, the organization includes talents within New York State’s Queens and Kings Counties. Past artists that have been inducted include Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.

STONY BROOK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Panel Discussion at LIMEHOF’s 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration on June 11, 2023 in Suffolk County. (Photo by LIMEHOF)

This past weekend, the LIMEHOF Hip-Hop’s 50^th Anniversary celebration paid homage to the Long Island artists that influenced the culture. The event commenced with the unveiling of LIMEHOF’s 2008 inductee LL Cool J. The 8.5 feet tall statue depicts LL Cool J from the 1980s era, with a bucket hat and large chain around his neck. Additionally, the sculpture plays LL Cool J’s music, adding an auditory experience to those who visit the piece. The statue’s first home was in Flushing Meadows Corona Park but was moved after a year to its new home at the LIMEHOF museum.

STONY BROOK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: LL Cool J sculpture unveiled at LIMEHOF on June 11, 2023 in Suffolk County. (Photo by LIMEHOF)

Following the statue’s unveiling was a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show. The panel members consisted of Keith Schocklee, MC Glamorous, JVC Force’s A.J. Rock, Leaders of the New School’s Dinco D, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels. The event ended with musical performances from DJ Jazzy Jay, MC Glamorous, A.J. Rock, Dinco D, DJ Johnny Juice and Son of Bazerk.

STONY BROOK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Musical Performance at LIMEHOF’s 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration on June 11, 2023 in Suffolk County. (Photo by LIMEHOF)

You can find out more about LIMEHOF and its work here!