Hip-Hop is continuing its birthday with non-stop celebrations. Music lovers and media publications have gone the extra mile, celebrating the genre. Amazon Music x Rotation launched the “50 & Forever” concert at Pier 17 in NYC. Upon arrival, guests were introduced to a Bronx-style neighborhood, [which is] home to Hip-Hop. Inside the block was a live DJ [DJ Diamond Cutz] spinning over five decades of Hip-Hop tracks, Queen Latifah-themed metro cards, a ’50 & Forever’ train stop, a bodega, magazine booths, tote bags, graffiti artistry, and surprise appearances from subway creatures. [If you know, you know!]
Performances featured Wale, Joey Bada$$, and Curren$y. On the rooftop overseeing the Brooklyn Bridge with views over the water, guests were in for a very chill night. Up first to perform was Curren$y. His charisma and chemistry were the highlights of the performance. He was very personable and communicated with the audience and his sound team that performed alongside him. It was nice to witness the music ensemble connect!
Next on the stage was Joey Bada$$. Known for his smooth flow and melodic beats, Joey continued the calm vibes for the night. He’s performed hits off of his third studio album, 2000, which also just celebrated the anniversary of its one-year release. “Show Me” featured a special cameo where the rapper spotlighted a couple who came out to watch him perform. Bada$$ also rapped a fan favorite, “Head High,” and shouted out some lost figures within the genre like XXTentacion. We all felt the vibes with this one!
Lastly, DC native Wale hit the stage. From “Lotus Flower Bomb” to “Ambition,” “That Way,” and “Slight Work,” Wale came in heavy singing tracks off of his Ambition album. It served as a reminder of his artistry and his contributions to rap. The audience sang along to “The Need to Know,” impressing the rap star, who held his mic out for fans to sing their hearts out. However, the track that had everyone excited was the club-banger “No Hands,” featuring Waka Flocka Flame and Roscoe Dash. Wale ran his verse back twice, and the crowd was rapping his verse with him, word for word. “No Hands” also recently received a diamond plaque, which Wale took to his Instagram to share this accomplishment.
Check out the reel re-cap of the event below: