Nightlife

Birthday celebration for Dr. Billy Taylor

Jazzmobile founder Dr. Billy Taylor’s 100th birthday was celebrated with a special concert at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. The concert, part of “Summerfest,” featured the Cyrus Chestnut Trio. The celebration was produced by Robin Bell-Stevens, Jazzmobile executive producer.

LL bout to Rock the Bells, and Goon with a Spoon and dem feeding folks

Millions turned into believers that the kid James Todd Smith was going to be a mainstay with the third release off his debut album “Radio.” In that song, ‘Rock the Bells,’ he professed to be a hardcore, battle any rapper, anytime, anywhere bravado laden emcee at the onset and through the duration of the song he went about proving it. True purveyors of hip hop music, however, know of the just as potent, more prolific ORIGINAL version of the recording where he spoke of expanding to the maximum, while injecting another element to his persona through the funk of “Rock the Bells.” Decades later that song did indeed expand not just his brand as an artist, but the past, present and future of hip hop culture itself. With a broadcast outlet through Sirius Satellite Radio, a clothing line and philanthropy, the brand is well on its way to establishing a rock-solid foundation to hip hop’s lasting endurance. But there’s more. On Saturday, Aug. 6 at Forest Hills Stadium (1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375) comes the Bigger and Deffer version of the Rock the Bells Festival. James Cuthbert, CEO of RTB, explains what can be expected of this incarnation of the music fest. “Rock the Bells is the only brand owned and operated by the creators and keepers of the culture. Our love and passion for hip hop drives us to take our festival to the next level. From the talent to the production, to the fully immersive festival experience, we are focused on delivering an amazing event for artists, fans, and our partners,” he says. “Our Rock the Bells Festival is a day-long celebration curated by LL COOL J in his hometown, Queens, N.Y. featuring live performances from some of the most iconic MCs of all time, including LL COOL J feat. DJ Z-Trip, Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, The Diplomats ft. Cam’ron, Jim Jones & Juelz Santana, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Jadakiss, Scarface performing 20th anniversary of The Fix, Trina, Digable Planets and Queen’s native artists N.O.R.E, Onyx, Havoc of Mobb Deep & Large Professor.” North, South, West, and East some of the most iconic emcees of all time are represented.

Aside from traditional merchandise or performance, yet another vehicle of revenue streaming is being showcased with the Trill Mealz Food Court. Cuthbert reveals, “The legendary Bun B has been an amazing partner in helping to curate a selection of food and beverage vendors from other legacy artist including Nas (Sweet Chick), E-40 (Goon With The Spoon), Jadakiss and Styles P (Juices for Life), Ghostface Killah (Killah Koffee), and Mia X (Team Whip Them Pots). In addition to these great vendors, we’re planning on bringing in a few local Black-owned Queens establishments to round out the food court including The Nourish Spot which has been serving Forest Hills Stadium for years now. Rock the Bells exists to elevate hip hop culture from its roots to modern day and be champions of hip hop and champions for all who love hip hop. So, for us, it is only natural that we support hip hop entrepreneurs who have given so much to the culture.”

It should be of no surprise that proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Universal HipHop Museum in the Bronx whose mission is to celebrate and preserve the people, artifacts, and stories that echo from 1973 to today. Cuthbert concludes, “It is exciting to see our global platform that solely exists to elevate hip hop culture come to life for artists, fans, and brand partners. Rock the Bells has grown by focusing on content, commerce and experiences that honor the culture and reach fans of hip hop wherever they live. From the Rock the Bells Festival on August 6 to major brand partnerships, to helping artists further monetize their brands, to several long-form content projects in production, we continue to grow by relentlessly focusing on projects that lift up the culture we love.” For more information visit: https://rockthebells.com/festival

Over and out, Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.