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KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Kool Moe Dee, Nice & Smooth and Brand Nubian effortlessly guided Hip Hop heads through the soundtrack of their youth. Brand Nubian, known for their social and spiritually conscious lyrics, opened the show. They warmed up the crowd by performing their hits, including “Slow Down”, “All For One” and “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down”. Fun fact:  They’re celebrating the 30th year anniversary of their 2nd album, In God We Trust which peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums.  

Up next was a rousing performance by Nice & Smooth who kept attendees on their feet during their entire set. They performed fan-favorites, “Funky For You”, “Hip Hop Junkies”, and “DWYCK”. Greg Nice showcased his beatboxing skills and also danced with audience members. Grammy award winner, Kool Moe Dee performed next with several dancers including LA Sunshine, a member of the Treacherous Three. His set included “Wild Wild West” and “I Go To Work”. Lyrical legend, Grand Master Caz joined him on stage to perform their single, “N-Otis”. Fun Fact: Kool Moe Dee was the first rapper to perform at the Grammys.

Hip Hop duo EPMD consisting of emcees Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, performed “You Gots To Chill”, “You’re A Customer”, and “Crossover”. The dancing crowd, excitedly, recited lyrics along with the duo throughout the entire set. Fun fact: 

This year is the 25th anniversary of their certified gold debut album Strictly Business which peaked at #1 on the Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. 

Next the crowd was treated to an electrifying performance by dancer, BBoy Tata whose creativity and athleticism was cheered on by the crowd. Tata’s performance set the stage for Brooklyn’s own and one of the greatest MCs of all time, Big Daddy Kane.  

BDK, a Grammy award winner, kept the crowd dancing while performing “Set It Off”, “Raw”, and “Smooth Operator”, and other hits. During his set, he took time to chat with audience members, including a pre-teen who was cheering, singing, and dancing along with his loved ones the entire night. Fun Fact: Collaborations with Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Heavy D, and Patti LaBelle are listed amongst the credits on his amazing discography. His iconic mic drop and walk-off is always a fitting end to his dope set.

KRS-One, also known as Teacha, headlined the show. He took the crowd to another level, performing hit after hit as the crowd was left clamoring for more!  “South Bronx”, “Step into a World (Rapture’s Delight)” and “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know” were amongst the hits he performed. During his set he asked the crowd to take their seats so that they would receive the full impact of his genius lyricism.  

KRS-One never disappoints!!  For those needing to unwind and reminisce, the A 50th Year Celebration of Hip-Hop concerts were perfect for those who wanted to get unplugged over the long weekend with two amazing nights brought to you by Royal Entertainment.  It was truly a great weekend for Golden Era Hip Hop lovers!

Photo credit:  Carolyn Grady @rhythmicimages