Kicking off Hip Hop History Month, the award-winning non-profit Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) held its annual Remixing Public Health Gala November 1 at Capitale in downtown Manhattan. Before a diverse crowd of supporters including Ja Rule, Styles P, and BET CEO Scott Mills, the evening featured a mesmerizing hip-hop medley performance with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Chuck D, Ashanti, and co-founder Doug E. Fresh, who also hosted the gathering with journalist and media personality Janell Snowden. In addition to raising critical funding for its important donor-driven cause, the event honored several corporate and creative champions of health and wellness, notably Radio Hall of Fame Inductee and syndicated host Angela Yee for her efforts to provide healthier dining options in urban “food deserts” through her ownership and operation of Brooklyn eateries like Juices for Life BK.
Doug E. Fresh and Dr. Olajide Williams, Professor of Neurology and Vice Dean of Community Health at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, co-founded Hip Hop Public Health to teach health literacy in order to improve health equity and remedy disparities in historically underserved communities. Together, they work tirelessly to amplify the medical fact that music can help heal the mind and body.
Since its formation in 2006, HHPH has provided research-based, hip-hop infused learning resources nationally to grades K-12 and worked with Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and other non-profits to create culturally-inclusive health campaigns. The organization has taken important health information and put it into songs recorded by popular multi-generational artists, making it easily digestible and universally accessible. Essentially, HHPH uses music for health education, and its resources have proven to save lives.
Among its many notable achievements, HHPH received the Cannes Lions UN Health Grand Prix for Good Award in 2022 for its “Lil Sugar” campaign (voiced by HHPH Artist Advisory Board Member Darryl “DMC” McDaniels), which warned of the potentially harmful effects of sugar. Additionally, former First Lady Michelle Obama hand-picked HHPH to produce the soundtrack for her “Let’s Move” campaign, aimed at reducing childhood obesity.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, HHPH CEO Lori Rose Benson took the stage to announce HHPH’s new Health MCs Ambassador Program, which seeks to provide 100,000 educators over five years with the tools to bring fun and effective health education to young people in a range of learning environments – in-school, out-of-school, community settings, summer camps and more. HHPH supports Health MCs with free, easy-to-use, adaptable resources that engage and inspire young people to be changemakers in their communities.
Lil Wayne and Nicki Minajheld it down at the VMAs on Tuesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. There’s no doubt the two became fixtures at the annual award show throughout its history, delivering memorable moments and sound bites that have lived on in the years that followed. However, on Tuesday night, their presence was surely felt from the moment the show began. Lil Wayne entered the stage to perform a medley of songs including “Uproar” and his latest single, “Kat Food.”
As for Nicki Minaj, she served as the host for the evening. However, her appearance certainly wasn’t limited to that. While she did get to guide fans through the evening, she eventually hit the stage where she performed her new single, “Last Time I Saw You,” and debuted an unreleased song from the upcoming Pink Friday 2 titled, “Big Difference.” Still, she hit the stage later on to pay homage to hip-hop’s major milestone.
With Hip Hop 50 celebrations still underway, the VMAs came through with an impeccable way to honor the music that’s shaped its history with appearances from Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. The tribute closed out Tuesday night’s festivities, dedicating the final moments of the VMAs to the evolution of the culture. Along with Wayne and Nicki, LL Cool J also headlined the performance while DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five accompanied them on stage.
The performance kicked off with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five delivering a stellar performance of “The Message.” Then, Doug E. Fresh, who hit the original Dougie, and Slick Rick came out to the stage. Nicki Minaj came out to perform “Itty Bitty Piggy” — clearly a fan favorite by the way the crowd finished each bar. Nicki then dove into “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” afterward before the VMAs transitioned to Lil Wayne who performed “A Milli.” LL Cool J leaped into “I’m Bad” and “Mama Said Knock You Out” before sticking around for DMC’s performance.
Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary is set to be celebrated in style with an incredible lineup of musicians performing at the Pepsi National Battle of The Bands. On August 16, the hosts for NBOTB announced a star-studded lineup, including Doug E. Fresh, Slim Thug, Choopa, and more. An Unforgettable Experience The Pepsi National Battle of The Bands, […]
MC Lyte, Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh, and other rap legends will be featured in a documentary about the compilation album Top Shelf 1988. The documentary, celebrating Rostrum Records’ 20th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, will tell the story of how the album started the rap label in 1988. The August 1988 Riot […]
With Hip-Hop’s 50th year anniversary quickly approaching this Friday, it’s only right we honor and pay homage to the greats that paved the way for the genre of rap as a whole.
Insert Rostrum Records, who continues to celebrate two decades of amplifying artistry and independence. Today, they premiered their new short-form documentary titled Top Shelf 1988, bringing fans back to the time they released their first-ever project, the compilation album titled Top Shelf 1988.
The story goes… Top Shelf’s Lower East Side studio became the go-to safe spot for artists to create magic freely, without the pressures from the music industry. Unfortunately, things took a left turn after a riot broke out in August 1988, right outside of Tompkins Square Park. After the mayhem, producers came back to the studio to find everything had been looted, including their masters.
Years later, these masters were recovered… and hence, Top Shelf 1988 was born. The new documentary features never-before-seen interviews and recording footage, with music from Hip-Hop legends including Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Craig G, MC Lyte, Special Ed, Doug E. Fresh, Jungle Brothers, Grand Puba, Masta Ace, Dres (of Black Sheep), Smooth B (of Nice & Smooth), Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel, and Chubb Rock.
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Benjy Grinber, CEO of Rostrum Records, states, “‘Top Shelf 1988’ is most importantly about showing love to iconic legends in Hip-Hop, and I’m so glad this documentary is out in the world to shed light on these artists once again. The album was the genesis of what Rostrum Records is today, and seeing how far the label has come over the last 20 years is very rewarding. I hope this documentary reaches new and old fans alike with the magic of CLASSIC Hip-Hop.”
The documentary is narrated by Hip-Hop journalist Rob Markman, giving viewers a front row seat into the creative process of all artists involved in the project. The compilation album can be listened to here, on all streaming platforms.
Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH), a renowned organization dedicated to improving health education through music and culture, has partnered with Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization providing mental health support. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about mental health and assist individuals in need. By texting “HHPH” to 741741, people can connect with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor who provides confidential mental health support in both English and Spanish.
Founded by Dr. Olajide Williams and Doug E. Fresh in 2006, HHPH focuses on creating research-based educational resources for underserved communities. The organization’s partnership with Crisis Text Line expands access to free and confidential mental health support, emphasizing the importance of seeking help during a crisis.
Crisis Text Line, with its network of over 59,000 trained volunteer Crisis Counselors, empowers individuals to navigate challenging moments by offering empathy, active listening, and guidance based on their unique strengths and coping strategies.
“We are proud to partner with Crisis Text Line to expand the awareness and access to free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support,” said Lori Rose Benson, CEO and Executive Director, Hip Hop Public Health. “Collaborations like this play a pivotal role in strengthening our shared dedication to normalize and destigmatize asking for help if you or someone you know is in crisis.”
“Hip Hop Public Health has an incredible record reaching communities through their creative work and vast resources,” said Jana French, Community Partnerships Director at Crisis Text Line. “We are truly excited to be part of their work to improve mental health care within underserved communities.”
For free and confidential 24/7 mental health support, individuals can connect with Crisis Text Line via text, web chat, or WhatsApp in English and Spanish. To reach a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor, text “HHPH” to 741741 or 443-SUPPORT on WhatsApp. Spanish speakers can text 442-AYUDAME on WhatsApp. Web chat options are also available.
The 2023 ESSENCE Festival took center stage as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, treating music enthusiasts to a spectacular showcase of legendary artists. The festival paid homage to the genre’s rich history with a curated set featuring Lauryn Hill and a lineup of hip-hop pioneers. The electrifying performances, including surprise appearances and memorable […]
The Hip Hop 50 celebrations continue throughout 2023 as fans, artists, and the world at large celebrates the genesis of one of the most – if not, the most – influential genres. With the launch of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture on June 29th, the annual festival in New Orleans will host a series of concerts honoring the milestone. On night one, Lauryn Hill will headline to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Doug E. Fresh also curated a special performance with the help of hip-hop legends like Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick.
However, it’s a moment that Big Daddy Kane believes is “only right” for the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to commemorate. Hip-hop has outlasted many other genres, disproving predictions of it becoming a “fad.”
“It’s not that it’s important. It’s that it’s only right, you know what I’m saying? Because you see, when there are festivals like this for rock or the blues or pop music, they automatically think to get a BB King. They automatically think to get Bruce Springsteen,” Big Daddy Kane told HotNewHipHop over Zoom. “Hip-Hop is the type of thing where an expiration date has been put on a lot of artists and they call them ‘old school’ instead of Hip-Hop legends. In my opinion, it is something that needs to be done, you know? It’s something that needs to be done to show respect.”
HotNewHipHop recently caught up with Big Daddy Kane ahead of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to discuss his upcoming performance, the most pivotal moment in hip-hop’s history, and how he wants to see hip-hop preserved for the next 50 years.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop:You’re performing at Essence Festival alongside Doug-E Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick. With all the celebrations since the beginning of the year, how do you feel about sharing the stage with fellow artists who played pivotal roles in shaping what we know as Hip-Hop today?
Big Daddy Kane: Well, I mean, these are cats that I’ve known for the past 30 years, 30-some years. And to still share the stage with them, and, you know, see them doing a thing and having fun and get a chance to chop it up. You know, it’s always amazing.
I’m sure there are some surprises that you can’t let out of the bag too early but what do you have planned for this performance at Essence Festival?
Well, you know, what I’m looking forward to is everything being tight as a unit. I’m not really solely focused on the Big Daddy Kane show. I want us together collectively to just look amazing and really showcase what Hip-Hop looked like in the late 80s and everybody enjoys it and wants to continue seeing it more and more. But yeah, we’re gonna bring some heat to that stage. I promise you that.
Why is it important for you guys to do this at Essence Festival?
It’s not that it’s important. It’s that it’s only right, you know what I’m saying? Because you see, when there are festivals like this for rock or the blues or pop music, they automatically think to get a BB King. They automatically think to get a Bruce Springsteen. They automatically think to get a Madonna. Yeah, they want a Miley Cyrus, they want the Ariana Grande, but they want a Madonna. Or they want a pop legend from the 80s.
In Hip-Hop, it’s the type of thing where an expiration date has been put on a lot of artists, and they call them “old school” instead of Hip-Hop legends. In my opinion, it is something that needs to be done, you know? It’s something that needs to be done to show respect. And then also, for a younger generation to see the difference. I would love for the younger generation to say, ‘Damn. They don’t have all that stuff exploding and all of this and they still tore it down. Yeah, I gotta step my stage game up,’ you know? So that they can have a longer career doing what they do.
Who else are you excited to see at Essence Festival?
It’s always a good time watching Doug E. rock, you know? I mean, I think it’s amazing damn-near 40 years, this dude can still do the beatbox. You know that takes a lot of breath control to still do this. And then you know, of course, everybody wants to see this sh*t [starts doing the Dougie]. Yeah, always love to see Doug E. rock.
NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Rapper Big Daddy Kane poses for a portrait on August 12, 1988 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Catherine McGann/Getty Images)
When you look at the current climate of Hip-Hop, are you able to trace the influence that you’ve all had? Especially as someone who is still enthusiastic and actively vocal about the culture.
Well, I mean, I think that it’s beautiful. It’s beautiful to be able to say that in my early 20s, I could take my parents to go see Jerry Butler, or Little Anthony And The Imperials and see a bunch of older women going cr*zy for these guys. And now, here we are, 35 years later and we’re a Jimmy Butler’s and a little Anthony and the Imperials, you know? I think that’s beautiful.
I think that it’s amazing to like, come out and make a fashion statement with a flat top and parts in your eyebrows. And then, 25 years later, see it revived by a younger generation. You know, watching it come to life again. You know, I think all of that is beautiful.
But even more importantly, I think it’s beautiful when you look at cats like Grandmaster Flash — well, at that time, DJ Flash And The Three MCs with Melle Mel, Kid Creole, and Cowboy. And then you look at the Cold Crush Brothers and what Kool Herc was doing. To see, from that point in time, you know, where something that started in the streets, how it became a billion-dollar industry. And how every other genre, at the beginning stages, that said that Hip-Hop wouldn’t last, it’s not real music. Now they incorporate Hip-Hop in their genre, you know. So it’s all amazing, man.
Does it stun you to see how far Hip-Hop’s come, especially after many downplayed it as a fad when you began releasing music?
Well, I mean, that’s what I just explained, you know, how something that started in the streets became a billion-dollar industry, you know? What did it gross? Like, $23 billion or something like that? Last year, or this year, something I can’t remember. I mean, it’s, it’s like the biggest music genre and all the other genres incorporate Hip-Hop into their field. Now, you know, so, you know, it’s amazing what is what it has become, you know, and then you see so many young cats today man, that are becoming instant millionaires off of Hip-Hop, man. So, you know, they get to feed their families and think it’s as beautiful.
What moment would you consider the most pivotal in hip-hop’s history that allowed the genre to continuously evolve? If you can pinpoint a single moment.
I would say Melle Mel in 1977 because I think that prior to Mel, anybody else that rapped, you know, such as your Lovebug Starski, Keef Cowboy, Grandmaster Caz, they all pretty much did what DJ Hollywood started back in ‘71. And that was pretty much [mimics DJ Hollywood’s voice], you know, their whole thing.
In ‘77, Melle Mel rhymed in his regular voice and he introduced what we call lyricism, where now you’re actually listening to what the MC says. You’re quoting lines from the MC. Because you know, until Hip-Hop became recordings, it was really all about the DJ. You know, it was Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Charlie Chase and the Cold Crush, Theodore and The Fantastic Five. You know, the DJ was the most important person.
Once Mel introduced the lyrics to the game, the MC became the most important person. And because of that, I think that that’s what birthed artists like LL Cool J, Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Ludacris, Jadakiss, and so on.
What do you think the most important Hip-Hop album is and why? Without counting anything in your own catalog.
Raising Hell by Run DMC because it showed that Hip-Hop can go platinum and can break barriers and stand up against all the other music genres. So, it could be that one. And then again, it could be It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. Because I think that the album for Public Enemy showed that you can have a conscious message. You can be a spokesperson for the hood, you know? Letting people know about how dangerous and how bad situations are in the hood, and it still is accepted by radio. You know, probably one of those.
Speaking of albums, a recent Billboard report indicated that not a single Hip-Hop album or song has topped the Hot 100 or the Billboard 200 this year. Many have even argued that it indicates the decline of Hip-Hop. How do you feel about comments like that?
I think that there are so many other music genres that would like to see the decline of Hip-Hop. What I feel is like, you know – because of corporate structure. Anybody that understands corporate structure, they know what happens in that type of situation is that quantity comes in, and quality goes out, you know? So it’s going to really boil down to: what do you want? Do you want mass production, or do you want quality? I just think that right now Hip-Hop is so strong and so powerful. But it’s a major, major quantity, but there’s not a whole lot of quality. You know, you have great artists that are doing things but they may not be charting. Not because of the music being bad, but because the media is not focused on those artists.
You know, I hear amazing songs for people like J. Cole, people like all Lady London, people like Conway The Machine. But there’s a certain algorithm that plays on the radio, where, you know, the majority of stuff sounds the same. And artists like that may not fit that format. To be in that slot with the same 20 songs just repeating over and over and over and over. But there is amazing music out there. And they may not be selling or being looked over because they don’t fit that algorithm. But there are a lot of talented young artists out there today. You know, I don’t blame the artists. I blame the people that are in control of where music is played and what music they’re putting out and feeding the youth.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Big Daddy Kane attends ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop on June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)
You mentioned Conway and previously shouted out J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar for staying true to lyricism. Who else is really catching your attention that you believe is delivering quality music?
Well, wow. Oh, yeah. Those, you know, of course, Conway. Rapsody, you know. I like Rapsody. I’m pretty sure there’s more but that’s all just coming to the mic to come into my mind right now at the moment.
What do you hope to see Hip-Hop accomplish in the next 50 years?
One of the main things I would like to see is… I would like to see Hip-Hop really preserving their legends and keeping their legacy relevant. I would love for 50 years down the line from now, young kids to know who Kool Herc is. Know how Melle Mel is, Grandmaster Flash.
What do you think the best way to do that is?
One is like with these award shows. If there’s a Hip-Hop Lifetime Achievement Award, it should be called the Kool Herc Award. That way 50 years down the line, [kids will ask] why do they call it the Kool Herc Award? Who is Kool Herc? You could look this man up and know and understand his legacy, you know? If there are turntables, Technics should have The Grandmaster Flash 1200. So someone’s turntables down there, [they’ll ask], ‘Yo, why are these turntables called the Grandmaster Flash 1200?’ [If] you never heard of Grandmaster Flash, you could look it up and now you know why. Things of that nature.
Over the weekend, Prince lovers from around the world gathered at Paisley Park to celebrate and honor Prince’s life on what would have been his 65th birthday and 7th year of his passing. The 7th Annual Celebration event was a major success thanks to star-studded programming, uplifting performances, and engaging panels, all in celebration of Prince’s outstanding legacy and once-in-a-lifetime cultural impact.
Over June 8-11, Paisley Park hosted exclusive presentations of unreleased music from the famous Prince Vault and special appearances by and conversations with Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan and Hip-Hop legends Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh. Guests were also treated to live performances from powerhouse Minnesota super group Sounds of Blackness, R&B star Stokley of Mint Condition, artist, DJ, and BDP co-founder D-Nice, members of Prince’s band New Power Generation(NPG), Prince protegé Shelby J, and Minneapolis youth choirKnown MPLS, and an exciting showcase of new artists Nunnabove and Nur-D. Supporting new, and young artists was something that was extremely important to Prince, and remains one of Paisley Park’s core values. Celebration included a special Prince Legacy Tribute to one of the founding members of NPG—the beloved vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rosie Gaines, accepted by her daughter and grandson. The event also honored both Prince and Tina Turner through a unique tribute led by Prince’s longtime DJ and collaborator DJ Rashida.
Attendees were gifted special cassette-shaped USB keys with two previously unreleased tracks from the Prince Vault– “All A Share Together Now,” recorded on September 4, 2006, and “7 (E Flat Version),” recorded on August 9, 1992. Both tracks are set for a worldwide DSP release on July 7, 2023.
Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan on Celebration 2023: “Thank you to all who contributed to a monumental Prince Celebration 2023. We celebrated Prince and lifted his name, in his house, with many who loved him, on the 7th Anniversary of his transition — we miss him dearly. The music, conversations, events, food, and fellowship were all done with love and gratitude to honor Prince. We look forward to Prince Celebration 2024, the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain.”
Last week, Men’s Health Hosted a panel focusing on health and awareness in the heart of Brooklyn NYC. The panel, Hip Hop Health: Mind Over Music featured Nick cannon, Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Olajide Williams, and Lute. The panel was moderated by Keith Nelson, Jr and covered a range of topics from mental health to why we all need therapy. In this candid chat, these men discussed hip hop’s relationship with mental health and the silent battles they’ve had to overcome over the years.
Rapper Doug E Fresh spoke about braggadocious lyrics and the results of speaking things into existence. The Harlem legend spoke so eloquently about mental health and taking the timeout for a ‘good cry’. He stated, “Hip Hop has the power of talking things into existence…When 50 Cent talked about Get Rich or Die Trying, He got rich! You know the album Paid in Full with Eric B and Rakim…They got paid and full! Now here’s the sad part is when you hear Ready to Die and what happened after that, hip hop has always been the power of talking things into existence. This is my favorite song from Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five it’s called Super Rappin’. Doug E then commenced to rap:
To the hip hop, a hip hop, a-don’t stop A-don’t stop that body rock A-just get up out your seat and get ready to clap Because-a Melle Mel is starting to rap And ever since I talked at my very first party I felt I could make myself somebody It was something in my heart from the very start I could see myself at the top of the chart Rapping on the mic, making cold, cold cash With a jockey spinnin’ for me called DJ Flash Signing autographs for the the young and old Wearing big time silver and solid gold My name on the radio and in the magazine My picture on the TV screen It’s ain’t like that yet, but, huh, you’ll see I got potential and you will agree I’m coming up and I got a step above the rest ‘Cause I’m using that ladder they call success You say a-one, two, three, four, five, six, seven Rap like hell and make it sound like heaven A seven, six, five, four, three, two, one A-come on, Rahiem, come and get some
He continued, “You have the ability to talk things into existence, good or bad.” Watch the video below.
