Rock The Bells

LL Cool J Announces Rock The Bells 2023 Festival

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LL Cool J has announced that his Rock The Bells Festival is returning this summer to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The legendary rapper confirmed the details in a pair of Instagram posts over the weekend.

“I wanted to tell you personally [that on] Saturday, August 5th, Rock The Bells Festival is back,” LL Cool J said in a video on Instagram. He then referenced the opening lyrics to his 1990 smash hit “Mama Said Knock You Out.” He joked, “Well, you can’t call it a comeback.”

LL Cool J At Rock The Bells 2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 06: LL Cool J attends Rock The Bells at Forest Hills Stadium on August 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In another post, he confirmed that the festival will be returning to Forest Hills, Queens. “It’s truly an honor to bring the Rock The Bells Festival to Forest Hills, Queens for a second year. Line up announcement coming soon. We’re celebrating 50 years baby! Trust your man. You should get your tickets now. Link in bio. #RockTheBellsFestival #RockTheBells #RTB50,” he wrote in the caption. He also revealed that tickets are available now, but didn’t provide which artists will be featured on the lineup. More information can be found here.

Ahead of last year’s festival, LL Cool J explained that he launched the festival in an effort to “show love” to the community. “This festival is my way of showing love to the community of Hip Hop and celebrating the incredible journey this culture has taken, going from DJ Kool Herc’s Sedgwick Avenue rec room, to the global phenomenon we all cherish today,” LL COOL J said in a statement at the time. “Getting to bring some of the most iconic and influential Hip-Hop artists to the same stage, in my hometown and the city that started it all, is an honor and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for them.” He first launched Rock The Bells back in 2018. The name is a reference to his 1985 hit song of the same title.

The Rock The Bells Announcement

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Rock The Bells Announces Lineup For First-Ever Hip-Hop Cruise

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LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells just announced the lineup for their upcoming hip-hop experience cruise. Moreover, the global platform dedicated to hip-hop culture partnered with Sixthman, known in the industry for their on-seas experiences. While the lineup is incredibly extensive, performances won’t be all that patrons have to look forward to from November 13th to 17th this year.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 06: Rick Ross attends Rock The Bells at Forest Hills Stadium on August 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Furthermore, the lineup includes many legends of the game, plus some names who still engage actively with it. Some are Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, and Slick Rick. Also included are DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Pete Rock, EPMD, Bun B, and many more. Moreover, Roxanne Shanté and Torae will host, with a Kid Capri-led pool deck party series.

“How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat?” Shanté stated. “LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Furthermore, Too $hort added “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”

Unfortunately, though, tickets for the cruise experience already sold out. Still, not all hope is lost if you didn’t snag your reservation. Moreover, fans can go to rockthebellscruise.com and sign up for a waiting list to wait for rooms as they become available.

“See, that’s the difference between the Rock The Bells Festival and any other festivals,” Shanté told us about Rock The Bells Festival last year. “Most festivals are thrown together by people who, you know, they pick some hot artists, but for us, this is more than that—this is a family reunion, and we’re looking so forward to having the family come together, especially after the pandemic. So, being able to do this…phenomenal. I tell everybody, ‘This right here, if you have ever felt that you were not a part of Hip Hop history, then this is your chance to be a part of Hip Hop history.’”

Still, what do you think of the lineup for the Rock The Bells cruise? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the most exciting upcoming live experiences in hip-hop.

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Rock The Bells Announces Lineup for First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise with Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Ghostface, and More For Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary

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Rock The Bells (RTB), the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, announced the lineup for “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea. 

The lineup features Hip-Hop’s most notable icons, including Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, Slick Rick, DJ Spinderella, Mannie Fresh, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Rah Digga, EPMD, Bun B, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ EPPS, DJ Nina 9, Grandmaster Dee, Technician The DJ, and DJ Critical Hype. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté & Torae, attendees will also experience a pool deck party series presented by world-renowned party rocker Kid Capri. 

Commenting on the cruise, legendary Hip-Hop artist and host Roxanne stated: “How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat? LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Too $hort added, “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”

While the cruise is “sold out,” fans can still go to the website rockthebellscruise.com to sign up for the waiting list, where rooms are offered as they become available.

The post Rock The Bells Announces Lineup for First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise with Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Ghostface, and More For Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary appeared first on The Source.

Scarface Talks ‘The Fix’ in New Series Interview ‘Classic Record Reflection’

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The first installment of a new series called Classic Record Reflection is presented by Rock The Bells. The definitive look back at vintage Hip-Hop records and the musicians that created them is provided by Classic Record Reflection.

The first of an all-new three-part interview series features legendary rapper Scarface as he discusses the 20th anniversary of the release of “The Fix” on August 6, 2002, the creation of the critically acclaimed album, and his collaboration with Jay-Z, Nas, Beanie Sigel, and Faith Evans, Kanye West, The Neptunes, Nottz, and T-Mix.

In the three episodes, Scarface does a “Lyrical Deep Dive,” which details his writing process. “The Industry,” discusses the process of creating the album, and “In The Booth” chronicles everything from the budget to the art of the record.

You can see all three episodes below.

The post Scarface Talks ‘The Fix’ in New Series Interview ‘Classic Record Reflection’ appeared first on The Source.

LL COOL J Joined by Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Lil Kim and More for ‘Rock The Bells’ Festival

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For the 2022 Rock The Bells Festival, LL COOL J performed on August 6 in his native Queens, New York, alongside some of hip-hop’s most renowned and influential MCs, including Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Lil’ Kim, Trina, N.O.R.E. The Diplomats, Scarface Jadakiss, and more.

The day-long celebration of hip-hop culture attracted over 13,000 attendees to a sold out Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York. Other highlights included the first-ever all-hip-hop food court experience, live SiriusXM broadcasts, graffiti displays, and breakdancing performances.

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As Speaker of the NYC Council Adrienne Adams gave the rap legend a proclamation honoring his influence and contribution to the culture, LL COOL J was also given a key to the city during the event.

The first ever all-Hip-Hop food court experience, Bun B’s Trill Mealz, made its debut. It featured a variety of food and beverage vendors from legendary Hip-Hop artists, including Nas’ Sweet Chick, E-40’s Goon with the Spoon, Jadakiss & Styles P’s Juices for Life, Ghostface Killah’s Killah Koffee, Mia X’s Team Whip Them Pots, and Bun B In remembrance of the momentous occasion, the Empire State Building illuminated the evening sky in Cyan Blue (RTB’s official color). A portion of the event’s sales was donated to the Universal Hip-Hop Museum in The Bronx. Interactive sponsor activations and photo ops were offered to fans by Corona, Monster Energy, P&G, Gilette, Salesforce, and other brands.

You can see images, courtesy of Getty, from the event below.

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The post LL COOL J Joined by Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Lil Kim and More for ‘Rock The Bells’ Festival appeared first on The Source.

Bun B and LL Cool J Team to Bring First-Ever Hip-Hop Food Court Experience to NYC

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Bun B and LL Cool J Team to Bring First-Ever Hip-Hop Food Court Experience to NYC

LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells announced the food lineup for their Rock The Bells Festival, which will feature dishes from hip-hop-inspired eateries all throughout the country. Dubbed The Trill Mealz Food Court, and curated by Hip Hop legend Bun B, this will be the first-ever Hip-Hop food court experience.

The Trill Mealz Food Court will feature a variety of food and beverage vendors from legendary hip-hop artists like Nas, E-40, Jadakiss, Styles P, Ghostface Killah, Mia X, and Bun B as well as a few delectable local restaurants. On Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, all fans attending the Rock The Bells Festival will have access to the complete Trill Mealz Food Court.

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The Trill Mealz Food Court lineup coming to Queens includes Bun B’s Trill Burgers, Nas’s Sweet Chick, Mia X’s Team Whip Them Pots, E-40’s Goon With The Spoon, Jadakiss & Styles P’s Juice for Life, Ghostface Killah’s Killah Koffee.

“Food and Hip-Hop are both forms of entertainment and self expression,” said LL COOL J. “Food has always been a theme within Hip-Hop and are uniquely connected. Hosting the Trill Mealz Food Court at the Rock The Bells Festival at Hip-Hop’s birthplace of New York City, allows us to really connect with the community and create a fully immersive way to experience Hip-Hop.”  

“For the first time ever, I will be curating a hip-hop food court at Rock The Bells Festival. Something that has never happened anywhere in the face of the world,” says Bun B. “For me it’s the food now.  I still make music. I still perform, but this is my passion and it still keeps me in the culture.”

Visit www.rockthebells.com/festival to purchase tickets. The Universal Hip-Hop Museum in the Bronx, whose goal is to recognize and preserve the individuals, artifacts, and stories that resound from 1973 to the present, will receive a portion of each ticket sale donation made by Rock The Bells.

The post Bun B and LL Cool J Team to Bring First-Ever Hip-Hop Food Court Experience to NYC appeared first on The Source.

LL Cool J and Rock The Bells Drop New Drip Collection

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Rock the Bells, the global lifestyle brand dedicated to Hip-Hop created by LL COOL J, has officially launched its highly anticipated Drip Collection.  

The Rock The Bells x Roots Varsity jacket, as well as sweatpants, a hoodie, and a t-shirt, are all part of the Drip Collection. This series is priced between $628 and $95. The purpose of this drop is to continue to enhance streetwear in a way that pays homage to hip-hop’s roots.

You can see the collection below and purchase here.

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The post LL Cool J and Rock The Bells Drop New Drip Collection appeared first on The Source.

LL Cool J Announces Rock the Bells Festival feat. Ice Cube, Dipset, and More in Queens

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L.L. Cool J’s Rock the Bells is set to make a live event return. The Hip-Hop brand will take over Queens, New York, this summer. The festival will be headlined by L.L., Ice Cube, and Rick Ross.

Roxanne Shante will host the Rock the Bells Festival at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

Additional artists named for the festival include Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Jadakiss, N.O.R.E.., Trina, Digable Planets, Lil Kim, Scarface, The diplomats, and more.

“This festival is my way of showing love to the community of hip-hop and celebrating the incredible journey this culture has taken, going from DJ Kool Herc’s Sedgwick Avenue rec room, to the global phenomenon we all cherish today,” saidL.L.L Cool J. “Getting to bring some of the most iconic and influential hip-hop artists to the same stage, in my hometown and the city that started it all, is an honor and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for them.”

Pre-sale tickets are on sale now, and regular admission tickets go on sale Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m.E.TT. Take a look at the lineup and festival promo below.

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LL Cool J Revives Rock The Bells Festival And Explains Why Bars Matter ‘More Than Ever Before’ In Hip-Hop

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It’s a complaint you hear more than ever these days: Hip-hop has lost its way and it isn’t about the bars anymore. Of course, that depends on who you ask. While some veterans of the rap game certainly lament that things aren’t the same, one of the culture’s most iconic figures is taking a different view. In a new interview with Billboard about his upcoming, Q-Tip-produced, Def Jam-backed 14th album, LL Cool J explained why he thinks bars matter “more than ever” in hip-hop today.

“[Bars matter] more than ever because every Snapchat, every TikTok, Instagram photo or every tweet is words,” he observes. “People love words. You have to be precise with your speech nowadays. Words are more important now than they ever been probably because the whole world is living in a giant transcript. If you’re going to say something, it has to mean something.”

The rap luminary also relates this concept to his own upcoming project, saying, “The songs that I wrote on the new record that’s coming have meaning. It’s coming from a whole other place. I think that it’ll hopefully touch people in a way that they can’t ever imagine. I don’t even think people can imagine or understand what this is.” Of his executive producer, he offers high praise; “I think [Q-Tip] quarterbacked a masterpiece, b,” LL says.

The “Rock The Bells” rapper also talks about revitalizing the defunct music festival named for his 1985 hit. The festival will return under LL’s banner (also called Rock The Bells media) on August 6, bringing such iconic acts as Ice Cube, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and more to Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in LL’s native Queens, New York. “The energy and the goal has always been to elevate hip-hop culture and classic hip-hop culture and not allow all of these talented artists that we have be pushed to the sidelines just because at the current moment they might not have a song at the top of the Billboard charts,” he says of his Rock The Bells media venture. “That doesn’t mean that they’re not valuable. I found that so many people want this. [Fans] want to celebrate the culture, but they want it done in the right way. So the same way that The Stones get treated, Paul McCartney gets treated, and Bob Dylan gets treated, I wanted to see these artists treated that way.”