Legendary performers take the stage at LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Festival in Queens
NEW YORK -- There was a hip-hop homecoming in Queens on Saturday.
Legendary performers like Rakim, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Method Man and Redman graced the stage at LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Festival at the historic Forest Hills Stadium.
"I was born in 1972 when it started. It's everything, it's all of me, especially from Queens," said Ericka Williams.
Hip-hop DJ Kid Capri shared what it meant to be there 50 years later.
"There was a time there was no money involved. It was just something that was a hobby, something that people liked. At the end of the day, people told us that it wasn't going to be around, it was just going to be noise, it's just going to be a fad, and then 50 years later, to be able to have this milestone going on, you know, it's amazing," said Capri.
Twenty voices of hip-hop took the stage at the historic event honoring hip-hop's 50th anniversary.
"Hip-hop, to me, is life. It's been a part of my life, most of my life. I'm just honored. I'm also part of what LL is building with Rock the Bells. I have equity in this incredible venture, recognizing the classics and the foundation of this culture," said hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy.
Many in attendance said recognizing, celebrating and preserving hip-hop's roots, influence and impact are critical to understanding the history of New York City, the birthplace of hip-hop.
