August 3rd 2023.
Recently, the R&B group Blackstreet was honored in an incredibly special way. The City of Paterson, NJ, renamed Presidential Boulevard to Blackstreet Boulevard in recognition of the group's contributions to music. This event was held at Presidential Blvd. between W. Broadway and Temple St. in Paterson on Friday, July 28, 2023 and was a joyous occasion for the group and the city.
The group expressed their gratitude on their Instagram account. Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, one of the group’s four members, had this to say about the recognition: “It’s official!!! Blackstreet is literally on the map. Words can not express the amount of joy we have at this moment. Having a street dedicated to us in our honor from the city we grew up in is beyond anything we would have imagined when we were kids.” Hannibal went on to thank the men and women of the Paterson City Council, as well as the city itself for their support and love.
In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Hannibal spoke of the street and the inspiration it might bring to the younger generation. He said, “This is definitely something that I’m hoping that’s going to give the younger generation right there where I’m from. That hey, you can make it out of there and do more for the community.” He also spoke of the emotional moment when the street was officially unveiled, saying, “They’ve got the whole street blocked off, a bunch of people out there, and they just take you up, man. And I’m already crying. There it was. Like the most beautiful thing I’ve ever saw in my life, you know?”
Hannibal also talked about the importance of ownership in the creative field. He said, “I own my catalog as well as the Blackstreet catalog and everything, and that’s what really is the game changer for us because I own the trademark and my catalog. So I’ve been able to do nice licenses and stuff like that.” He went on to say that he’s making more money now than when the group was at its peak, thanks to the ownership of the music.
The group has had hit records like “No Diggity,” “Before I Let You Go,” and “Joy.” They plan to release a new single soon and may be talking about a solo project for Black. The group also looks forward to the day they can headline a tour. Hannibal said, “Blackstreet continues to perform, and the group hopes to headline a tour when the time is right. For now, Hannibal saids the group is still thriving, doing its thing, and we can expect more from Blackstreet.”
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