October 12th 2023.
At the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, legendary artists LL Cool J and Rakim took center stage in a tribute performance to honor the iconic hip-hop pioneer DJ Marley Marl with the I Am Hip-Hop Award. Introduced by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, a montage of Marley Marl's profound contributions to the genre was displayed.
Addressing the audience at the BET Hip-Hop Awards and viewers tuning in from home, Marley Marl, 61, spoke of his journey which began in New York on Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, Queensbridge. He dedicated the award to his late radio partner and fellow hip-hop luminary Mr. Magic.
The tribute performance was awe-inspiring. Accompanied by a live band featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and Technician The DJ skillfully handling the turntables, Rakim and LL Cool J electrified the audience with a blend of their greatest hits crafted by Marley Marl. Rakim initiated the show with tracks such as “Eric B. Is President” and “Paid in Full”.
LL Cool J’s entrance, emerging from beneath the stage, brought the show to a whole new level. The Queens-born rapper treated the audience to a set of classics that included songs like “Jingling Baby”, “Mr. Good Bar”, “Around the Way Girl”, “Mama Said Knock You Out”, and “Rock the Bells”. LL’s performance had the crowd on their feet, and even Marley Marl, seated in the audience, couldn’t resist dancing to the timeless beats of his own creations.
Hailing from the Queensbridge Projects in New York City, DJ Marley Marl is known as one of the architects of hip-hop’s sound in the late ‘80s, crafting hits for some of the most significant artists of the decade, including LL Cool J and Rakim. His greatest legacy lies in being a founding member of the legendary Juice Crew collective, which included Roxanne Shanté, MC Shan, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Masta Ace, Craig G, and others.
The tribute performance was a true testament to Marley Marl’s contribution to hip-hop, and a fitting way to commemorate his legacy. It was an unforgettable moment and a reminder of the power of music to bring us together.
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