Posted by Bronx, NY – Slick Rick’s signature look always includes an eye patch and thick gold chain — at least one. On Monday (August 16), New York City mayor Bill de Blasio got a small taste of what it’s like to be a Hip Hop legend when he had the chance to momentarily rock one of Slick Rick’s pieces.
In a video clip posted by Blasio, he and Slick Rick are chopping it up when the “Children’s Story” MC takes off his chain emboldened with an Africa continent pendant and places it over Blasio’s head. Noticeably thrilled, Blasio and Slick Rick then pose for the cameras. Blasio can be heard saying, “I feel special now.”
He added in the caption, “Thank you to Slick Rick @therulernyc for the greatest honor of my career.”
Thank you to Slick Rick @therulernyc for the greatest honor of my career.#NYCHomecomingWeek#intheBronx pic.twitter.com/QAhfOatyY8
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 17, 2021
Mayor de Blasio was visiting the Bronx when the memorable moment took place. It’s one of several locations throughout the Big Apple where Hip Hop concerts were staged over several days to celebrate the city’s “Homecoming Week.”
In addition to Slick Rick, Monday’s performance included fellow Hip Hop legends KRS-One, Nice & Smooth, Soul Sonic Force and Kid Capri. Another show scheduled for Tuesday (August 17) will be held in Staten Island, followed by one in Brooklyn on Thursday (August 19) and another in Queens on August 20.
Mayor de Blasio and Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) Executive Director and President Rocky Bucano announced the series of Hip Hop centric outdoor concerts last month.
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Dubbed “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC,” the shows feature Hip Hop, Latin freestyle, dance, funk and more as part of city-wide programming during NYC Homecoming Week, which kicked off on August 14.
“You don’t want to miss the local, legendary talent performing throughout NYC Homecoming Week,” de Blasio said in a statement. “As we celebrate this Summer of New York City, we’re proud to partner with Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop Museum to bring these momentous concerts to our boroughs, free of charge. And if you get a ticket, you can go as long you have proof of your first dose of an approved COVID vaccine.”
Too $hort, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Slick Rick, EPMD, CL Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Mobb Deep and more are among the many other performers.