Brooklyn, the iconic birthplace of hip-hop culture, reverberated with the beats and rhythms of nearly five decades of the genre as Amazon Music‘s “50 & Forever Concert Series” took center stage on a vibrant evening in the heart of the city. The event, held on July 20, transformed the Pier 17 rooftop into a pulsating hub of excitement, drawing together a diverse crowd of hip-hop enthusiasts to commemorate 50 years of this influential musical movement.
The event’s meticulous attention to detail was evident right from the start. The venue’s brick wall, adorned with graffiti, resonated with the urban aesthetic that has been an integral part of hip-hop culture. The subway station, briefly renamed the “Eternal 50th Station,” honored the origins of the genre within New York’s public transit network. As the sun descended behind the cityscape, the atmosphere was prepared for a remarkable evening filled with music and festivity.
The evening’s lineup embraced the theme of the “Blog Era,” a pivotal period that witnessed a surge of online exploration and discovery of new artists and sounds. The lineup featured hip-hop luminaries Curren$y, Joey Bada$$, and Wale—artists who played instrumental roles during this transformative time in the genre’s history. With each act bringing their unique style and energy to the stage, the concert resonated with both nostalgia and the contemporary pulse of hip-hop.
The DJs curated an electric atmosphere, mixing iconic “Blog Era” tracks like A$AP Rocky’s “Peso” and Rick Ross’ “Stay Schemin” with current chart-toppers. The playlist provided the ideal backdrop for the night, bridging the gap between the genre’s past and present.
Kicking off the festivities was Curren$y, whose distinctive smoked-out sound became synonymous with the “Blog Era.” Adorned in a New York Giants Lawrence Taylor jersey, the New Orleans rapper infused the crowd with his stoned-out ferocity. From beloved classics like “Breakfast” and “Famous” to more recent hits like “Half Moon Mornings,” Curren$y’s performance was a journey through his prolific career. He paid tribute to his roots and New Orleans heritage with the infectious bounce of “Essence Fest,” featuring the collaboration of hip-hop heavyweight Jermaine Dupri.
Amazon Music’s “50 & Forever Concert Series” not only celebrated the genre’s evolution over five decades but also highlighted its ability to unite generations through the power of music. The event’s fusion of old-school classics and contemporary hits echoed the sentiment that hip-hop’s influence is timeless and boundless.
As the crowd absorbed the energy of the performances against the backdrop of the dazzling New York City skyline, it was evident that Amazon Music had orchestrated an unforgettable evening that resonated with the spirit and essence of hip-hop culture.
