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With the 50th anniversary of hip-hop among us, NYC, the birthplace of the genre, is going all out–from murals and screenings to a free concert headlined by Wu-Tang Clan–but this celebration is also heading to the streets!

Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that “ITSALLBLACKMUSIC PRESENTS” will host the “5X5 Block Party Series,” a series of free block parties and events that will take place across NYC to celebrate the 50-year legacy of hip-hop this August.

“The growth of hip hop into a worldwide cultural phenomenon is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and passion of NYC,” said Mayor Adams. “From the Boogie Down Bronx, to Wu Tang in Staten Island, to the pioneers in Queens, to the storytellers in Brooklyn and the clubs in Manhattan, hip hop has told the story of New York City and our people. These block party concerts will celebrate 50 years of hip hop.”

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In collaboration with hip-hop icon KRS-One, the block parties will feature renowned DJs and seminal artists alongside street art installations, food vendors, interactive experiences, educational-entertainment talks, and more.

Plus, Pixis Drones will create and perform a free drone light show at each of the parties, honoring iconic hip-hop imagery.

The free block parties will take place as follows:

• Saturday, August 5: Fulton Street & Washington Avenue (Brooklyn), 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Sunday, August 6: Vernon Boulevard & 41st Avenue (Queens), 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, August 12: 1520 Sedgwick Avenue (Bronx), 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m

Lineups and other activations will be announced online soon.

To ensure the block parties are not only a celebration of the past but also a powerful inspiration for the future, LISA Project NYC will also create 50 murals across all five boroughs to pay homage to hip-hop’s rich history and community impact.

“From block parties to citywide murals, we’re lighting up 50 years of hip hop’s legacy,” said KRS-One. “As we celebrate the art form that uplifts communities and empowers voices worldwide, let’s curate a symphony of creativity, innovation, and passion, making history with every beat.

“Together, we honor the past and inspire the future, proving that hip hop is not just a genre but a cultural movement that speaks to the heart of humanity,” added KRS-One.

The post A Series Of Free Block Parties Are Hitting NYC’s Streets This August appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

It’s a sweet tribute to “The Original Candyman.” 

When Economy Candy first opened on the Lower East Side in 1937, Joe DiMaggio had just led the New York Yankees to World Series victory, the Lincoln Tunnel first married Manhattan to New Jersey and the petite Rivington Street shop’s eventual decades-tenured proprietor was just 20 years old. 

On Saturday, July 29, Morris ‘Moishe’ Cohen’s name will be emblazoned at the corner he helped make so sweet. 

“After years of petitioning and presenting in front of various community and city officials, we are thrilled to announce that the corner of Rivington Street and Essex Street will now bear the name “Morris ‘Moishe’ Cohen Way” in honor of Economy Candy’s founder, the Original Candyman,” ​​Skye Greenfield Cohen, Economy Candy’s chief creative wrote in an email. 

Cohen’s family had been hoping for the honor since his death at the age of 97 in 2015, Greenfield Cohen wrote. They began a letter-writing campaign in 2020 and collected signatures with the help of other area business owners and local City Council member Christopher Marte. Their efforts finally collected all the required rubber stamps earlier this year.  

“Having the ceremony on July 29th is incredibly meaningful to the Cohen family as Moishe’s birthday was July 28th and his son, Jerry’s birthday is on July 30th,” Greenfield Cohen wrote. 

A dedication ceremony is planned for 10:30am on Saturday when the new “Morris ‘Moishe’ Cohen Way” sign joins Rivington’s existing marker. Councilmember Marte and other electeds are expected to attend. 

The dedication will be followed by a party around Economy Candy replete with special treats, goodie bags and contributions by other confectionary vendors until 6pm. 

“This is an incredible honor for Moishe and for the entire extended Cohen family,” Greenfield Cohen wrote. “Moishe was larger than life to all who knew him and we are thrilled to have this larger-than-life memorial to him to inspire future generations of Lower East Siders.” 

Economy Candy is located at 108 Rivington Street.

* This article was originally published here