New York City was Hip-Hop itself last week, and no place was that rhythm beating louder than last night's Tribeca Festival premiere of The Sixth Borough. The movie, which pays homage to Long Island's contribution to Hip-Hop, showcased a star-studded list of forefathers, beat-makers, and power brokers for a night that celebrated the culture in high style.
But ever the enigma, LLCOOLJ made a double move. First, he provided a glimpse at the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony at the Marriott Marquis on Thursday just long enough to show off a couple of photos, and then poof; he was gone like a mic-dropping magician. But his presence hung in the air well into the night at Tribeca even though he was not there, per se, he was there in spirit when his storied "Rock The Bells" video (reimagined anew some 40 years after release) launched the evening like a time-travel bomb of sorts, a great big ball of nostalgia.
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Then, the red carpet became something right out of a vintage album cover. De La Soul's Posdnuos and Maseo reunited with the man who'd helped guide much of their early sound, Prince Paul, laughing and sharing embraces as if they were family. Down on the ground, Hip-Hop lensman to the stars Ernie Paniccioli, who made a cameo in De La's 2000 "All Good" video, watched from the front lines soaking up the love, his camera in hand, his eyes sparkling.
There were heavyweight hitters throughout the night. Bill Stephney, Def Jam Recordings' first president, mingled with EPMD's Parish Smith and Keith Shocklee of the Bomb Squad. Tommy Boy Records' A&R maestro Dante Ross showed up, as did Warner Music Group E.V.P. Julian Petty, who produced the film. Even former Bone Thugs-n-Harmony manager Steve Lobel and the widow of the late great Biz Markie, Tara Hall, stopped by to acknowledge the legacy.
That is, director Jason Pollard made a film (it runs a brief 70-and-some change minutes) that doesn't overstay its welcome but is an unwavering and sharp homage to the artists who, the movie claims, turned Long Island into, and I quote The Sixth Borough—featuring personal interviews, up until now, unseen archival footage, and all the great music from Long Island's outstanding Hip-Hop players: Rakim, Public Enemy, MF DOOM, EPMD, and, of course, De La Soul.
Featuring interviews with Chuck D, Method Man, Erick Sermon, and others, the film reminds us that Long Island is not just a place in the background but a breeding ground for creativity, style, and sound that has shaped generations.
Did you miss the Tribeca screening? Have no fear. The Sixth Borough runs into the Philadelphia Black Star Film Festival from July 31 to August 3, 2025. But if you ask anyone who attended last week, they'll tell you it wasn't just a movie premiere. It was a reunion, a celebration.
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