This year’s Rock The Bells Festival is becoming even more jam-packed with the best of Hip-Hop thanks to the addition of Run DMC and The Roots to the schedule.
The event announced the inclusion of the legendary ensemble from Hollis, Queens, and the potent Hip-Hop group from Philadelphia to the lineup on Monday (July 17th). Similar to how they worked together at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, The Roots will provide support for LL Cool J and DJ Z-Trip throughout their performance.
A fellow borough native, LL Cool J, established the festival, and Run DMC’s involvement on the schedule brings them back to their home borough in celebration of the culture. The “Hip Hop 50” concert event at Yankee Stadium on August 11th, which is regarded as their final performance, will also feature them as the headliners. Rakim, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, De La Soul, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Redman & Method Man, Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Cold Crush Brothers, MC She Rock, Salt-N-Pepa, and more notable performers round out the impressive lineup.
After Brooklyn’s Boot Camp Clik announced a collaboration with Rock The Bells, the group’s new song and music video “Wotcha Call Strength” served as the lead-in to the news. The group’s first release in 16 years was made in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Boot Camp Clik will also be performing at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on August 5th, where there will also be an exclusive merch drop.
Duck Down Records CEO Drew said, “In honor and celebration of Hip Hop 50, we felt that the BCC’s body of work, contributions, and legacy needed to be properly recognized.” Friedman uttered the words “Dru-Ha” in a statement. We believed there was no better way to make a statement than to release a new record with all the original members (RIP to Sean Price). “It’s too easy to sit back and say the Hip Hop community should verify you and painstaking to go out and have to remind people with words, so we felt there was no better way to make that statement.”