Neptune Black History Month Event Honors 50 Years of Hip Hop

“Recognizing 50 years of Hip Hop” was the theme of Neptune’s Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 24. Radio and television personality, Dr. Bob Lee, the Community Affairs Director for WBLS, was the host.

Rocky Bucano, the Executive Director of the Hip Hop Museum, Bronx, NY, provided the keynote. Bucano is a legend in hip hop, starting his career DJing in New York City, founding and managing record labels, and mentoring top hip hop artists. Bucano is “working to establish the first museum dedicated to Hip Hop culture in the place where it all began almost a half century ago: The Bronx, New York.”

Bucano spoke about the evolution of hip hop. He teaches that knowledge is hiphop’s most important element: knowledge, consciousness, history and activism. It’s MCing (rapping), DJing, Graffiti Art and Breaking (breakdancing).

“For today’s Black History presentation, I will take you on a journey through hip hop history. From its origins in the Bronx in the 1970s to its transformation into a global cultural force. We’ll explore the early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, chart hip hop’s global evolution and impact on fashion, music, politics, and entertainment. We will see how hip hop has branched out into new sounds and styles while remaining connected to its roots. My goal is to showcase the diversity and influence of hip hop and provide historical context for the culture and music that has shaped generations,” said Bucano.

(L-R) Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS Radio, Township Committee member Kevin McMillan with Keynote speaker Rocky Bucano Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch

From its origins in the Bronx in the 1970s to its transformation into a global cultural force. We’ll explore the early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, chart hip hop’s global evolution and impact on fashion, music, politics, and entertainment.
Rocky Bucano, Executive Director of the Hip Hop Museum, Bronx, NY

Also in the house were: DJ Ahsan the Golden Child from Rutgers Radio WRSU, and Tara Hall, wife of the late Rapper, Biz Markie. Hall is Executive Film Producer and Director of the Biz Markie Foundation.

Neptune High School students performed. There was HipHop dancing, breakdancing and a fashion show where famous HipHop Icons were channeled by the models. Students read poetry. Kevin McMillon presented essay contest winners with awards.

2024 Black History Committee: Brenda Cook Johnson, Elaine Dunn, Laria Hamilton, Dianna Harris, Chairperson, Tim Harris, Dr. Titania Hawkins, Ophelia Hughley, Bridget James, Karen Jefferson, Sheila Jones, Teretha Jones, Kevin McMillan, Mary S. Scott, Maureen Shaffer, Wanda Smith, Tamara Walker Timmons, Dr. Ronald Tyson, Rev. Tassie York, Mayor. In addition to the committee members, township officials, administrators, teachers, tech crew, staff and involved community members also helped to coordinate the event.