Edward Caban
NYC Police Commissioner
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Police officer and New York City Police Commissioner appointed in 2023 by Mayor Eric Adams. Caban previously served as First Deputy Police Commissioner under Keechant Sewell.
Jelly Roll
Country Music Artist, Rapper, Singer, and Songwriter
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Event Performer”
Beginning his career in 2003, he rose to mainstream prominence following the release of his 2022 singles "Need a Favor" and "Son of a Sinner," the latter of which won three CMT Music Awards. That same year, he received a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist.
Jeremy Hassell
TV & Media Personality
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Times Square Live Co-Host”
Before Jeremy became a host for MTV and reporter for WCBS & E! news, he started his career with many different online streaming entertainment shows in NYC. As his success grew, Jeremy was asked to host various live events & projects for Tommy Hilfiger, DJ battles, fashion shows, Red Carpets, benefit concerts, battle of the bands and so much more!
LL Cool J
Actor & Hip Hop Legend
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Event Performer”
As an actor he is known for his role in CSI Los Angeles, along with films like “The Deep Blue Sea”, S.W.A.T. and much more.
As a hip hop artist, he is a Multi-Platinum Artist and one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, alongside fellow new school hip hop acts Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.
Recently became a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and Founder of Rock The Bells Radio..
Martin Luther King III
Human & Civil Rights Activist
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Celebrity Guest Attendee”
Human rights activist, philanthropist and advocate. The oldest son of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, King served as the 4th President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1997 to 2004
Positive K
Hip Hop Artist & Comedian
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Celebrity Guest Attendee”
MC and songwriter from the Bronx, New York City, New York, and one of the original artists of the First Priority Music camp. He is best known for his hits "I'm Not Havin' It" and his 1992 hit "I Got a Man"
Triad Brass
Brass Band Ensemble
Event: 2024 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
"Event Performer”
NYC-based brass Grammy Award Winning band known for their energetic and entertaining performances. The band is comprised of a rotating cast of world-class brass musicians known for incorporating dance and theatre into their shows. With unmatched stage presence, they have become sought-after for captivating audiences with their music, dancing, and unique marching band-style crowd work."
Jackie McGinley
Family that donated the 2023 Official Rockefeller Center Tree from Vestal, NY
Event: 2023 Christmas in Rockefeller Center l 11.29.2023
Location: Rockefeller Center, NYC
2023 Official Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s illuminated with 50,000 multi-colored bulbs and will stand in the heart of Manhattan throughout the holiday season as an estimated 750,000 people a day come to see it.
Today Show
Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie & Al Roker
Event: 2023 Christmas in Rockefeller Center l 11.29.2023
Location: Rockefeller Center, NYC
"Event NBC Live Broadcast Co-Hosts, along with main event host, Kelly Clarkson”
NBC’s Emmy Award Winning TODAY is the news program that informs, entertains, inspires and sets the agenda each morning for viewers across America. Airing live from 7 am to 11 am ET, TODAY reaches more than 5 million people every day through its broadcast, and millions more through TODAY.com, the TODAY app, and social media platforms. For more,
A daily live broadcast that provides current domestic and international news, weather reports and interviews with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, business, media, entertainment and sports. Additionally, specific segments such as Today's Money, Today's Kitchen and Today Throws a Wedding target specific lifestyle issues, and the show's anchors frequently report on special themes from around the globe.
Alex Smith
Pianist, Organist, Composer, and Educator
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Celebrity Performer”
Alex Smith is a Louisiana native (resides in NY), Grammy Award-winning pianist, organist, composer, and educator. Before appearing in the Parade, Shaw also performed alongside Brett Young on NBC’s broadcast of the 2023 Fourth of July Fireworks.
Amanda Shaw
American Cajun Fiddler, Singer, and Actress
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Celebrity Performer”
Amanda Shawis a Cajun-American fiddler, singer, songwriter, and musician from Mandeville, Louisiana. Nicknamed the Queen of Cajun Country, she began her professional music career in 2011 with her independently released album, I’m Not a Bubble Gum Pop Princess. After releasing a second album, Shaw signed with Rounder Records and produced her first-ever studio album, Pretty Runs Out, in 2006. Since then, she has released several EPs and studio albums, made appearances on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and TODAY,[1] and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2020
Bell Biv Devoe
R&B Group
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Celebrity Performers”
Bell Biv DeVoe (also known as BBD) is a spin-off of R&B music group New Edition, featuring three members—Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe—who also inspired the group’s name. It was formed following the parent group’s tour in support of the 1988 album Heart Break. BBD is best known for their multi-platinum debut album Poison, which was released in 1990 and features the singles “Poison” and “Do Me!” Three other albums—Hootie Mack, BBD, and Three Stripes—were released by the group over the next three decades. In 2023, BBD performed with The Boston Pops Orchestra at the 2023 Winter Classic.
Big Apple Circus
Circus Performers & Entertainers
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Performers & Entertainers”
The Big Apple Circus is a circus based in New York City. Opened in 1977, later becoming a nonprofit organization, it became a tourist attraction. The circus has been known for its community outreach programs, including Clown Care, as well as its humane treatment of animals.
Chicago
Rock and Roll Band
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Celebrity Performers”
Chicago is a Grammy Award Winning American rock band formed in Chicago in 1967. The group began calling themselves the Chicago Transit Authority in 1968, then shortened the name in 1969. Self-described as a "rock and roll band with horns," and their songs often also combine elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, and pop music. They have recorded 38 Albums, sold over 100Million Records, and are one of the longest running and best-selling music groups of all time.
Deanna Giulietti
Actress, Singer & Social Media Influencer
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Social Media Correspondent”
Deanna is an actress that has been seen in a number of broadway productions including Lizzie, Heathers, Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, and Sister Act. She played Mary Delgado on the national tour of Jersey Boys. Deánna is breaking the internet on social media platforms. Watch her performances to see the energy and passion Deánna brings to the world! Deánna is a Top Social Media / Life Coach in 2021. She teaches the most current social media growth strategies for social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube and more. She will get you prepared to be the best Influencer you can be using the most up to date social media trends and social marketing tips
Edward A. Caban
NYC Police Commissioner
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
Edward A. Caban is an American police officer and New York City Police Commissioner appointed in 2023 by Mayor Eric Adams. Caban previously served as First Deputy Police Commissioner under Keechant Sewell.
En Vogue
R&B Group
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Celebrity Performers”
En Vogue is an multi-award winning R&B girl group formed in Oakland, California, in 1989. The group’s original lineup—Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones—broke through in 1990 with the release of their single, “Hold On,” from their debut album, Born to Sing. Their second album, Funky Divas, was released in 1992 and featured other chart-topping hits, including “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” and “Free Your Mind.” By the end of the 1990s, the group released their third album, EV3, and was ranked by Billboard as the 19th most successful recording artist of the decade (the same publication later ranked it as the ninth most successful girl group of all time in 2015). Over three decades, En Vogue sold 28 million records worldwide and has won seven MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and received eight Grammy Award nominations.
Jessie James Decker
Country pop singer, songwriter, television personality, and author
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
“Parade Celebrity Performer”
Jessie James Decker is a country pop singer, songwriter, television personality, and author. After being rejected by most music labels in Nashville, Tennessee, she caught the attention of Mercury Records and released her debut album, Jessie James, in 2009. Since then, Decker has released two other studio albums and six EPs. Though her main passion is music, Decker starred in the reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On alongside her husband, Eric Decker, a quarterback for the NFL. She also owns Kittenish, a casual clothing brand with three boutiques, and launched a cookware collection in 2023 alongside her cookbook, Just Eat.
Jimmy Fallon & The Roots
Host of The Tonight Show / House Band & Hip Hop Group
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
Hailing from Rockefeller Center in the heart of New York City, Jimmy has made it his mission to make sure viewers end the day with a smile. Each weeknight, he hosts A-list guests, from movie stars to athletes, comedians, public figures and everyone in between. He also delivers a signature nightly monologue, performs in topical comedy sketches, plays fan-favorite games, and presents recurring segments like Thank You Notes. Today's popular musical guests also stop by to perform alongside house band The Roots.
Kel Mitchell & Kenan Thompson
Stars of Good Burger 2
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade VIP Guest Attendees”
Dexter Reed and cashier Ed reunite at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees.
Follow Kel Mitchell on IG https://www.instagram.com/iamkelmitchell/
Follow Kenan Thompson on IG https://www.instagram.com/kenanthompson/
Spirit of America Productions
Cheerleaders
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade Marchers & Performers”
Spirit of America Productions, formerly known as Mike Miller & Associates Special Events, is a cheerleading and dance agency that serves as the exclusive provider of cheerleaders and dancers to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Ydanis Rodriguez
NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner
Event: 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade l 11.23.2023
Location: Manhattan, NY
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
Ydanis Rodríguez is the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation and a politician who formerly represented the 10th district on the New York City Council. A Democrat who was first elected to the City Council in 2009, Rodríguez was re-elected in 2013 and 2017.
Angelo Venuto & Lisa Messina
Italian Duet Singers
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Main Stage Performer”
Back by popular demand, Angelo Venuto and Lisa Messina returns to the stage to perform a much-anticipated duet. Angelo and Lisa are an ever-popular fan-favorite at many annual Italian festivals in New York City, including the San Gennaro Feast in Manhattan and the Santa Rosalia Festival in Brooklyn.
Follow Angelo on IG @https://www.instagram.com/angelovoicesvenuto/
Follow Lisa on IG @https://www.instagram.com/lisamessina2022/
Arthur L. Aidala
NYS Attorney & Media Personality
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
AIDALA, ESQ. Founding Partner & Trial Attorney of Aidala Bertuna & Kamins PC, Chairman of Gotham Government Relations, Host of The Arthur Aidala Power Hour on AM970 The Answer, and an On-Air TV & Radio Legal Analyst. Arthur is 2022 recipient of the President's Award and Past President of the Brooklyn Bar Association.
Beth Paretta
Owner of Paretta Motorsports
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Grand Marshall”
Automotive Hall of Fame Inductee. Beth Paretta is a trailblazer in the racing industry, known for her innovative ideas and passion for motorsports. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive and racing industries, she has become a prominent figure, breaking barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Owner of Paretta Autosport, just became an Italian Citizen/Dual Citizenship.
Christopher Macchio
international Classical-Crossover Vocalist
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Main Stage Performer”
Chris is known globally for his command performances from the White House balcony on LIVE International Television. He has 10 consecutive annual sold-out concerts as one of the three New York Tenors at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, solo guest appearances with legendary producer David Foster (producer of Andrea Bocelli), and a PBS-TV concert special Bell’Aria: Live from Las Vegas. He regularly performs to sold-out crowds in New York, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Miami and Los Angeles, and this winter will be featured in two major Hollywood films to be released in 2022, one being the Untitled Cabrini Film on the life of Mother Cabrini, starring John Lithgow, and another called DON Q starring Armand Assante. He has also been featured singing live from the National Museum
Don DeCarlo
Attorney and long-standing CCFDN member
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American heritage on New York's Fifth Avenue since 1929.
Eric Adams
Mayor of NYC
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain
Ernie Anastos
Lifetime Emmy Award Winner Radio and TV News Anchor
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Parade Participant”
Ernie Anastos is a distinguished Emmy Award-winning TV news legend in New York. He is also a celebrated and published author. Ernie is recognized as a champion for promoting more positive news and an influential voice in the media world. His wonderful personality and charming demeanor speak volumes for the warm, caring and selfless individual he really is.
He has gained national experience as a news anchor and substitute host for 'ABC’s “Good Morning America' and the 'CBS Morning News.' He has created and hosted information programs for CBS, Lifetime and ABC as well as appeared in major motion pictures and primetime dramas including “Independence Day” and “Summer of Sam.”
Giada Valenti
World Renowned Italian Singer
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"ABC7NY Special Guest Co-Host”
She is most known for her stunning music special “From Venice With Love,” which aired nationally on PBS television. The airings of her PBS special made it possible for her to do concerts in Performing Arts Centers and Theaters all around the country. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019.
Janet DiFiore
Retired Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York.
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
DiFiore to Become First-Ever Judge to Receive Columbia Business School's Deming Cup | New York Law Journal
Joe Piscopo
Actor, Comedian, Radio Talk Show Host & Former SNL Cast Member
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"ABC7NY Special Guest Co-Host”
Television, film, theater, night club- they are all arenas in which Mr. Joe Piscopo has won the acclaim and affection of millions. For decades, Joe has proven to be one of show business’ brightest lights. After a career as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Joe turned to comedy. He was chosen to join a newly formed ensemble charged with one of the most difficult tasks in TV history- replacing the original cast of Saturday Night Live.
Louis Tallarini
Former President of The Columbus Citizens Foundation
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American heritage on New York's Fifth Avenue since 1929.
Matt Tallarini
Former Semi-Pro Baseball Player & Founder of The World Baseball Network
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Guest Attendee”
Matt is a lifelong baseball enthusiast. After college Matt pitched semi pro baseball with the Pelham Mets in Pelham, New York for four years. Matt pitched in the 2018 Semi Pro World Series with the Mets. During the pandemic and the political upheaval of the past two years Matt became a fan of International Baseball. World Baseball Network and Worldbaseball.com became Matt’s way to promote and inform the baseball world about all the great international baseball activity in the America’s, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Far East. World Baseball Network is designed to be not only informative on the international level but to also be a source of fan memorabilia and team mementos from all over the world.
Romina Perri
Italian Singer & Rising Star
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Main Stage Performer”
Fourteen-year-old Romina Perri's dazzling voice will leave you speechless. Earlier this year, Romina performed with Al Bano in Verona, Italy, and soon will be featured as a special guest in Gigi D’Alessio's World Tour in October.
The Sicilian Tenors
World Renowned Group / Members: Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio & Sam Vitale
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Main Stage Performer”
The Sicilian Tenors take their audiences on a romantic journey from Hollywood to Broadway to Italy with beautiful tenor voices singing a wide variety of marvelous songs that America loves. Combined with light-hearted fun, they always provide a great show for everyone. They have an award winning program airing on PBS / Public Television Stations around the country. The Sicilian Tenors perform across the United States, and their music is available on all major outlets worldwide. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, NBC’s Saturday Night Live studio for a worldwide Comcast Special, multiple venues in Las Vegas, and have sung patriotic songs at major sporting events for MLB, NFL, and NHL games, as well as headlining at the country’s largest Italian Festivals to include those in Milwaukee, Detroit, Kansas City, San Diego, Miami, Boston, New York City, and many more.
Thomas DiNapoli
NYS Comptroller
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Thomas is an American politician serving as the 54th and current New York State Comptroller since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed by a bipartisan majority of the New York State Legislature to the position of comptroller on February 7, 2007
Vanessa Racci
Italian Singer, Producer and Voice teacher known as the “Jazzy Italian”
Event: 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade l 10.9.2023
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Float Performer”
Vanessa Racci is a singer, producer and voice teacher with over 25 years of professional performance experience. She offers a range of shows that span jazz, theater and Italian American music genres with unique show production, edutainment and a distinct retro image. She has produced an album and currently performs several shows that celebrate American jazz composers, Italian American music and their contributions to jazz and pop in the US.
Alex Birsh
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Playbill
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Bryan Campione
Creative Director & Executive Producer at Playbill
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Chris Richie
Future Broadway Star and 2nd Runner Up of the Prudential Stages on Broadway "Now What" Contest
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Richard Parkinson
Chief Branding Officer at Prudential
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Tom Harris
President of The Times Square Alliance
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Zalah Vallien
Future Broadway Star and 1st Runner Up of the Prudential Stages on Broadway "Now What" Contest
Event: 3rd Annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival l 9.8 Thru 9.10.2023
Location: Times Square, NYC
This was a 3 Day Festival in the heart of Times Square featuring some of Broadway’s hottest stars and future stars, including Brittney Johnson of WICKED The Musical with a finale concert hosted by the star of The Cottage on Broadway Eric McCormack aired live on ABC7 NY
Chuck Schumer
NY State Senator & Senate Majority Leader
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
A member of the Democratic Party, Schumer is in his fourth Senate term, having held his seat since 1999, and is the senior United States senator from New York.
Curtis Sliwa
Founder of The Guardian Angels & 2021 Republican Mayoral Candidate
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
The Guardian Angels is a non-profit international volunteer organization with the goal of unarmed crime prevention. The Guardian Angels organization was founded on February 13, 1979, in New York City
Eric Adams
Mayor of NYC
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
He is an American politician and former law enforcement officer serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since January 1, 2022.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney General
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Manny Perez
Actor
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
Dominican American actor who has appeared in the television series Third Watch and in the film Washington Heights. He is the cousin of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz.
Mark D. Levine
Manhattan Borough President
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
He is also the an educator, chair of the City Council Health Committee and former chair of the City Council’s Parks Committee.
Pierina Sanchez
NYC Councilwoman
Event: 2023 National Dominican Day Parade l 8.13.2023
Location: 6th Ave, NYC
American politician from the Bronx, New York City. Since 2022, Sanchez has represented the 14th district on the New York City Council, encompassing Kingsbridge, Fordham, University Heights, and Tremont.
Andrew Van Den Houten
Producer
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Producer
Award Winning Producer Andrew van den Houten is a native New Yorker born and raised on the Upper West Side. Receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Stephen King and Roger Ebert, his work has been recognized worldwide by Sundance Film Festival, The Independent Spirit Awards, SXSW, Fantastic Fest, Deauville American Film Festival, Sitges, FrightFest and many more.
Chase W. Dillon
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Guest
Chase is the Co-Star of the 2023 Film “Haunted Mansion” along with Tiffany Haddish, Danny Devito, Owen Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rosario Dawson, Winona Ryder & much more..set to premiere in theaters on July 28, 2023. Other credits include The Harder They Fall (2021), The Underground Railroad (2021) and The Book of Clarence (2023).
Garrett Lee Hendricks
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Duke / Prosecutor
GARRETT LEE HENDRICKS is an actor who works off-Broadway, and in regional theater, television, and film. He can be seen in the webseries 47 Secrets to a Younger You, feature films The Paragon Cortex and Uncaged. Favorite roles include of course Lewis, Caleb in Miss Evers' Boys, and Jackie Robinson in Stealin' Home.
Han Soto
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Alex / Tech Villian
Han is a BAFTA Nominee. He plays Gabe Chen in “Life is Strange game, “True Colors” & Pham Minh Thao on Cobra Kai Series Season 3
Jason Mitchell
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Sean Samuels
Jason Mitchell is an American actor. Mitchell started his career acting in minor roles in films such as the action-thriller Contraband, and the neo-noir Broken City. He is best known for portraying rapper Eazy-E in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton.
Johnny Messner
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: John Stryker / Judicial Officer
Johnny Messner is an American film and television actor best known for his portrayal of a muscular military man in the 2004 film Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid
Lance Gross
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Gabriel aka Black Caesar
Lance Darnell Gross is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Calvin Payne on the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne and OWN sitcom Tyler Perry's The Payne’s, as well as appearing in other Tyler Perry productions such as the Meet the Browns (2008) film and Tyler Perry's Temptations: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013). He also co-starred in 2010's Our Family Wedding alongside Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, America Ferrera, and Regina King. He also starred as Secret Service Agent Marcus Finley in NBC's political drama Crisis.
Naturi Naughton Lewis
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Judge Jaeda King
Naturi Cora Maria Naughton-Lewis is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Naughton is best known as one-third of the R&B group 3LW and for her acting roles in the films Fame and Notorious, playing rapper Lil' Kim in the latter film and Starz Drama series “POWER”
Nicholas Turturro
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Jerry / Sean Samuels Attorney
Nicholas Turturro Jr. is an American actor, known for his roles in New York City based films and on the television series Blue Bloods and NYPD Blue. He has collaborated with director Spike Lee since the late 1980s, starting with voice work for Do the Right Thing, and playing a supporting role in BlacKkKlansman.
Shiobann Amisial
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Salima / Villain and Love Interest of Gabriel aka Black Caesar
This is Shiobann’s First Featured Film. She is best known for Bel-Air (2022), Grand Crew (2021) and Escape the Night (2016).
Tobias Truvillion
Actor
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Cast Member Role: Gerald King / Husband to Judge Jaeda King
Tobias is an actor and producer, best known for Brooklyn's Finest (2009), One Life to Live (1968) and Hitch (2005).
Victor Colicchio
Actor, Screenwriter , Singer/Songwriter & Musician
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Guest
Along with being the writer of “Summer of Sam” Victor is famously known for his roles in the Goodfellas, Inside Man, The Brave One, The Sopranos, The BlacKkKlansman & much more..
Wes Miller
Director
“Call Her King” Red Carpet Movie Premiere l 6.28.2023 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theater I Harlem, NYC
“Call Her King” Film Director
Miller is an award winning filmmaker who worked as a civil rights trial lawyer and completely left the practice of law in 2015 and began completely honing his skills as a visual storyteller.
His previously film “A Day to Die” starred Bruce Willis, Leon & Kevin Dillion
By many, Wes Miller is predicted to be a future Oscar Winner in Hollywood.
A.C. Dumlao
Athlete Ally Chief of Staff
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
2023 NYC Pride March Grand Marshall
Queer trans non-binary genderqueer neurodivergent first-generation Filipino-American intersectional artist and advocate.
Allen Roskoff
President of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Legendary gay rights activist who has been a leader in the LGBT and social justice movements for over five decades. Roskoff achieved many early victories for the LGBT movement, including co-authoring the nation’s first gay rights bill.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan
44th Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
He is a primary care physician, epidemiologist and public health expert with nearly 20 years of experience working to improve health (mental+physical), social welfare, and public policy for vulnerable populations
Billy Porter
Actor, Singer, Writer, and Director.
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
2023 NYC Pride March Grand Marshall
Billy is A GRAMMY, EMMY, AND TONY AWARD WINNER. Before embarking on a career as a mainstream pop vocalist, Billy Porter built a substantial reputation as a theatrical singer in Broadway productions such as Grease and Smokey Joe's Cafe. He made his initial impact by placing 'Love Is On The Way' on the soundtrack to the film First Wives' Club, in 1996.
Chuck Schumer
NY State Senator & U.S. Senate Majority Leader
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
A member of the Democratic Party, Schumer is in his fourth Senate term, having held his seat since 1999, and is the senior United States senator from New York.
Donovan Richards
Queens Borough President
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Politician serving as the Borough President of Queens. He is also a former New York City Council member, having represented the 31st district. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Eric Adams
Mayor of NYC
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since January 1, 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain.
Eva Pilgrim
ABC News Correspondent & Co-Anchor of GMA3
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Eva Pilgrim is co-anchor of “GMA3” What You Need to Know” and an ABC News correspondent based in New York. Her reports can be seen across multiple ABC News programs and platforms, including “20/20", "Good Morning America", "Nightline" and "World News Tonight with David Muir".
Gio Benitez
ABC News Broadcast Journalist & Co-Anchor of Good Morning America
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Gio Benitez is an American broadcast journalist and correspondent for ABC News, who appears on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, 20/20, and Nightline. He also hosts the Fusion collaboration version of Nightline. He has won three television news Emmy awards. On April 9, 2020, he was promoted to Transportation Correspondent, operating from New York and DC.
On September 8, 2020, he hosted a special season finale for the sixteenth season of the ABC program What Would You Do?
Hope Giselle
National Organizer, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist and Trans Activist
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
2023 NYC Pride March Grand Marshall
Miami native Hope Giselle got her start in activism and facilitation while in College at Alabama State University. Helping to found and govern the conservative schools FIRST LGBT organization. Giselle graduated with a BFA, and Masters in Fine Arts as the first openly trans woman to do so at her Alma Matter Alabama State University and hit the ground running with her modern social take on trans and black bodies in public spaces. The author (Becoming Hope:Removing the Disguise) and activist has now founded her own non profit organization (AllowMe) and works with organizations like HRC, freedom for all Americans, and LGBT University to help ensure that the voices of the communities she's apart of is heard. Giselle is definitely a force the world should be aware of.
Joely Fisher
Actor & Singer
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Joely Fisher is an American actress and singer, the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Connie Stevens, and half-sister of actress Carrie Fisher. Her breakthrough came in 1994, starring as Paige Clark in the ABC sitcom Ellen, for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination.
She is presently the secretary-treasurer of SAG/AFTRA assigned by President Fran Drescher
Kalie Kaimann
Actor
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Kalie is famously known for her role as Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” National Tour.
Kirsten Gillibrand
New York U.S. Senator
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Kirsten Elizabeth Gillibrand is an American lawyer and politician serving as the junior United States senator from New York since 2009. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2009
Laura Marano
Actor & Recording Artist
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Laura Marie Marano is an American actress and singer. She is known for her role in the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally as Ally Dawson. Marano was one of the five original classmates in Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?. She starred in Without a Trace for three seasons and Back to You.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney General
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Michelle Hurd
Actor
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
Michelle Hurd is an American actress best known for her work in television. She first received recognition for portraying Monique Jeffries in the police procedural series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Other credits include Blindspot (2015), Star Trek: Picard (2020) and The Glades (2010).
Randolph “Randy” Wicker
Author, Activist & Blogger
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
2023 NYC Pride March Grand Marshall
Notable for his involvement in the early homophile and gay liberation movements, Wicker has documented the early years and many of the key figures of the LGBT activist communities, primarily in New York City.
Yasmin Benoit
British Model & Award-Winning Asexual Activist
“INTERVIEW COMING SOON!”
2023 NYC Pride March l 6.25.2023 I Broadway, NYC
2023 NYC Pride March Grand Marshall
Yasmin Benoit is an English model, activist, and writer. She has promoted the visibility of asexuality, aromanticism, and of LGBTQIA+ people of colour and has worked as a lingerie and alternative model.
Chuck Schumer
NY State Senator & U.S. Senate Majority Leader
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
A member of the Democratic Party, Schumer is in his fourth Senate term, having held his seat since 1999, and is the senior United States senator from New York.
Curtis Sliwa
Founder of The Guardian Angels
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Founder of The Guardian Angels & Republican nominee for the 2021 New York City mayoral election
Eric Adams
Mayor of NYC
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since January 1, 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain.
Erica Levy Rivera
Media Personality & TV Producer
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Wife of Geraldo Rivera, Co-host: "Geraldo In Cleveland" at WTAM1100 and "Roadkill" podcast. Planned Parenthood and Anti-Defamation League Board member.
Frankie Cutlass
DJ & Music Producer
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Frank Javiel Malave, better known by his stage name Frankie Cutlass, is an American award- winning platinum DJ, Artist, Producer, Writer and Remixer from Harlem, New York, United States. He is best known for his hits "Puerto Rico Ho" and "Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya."
Geraldo Rivera
Media Personality
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Geraldo Rivera is an American journalist, attorney, author, political commentator, and co-host of The Five on Fox News Channel. He hosted the tabloid talk show Geraldo from 1987 to 1998. He gained publicity with the live 1986 TV special The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults.
Giselle Blondet
Actress
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Puerto Rican actress and TV host. She also founded the non-profit organization "Fundación Arte por La Paz"
She is currently the host of “La Mesa Caliente” on Telemundo and former host of Univision’s “Nuestra Belleza Latina”
Ismael Cruz Cordova
Actor
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Ismael Enrique Cruz Córdova is a Puerto Rican actor who gained national attention playing Mando on Sesame Street. Cruz also had a role in the Showtime original series Ray Donovan, and in the third season of Berlin Station, as Rafael Torres, an SOG operative. He also plays Arondir in the TV series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, released in September 2022 on Amazon Prime.
José Luis Dalmau Santiago
State Senator & President of The Senate of Puerto Rico
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Jose is an attorney and politician. He is the current President of the Senate of Puerto Rico. On February of 2023, he announced that he was evaluating the possibility of a PDP candidacy for governor of Puerto Rico in the 2024 elections.
Judy Torres
The Queen of Freestyle
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
A motivated, dedicated and professional artist, Judy Torres has had a singing career spanning over three decades. Honored with the title, Queen of Freestyle, given by her fans, she released two studio albums: Love Story and My Soul on Profile Records, resulting in numerous hit singles on radio stations nationwide, including No Reason To Cry, Come Into My Arms, Love You Will You Love Me, Love Story, Please Stay Tonight, Every Little Lie, and I Love You For All Seasons. And since 2006, she’s had more hit singles to add, including, Faithfully, Stay, Hell No, Beautiful Life, and in 2022, Judy released her debut salsa single, Aléjate. Judy has also performed in world-famous arenas such as Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. Torres has shared stages with musical icons, including Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Tito Puente, Jerry Rivera, Deborah Cox and Tayor Dayne.
Click Here for Full Bio https://www.judytorres.com/
Jumaane Williams
Justice, Equality Activist & Politician
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney General
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Louis Molina
Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction.
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
American police officer and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction. He was formerly the Chief of the City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety and detective with the New York Police Department.
Silverio Perez
Puerto Rican musician, writer, comedian, entrepreneur and broadcasting media host
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
Silverio Perez is from Puerto Rico. He is a comedian, writer, motivational speaker, singer, musician, composer, chemical engineer and father of 5 children. He creator of the concept "Humortivation" (motivation with humor). From 1971 to the present, he is an icon of Puerto Rican television and radio, having created innumerable highly successful programs in both media. As a musician he co-founded the nueva trova group Haciendo punto en otro son . His political satire scripts have been staged in Los Rayos Gamma shows since the 1980s and in recent performances of the musical theater genre such as Laughter Parties. Until recently he was the host of the television program ¿Qué es lo que hay? by the public station WIPR-TV.
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.11.2023 I 5th Ave, NYC
American politician who has served as the Borough President of The Bronx since 2022. She served as a member of the New York City Council, representing the 16th district from 2014 to 2021. A Democrat, she was elected Bronx Borough President in November 2021 to a four-year term beginning January 2022, running on a platform focused on recovery from COVID-19 impact, food insecurity and housing instability. She is the first female and first African American Bronx Borough President.
Bobby Digi Olisa
Founder of The Canvas Institute
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Bobby founded the Canvas Institute and Island Voice to service and advocate for immigrant and underserved communities on the North Shore of Staten Island where he grew up.
CJ Wallace Jr.
Actor / Entrepreneur
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Christopher George "C. J." Latore Wallace Jr. (born October 29, 1996), also known by his stage names Lil Biggie Smalls and Lil Biggie, is an American actor. He is commonly referred to as Christopher Jordan Wallace. He is the son of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G and American singer Faith Evans.
Cormega
Hip Hop Artist
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Cory McKay (born December 3, 1970), better known by his stage name Cormega, is an American rapper who attained notice when he was shouted out by Nas on his song "One Love", from the critically acclaimed 1994 album Illmatic. The album was released during Cormega's time in prison, but the mention sparked his career and created anticipation for his own rapping.
Disco Twins
Legendary Hip Hop DJ’s
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Acknowledged by producers and deejays alike as the most significant, and influential music on the scene for the past 43 years:
Jarrod Whitaker
Former Business Manager to DJ Kay Slay “RIP”
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Jarrod Whitaker is the Founder and CEO of Direct Managing Solutions LLC. He has worked in the real estate industry for the past 16 years. He has successfully executed ground-up construction projects and leases up of luxury residential projects over $3 Billion. He is also the former Business Manager to the Legendary DJ Kay Slay “RIP” and He is currently on the board of the UHHM.
Klept
Hip Hop Artist & member of Junior M.A.F.I.A.
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Junior M.A.F.I.A. was an American hip hop group from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City. The backronym M.A.F.I.A. stands for Masters At Finding Intelligent Attitudes. They were formed and mentored by New York rapper The Notorious B.I.G. In 1995, they released their debut album, Conspiracy. The success of the group's singles "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" helped launch the career of Lil' Kim as a solo artist.
Kool DJ Red Alert
Hip Hop Legend, DJ & Music Producer
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Frederick Crute, known professionally as Kool DJ Red Alert, is an American disc jockey who rose to fame on WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM in New York City and is recognized as one of the founding fathers of hip hop music and culture. His weekly radio show airs on WBLS 107.5 FM from Monday to Saturday at 6pm EST.
Laurie Cumbo
Politician and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Laurie Angela Cumbo previously served as majority leader in the New York City Council and represented the City Council’s 35th district for eight years. She wrote over forty laws and resolutions in that role, including creating the first-ever Mayor’s Office to End Gun Violence and the Mayor’s Office of Victim Services.
Lil’ Cease
Hip Hop Artist & Member of Junior M.A.F.I.A.
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
As part of Junior M.A.F.I.A., Cease's first album Conspiracy was released in 1995. He gained mainstream attention with a memorable verse on "Player's Anthem", the album's highest charting single. Frequent name dropping from mentor The Notorious B.I.G. throughout Cease's career helped keep the young rapper in the spotlight.
Maino
Hip Hop Artist
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Maino’s debut single "Hi Hater" peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Rap Songs. His follow-up, "All the Above," features American singer T-Pain and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). To date Maino has sold just under 4 million digital singles globally
Currently Maino has been consistently dropping new singles, collaborations, he has been seen on Way Up with Yee hosted by the former Breakfast Club Co-Host Angela Yee and also represents one of the top female MC’s in the game Lola Brooke.
Nikko London
TV personality, Singer and Record Producer.
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Nikko is a rapper, record producer and personal trainer & reality tv star originally from Brooklyn, New York. He is famously known as a supporting cast member on seasons three and four of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. He was Introduced in the second season as the new boyfriend to Mimi Faust. He is the catalyst to the falling out between Mimi and K Michelle. Nikko appears in season three as a major antagonist, chronicling the release of the "leaked" sextape between him and Mimi. He returns as the main antagonist of season four, coming into conflict with his ex Mimi, he tries to prove his innocence in the sextape scandal.
Papoose
Hip Hop Artist & President of Tunecore’s Hip Hop Division
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Papoose is well known for his freestyles and prolific mixtape output. He was recently rated as the world’s Top 25 Emcees of ALL-TIME by Boom Bap Nation.
TuneCore, the leading development partner for self-releasing artists—owned by Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies—has announced a new partnership with legendary rapper Papoose, naming him Head of Hip-Hop for the company. In his new role, Papoose will report directly to Andreea Gleeson, Chief Executive Officer, TuneCore and will lead the company’s Artist Ambassador program for Hip-Hop and Rap, scouting rising talents on behalf of TuneCore, overseeing artist education and career advice workshops, and acting as a brand advisor for TuneCore’s new programs and innovative technology launches.
Rocky Bucano
Executive Director of The Universal Hip Hop Museum
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Rocky Bucano is Executive Director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Inc a 501(c)(3) tax exempt cultural arts and educational institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Hip Hop Culture.
Rocky is also a licensed insurance broker specializing in Medicare health plans.
Pete NIce
Hip Hop Legend
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Known as “The Prime Minister” member of the group 3rd Bass & Co-Curator of The Universal Hip-Hop Museum
Poke
Former Bronx Borough President
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
The Trackmasters are an American hip hop production duo composed of music producers Poke (Jean-Claude Olivier) and Tone (Samuel Barnes), best known for their commercial hit records in the mid-late 1990s and early 2000s. Frank "Nitty" Pimentel joined forces with the duo to complete the success of "Trackmasters". Throughout their career, they have worked with various hip-hop and R&B artists including Destiny's Child, Nas, R. Kelly, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Will Smith, Jay-Z, Cam'ron, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, The Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent.
Known for their commercially successful singles and many remixes, they have collectively earned over seven gold and twenty platinum plaques throughout their career. They were ranked 6th in Vibe magazine's "Greatest Hip-Hop Producers of All Time" in the 'Mass Appeal' category.
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Former Bronx Borough President
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
A politician who served as the 13th borough president of The Bronx in New York City from 2009 to 2021. He was elected in April 2009 and reelected in 2013 and 2017. He previously served in the New York State Assembly.
Ruben now serves on the board of Trustees at the Universal Hip Hop Museum
Shelley Wade
Media Personality at 94.7 The Block NYC
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
An accomplished and versatile media personality, Shelley’s graced the airwaves of legendary radio stations like 97.9 The Box Houston, 104.3 MYfm Los Angeles, and she was the first African American to ever host a full-time show on Z100 New York. Also a TV personality and entertainment journalist, Shelley has appeared on the Today Show on NBC, The Talk on CBS, the Steve Harvey Show, CNN, MSNBC, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition and more. Shelley has been quoted in Time Magazine, the New York Daily News, People Magazine, the Associated Press and many other publications on pop culture news.
Host of the All The Way With Shelley Wade® and All The Rage With Shelley Wade® podcasts & digital reports, Shelley has interviewed boldface names like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Maroon 5, Will Smith, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Jon Bon Jovi, Coldplay, P. Diddy, Lenny Kravitz, Janet Jackson and more.
Shirt King Phade
Fashion Designer
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
In the early days of hip hop, a graffiti artist from New York known as Shirt King Phade created a following with his custom airbrushed t-shirts. In the Eighties, Edwin “Phade” Sacasa transferred his passion for graffiti from the surface of trains to the surface of t- shirts.
Fabric became his new canvas and soon enough, Shirt King Phade, along with his partners “the Shirt Kings”, transferred street culture and street art onto clothing becoming the first to commercialize their graffiti. Some say this was the birth of the streetwear concept.
Sweet Tee
Hip Hop Artist
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Sweet Tee would be part of the crew of producer Hurby Azor "Idol Makers" along with She scored minor chart success with her debut album, It's Tee Time in 1988, which peaked at No. 31 on the US Billboard R&B chart. She scored four chart hit singles from her debut album. These included "I Got da Feelin'" (No. 48 US R&B, No. 31 UK Singles Chart), "On the Smooth Tip" (No. 36 US R&B) and "Why Did It Have to Be Me". In the UK, "It's Like That Y'All" peaked in the Top 40
T-Money
Former Co-Host of Yo! MTV Raps
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Yo! MTV Raps was the first hip hop music show on the MTV network that produced a mix of rap videos, interviews with rap stars & live in-studio performances Co-Hosted by Ed Lover, Doctor Dre, Fab 5 Freddy & T-Money. You can now catch T-Money on his new podcast Tha' T-Money Podcast Joint feat. Ciara Ross
Taliyah Whitaker
Actress
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Taliyah Whitaker is a young Hollywood actress. She is famously known for playing the role of young Roxanne Shante in Netflix “Roxanne Roxanne”. You can currently see her as playing young Queen Latifah in the Equalizer on CBS.
Tony Wave Wesley
A.K.A. Mr. Wave
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Mrwavedance formally of the New York City Breakers, Dancer,Producer and activist
Tracey J. Jordan
Music & Entertainment Executive, Manager & Publicist
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Tracey J. Jordan has a vast experience in music management. Noted for working with Clive Davis and Arista Records, Motown Records, Soul by the Sea, MTV, Yo! MTV Raps, Motown Cafe, ABKCO Records, SiriusXM Radio, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and much more.
Tuffy Questell
Actor & Casting Director
“Sky’s The Limit” Celebrating the Life of The Notorious B.I.G. presented by The Universal Hip Hop Museum in partnership with The City of New York l 5.21.2023 I The Edge at Hudson Yards l Brooklyn, NYC
Tuffy has been an actor & casting director for the better part of 30+ years. He has been seen as a regular in great episodic shows like HBO's How To Make it in America, The Bronx, & Nickleodeons The Naked Brothers Band. He's been in many great films & shorts as well. He has done casting for award winning & critically acclaimed Directors such as Spike Lee, Jeymes Samuel, Jim Sheridan, Gary Winick, Gina Prince- Bythewood, and of course Sidney Lumet who referred to Tuffy as his go to guy in the late 90s
David Byrne
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Record Producer, Actor, Writer, Music Theorist, Visual Artist, and Filmmaker
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
He was a founding member, principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of the American new wave band Talking Heads
Byrne has released solo recordings and worked with various media including film, photography, opera, fiction, and non-fiction. He has received an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, a Special Tony Award, and a Golden Globe Award, and he is an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Talking Heads
Gbenga Akinnagbe
Actor & Writer
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Gbenga can currently be seen in Season 2 of F/X “The Old Man”. He portrays "Julian Carson," a highly trained special ops contractor sent to hunt down Dan Chase, with whom he shares many similarities.
He is best known for his roles as Chris Partlow on the HBO series The Wire and as Larry Brown on the HBO series The Deuce.
Gina Duncan
President of The Brooklyn Academy of Music “BAM”
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Duncan joined BAM’s executive team in January 2017 as Associate Vice President, Film—a newly created role overseeing BAM Rose Cinemas and the institution’s repertory film program. In 2019, she was promoted to Vice President, Film and Strategic Programming, adding Humanities and Archives to her portfolio. Duncan also served as interim head of Marketing and Communications during the first six months of the pandemic and led BAM’s curatorial team in transitioning to programs online to reach audiences across the nation.
In 2020 She became the Producing Director of the Sundance Institute and returned to BAM in 2022 and became the President of the Academy
Roger Guenveur Smith
Actor, Director, and Writer
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Roger is best known for his collaborations with Hollywood Director Spike Lee.
He has appeared in films such as School Daze, Do the Right Thing, King of New York, Panther, Malcolm X, Poetic Justice, Get On The Bus, Eve's Bayou, He Got Game, and Summer of Sam. During the 1990s, he had a recurring role on A Different World and much more…
St. Vincent (Annie Clark)
Singer, Musician, and Songwriter
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Her music is noted for its complex arrangements utilizing a wide array of instruments. St. Vincent is the recipient of various accolades, including three Grammy Awards
In 2012, St. Vincent released Love This Giant, an album made in collaboration with David Byrne of Talking Heads.
Besides music, St. Vincent has written and directed a segment in the 2017 anthology horror film XX. She also co-wrote and starred in the psychological thriller film The Nowhere Inn (2020).
Tamron Hall
Broadcast Journalist and TV Talk Show Host
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Tamron is famously known as the Emmy Winning Daytime Talk Show Host of the Tamron Hall Show that airs on ABC7.
Hall was formerly a national news correspondent for NBC News, daytime anchor for MSNBC, host of the program MSNBC Live with Tamron Hall, and a co-host of Today's Take, the third hour of Today
Woody McClain
Actor & Dancer
2023 Bam Gala Honoring Spike Lee, David Byrne & Claire Wood l 5.10.2023 I Brooklyn Academy of Music l Brooklyn, NYC
Woody can be seen in BET's The New Edition Story as the lead role, playing Bobby Brown. Whereafter he signed on to reprise his role as Bobby Brown in BET's Bobby Brown Story.
He also portrays Cane Tejada on the Starz original crime drama Power Book II: Ghost.
As a Dancer he has performed with numerous artists including Chris Brown and Fifth Harmony
Allan Houston
Former NY Knick, NBA All-Star & Olympic Gold Medalist
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Allan Houston is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 to 2005. A shooting guard, Houston played nine seasons for the New York Knicks; he was a member of the Knicks' 1999 NBA Finals team. Houston made the NBA All-Star Team twice and also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Ann-Margaret Carrozza
Estate Attorney, TV Legal Contributor & Former NYS Assemblywoman
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Ann-Margaret E. Carrozza is an American lawyer and politician from New York, who was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1997 to 2010. She has appeared in numerous episodes of the Dr. Phil Show. She recently was seen on the Maria Bartiromo show and had the opportunity to discuss the Britney Spears case
Bobby Shmurda
Hip Hop Artist
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Bobby Shmurda known as the INTERNATIONAL BODMON, rose to international fame in 2014 when his song "Hot Nigga" peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.The success of the single led to Shmurda signing a deal with Epic Records. His debut EP, Shmurda She Wrote, was released in November 2014.
Dave Huie
Founder of UNK NBA & CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
UNK brand and its imprint on NBA fashion began as a grassroots, underground hustle, but it blossomed into a multi-million dollar company, along with being the CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group, which was dedicated and named after his mother, Violet Kathleen.
Erica Ford
Founder of Life Camp Inc.
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
”We are a frontline gun violence prevention and intervention team making our communities safer.”
LIFE Camp provides youth and families that have been impacted by violence the valuable tools they need to stay in school and out of the criminal justice system. We provide programs and other holistic approaches to reinforce self-esteem and respect for life among one another and also connect and mobilize youth to prevent and heal from violence in New York City’s most underserved communities. “””We are a frontline gun violence prevention and intervention team making our communities safer.”
To learn more about Life Camp & Founder Erica Ford, please click go to their website!
Herb Williams
Former NY Knicks Player & Coach
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Herbert L. Williams is an American former basketball player in the National Basketball Association for eighteen seasons from 1981 to 1999. Williams served as the interim head coach and the assistant coach of the NBA's New York Knicks. He was last an assistant coach for the New York Liberty of the WNBA
Jeff Redd
Grammy Award Winning New Jack Swing-style R&B Recording Artist
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Jeff Redd is a Grammy, American Music, Soul Train, and Billboard award winning recording artist, best known for his mega-hit single, “You Called and Told Me” from the Strictly Business soundtrack starring Halle Berry, Tommy Davidson, Samuel L Jackson & Joseph C. Phillips.
FUN FACT: Redd, after hearing a performance tape of this iconic R&B Legend, Redd helped her get signed to Uptown Records and she then toured with Redd as one of his backup singers. She is none other than Mary J. Blige.
Leon
Hollywood Actor, Producer, Director & Singer
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Leon is best known for his roles as David Ruffin in the TV miniseries The Temptations (1998), J.T. Matthews in the 1991 Robert Townsend film The Five Heartbeats, Derice Bannock in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, Shep in the 1994 basketball drama film Above the Rim, and Little Richard in the 2000 film Little Richard
Leon is currently and also the lead singer of the Reggae Band “Leon and the Peoples”
Melle Mel
Hip Hop Legend
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
Melle Mel is known as a rapper who was the lead vocalist and songwriter of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. A hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. The group's members were Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Scorpio, and Rahiem. They are the 1st Hip Hop Group/Artists to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Sugarhill Gang
Hip Hop Legends Wonder Mike & Master Gee
The 1st Annual “Par 4 Peace” Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Life camp Inc. l 4.24.2023 I North Shore Towers & Country Club l Queens, NYC
The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop duo, originally a trio. Their 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak position of number 36 on January 12, 1980. This was the trio's only U.S. hit, though they did have further success in Europe until the mid-1980s. The trio reformed in 1994 and did a world tour in 2016.
Patrick Lynch
President of the PBA
2023 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.17.2023 I 5th Ave. NYC
NYC Police Union Leader, police officer, and President of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York
Dapper Dan
Fashion Designer Icon
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
fashion designer and haberdasher from Harlem, New York. His influential store, Dapper Dan's Boutique, operated from 1982 to 1992 and is most associated with introducing high fashion to the hip hop world, with his clients over the years including Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z. In 2017, he launched a fashion line with Gucci, with which he opened a second store and atelier, Dapper Dan's of Harlem, in 2018.
Dan is included in Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020
Dave “Unk” Huie
Founder of UNK NBA & CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
UNK brand and its imprint on NBA fashion began as a grassroots, underground hustle, but it blossomed into a multi-million dollar company, along with being the CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group, which was dedicated and named after his mother, Violet Kathleen.
Fat Joe
Hip Hop Legend
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Bronx born Hip Hop artist, actor, podcast host, founder of the Terror Squad & Rap Collaborator with the late Big Pun. Who developed a legendary solo career
He is a 5 Time Grammy Nominee, VMA, Soul Train, BET, Billboard, Teen Choice Award Nominee, just to name a few…
FUBU:
For Us By Us Co-Founders, Carl Brown, J. Alexander Martin & Keith Perrin
Hip Hop Apparel Company
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
The company was founded in 1992 when Daymond John mortgaged his home for $100,000, and with that seed money, the company's co-founders rebuilt half of his home as a factory while the other half remained living space. Clothing store Montego Bay, on Queens' Jamaica Avenue was the first to carry the FUBU line. In the mid-1990s, high-end department store retailer Macy's started stocking FUBU apparel, at one point, featured the four FUBU founders in a live, interactive window display in its flagship store on 34th Street
He than recruited longtime friends J. Alexander Martin and Keith Perrin into the business, and began sewing the FUBU logo onto hockey jerseys, sweatshirts, and T-shirts.
I.C.Y. Inspire Creative Youth - Tyler Bennet
Fashion Designer
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Their mission is to be a force of change, breaking stereotypes, and creating elevation platforms for inner city youth around the world.
Jenny Bui
Nail Technician to Cardi B
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Bronx-based nail artist Jenny Bui has been doing nails for over 21 years. Known for her over-the-top blinged out designs, the self-declared "Queen of Bling" owns and operates two NYC salons, Jenny's Spa in The Bronx and Nails on 7th Ave in Harlem.
Bui's clients travel from all over the world for her signature nail art, like the Swarovski crystal-encrusted designs she's created for Grammy-nominated rapper Cardi B.
Born in Cambodia, Bui fled the Khmer Rouge regime as a child, traveling through Thailand, Vietnam, and Canada. She arrived in New York City in the early 1990s, where she attended cosmetology school and discovered her love, and incredible talent, for nail art.
Ralph McDaniels
Hip Hop Legend
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Video Director, DJ, VJ, Co-Creator & Co-Host of Video Music Box, along with being one of the founding members of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. He is heading up the education department.
Ralph is the creator & executive director of Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” A Fashion show that featured established designers to emerging designers.
Ray Dejon
CEO of Dejon Entertainment
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Currently, Ray DeJon hosts a popular TV music program, Video Music Box. He has interviewed celebrities in sports, music, television and film such as Stevie Wonder, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Hart, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Jamie Foxx and Alicia Keys to name a few.
Prior to Video Music Box, Ray DeJon also hosted Dance Traxx USA, and co-hosted Amateur Night at The Apollo Theater. His long roster includes hosting multiple events such as comedy shows, radio promotions, Black Expo, Harlem week, Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour, Off-Broadway play "Loving Him is Killing Me", Brooklyn Academy of Music and major R&B/Hip-Hop concerts across the country.
Rocky Bucano
Executive Director of The Universal Hip Hop Museum
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Rocky Bucano is Executive Director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Inc a 501(c)(3) tax exempt cultural arts and educational institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Hip Hop Culture.
Rocky is also a licensed insurance broker specializing in Medicare health plans.
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Former Bronx Borough President
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
A politician who served as the 13th borough president of The Bronx in New York City from 2009 to 2021. He was elected in April 2009 and reelected in 2013 and 2017. He previously served in the New York State Assembly.
Ruben now serves on the board of Trustees at the Universal Hip Hop Museum
Shirt Kings
Founder Edwin “Phade” Sacasa & Partners
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
In the early days of hip hop, a graffiti artist from New York known as Shirt King Phade created a following with his custom airbrushed t-shirts. In the Eighties, Edwin “Phade” Sacasa transferred his passion for graffiti from the surface of trains to the surface of t- shirts.
Go to website for Full Bio & Designs
Special Ed
Hip Hop Legend
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Rapper and Producer. Ed is perhaps best known for the songs "I Got It Made", "Think About It" and "I'm the Magnificent" from his debut album Youngest in Charge, released in 1989 when he was 17 years old
Sweet Tee
Hip Hop Artist
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Sweet Tee is a rapper who was signed to Profile Records in the 1980s. Her first single in 1986 was the hit "It's My Beat" featuring DJ Jazzy Joyce
Sweet Tee would be part of the crew of producer Hurby Azor "Idol Makers" along with She scored minor chart success with her debut album, It's Tee Time in 1988, which peaked at No. 31 on the US Billboard R&B chart. She scored four chart hit singles from her debut album. These included "I Got da Feelin'" (No. 48 US R&B, No. 31 UK Singles Chart), "On the Smooth Tip" (No. 36 US R&B) and "Why Did It Have to Be Me". In the UK, "It's Like That Y'All" peaked in the Top 40
T-Money
Hip Hop Legend
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Former Co-Host of MTV’s “Yo’ MTV Raps” The show produced a mix of rap videos, interviews with rap stars, live in-studio performances and comedy.
He is now the Host * Producer of his new podcast entitled Tha T-Money Podcast Joint
Vin Rock
Hip Hop Legend
Event: I Hip Hop Fashion 50 “The Drip” l 2.24.2023
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Times Square, NYC
Rapper & member of the Legendary Hip Hop Group “Naughty by Nature”
John Bianco
Actor & Director
Event: I "15 Days of Kanye" World Premiere Screening & Q&A at the NYCIFF l 1.19.2023
Location: 1350 Avenue of America’s / Dolby Theater, NYC
John is the directed of the award winning documentary “15 Days of Kanye” A Film revolving around bodyguard Steve Stanulis, Kim Kardashian & Kanye West”
John is famously known for his role as Gerry Torciano on the hit HBO Series “The Sopranos”.
Roberto Rizzo and Caroline Johnson
Founders of the NYCIFF
Event: I "15 Days of Kanye" World Premiere Screening & Q&A at the NYCIFF l 1.19.2023
Location: 1350 Avenue of America’s / Dolby Theater, NYC
NYCIFF, New York City International Film Festival was founded in 2008 to celebrate the arts of film.
A 501 C (3) for the Arts, was founded with the purpose to New York City the center of For indie filmmakers in the US and a door to international talents to bring their creativity to USA.
providing opportunities to emerging and established filmmakers, writers, directors and performers giving the New York City platform to showcase their creativity: Films, TV Shows Documentaries and performers to enriches the lives of its citizen while contributing to the Local Economy
Steve Stanulis
Actor, Filmmaker, CEO of Stanulis Films & Former Celebrity Bodyguard
Event: I "15 Days of Kanye" World Premiere Screening & Q&A at the NYCIFF l 1.19.2023
Location: 1350 Avenue of America’s / Dolby Theater, NYC
Steve is the star of the award winning documentary “15 Days of Kanye” A Film revolving around bodyguard Steve Stanulis, Kim Kardashian & Kanye West”
Steve was the former bodyguard of Kim Kardashian & Kanye West. This documentary and the story itself became a dramatic media frenzie all over the news, highlighted on TMZ, ET, Access Weekly and so on….
Taryn Delaney Smith
Miss New York, America 2022
Event: I "15 Days of Kanye" World Premiere Screening & Q&A at the NYCIFF l 1.19.2023
Location: 1350 Avenue of America’s / Dolby Theater, NYC
Taryn competed for the crown of Miss America, representing the great state of NY. where she placed 1st Runner Up
“For six years, I have worked to promote within communities volunteerism, donation and the support of local shelters and the variety of programs they provide. This, paired with continued advocacy for compassionate legislation, as well as increased federal funding for rental assistance, and homelessness grants are necessary actions to change the way we address housing insecurity in America.”
