Busta Rhymes Set to Receive “Hip Hop Icon Award” During 51st Annual HARLEM DAY
Hip Hop’s rich history continues at the 51st annual HARLEM WEEK, as legendary rapper Busta Rhymes is set to receive the prestigious Hip Hop Icon Award
For 50+ years HARLEM WEEK has uplifted Harlem, New York’s culturally influential and impactful residents with cultural programming, resources, and entertainment. Organized in 1974 by Hon. Percy Sutton, the week started as HARLEM DAY: a one-day event created to foster positivity and pull the Harlem community, businesses, religious, educational, arts, and cultural institutions out of the most severe economic and social situation the community and nation had faced in generations.
Proudly declared by the legendary actor, producer, and HARLEM DAY co-founder, Ossie Davis as the “Beginning of the Second Harlem Renaissance”, HARLEM WEEK has been instrumental in providing job opportunities while improving infrastructure, transportation and other areas that directly benefited Harlemites and their neighbors. These days, HARLEM DAY is the final event closing out the week - a series of free, local community events for Harlem and NYC residents. Notable artists that have attended include Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and more.
With a 2025 theme of “Celebrate Our Magic”, this year’s festivities emphasize HARLEM WEEK’s mission of providing a spiritual boost and positivity for Harlem, New York City and the “Harlems of the World”. In addition to a block party honoring legendary DJ and record producer DJ Clark Kent and singer/songwriter Angie Stone, Ray Chew provided a beautiful tribute to Quincy Jones. And that’s on top of a street renaming honoring singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte.
If that’s not enoughfire for you, the kicker is Busta Rhymes being presented with a “Hip Hop Icon Award” during HARLEM DAY by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce executive board, as well as seeing his son performing on stage. So, if you’re in or around Harlem this weekend. Stop by to experience Hip Hop history in real time.
