Brooklyn DA hosts star-studded tribute to 50 years of hip hop

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office on Thursday celebrated Black History Month with a star-studded tribute to 50 years of hip hop.

The event – held at St. Francis College, 179 Livingston St., Brooklyn – featured comedian and writer Mike “Brooklyn Mike” Troy and highlighted music by GRAMMY-nominated R&B performer Eric Roberson and a salute to hip hop, introduced by Rocky Bucano, executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez with gospel singers Timiney Figueroa (L) and Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper.Photo by Brooklyn DA’s Office

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also be honored attorney Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative, and hip hop legend and Blue Bloods cast member Eric B.

“Black music is American music,” Gonzalez said. “Black artists have been present throughout the evolution of music from the start. But, for much of our history, they weren’t given the credit or recognition they deserved.

“Without their creativity, innovation and influence, we wouldn’t have almost any of the popular music genres we enjoy today,” he added.

The annual Black History Month celebration was open to the public.