LL Cool J, Rakim Pay Tribute To Marley Marl At 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards

LL Cool J and Rakim took the stage at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards for an action-packed performance in honor of legendary Hip-Hop producer and pioneer DJ Marley Marl. The recipient of this year’s I Am Hip-Hop Award, the Queens legend was introduced by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, accepting the accolade following a montage of clips detailing his contributions and greatness.

“This started as a dream at 4117 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, Queensbridge,” the 61-year-old told the crowd and viewers at home. He also mentioned his late radio partner and Hip-Hop legend Mr. Magic, who Marley said he’d share the award with.

From there, Rakim and LL rocked the crowd with a raucous set filled with their biggest Marley Marl-produced hits. Backed by a live band along with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Technician The DJ on the turntables, rocking a navy blue New York Yankees hat and tracksuit, The R ran through cuts like “Eric B. Is President” and “Paid In Full,” displaying the regal, yet magnetic presence he’s been known for since landing on the scene decades ago.

Rakim’s exit was followed by the emergence of LL Cool J from beneath the stage, with the Farmers Blvd. rep ripping through jams like “Jiggling Baby,” “Mr. Good Bar,” “Around The Way Girl,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and “Rock The Bells.” Wearing a Black New York Yankees cap, black shirt, and matching pants, LL’s performance brought the crowd to their feet and had the man of the honor in the audience dancing to his own hits and witnessing the joy and euphoria they continue to create decades after the fact.

Hailing from the Queensbridge Projects in New York City, Marley Marl is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal architects of Hip-Hop’s sound during the latter half of the ’80s. Often referred to as the culture’s “Golden Era,” that period saw Marley craft seminal hits for some of the greatest and most influential artists of the decade, LL Cool J and Rakim among them.

Marley Marl was instrumental in the making of Rakim’s and Eric B’s seminal 1987 debut Paid In Full, and famously produced LL Cool J’s 1990 “comeback” album Mama Said Knock You Out. However, his biggest claim to fame in Hip-Hop circles is being a founder of the legendary Juice Crew collective, comprised of Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Masta Ace, Craig G, and more. The chief producer of several timeless rap anthems, the Juice Crew is considered one of the greatest collections of talent in Hip-Hop history.

Marley Marl’s hits continue to be imitated and drawn from decades after the fact, making his recognition as being the epitome of Hip-Hop fitting, particularly in light of the culture’s 50th anniversary.

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