LONG BRANCH, NJ – The North to Shore Music Festival is set to make history as it commemorates 50 years of hip-hop with a groundbreaking performance by legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim.
Taking place on Tuesday, June 13, at 8:00 p.m. EST at the renowned Stone Pony in Asbury Park, this momentous event is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the North to Shore Music Festival.
Eric B. & Rakim rose to prominence during the golden age of hip-hop with their explosive debut “Eric B. is President” in 1986. Their groundbreaking album Paid in Full, renowned for its incorporation of funk and soul samples, left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape. MTV even hailed it as the greatest hip-hop album of all time. Today, Eric B. & Rakim continue to be celebrated as iconic figures in hip-hop, revered for their pioneering contributions to the culture and their definitive sound.
Eric B., a profoundly influential DJ and beatmaker, revolutionized the use of James Brown samples, sparking an enduring fascination with the Godfather of Soul’s extensive discography. Over four decades later, he continues to push boundaries in music, business, and entertainment. Rakim, on the other hand, consistently ranks at the top of fan polls as the greatest MC of all time. Renowned for his poetic lyricism, he weaved intricate metaphors and complex internal rhymes, effortlessly flowing with the beat like a seasoned jazz musician.
Expressing his excitement about the upcoming performance, Eric B. shared, “Performing at the Stone Pony is definitely a dream come true. I have been truly blessed during my career to have played at almost every premier arena and venue around the world. So, to be able to play at the Stone Pony, which has been the home to countless iconic acts… especially as we celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, is unprecedented.”
Tickets for this extraordinary event can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and the Stone Pony box office: https://www.stoneponyonline.com. For further information about the festival, including additional performances and details, please visit www.northtoshore.com. The North to Shore Music Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of hip-hop’s rich history and enduring influence.