It seemed like all of Brooklyn was on hand today to honor the life, legacy and electrifying musical catalogue of Prince.
Hosted by proud Brooklynite Spike Lee and veteran Hip Hop community maven Sway Calloway at the Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza, the gathering was a true celebration of Prince’s impact on music culture.
Fans turned out in dozens as DJs Kim Lightfoot and Timmy Richardson provided the soundtrack to the event, spinning one Prince classic after another from an elaborate stage adorned in royal purple hues. Nearly the entire crowd was also outfitted in purple to pay homage to the The Artist, with Spike leading the way in a pair of custom Nike Air Force Ones bearing Prince’s face.
The most die hard of supporters also got the chance to shine when Sway and Spike passed the mic to several attendees who belted out their best renditions of fan-favorites like “1999,” and “Adore.” Midway through the event, the two hosts even posed a toast to legendary entertainer, with each raising their glasses as Sway offered brief words. “Here’s a toast to Prince Rogers Nelson. Here’s a toast to Muhammad Ali. Here’s a toast to Spike Lee,” he said as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Other notable attendees included Rev. Al Sharpton, who led the crowd in a quick prayer, as well as actress Rosie Perez and actor Malik Yoba. The elaborate celebration came just three days before what would have been Prince’s 58th birthday on June 7.
Get your official copy of latest Source Magazine issue featuring Prince on the cover HERE.
