Fat Joe and LL Cool J attend the Memorial Service for DJ Kay Slay at The Apollo Theater on April 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images)
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DJ Kay Slay Memorial: LL COOL J, Fat Joe and More Honor the Life of Hip-Hop Legend

DJ Kay Slay Memorial: LL COOL J, Fat Joe and More Honor the Life of Hip-Hop Legend

Published Sun, April 24, 2022 at 7:00 PM EDT

A memorial was held in tribute to the life of DJ Kay Slay in his hometown of Harlem. The beloved "Drama King" died April 17 after a lengthy battle with COVID-19. Prior to the legendary DJ being laid to rest on Sunday (April 24), a special service was held to celebrate his impact on the community and the culture.

Held at the famed Apollo Theater, LL COOL J, Van Silk, Bun B, Kool DJ Red Alert, Fat Joe, Pete Nice of 3rd Bass, Eric B., Papoose, Remy Ma and DJ Chuck Chillout were among the luminaries on-hand to honor the life and legacy of DJ Kay Slay, born Keith Grayson. The Harlem legend was eulogized by Melle Mel and others; with LL among those offering words in recognition of what Kay Slay meant to so many.

The rap icon shared some words in memory of the iconic "Drama King," honoring Slay as a man who epitomized Hip-Hop's ability to do. more than persevere; Slay was someone who took their talents to unforeseen heights and became celebrated by everyone around him for that.

"First of all, I want to say my condolences to Slay's mother and his family," LL began. "I'm here because I thought it was important to honor this king. This is a guy who did so much for Hip-Hop culture. Probably the only guy who could get me to do a mixtape. [laughs] When I think about Slay, I think about somebody who's honorable, somebody who's solid."

Bun B attends the memorial service for DJ Kay Slay at The Apollo Theater on April 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images) Bun B attends the memorial service for DJ Kay Slay at The Apollo Theater on April 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images)

Doug E. Fresh sharing a personalized video, as he couldn't attend the service. “Harlem’s own Kay Slay. Hip-Hop’s own Kay Slay," Doug E. Fresh said in the video.

"You will always be remembered, my brother. Much love, my brother. And I know the creator is very, very pleased with you."

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