15 PHOTOS

Check Out Photos From the 2023 Rock The Bells Festival

Check Out Photos From the 2023 Rock The Bells Festival

Published Mon, August 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM EDT

On Aug. 5, Hip-Hop celebrated 50 years at the Rock The Bells Festival in Queens, NY in front of a sold out crowd. Featuring icons like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, MC Sha-Rock, LL COOL J, RUN DMC, Boot Camp Clik, Roxanne Shanté, and many more, the entire day showcased talent from every corner of Hip-Hop's storied timeline.

Forest Hills Stadium was electric with fans soaking up the genre's rich history. This wasn't just a festival — it was an electrifying testament to Hip-Hop's legacy.

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Rakim

Rakim, The God MC moved the crowd.

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MC Lyte

The crowd recited most of MC Lyte's set verbatim — classic material.

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MC Sha-Rock

MC Sha-Rock, recognized as Hip-Hop's first female MC, got a lot of love all day.

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Big Boi and Sleepy Brown

Big Boi and Sleep Brown surprised everyone during Queen Latifah's set.

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Swizz Beatz

Super producer Swizz Beatz was especially hype during his high-energy performance.

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Boot Camp Click

Boot Camp Clik was ready for action at the festival.

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Lost Boyz

Backstage, Lost Boyz confirmed that yep, "Rene" is based a true story.

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DJ Hurricane

The legendary DJ Hurricane handled the tables with perfection.

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Ludacris

Ludacris' set was fire.

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Redman and Method Man

Two of the best live performers around.

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Roxanne Shanté

Roxanne Shanté had a nice day.

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Redman

Redman wanted to know how sick.

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Slick Rick

The Ruler commanded the stage.

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Big Daddy Kane

Long live the Kane.

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LL COOL J

Awesome set from the GOAT.

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