Well, folks, it’s rumor time. This will make you think.
I can’t tell you the name yet. But I can tell you this. Two Brooklyn rap veterans are rumored to have streets named after each of them.
Before we go any further, let’s lay down some ground rules.
First, leave your guesses in the comments.
Second, give me a little grace. I can’t reveal the names right now. But I believe this news will be announced soon.
Now let’s take a look at the clues.
The first artists appeared in the early 1990s. This man is part of a legendary collective. When I say legendary, I mean fundamental. Cultural shift. The kind of group that changed the trajectory of hip-hop forever. That’s all I can give you, because anything more will disappear immediately. If you know hip-hop history, you should have narrowed it down.
The second artist is also Brooklyn through and through. Although not born there, definitely considered one of Brooklyn’s own. The man faced serious legal troubles at one point. No, I don’t mean the casual “rapper drama” we see every other week. I’m talking about something that defined an era and became part of a larger conversation in culture.
These are your clues. They were sitting in full view.
Now there is a bigger problem.
Why do so many rappers receive street names and public honors? I don’t hate it. I’m really curious. We have doctors, lawyers, educators, politicians, civic leaders, and activists who have dedicated their lives to service. However, it is often felt that rap artists receive a disproportionate share of these public recognitions.
Maybe the answer is simple. For more than 50 years, hip-hop has been the sound of streets around the world. These artists became symbols of resilience, entrepreneurship, storytelling and cultural pride. In a community like Brooklyn, where hip-hop was born and perfected, paying homage to a rap icon can feel like paying homage to the community itself.
Still, it’s worth discussing.
Do we respect culture? Do we respect business success? Or do we respect the right to existence and representation?
Regardless, the two Brooklyn heavyweights appear to be next. When those names disappear, it makes a lot of sense.
Until then, let the speculation begin. I’d like to hear who you think it is. Leave your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss it.
