Photos By Sudiata Acree a.k.a. Tha Snyper
Happy 20th anniversary, Lyricist Lounge!
Back in 1991, hip-hop heads Danny Castro and Anthony Marshall spawned Lyricist Lounge, which began as a series of open mic freestyle sessions at a studio apartment in Lower East Side, Manhattan. This humble lil’ showcase expanded into national tours, multiple albums and television show on MTV. The word “legendary” is abused in hip-hop but the Lounge, which birthed many notable rap artists, is more than deserving of the adjective. Some things never get stale.
The franchise’s 20th anniversary party was held at Le Poisson Rogue in Manhattan’s West Village and it was a shindig for the ages. Our trusty cameraman, Tha Snyper, was on hand to survey the action. As seen in the photos below, guests for the night included Mobb Deep’s Prodigy & Big Noyd, Poison Pen & Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Jeru Tha Damaja, Doug E. Fresh, Rock of Heltah Skeltah and many other notables. Michael K. Williams, who played Omar Little on The Wire, made a cameo appearance and even freestyled onstage as Omar. Deejay duty for was in the capable hands of triple-O.G. Kid Capri. Danny Castro, looking sharp in a black suit and glasses, was in attendance to oversee what he co-founded. The man who founded hip-hop in general, Kool Herc, showed up as well. He must’ve felt like a proud parent.
Play a game of “name that artist” with the photos and videos below.
